Mopeds may be convenient and fun, but they also pose risks that are sometimes devastating. Accidental injuries caused by moped accidents may have lasting repercussions for riders and their finances; moped insurance provides vital protection.
Mopeds are considered vehicles in most states and must be registered and titled with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), similar to registering a car.
Liability Insurance
Any individual looking to operate a moped on public roads must carry liability insurance. The Secretary of State’s office won’t register your moped if you can’t show proof that an adequate amount of coverage has been obtained; there are specific minimum requirements regarding which types of policies must be held, which your agent can explain further.
Mopeds typically must have an engine capacity of 50cc or less and be capable of traveling 28-30 mph on level terrain. You will require either a Class D regular permit or motorcycle instruction permit to operate one; additionally, at least 16 years of age are needed to operate it legally. If physical limitations prevent you from getting either license type, you may still qualify for a Special Restricted License which allows for the operation of mopeds while adhering to all motor vehicle laws and carrying liability insurance is still mandatory.
Your insurance policy must include bodily injury and property damage liability coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for both. Given how costly medical bills can be after an accident occurs, it would be prudent to purchase more coverage than what the state mandates in order to safeguard yourself financially from an unexpectedly expensive incident.
Your policy must also include uninsured motorist coverage, which covers medical claims in case an at-fault driver does not carry sufficient auto insurance or has insufficient coverage. While this type of protection often comes included with auto liability policies, moped owners would benefit greatly by also purchasing it as additional protection.
Helmet Law
Whilst Wisconsin law does not mandate helmet use for riders over 18, riders should seriously consider donning one. According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets are twice as likely to die or sustain serious injuries than those who do wear one; additionally, helmets reduce brain injury risk by 69% and help protect against spinal cord injuries as well.
As such, the NHTSA recommends that all motorcycle drivers and passengers wear helmets. Violators of state helmet laws face fines or license suspension.
Wisconsin law makes an exception for individuals under the age of 18 or with a motorcycle instruction permit who do not need a helmet to ride – provided they also wear protective face shields on their helmet and take part in a motorcycle safety course.
Wisconsin also enforces mandatory helmet laws for certain vehicles and has implemented a three foot bicycle law, requiring motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the road. This serves to protect those who choose riding bikes instead of driving cars.
Safety should always be your top priority when traveling by any form of transport, including moped or motorcycle accidents. Injuries from such collisions may have severe lasting repercussions that require surgery and physical or occupational therapy – causing substantial financial loss as a result of their injuries. Speak with an attorney about your options when involved in such an incident for more advice about recovering damages from insurers.
Bike Paths
Bike paths offer a safe, scenic alternative to riding on roads. They are suitable for people of all ages and abilities – whether they want an easy stroll on a paved pathway or more adventurous experiences off-road trails.
Wisconsin’s multi-use trails will take you through stunning natural scenery and historic cities. Explore the paved Glacial River Bike Trail, for instance; its 30-mile route winds its way through river valleys, prairies, sandstone bluffs and small towns for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Wisconsin’s bike routes allow cyclists to experience its beauty at their own pace, unlike paved roadways. For instance, The Great River Road runs parallel to the Mississippi River and passes by protected natural areas, scenic overlooks, museums and other points of interest along its path – making it an excellent route for cycling with children or casual recreational riders alike.
Bicyclists looking for an urban experience will appreciate Madison’s 85 miles of paved bike paths that take them past beautiful architecture, industrial sites and historical parks – there are even bike share programs to give a different take on seeing Madison!
When selecting a bike path to travel on, it is crucial that you adhere to certain rules to ensure your own safety. Wisconsin has implemented the three foot bicycle law which stipulates that motor vehicles give those on bikes at least three feet of space when passing them on roadways. Furthermore, wearing a helmet whenever riding is highly encouraged – doing otherwise could put you at risk of an accident or injury and could put yourself and others at risk of harm – always opting for safety is best!
Pedestrian Paths
Recent years have witnessed an increase in pedestrian traffic crashes in Wisconsin. These accidents are usually the result of multiple factors, including higher population density and distracted driving. To enhance pedestrian safety, Wisconsin implemented laws requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians in certain situations and advocacy groups such as Wisconsin Bike Fed have called upon it to facilitate transportation by walking or bicycling rather than driving alone.
A county’s Comprehensive Bicycle & Pedestrian Pathway Plan was devised in order to address these challenges, prioritizing routes which are cost effective and can be constructed alongside planned roadway improvements. Furthermore, route selection also takes into account local governments’ abilities to implement and maintain any facilities recommended by this plan.
Waze’s pedestrian paths are non-routable roads that possess unique properties and are designated as distinct road types from other roadways, making them suitable for routing as well as driver display purposes. Before they can be used for routing purposes, however, pedestrian paths must first be marked non-routable by clicking the button or I shortcut in their toolbars or by using shortcut keys to mark them as non-routable.
Recent court ruling could change the future of these paths in Wisconsin. In Sojenhomer v. Village of Egg Harbor, the court determined that sidewalks do not constitute pedestrian ways – an outcome made through a close 4-3 vote which will have significant ramifications for municipalities looking to add new sidewalks; it also allows municipalities to use eminent domain for this construction, something not allowed previously under state law.
Traffic Laws
Mopeds in Wisconsin must comply with normal traffic laws, including stop signs, yielding to pedestrians and slowing down in school zones. Unfortunately, many riders disregard common laws, endangering both themselves and others in the process. There are several strategies everyone can employ to prevent breaking them.
Wisconsin law states that drivers should leave “a reasonable and prudent space” between their car and any vehicle in front of them, regardless of road conditions; this ensures both can pass safely without risking an accident.
Other key traffic rules include not riding on sidewalks and obeying bicycle signals and lights. Mopeds were only designed for one rider at a time; passengers are not permitted on them. A valid state driver’s license must also be held before operating it on public roads, with registration through the Secretary of State via bill of sale (or manufacturer’s certificate of origin) registration fee paid at that time.
All registered mopeds must meet minimum safety and emissions standards as well as having working headlights. And it’s always advisable to wear a helmet when riding, since this can help to provide crucial protection in the event of a crash. A US DOT-approved helmet can offer virtually complete protection from serious head injury even at relatively low moped speeds; furthermore, wearing one could even save lives by protecting riders against severe brain damage or paralysis – thus justifying its minimal cost.