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Mopeds are sometimes referred to as scooters, but they are not the same as motorized scooters. If you choose to use any of these modes of transportation, then it is important to know what you are operating so that you can follow all of the relevant Wisconsin laws.
What Is a Moped, Scooter, and Motorized Scooter?
Wisconsin defines a moped, or a scooter, as a vehicle other than a tractor that:
- Cannot exceed 30 mph with a 150-pound rider on a dry, level, hard surface with no wind
- Has a power source that is an integral part of the vehicle
- Has a seat for the driver
A moped may be either a bicycle-type vehicle with pedals and an engine that doesn’t exceed 130cc or a type 1 motorcycle with an automatic transmission and an engine of not more than 50cc.
Motorized scooters are different. They are similar in design to scooters that you move with your feet while in a standing position. While they have a motor, it is illegal to use them on public roads.
Moped License and Registration
You may legally operate a moped on a Wisconsin road with a valid driver’s license. Instructional permits do not count, however, and you may not drive a moped on a public road in Wisconsin if you just have an instruction permit. If you wish to drive a moped and you do not want a driver’s license, then you can go to a Wisconsin driver’s license examination station and apply for a special restricted license that is only valid for mopeds.
Additionally, Wisconsin law requires that you register your moped and keep a certificate of title.
Moped Safety Laws
Moped users are expected to follow all of the rules of the road. Any law that applies to car and motorcycle drivers also applies to moped drivers.
Some additional rules apply to moped users on the road. For example:
- If the speed limit on the road is 25 mph or less, then you may ride side-by-side with another moped driver, assuming the other driver agrees to the travel arrangement.
- On roads with two or more travel lanes in the same direction, mopeds must travel in the right lane except when they are turning left.
- You may not operate your moped on a roadway that specifically prohibits mopeds.
- You may use your moped in a bike path if there are signs allowing you to do so or the law requires you to do so.
- You cannot operate a moped on private property without the property owner’s permission.
- You may park your moped in any space designated for a motor vehicle or on bike racks or sidewalks (unless you are prohibited from doing so).
- You may not carry a passenger on a moped.
- You must use your headlight when operating your moped at night, but unlike a motorcycle, there is no requirement that you use a headlight during the day.
Your moped must also meet federal emission standards and be maintained safely.
What to Do If You Are Hurt in a Wisconsin Moped Accident
Mopeds, like other types of motor vehicles, can be involved in dangerous crashes. If another driver is negligent and a collision occurs then you may suffer from:
- A traumatic brain injury
- A spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Road rash
- Amputations
- Burns
- Other serious injuries
You may also have the right to make a legal recovery. Our experienced moped injury lawyers go above and beyond the call of duty for our clients. Insurance companies know that we mean business and take our negotiations seriously. We will fight for your fair and just recovery of past and future:
- Healthcare costs
- Lost income
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Other damages
Please contact us any time, 24/7/365, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We welcome your visit to any of our Wisconsin offices, and if you are too hurt to come to us, then we will come to you.
