Do I Need Insurance for My Moped or Scooter?

 

In North Carolina, low-powered vehicles like mopeds, scooters and e-bikes have become more popular lately, especially since the cost of gas has been rising so significantly.  If you're thinking of becoming a convert to this form of two-wheeled transport, you may have questions about the insurance requirements you'll face in order to operate your moped or scooter on North Carolina roads.  You can find answers to those questions here.

Mopeds or Scooter?

In the State of North Carolina, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle with an engine less than 50cc and a top speed of less than 30 mph is legally considered a moped.  A moped usually has pedals, like a bicycle, but not always.  Traditionally, mopeds had pedals, thus the name, which is a combination of motor and pedal.

A scooter, defined as having an engine size of 50cc or greater, is considered a motorcycle but, to be considered a scooter, will have a platform to put your feet.

Moped Requirements

State laws in North Carolina require that all mopeds operated on public, state-maintained roads be registered with the state division of motor vehicles.  They are not required to be titled.

The law also requires these vehicles be covered by at least a minimum amount of liability insurance in amounts as follows:

• $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person per accident
• $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage for all persons per accident
• $25,000 damaged property liability coverage per incident

This liability protection is for losses suffered by a third party or parties in an accident deemed to be your fault.  The minimum required amounts are the same as those set for larger scooters or motorcycles and, in the event of an actual accident, especially a seriously damaging one, may be significantly lower than the costs an at-fault rider will face.  You will be personally responsible for any costs above these minimum amounts that your insurance is obligated to cover.  Financial experts generally agree that your liability protection should be considerably more than what's required by law.

Approved motorcycle helmets are required to be worn at all times when riding either a moped or scooter on public roads.  You're required to have a valid driver license on your person when operating your scooter, but a license is not required to operate a moped.  You need only be sixteen years of age, have it registered with NC DMV and display a state-issued license plate.