Scooter/Moped Safety

Scooters and mopeds just may be the perfect answer to your traffic problems. After all, they’re cheap to purchase, cheaper to run than a car and great for getting in and around town during peak hour.

But did you know that motorbike accidents make up almost 17% of all road accidents in New Zealand. The risks of riding a scooter or moped are significantly higher than that of driving a car.

In this post we will explore scooter safety and specific road rules that apply to moped and scooter riders.

What’s the difference between a scooter and a moped?

Before we get started on scooter safety, first, let’s look at the difference between a moped and a scooter. While you may be thinking that they’re both the same (they do both have two wheels), there are some clear differences.

The easiest question to answer when figuring out if you are dealing with a moped or a scooter is this:

Can you pedal it?

Yes: Moped
No: Scooter

Additionally, you can consider these differences. A moped does not exceed 50cc and cannot exceed 50km/h in speed. A scooter can be above 50cc and can exceed 50 km/h.

Be sure to make a clear distinction before registering your vehicle as there are different rules for mopeds and scooters.

In New Zealand, a two wheeled bike exceeded 50cc is considered a motorbike and classed as such.

Important: It is illegal to register a scooter as a moped.

Road rules for mopeds and scooters

Much like a normal car, driving a scooter or moped comes with some common sense rules of the road.

1. You must ride on the road – not on the footpath.
2. You must wear a helmet – this goes for any passengers too.
3. You may only carry passengers if you have a pillion seat and footrests for your passenger.
4. As a matter of courtesy, if you are unable to travel at the same speed as the traffic, keep left and allow cars to pass. For this reason, it is also highly recommended to avoid motorways as your slower speed makes you a danger to yourself and others on the road.
5. Your moped must have:
   – Headlamps
   – Brakes
   – A rear-facing lamp
   – Stop lamps
   – Reflectors.

For full safety guidelines visit NZTA.

Scooter safety training

If you are new to scooter or moped riding or just need to refresh your memory, head along to a scooter safety training course. These courses usually cost around $20 and take only 4 hours of your time. Guidance from a professional trainer will turn you into a confident and safe rider in no time.

Here’s what they’ll teach you:

• Lane position: Stay out of blind spots and be visible in your lane to people ahead.
• Speed: Ride at a speed so you can stop quickly if someone stops suddenly or turns in front of you.
• Space to stop: Keep a safe following distance from the car in front. Always stay 2 seconds or more behind.

It is important as a rider of a scooter or moped to understand your positioning on the road, how to see ahead and be seen among so many other vehicles. Learning safe braking practices could save you in an emergency, much like learning how to manage difficult traffic and cornering safely.
Learn how to assess an emergency before it happens and you may even prevent it.

Safety gear

In addition to your helmet, it is vital that you understand how to protect yourself on the road. Keeping a layer between your skin and the bitumen could be the difference between life and death. Ensure you have protection over all of your skin, meaning wear pants and a jacket built for motorbike use. Always use gloves and boots.

A note on helmets:

As mentioned above, a helmet must be worn when operating a moped or scooter. It also must meet approved standards and be securely fastened. Make sure it fits you properly. You can be asked to present it to a police officer if pulled over who will check that it is the correct helmet for you to use. You must submit it by law for inspection.

Summary

So, as keen as you are to get out and about on your new scooter or moped, remember these few considerations to ensure your safety and that of those around you.