The scooter and moped laws in GA are different from those that govern other motor vehicles. For example, they must obey their own safety and equipment standards to ensure that both they and everyone else on the road stays safe.
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can explain these laws to you in detail, especially if you were injured because of another person’s negligence while riding your moped or scooter.
The Difference Between a Scooter and a Moped in Georgia
First, it is important to recognize that Georgia laws make a clear distinction between a scooter and a moped. While the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) states that both vehicles are “motor driven cycles,” mopeds may have either two or three wheels. Mopeds also have much stricter requirements regarding engine size.
Moped Laws in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) highlights some of the key rules that a valid driver must follow:
- You have to wear a motorcycle helmet for protection in the event of a crash.
- You have to stay on roads where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
- You have to have an unexpired driver’s license to ride the moped.
Scooter Laws in Georgia
Just like mopeds, internal combustion engine scooters also come with a protective headgear requirement. If the scooter has 55cc (cubic centimeters in engine displacement) or larger engine, they require the rider to carry:
- Motorcycle license
- Bodily injury liability insurance: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability insurance: $25,000 per accident
Electric bicycles and electric scooters, on the other hand, do not require either a motorcycle license or insurance. However, these electric motor vehicles have restrictions on where you can operate them, such as bike paths, bike lanes, and roads with a 35 or less minimum speed limit.
Scooters may also have to obey certain local laws (as opposed to just state laws) regarding where you can ride and what you can and cannot do while on your scooter.
Before you go out on your scooter or moped, familiarize yourself with both state and local laws. Riders who disobey these laws are subject to penalties, even if they do not know about the law.
Laws for All Georgia Road Users
No matter what kind of motor vehicle you use, you must obey general traffic laws regarding speeding, obeying traffic lights and signs, and not getting too close to other road users.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Your Rights as a Georgia Moped or Scooter Rider
Even as the laws have placed special state-wide regulations on scooters and mopeds, it also grants these motor vehicles the same rights as any other. As long as your vehicle is up to code, and as long as you obey all relevant traffic laws, you have the right to use Georgia’s public streets as you see fit.
If someone violates your right to a safe journey—for example, they cause an accident by running a red light, exceeding the speed limit, or driving under the influence of alcohol—you have the right to:
Hire a Traffic Accident Attorney
While you are expected to have a working knowledge of traffic laws that apply to you, you do not have to be an expert on all scooter and moped laws in GA. That is what a personal injury attorney is for.
Your motorcycle crash lawyer can make sure that all legal matters are taken care of. In the meantime, you would be free to focus on your recovery and start rebuilding your life.
Sue the Party Who Caused Your Scooter Accident
Scooters and mopeds, while fun and convenient, offer minimal protection in the event of an accident. As a result, you could be left to deal with a variety of bodily injuries and financial losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Medical bills
- Property damage
You can compel the at-fault party to cover these and other damages by filing a claim or lawsuit against their insurer.
Fair Treatment From Georgia Insurance Companies
There may be multiple insurance companies involved in your case, including those representing:
- You: You may or may not be required to carry insurance for your moped or scooter. If you are insured, you will have to report the accident to them.
- The at-fault party: Whoever hit you is probably required to have insurance.
- Another liable party: If there is more than one liable party in your case (e.g., a driver and a manufacturer), you will have to contend with a separate set of negotiations and demands from each insurer.
Insurance companies should, but do not always, treat accident survivors with all due respect and consideration. Hiring a law firm can make it easier for you to communicate with them. Your personal injury attorney can speak on your behalf and advise you about what you should say to others.
Getting Moped Accident Compensation in Georgia
There are many obstacles on the path to recovering financial compensation after a traffic accident. Your personal injury attorney can help you avoid or manage such obstacles as:
The Georgia Statute of Limitations
If you do not file your case within two years, you cannot collect compensation at all. This law, found at O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, applies to people involved in almost any kind of accident, including a scooter or moped accident.
By contacting a lawyer promptly, you give them plenty of time to file your case, and you do not run afoul of this law.
Finding the Liable Party in Your Scooter Accident
Determining who was at fault in your accident is not always as easy as it sounds. Even if the liable party is obvious (e.g., the driver who hit you was clearly drunk), there may be other facets of the case you are unaware of (e.g., the drunk driver’s brakes malfunctioned).
You want to hold every single liable party accountable under the law. You can do this by allowing your personal injury lawyer to conduct an investigation into your case.
Accusations of Negligence in Your GA Collision
Scooters and mopeds, much like motorcycles, do not always have the best reputation. The insurance company may take advantage of that fact by acting like you caused the accident yourself, falsely accusing you of reckless behaviors, like speeding or weaving between cars.
You have been through enough already and do not deserve to be subjected to false allegations. Your legal representative can prove that you are entitled to receive compensation from the liable party.
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Want Help After a Georgia Scooter or Moped Accident?
Kaine Law is here to help people just like you. Our firm believes in the rights of scooter and moped riders. We understand the scooter and moped laws in GA and can explain how they apply to your situation.
Call today for a free case review and start getting the personalized legal attention that your case deserves.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
