What Exactly Is a Scooter?
According to the Utah Public Safety website, the following qualifies as what may be called a “motorized scooter” or vespa:
A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, electric assisted bicycle, motor assisted scooter, and every motorized bicycle having an engine with less than 150 cubic centimeters displacement, or a motor which produces not more than 5 horsepower.
In some states, small, motorized scooters can also more closely resemble a bicycle in form, and are called mopeds.
Regardless of the name, these small, electric-assisted scooters require both a valid driver’s license as well as a restricted motorcycle recommendation in order to be legally operated.
Prevalence of Vespas
Scooters and Vespas have recently been projected by Navigant Research to grow tenfold by 2018. Although the largest markets for Vespas are located in Europe and China, they represent a significant proportion of American motorized vehicles as well. In 2013, 6,363 motorized scooters (including off-road, dual, and street) were sold in the US according to Web Bike World, a small drop from 2012.
The appeal of motorized scooters and Vespas arises from its affordability and the low costs associated with them. Vespas, themselves, are viable modes of transportation for short-distance routes, excluding highways/freeways, and cost significantly less than most cars and motorcycles. The improved gas mileage, lowered insurance rates, and improved environmental impact are other factors driving up demand.
Scooter Injury Statistics
Surprisingly, data on the safety of motorized scooters in the United States is limited and difficult to decipher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collects statistical information on scooter injuries, fatalities, etc. but reports the numbers combined with all other motorcycle stats. Thus it is difficult to determine exactly the safety of riding a Vespa in the United States, especially when compared to motorcycles or automobiles.
One UK Report found that most moped/Vespa injuries actually occurred without involving another vehicle, such as riding over slick or sandy surfaces, striking obstacles along the ground, and turning too fast.
For further reading on motorcycle safety numbers (of which scooters are a part), click here.
Scooter Safety Tips
The following are useful measures from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ensuring safety while riding a scooter:
- WEAR A HELMET. Perhaps the most obvious, though oft neglected, life-saving behavior. Make sure it has an authorized Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker to ensure its validity. It not only could save your life, it blocks out debris, lowers outside noise, and protects eyes.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing. Being, often, the only part other motorists will see, it should stand out the most.
- Be familiar with your scooter: practice braking and turning in controlled situations. Learning to cope with skids is a large part of the scooter learning curve.
Risks to Avoid:
- Riding with bare eyes: if your helmet does not contain eye-ware, don’t leave your eyes exposed.
- Riding at night at all costs. Even with good lights, visibility is significantly lower at night. With oncoming cars not expecting scooters and the range of scooter’s reaction skills being comparatively poor, this should be an avoided situation.
- Competing with aggressive drivers. Tailgaters, especially, have little tolerance for slower Vespas, and oftentimes the best answer is simply to pull over and let them through.
The Christensen and Hymas Law Firm advocates for the safety of all types of motorized vehicles, including scooters and Vespas. It is important that all Utahns practice safe driving/riding habits in order to keep our roads safe. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured on any vehicle due to someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for your medical costs and suffering. Give our experienced personal injury law firm a call at 801-560-0800 for a free initial consultation. We believe in delivering you the compassionate service you deserve.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons