You don’t technically need to know how to get a moped license in Arizona. While this term is commonly used to describe a license to ride slower vehicles, legally, there is no specific category of license for mopeds. Do you need any license to ride a moped at all? Yes, Arizona requires a license to operate these vehicles within the state. However, it does not specify the type of license. The state allows any license that permits you to operate a vehicle, such as a driver’s license.
Moped License and Vehicle Definition
Mopeds have different definitions across states. According to the DMV, Arizona defines a moped as a vehicle that meets the following criteria:
- Reaches a maximum speed of 25 mph
- Has a braking power of 1.5 hp or fewer
- Has a “helper motor” of 48 cc or fewer
By this definition, several electric bikes could be classified as a moped. Some have even greater maximum speeds, which could cause some confusion about where they fit on the spectrum. Generally, if the horsepower is under 5, it’s not a motorcycle. However, that doesn’t automatically make it a moped. The state could also classify it as a scooter, which has a higher maximum speed.
Scooters require a motorcycle license, regardless of the speed or engine power. However, if you use a slower scooter with less than five horsepower to test for your motorcycle license, you can only ride those slower vehicles. This is the closest thing you might find to an actual moped license.
How To Determine If You Have a Legal Moped
An experienced Phoenix car accident attorney and local law enforcement officers can help you determine what vehicle you have and its licensing requirements. An attorney can review the specs of your moped to see where you stand on paper. You likely won’t ride a 25-mph vehicle very far from home, so speaking with local officers is useful. You can make them more aware that your type of vehicle exists and qualifies as a moped (or bicycle), which can reduce unnecessary traffic stops.
You can also get advice on modifying a vehicle to ensure it meets Arizona’s requirements for being a moped or one of three e-bike classes. For example, some e-bike manufacturers make moped-styled bikes that can reach speeds of 35 mph or greater, but the company might have instructions on how to “govern” the speed at a specific limit to meet local requirements.
What Else You Need: Registration, Helmets, and Insurance
In addition to a moped license, you must register and insure your moped. You don’t need to title your vehicle, but you need a notarized copy of your bill of sale and the manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the initial registration. You then renew your registration annually.
Helmets save thousands of lives in Arizona, but the law does not require them for adults. They are, however, required for riders under the age of 18.
Arizona Moped Insurance Requirements
When you purchase moped insurance in Arizona, ensure it meets the minimum requirements. Here are some of the coverage limits to keep in mind:
- $30,000 liability coverage per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 liability coverage per person for bodily injury
- $10,000 of liability coverage for property damage
While you only need liability insurance, consider getting additional coverage to protect yourself in the case of an accident. For example, if a driver flees the scene after an accident, liability-only coverage would not pay for replacing your moped or cover your medical bills.
Moped insurance is much cheaper than what you pay for a car. If your auto insurance covers mopeds, you could get an excellent deal for bundling. Forbes estimates that riders can get moped insurance for as little as $4 to $6 monthly.
What To Do if You Get Stopped by the Police
You could take every necessary precaution and still get stopped by the police. Maybe your e-bike looks like a moped, or your manufacturer styled your moped like a motorcycle. If someone unlocked the speed on your vehicle, you could also be traveling faster than a moped license allows.
Some manufacturers provide branded stickers to add to your vehicle based on your unlocked speed. You can also show the specs of your bike to police officers so that they understand the vehicle’s looks are deceiving.
If the law enforcement officers do not believe you, they may issue a warning or a ticket. Sometimes they might take the bike. An experienced attorney can help you make a case to prove that you were riding lawfully and adhering to the requirements for your vehicle.
What To Do After a Moped Accident
Having the proper documentation is rarely as important as it is after a crash. Failure to produce the appropriate records could lead to fines. Your insurance company might also refuse to pay for damages.
Only your attorney can provide legal advice on your specific case, but these are general guidelines that apply to most claims:
- Seek medical care. You might not have obvious injuries, but there could be internal damage. Sprains can also creep up later.
- Document the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos of the crash, the vehicles, the surrounding conditions, and your injuries. Record statements from witnesses.
- Exchange information. Write down contact, insurance, and car or moped license plate numbers. If you hire a lawyer later on, we need this information to file a lawsuit or make an insurance claim for damages.
- Call the police immediately or file a report within 24 hours of the crash. The report can help determine who or what caused the crash. You need it to file an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your attorney can advise you on how to handle the insurance company or can do so on your behalf.
- Hire an experienced attorney. When you hire a professional to handle the paperwork and legal process, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Moped License and Accident Lawyers
Mopeds don’t provide much physical protection, so you might sustain severe injuries in an accident. Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Sargon Law Group have represented riders in crash cases involving several different types of vehicles, such as mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles. We can answer questions like do you need a license for a moped, and how does insurance work? Schedule a consultation to see what we can do for you.
Sources:
https://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/other-types.php
https://www.valuepenguin.com/arizona-moped-scooter-insurance-laws
https://www.phoenixlawteam.com/blog/arizona-moped-laws/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/moped-and-scooter-insurance/