The safety of mopeds is in question. In a recent crash in Rhode Island, a 22-year-old moped rider was killed and his female passenger was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Both riders were wearing helmets. In addition, neither moped had an on-board airbag, a vital safety gear. Nonetheless, riders need to consider the risks of riding a moped before making the decision to switch from motorcycles to mopeds.
Mopeds are safer than motorcycles
While mopeds are smaller than motorcycles, they can be just as dangerous. They’re quieter and harder to see, but they are no less dangerous when involved in a collision. Even if you’re careful on a moped, a crash can still cause you to suffer serious injuries. Then again, a moped is also much cheaper to buy. Whether a moped is safer than a motorcycle is up to you, but it is definitely worth considering before you buy one.
Lack of safety gear
The lack of proper safety gear is one of the primary reasons that people choose to ride a motorcycle over a moped. While helmets and road leathers are widely available for motorcycles, these aren’t as common for mopeds. Additionally, moped wheels are much smaller than motorcycle wheels. This makes them less stable and more likely to roll when hit by small debris. While the lack of protective gear may sound like a plus point, the lack of these items makes mopeds a safer vehicle in many respects.
Power
Compared to motorcycles, mopeds are more reliable when it comes to safety. Motorcycle crashes are highly dangerous and result in many serious injuries. While mopeds are smaller and less visible than motorcycles, they can be just as deadly in a crash. The main difference between the two types of vehicles is their occupant size, and mopeds are far less noisy. While these differences can be discouraging, they do help inform policymakers about crash prevention.
Speed
When a motorist approaches a moped, they will often be surprised to discover that the vehicle is moving at a faster speed than they are accustomed to. Although they may see the light and stop in time to avoid hitting a moped, the motorist will not have time to react when a motorbike suddenly passes. This may result in injuries or even fatalities. In addition, the speed of a moped can cause other motorists to fail to see it in time to avoid a collision.
Engine size
Mopeds are smaller than motorcycles, with an engine that is 50cc or less. While motorcycles have much bigger engines, most states classify mopeds as those with 50cc to 100cc engines. However, in some states, mopeds can be larger than a motorcycle. Mopeds may have pedals but they are not legally allowed to drive on highways.