Moped Safety on the Streets of Virginia

Riding a moped is fun but even a low speed fall can result in serious injury. In Virginia in 2007, there were 266 moped crashes which resulted in 8 deaths and 229 rider injuries. If you are considering a moped for daily use, you should also consider these important safety tips to protect yourself.

In Virginia, you must be over 16 and you cannot ride on sidewalks or bike paths.

Wear bright or reflective clothing to maximize your visibility at night.

Wear a DOT, ANSI, OR Snell-approved helmet which are designed with hard outer shells and a retention system to protect the head and the brain in a variety of impacts. In 2006, 41% of those killed in crashes were not wearing a helmet.

If your helmet is not equipped with a face shield, wear goggles or glasses with plastic lenses to protect your eyes against insects, wind, dirt, rocks, or other airborne matter.

Wear elbow and knee pads.

Wear slip-resistant shoes and avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops or shoes with laces.

Ride with the flow of traffic.

Obey the speed limits and never travel faster than your skill level or than the conditions allow.

Know how to use hand signals and signal well before you make a turn or lane change.

Use extra caution at intersections, parking lot entrances and exits, and driveways.

Avoid hitting road hazards, such as sharp bumps and holes in the road surface. These hazards can cause loss of control or damage.

Be especially conscious of traffic from behind.

Check with your DMV to find out where local safety classes are being held.

Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the floorboards while riding.

Virginia law requires that while operating a moped on the highway, you ride as close as practical to the right curb/edge of the roadway.

Ride in the traffic lane only when you are passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding a hazard, pedestrian, or animal in your way. Pull back over to the right as soon as you safely can.

When operating between sunset and sunrise, mopeds must be equipped with a headlight and a red rear reflector visible at night.

Do not carry a passenger unless the moped is equipped with a passenger seat and footpegs.

Use extreme care when mounting accessories and riding with cargo.

Never leave your moped unattended with the engine running.

Pass vehicles with extreme care.

Keep your headlights on both day and night.

Reduce your speed when riding over bumpy roads.

Check your mirror and blind spot frequently.

Use caution when riding in bus traffic and watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off buses

Do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses, or emergency drives when parking your moped.

You should follow all of these general moped tips, but keep in mind that this checklist is not completely exhaustive and you should check with your state DMV for state specific rules.