What is a scooter?

The definition of a scooter is varied depending on who you ask. Often confused with a moped and a go-ped, scooters have gained popularity for their lightweight nature and striking design. A scooter is a two-wheeled motorcycle with a footrest. They are powered by an engine and operate on an electrical charging system.

Scooters have a more powerful motor than mopeds, reaching up to 250cc. They have higher speeds and lower gas consumption.

Scooters are lighter motorcycles that operate under the same laws as motorcycles. Riders are supposed to be above 14 years of age, while some states require them to be above 16.

What is a moped?

A moped is similar in appearance to a scooter, although its engine capacity is lower than 50cc. A moped is a motorized bicycle with a speed limit of 40 mph. In 26 states, mopeds do not require liability insurance.

Rules that scooter and moped riders should abide by

Some of the requirements scooter riders should comply with include the following:

• Necessary and full protective gear such as helmets.
• Motorcycle endorsement if they will ride on public streets.
• Motorcycle (scooter) insurance.
• Regular driver’s license or permit.
• Some states offer courses on two-wheeler driving.
• Some states require skills and competency tests.
• Mopeds are not allowed on highways due to their low speeds.
• Scooters are allowed on highways but discouraged. Motorcycles can join highway traffic freely.

Scooter (motorcycle) insurance

If your scooter has an engine that’s above 50cc, you will need insurance. Nebraska identifies a scooter as such if it has pedals rather than including it in the definition of a motorcycle. Any scooter with an engine capacity above 50cc will require motorcycle insurance.

Reasons why you need scooter insurance

In case of an accident

A scooter is a vehicle that can be involved in accidents here and there. If a crash occurs and it is your fault, your insurance company will have to pay the other party compensation. However, if you do not have insurance, all these expenses will have to be out-of-pocket, and no one can reimburse you.

If the other party is at fault, you will be paid compensation. You could have your bike fixed, and health costs are catered for. All scooters require insurance, especially if driven on public streets and highways.

It is mandatory in some states

Florida, Montana, and New Hampshire are the only states that do not require scooter and motorcycle insurance. All other states require insurance. Mopeds are a different case. Most states do not require insurance. Those that require insurance include Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Utah, Vermont, Texas, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Mississippi, Minnesota, Maryland, Maine, Louisiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, California, Arizona, Alaska, and Alabama.

Even if the state where you live does not require scooter insurance, such as New Hampshire, it is prudent to consider purchasing it. Not only does insurance ensure that you are adequately compensated in the case of an accident, but it also provides you with peace of mind.

Third parties involved in an accident

If an accident occurs and third parties have been involved, you will not be required to pay them compensation directly out of your pocket. Insurance will pay for their medical costs, especially if it is comprehensive coverage.

If you bought the scooter using a loan

Scooters are high-risk vehicles. The fact that they are ridden together with top-engine vehicles on the highway may pose a great risk, even from a financial standpoint. Since you will be driving a vehicle that has not been fully paid for yet, insurance will help you cover the costs if the scooter is involved in an accident. Without insurance, you will have to repay the full loan amount, all with a totaled scooter.

If you fear the scooter could be stolen

Theft is a paramount reason why most individuals take auto insurance. A scooter is lightweight, meaning it can easily be stolen. When this happens, the insurance company will reimburse you in full for your loss. They will first conduct investigations to see if the bike can be retrieved, and if it can’t, they will buy you a new one.

If you intend to lease out or rent your scooter

For the same reason that your financier will require insurance if you are buying your scooter via a loan, you will also want liability insurance if you are renting your scooter out. This provides extra security so that your scooter will be reimbursed in the event of an accident.

Types of Scooter Insurance

Now that we have established that scooter insurance is imperative, here are some of the forms of scooter insurance that you may choose from:

Third-party only

This is the basic level and only covers you for damages caused to third parties. Such damages include those caused to other parties’ vehicles or property.

Third-party, fire, and theft

This level covers you for any damages caused to third parties and the effects of fire and theft.

Comprehensive

The comprehensive option is just as the word is; it entails the cumulative benefits of third-party only and third-party fire and theft. It covers costs caused by non-collision events.

Bodily Injury Coverage

During an accident, there are physical ramifications. Bodily injury may be caused, which should be reflected in an insurance cover. If you feel hurt in the slightest during an accident, visit the hospital using this insurance coverage. Sometimes, bodily injury coverage is included in the comprehensive cover.

Liability coverage

If you are found to be at fault in an accident, this coverage will cover all the damages caused, depending on the cover’s limit. It will also cover any bodily injury to third parties.

Collision coverage

If a collision occurs between your scooter and any other object, this insurance cover will repair your scooter.

Most nationwide insurers provide motorcycle coverage, including scooter and moped insurance. In addition, you can bundle your scooter insurance with your car insurance, earning a discount in the process. Bundling discounts make it easier to pay insurance premiums and ultimately ensure you pay less than if they were individual covers.