The Dangers of Mopeds

Mopeds and scooters have maintained a steady presence in Europe and Asia for decades. In the U.S., however, there has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of this type of transportation. Many people find the economic advantages of mopeds to be worth the dangers of riding them. Scooters may seem safe because they usually cannot reach the top speeds of cars and motorcycles, but this makes them risky, as well.

To find out more about the dangers of driving mopeds, contact the knowledgeable Philadelphia personal injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.

About Mopeds

Different types of mopeds can reach different speeds. Many mopeds can only reach speeds of 20 to 40 miles-per-hour. Therefore, the scooter’s engine won’t be able to accelerate quickly or speed up when trying to pass other vehicles. This can result in accidents or can anger other drivers.

Another vulnerability of mopeds is their reduced size. Other cars and trucks on the road, especially in urban traffic, could have a hard time seeing a moped. Larger SUVs, vans, and trucks have bigger blind spots and have great difficulty seeing drivers in smaller vehicles. Moped drivers should be especially cautious when another driver is making turns or changing lanes for this very reason.

The risk of single-vehicle accidents is higher for mopeds and motorcycles. The stability of these vehicles relies on the driver’s ability to maintain balance, and they do not have the outer protection of a car. Airborne projectiles also pose a risk to these drivers because a helmet can only protect a driver’s head and not the rest of his or her body.

Finally, scooter drivers have to be conscious of the roads they are driving on. Grease and oil from other vehicles tend to accumulate in the middle of the lane and between lanes. It is important for drivers of two-wheeled vehicles to avoid these spots so that they do not lose control of their vehicles.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been injured in a moped or scooter accident due to the recklessness or carelessness of other drivers, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today for more information.