As motorcycle weather begins in Northern Nevada, many are opting for mopeds that do not need a Class M license.
The Reno Police Department (RPD) is still investigating a fatal crash involving a teen on a mini bike. Investigators learned that the 14-year-old rider didn't stop at a stop sign and hit another car in the intersection. While this is still an open investigation, RPD wants to refresh riders on the laws surrounding these types of bikes.
“Some of the mopeds and electrical scooters, because of the amount of power and speed that they generate, are considered motorcycles, so there is kind of a little bit of confusion about what qualifies and what doesn't and what's street legal," said Lieutenant Scott Shaw with the Reno Police Department.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles defines a moped as having a small engine with no more than 2 horsepower, no more than 50cc's and a max speed of 30 miles per hour on a flat surface. The bike also needs to be checked by the DMV to make sure it falls within these standards.
“During that inspection they basically will check to see if it qualifies as a moped or as a motorcycle," said Shaw.
The current Nevada laws for mopeds require riders to register one time with no annual renewal have any class of driver’s license; no Class M motorcycle license is required. They must also ride in the extreme right hand lane unless preparing to make a left turn. The use of a helmet is not required, but RPD recommends you wear one.
“For the safety of it, you are out there with large vehicles that may or may not see you, you are always much safer wearing a helmet whether it’s on a moped or a motorcycle," said Shaw.
Licensed moped and motorcycle retailers like David Eisenhard with Euro Cycle also say wearing gear while you ride is always a good idea.
“They also go over rules and safety measures riders should take, and the safest practices to use on 2 wheels”
For more information on moped laws and regulations, you can click here.
