Mopeds are popular forms of transportation in Illinois, especially in dense urban areas like Chicago. These motorized vehicles are smaller and more lightweight than a motorcycle, making them a preferred choice for a leisurely ride.
Due to their unique nature, Illinois has special traffic laws that apply to mopeds. If you are riding a moped on Illinois roads, it is important to be aware of these rules so that you can reduce the risk of an accident and avoid potential penalties.
Rules for Moped Riders in Illinois
According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, mopeds are usually considered to be motor-driven cycles. Moped riders have a duty to follow all traffic laws and rules that apply to motorcyclists and other vehicles, with some exceptions.
Illinois classified a moped as a vehicle with the following characteristics:
- The vehicle can reach a speed of 20 to 30 miles per hour within one mile.
- The displacement for internal combustion engines does not exceed 50cc.
- The engine can produce up to two horsepower.
- The rider doesn’t have to shift gears.
You do not need a license to ride a moped with a 50cc or smaller engine. If the moped has a larger engine, you must have a current valid driver’s license to ride one. You must also purchase liability insurance for the vehicle.
Additional moped laws include the following:
- It is illegal to ride a moped on a sidewalk.
- It is illegal to carry a passenger on a moped unless the vehicle has a dedicated seat.
- You must obtain an insurance policy if you plan on riding a moped.
- You can legally drive a moped on a public road as long as you follow traffic laws.
It is important to comply with these rules while riding a moped. Violating these laws can lead to certain consequences, such as fines and administrative penalties. Serious accidents can also occur, resulting in severe and debilitating injuries.
Filing a Lawsuit after an Illinois Moped Accident
While you may follow Illinois’s moped accident laws, collisions can still happen. If you were injured in a collision while riding a moped, you may be eligible for legal action. By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, you could recover financial compensation for medical care, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, multiple parties may be liable for your collision:
- A Motor Vehicle Driver: If your accident occurred due to the negligence of another driver, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against him or her. You will need to prove that the driver’s actions caused your collision and subsequent injuries.
- A Manufacturer: Some moped accidents occur due to product defects, including design and manufacturing errors. If a defect caused your accident, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the moped’s manufacturer.
- A Government Agency: Some government agencies are responsible for maintaining or designing roads. If your moped accident occurred due to a roadway defect or hazard, you could file a lawsuit against the agency responsible for that road.
As soon as possible following your accident, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. A lawyer with experience handling moped collision claims can carefully evaluate your situation and help identify your optimal path to recovery.
