With increases in gas prices and warm summer months ahead, more people are turning to mopeds as an economical way to get from one destination to the next. Mopeds are slow-moving motorized bicycles with speeds of no more than 30 mph on level ground. In Florida, a moped is defined as having:
- A seat for the rider
- 3 wheels or less
- A motor of two-brake horsepower or less
- Pedals that allow the rider to propel the vehicle
- An automatic power drive system that doesn’t require the rider to manually change gears
- Displacement of 50 cc or less
What You Need to Know Before Driving a Moped
Operating a moped is simple: you must be 16-years old and hold a regularClass E driver licenseor a “Motorcycle Only” driver license. If your moped is 50 cc or less, it does not fall under the category of motorcycles by driver license law definition, S. 322.01(25), F.S., so a motorcycle endorsem*nt on your regular operator (Class E) driver license is not required per S. 322.03(4), F.S.
You must register your moped to operate on public roads which can be done by visiting your local county tax collector office. The registration fee is $6.75 and additional statutory fees and titling fees may apply. You will also need a license plate which must be renewed annually.
Road requirements for moped drivers are straightforward:
- You cannot operate a moped on a bicycle or foot path.
- If the moped is 50 cc or less, 2 brake horsepower or less and cannot exceed 30 mph on level ground, the driver is not required to wear a helmet.
- Passengers under 16 must wear a helmet at all times.
- It is against the law to operate a moped on interstate highways as these roadways are reserved for motor vehicles over 5 bhp (brake horsepower power) and any vehicle operating less than 40 mph is subject to a moving violation.
- You cannot drive a moped between traffic lanes.
- If traveling less than the normal speed limit on a public road, a moped driver must drive as close to the curb or right edge of the roadway as possible, unless making a left turn, per S. 316.208, F.S.; moped drivers are not allowed to use the bike lane on roadways, per S. 316.003(3), F.S. unless the moped was under human power, such as being pushed.
Although moped drivers are no longer required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance to register their vehicle in Florida, they are strongly advised to carry some type of liability insurance. If a moped driver is charged in a motor vehicle crash, then the owner or operator of the moped is financially responsible for any bodily injuries or property damages to others. The Financial Responsibility Law requires motor vehicle drivers to have bodily injury, liability insurance at the time a motor vehicle violation takes place.
If you are involved in a crash or violation that is your fault and you do not have insurance, your driver license and/or license plate will be suspended for up to three years. Then you’ll have to pay a $15 reinstatement fee and show the Florida DMV certified proof of liability insurance for three years to reinstate your driving privilege.
Mopeds are a budget-friendly alternative for motorists. Its lightweight frame and high mpg makes mopeds appealing to operate but leaves drivers vulnerable when sharing the road with faster, heavier vehicles. It is important for moped users to adhere to road and safety guidelines to ensure safe arrival to your destination. For a free consultation, call Orlando’s moped accident lawyers.
