Vespas and other motor scooters are a convenient way to get around town. When you head out on your scooter, however, it’s important to keep in mind that you are much more vulnerable to being seriously injured than you would be in your car and that important laws apply. If a negligent motorist leaves you injured in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in League City, discuss your claim with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP, as soon as you can.
The Size of the Scooter’s Engine
The size of your Vespa or scooter’s engine will determine if the motorcycle or the scooter laws in the State of Texas will apply.
A 50cc Engine Is the Dividing Line
In Texas, the matter of whether a bike is a scooter or a motorcycle depends on the size of its engine. If the vehicle’s engine is no larger than 50cc, it’s considered a moped for legal purposes, and the state’s moped laws apply. If, however, the vehicle has an engine that is larger than 50cc, regardless of any other features that may make it look like a scooter, it qualifies as a motorcycle, and the state’s motorcycle laws are in play.
The Necessary License
A primary distinction between scooters and motorcycles is the kind of driver’s license that’s required. For a scooter with an engine that is 50cc or smaller, a Class C driver’s license suffices. This is the same kind of license that you need to get behind the wheel of a car. For those under the age of 16, a B restriction on a motorcycle license qualifies the bearer to operate a scooter but not a full motorcycle.
There is also a Class M motorcycle license that is required to drive a scooter with an engine larger than 50cc. Anyone who operates a scooter that officially qualifies as a motorcycle in Texas must carry a motorcycle license or must have a Class C driver’s license with a Class M endorsement.
The Speed Limit
Those who ride scooters in Texas are generally required to limit themselves to roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour and lower. They can also travel in bike lanes unless there is a local ordinance against it. In League City, scooters are barred from traveling on both jogging paths and park trails.
Registration
All vehicles that qualify as motorcycles must be registered and titled in Texas. Scooters, on the other hand, must be registered to travel on Texas roadways, but they are not required to be titled.
Motorcycle Laws in Texas
Basic motorcycle laws in the State of Texas also apply to Vespas and motor scooters.
Helmet Laws
Anyone who operates a motor scooter or motorcycle and is under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet at all times in Texas. This also applies to passengers who are under the age of 21. For anyone operating either a motor scooter or a motorcycle who is at least 21 years old, a helmet is not required as long as one of the following applies:
Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering
Lane splitting refers to driving one’s motorcycle or scooter in between lanes of traffic, and lane filtering refers to doing the same when traffic is either stopped or moving slowly. While these practices are allowed in some states, they are both against the law in Texas, and this applies to both motorcycles and scooters.
Consult with an Experienced League City Moped/Vespa Scooter Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in League City, the physical, financial, and emotional losses you’re facing can be overwhelming. The capable League City motorcycle accident attorneys at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP, will leave no stone unturned in our fierce advocacy for your claim’s best possible resolution.
We care about you and your claim, so please don’t delay reaching out by contacting us online or calling us for more information about what a personal injury attorney can do.
