Mopeds are becoming very popular because they are relatively very inexpensive to operate. The same is true of power-assisted bicycles. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, and as people recover from a range of accidents and illnesses, electric personal assistive mobility devices are seen more often. Unfortunately, they are as dangerous to riders as are bicycles. They offer no surrounding protective body and they are as difficult for other drivers to see as are bicycles in many cases.
Call Altizer Law, P.C.
If you are injured or a loved one is killed while operating one of these vehicles, call Altizer Law, P.C. If the accident occurred as a result of the negligence of another driver, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your hurts and harms.
We have the experience to represent you effectively with moped, electric power-assisted bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility devices accidents. We will work with you to ensure you receive appropriate medical care, to protect your rights and to represent you with insurance companies or in a lawsuit to obtain just compensation for your medical bills, your injuries, and other damages. Every member of our team will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve, and will do everything within our power to help you recover, to protect you from further harm, and to relentlessly pursue your legal rights.
How are these “vehicles” classified by Virginia driving laws?
Some people consider this group of “vehicles” under the category of motorcycles. Others believe they should be categorized with bicycles. In the Virginia Code, these vehicles are classified in the category of bicycles. This seems reasonable in light of comparative traveling speeds, operation, and design elements. These vehicles are governed by the same laws and rules of the road as are bicycles. Please review the information on our Bicycle Accidents page to understand issues of liability in accidents with other vehicles.
- A moped is defined within the Virginia Code as a vehicle that travels on no more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, has a seat that is 24 inches high or more, and is powered by a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters. Operators of mopeds must be at least 16 years old, and must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth. A moped is considered a vehicle while operated on a highway. They may not be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths. Some Virginia cities and counties stipulate additional safety requirements, such as wearing a helmet.
- An electric power-assisted bicycle is defined as a vehicle that travels on no more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, and is equipped with either pedals that allow propulsion by human power or an electric motor with an input of no more than 1,000 watts that reduces the pedal effort required of the rider. Operators must be at least 14 years old or must be supervised by someone at least 18 years old. The electric power-assisted bicycle is considered a vehicle also when operated on a highway.
- A motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle designed to travel on no more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour. The classification “motorcycle” does not include any “electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, farm tractor, golf cart, moped, motorized skateboard or scooter, utility vehicle or wheelchair or wheelchair conveyance.
- A motor-driven cycle is any motorcycle that has a gasoline engine that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters, has a seat less than 24 inches high, and has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number.
- A motorized skateboard or scooter is a vehicle, regardless of the number of wheels in contact with the ground and has no seat (designed to be ridden standing), has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number, and is powered by an electric motor having an input of no more than 1,000 watts or a gasoline engine that displaces less than 36 cubic centimeters. These vehicles may or may not have handlebars.
- An electric personal assistive mobility device is defined in the Virginia code as a self-balancing two-non-tandem-wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person
and is powered by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less. It must be equipped with a system that enables the operator to bring the device to a complete stop. These devices may be operated on highways with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour or less if no sidewalk is available or if use of the sidewalk is prohibited. Operators must be at least 14 years of age or under the supervision of someone aged 18 or older. An electric personal assistive mobility device is considered a vehicle when it is operated on a highway.
[References: §§46.2-100, 46.2-903, 46.2-908, 46.2-914, 46.2-915-2, 46.2-1051.]
If you or your child has been injured, or a loved one has died, as a result of an accident while operating one of these vehicles, call Altizer Law, P.C. at 540-345-2000 or contact us online. We are here for you or your loved one.
You are our only concern, and we will always be on your side.