Understanding Moped and Scooter Insurance Regulations Across States
In September 2017, electric scooters quietly appeared on the sidewalks of Santa Monica, marking the beginning of Bird's presence and a new era in urban transportation for Los Angeles. By March 2019, Los Angeles initiated the nation's largest dockless mobility pilot, permitting approximately 37,000 such vehicles. As of the previous year, the California Highway Patrol reported over 160,000 registered motorized bicycles and mopeds across California.
Soon after Bird's launch, Lime introduced its own scooters, which quickly became a staple of the city's transportation landscape. Currently, shared mopeds are proliferating throughout Southern California, following a trend similar to scooters but introducing higher speeds and weights, which can result in more severe accidents. However, insurance regulations have not fully addressed these changes, leading to significant regional variations in coverage requirements.
Under California law, mopeds, motorized scooters, and e-bikes are distinctly categorized. Mopeds are defined as two- or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of 30 mph on flat ground and either pedals or an automatic transmission. In contrast, motorized scooters are the stand-up types with handlebars, limited to 15 mph, and subject to different regulations. Arizona and Nevada have similar distinctions, but specific speed and engine criteria vary by state.
In California, moped riders must possess an M1 or M2 motorcycle license, along with DMV registration and a license plate. Motorized scooter riders need only a regular driver's license, with no requirement for a motorcycle endorsement or registration. Arizona mandates only a standard driver's license for mopeds, and Nevada has required moped registration since 2017.
A notable issue arises with insurance coverage. Neither mopeds nor motorized scooters are required to carry liability insurance in California, meaning a moped rider involved in a collision may lack coverage for damages caused. Conversely, Arizona mandates liability insurance for mopeds, with specific coverage amounts. Nevada, like California, does not require liability insurance for mopeds, making Arizona an exception in demanding insurance coverage for these vehicles.
Both California and Nevada mandate that moped and scooter riders wear DOT-compliant helmets, regardless of age. Arizona, however, only requires helmets for riders under 18.
The rapid growth of shared mobility has outpaced insurance policy conversations. Consequently, riders traveling between cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas may unknowingly face differing insurance and legal expectations. In cases where a moped rider without liability insurance causes an accident in California, victims may need to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage, if applicable. Details of such coverage can vary, necessitating confirmation with insurers.
Riders without insurance risk bearing personal responsibility for accident-related expenses, as there is no state-mandated safety net akin to automobile insurance requirements in California. This gap represents a potential financial risk for casual moped and scooter users. Across different states, attorneys specializing in personal injury are monitoring these developments closely. Riders are advised to thoroughly understand their insurance coverage before engaging in these transportation options.