E-scooters, often simply referred to as scooters, and mopeds are a common sighting in Key West. They offer ease of commute and allow residents and visitors to bypass traffic and enjoy the open breeze. There are several scooter and moped companies that allow individuals to rent a scooter or moped to use for a few hours or even the entire day. While scooters and mopeds are certainly a fun way to get around, they don’t come without risk. They can be dangerous and in some cases even deadly.
What Are Scooters And Mopeds?
Scooters or e-scooters is an electric vehicle with two wheels and flat bottom where riders stand while riding the scooter. Riders control the scooters with gears or levers at the top of the scooter. Most e-scooters can go as fast as 15 miles per hour. Throughout Key West you’ll find a plethora of e-scooters that you can easily rent and use for a few hours or the day. Popular scooter rental companies include Bird, Lyft, Lime, Spin, Jump, and Skip. To rent an e-scooter from one of these companies, you simply download an app and scan the barcode on the scooter. This will unlock the scooter and allow you to begin using it.
A moped is a two-wheeled vehicle in which a passenger sits down to ride and uses pedals to control and move the moped. Mopeds feature low-powered engines and can typically go up to 30 miles per hour; however, some mopeds can go as fast as 60 miles per hour. Most states consider a vehicle a moped if it has a 50cc or less engine and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour.
The legal age to ride both scooters and mopeds range between 14 and 16 years old. Neither mopeds or scooters can be driven on a highway.
Typical Scooter And Moped Regulations In Key West
In order to ride a moped in Key West, you must have a Class E or “Motorcycle Only” license and be at least 16 years of age. Florida law does not require moped users to wear eye protection or a helmet and insurance is not required to operate a moped. Mopeds can be ridden on streets and public roads excluding highways.
Other regulations and laws related to mopeds in Key West include:
- The moped can not go faster than 30 miles per hour
- The moped must have two or three wheels
- The moped must have a saddle or seat for the driver to sit on
- The moped must have an automatic transmission
Scooters are not street-legal and can not be used on the road. In some areas, scooters cannot be ridden on the sidewalk either. Florida law does not require users to wear a helmet as long as they are 16 years of age or older.
Key West Scooter And Moped User Agreements And Liability
There are a few key liabilities and agreements that individuals must follow when operating mopeds or scooters in Key West. These regulations and agreements include:
- Riders must adhere to traffic laws based on the location in which they are riding the moped or scooter
- Riders must not use mopeds or scooters while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Riders must be physically fit enough to operate the moped or scooter
- Riders must first assess the moped or scooter to make sure it’s safe to ride
These liabilities and agreements were created to reduce the liability of the scooter or moped company should an accident occur. Not adhering to even one of these regulations can prevent the scooter or moped company from being held liable in the event of an accident.
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Common Types Of Scooter And Moped Accidents In Key West
The following are the most common types and causes of moped and scooter accidents that occur in Key West:
- Loss of control of the scooter or moped
- Collision with another vehicle or object
- Collision with a pedestrian
- The scooter or moped malfunctions during use, resulting in an accident
- Operating a scooter or moped under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- An inexperienced moped or scooter driver operates the vehicle incorrectly
All of these types of accidents can result in severe or even fatal injuries for the moped or scooter rider.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Moped Or Scooter Accidents
The following are several of the most common type of injuries seen in a moped or scooter accident:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Cuts or bruises
- Coma
- Death
The severity of the injuries will depend on how fast the scooter or moped was going at the time of the accident and the type of accident.
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What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In A Scooter Or Moped Accident In Key West
If you’ve been injured in a moped or scooter accident in Key West and you believe it was the result of negligence on behalf of the moped or scooter company or the other vehicle involved, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig have helped countless people reclaim their lives and get the compensation they need and deserve following moped and scooter accidents. Give us a call today at (800) 226-6581 for a 100% confidential and free consultation.
