Somerville, Cambridge, Medford Greater Boston Area Moped Accident Lawyers
The number of mopeds on the roads has increased exponentially over last few years. In the last decade consumers have become more and more conscious of their carbon footprint. This has led many consumers to turn in the keys to their gas guzzling SUVs opting instead for hydrides, high gas mileage vehicles and eco-friendly forms of transportation like mopeds.
Massachusetts Laws Regarding Mopeds
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 section 1 defines a moped (or motorized bike) as a pedal bicycle that has a helper motor, or a non-pedal bicycle which has a motor, and:
- Has maximum cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters;
- Has an automatic transmission;
- Has a maximum speed of no more than 30 M.P.H;
- Complies with federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
All mopeds must be registered. A decal with the registration number must be affixed to the back of the moped at all times. Moped operators must also comply with all safety helmet requirements.
Mopeds are an inherently dangerous form of transportation. Mopeds don’t provide operators the amount of protection that a car or truck provides. Moped operators don’t have the benefit of safety belts, airbags or a steel structure protecting them from other vehicles on the road. As a result, catastrophic injuries usually result when a moped operator comes in contact with a car, truck, or other object like a telephone pole, tree, the road itself or a building.
Mopeds are considered motor vehicles and as a result operators must comply with all traffic and roadway rules and regulations. Motor vehicles are the same as motorcycles, cars and trucks with the exception that mopeds are not allowed to operate on state highways where signs prohibiting bicycles have been posted.
MGL Chapter 90 section 1B provides the following restrictions:
1. Operator must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
2. Motorized bicycles may not be operated at a speed greater than 25 m.p.h.
3. Motorized bicycles may be operated on all public ways (except limited access or express state highways where signs prohibiting bicycles have been posted).
4. Motorized bicycle operators are subject to all state traffic laws and regulations except:
(i) Operator may keep to the right when passing a motor vehicle moving in travel lane; and
(ii) Operator shall signal by either hand when stopping or turning.
5. Motorized bicycles may be operated on bicycle lanes adjacent to ways but not on recreational bicycle paths.
Moped Accident Claims Attorney, Somerville/Cambridge/Medford
Helping Accident Victims in Greater Boston Area and all of Southeast Massachusetts
Our knowledgeable and experienced Somerville Personal Injury Attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts in accident claims. Our law firm has been successfully battling insurance companies who refuse to pay on accident claims for years.
No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our attorneys today now to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to confront this important matter. You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.
