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Thinking of Trading Your Gas Guzzler for Something With 2 Wheels? What you need to know before giving your car up for a moped, scooter or motorcycle.  With gasoline prices at all time record highs, many people are beginning to use mopeds, scooters and motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation. i ride a motorcycle myself and know how much fun being on a two-wheels can be. However, there are many Florida laws that you need to consider before you park your car and head out on the open road. First, to operate a motorcycle, moped or scooter on the roadway you need a valid Florida driver's license. However, depending on the size of the vehicle's engine, you may need a motorcycle endorsement as well. Under Florida law a vehicle with an engine of 50 cc or less is not considered a "motorcycle" and, therefore, the operator only needs to be 16 years of age or older and possess a valid operator's license (Class E for Florida licenses) or a valid "motorcycle ony" operator's license. To operate a vechicle with an engine larger than 50 cc, which includes some scooters, you must have a valid motorcycle endorsements was changed and now everyone who wants to get a motorcycle endorsement must complete a Basic Rider Course regardless of how many years or how experienced you are riding a motorcycle. Only after successfully completing the course, can you then obtain the motorcycle endorsement.Many motorcycles shops offer the Basic Rider Course, but it does cost money to attend the course. You can go to the following website, http://motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us/default.cfm, to find a Basic Rider Course being offered in your county. Once you get your endorsement and are ready to hit the road on your motorcycle do you need insurance for you and your motorcycle. YES, you do need insurance but you are not required under Florida law to have insurance for a motorcycle registered in Florida in order to operate it on the roadway. However, we have all seen the horrific motorcycle crashes on television or in the newspaper and the only way to protect yourself from astronomical medical expenses is to get insurance on your motorcycle. Does Florida law require you to wear a helmet when operating a moped, scooter or a motorcycle. My typical lawyer answer to this question is it depends. Under Florida law if the vehicle’s engine is 50 cc or less, has 2 brake horsepower or less and is not able to exceed more than 30 miles per hour, the operator is not required to wear a helmet. For a motorcycle or vehicle that can go more than 30 miles per hour, has more than 2 brake horsepower and an engine larger than 50 cc, you can operate the motorcycle/vehicle without a helmet if you are over 21 years old and you carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (also called No-Fault benefits or PIP) or have proof of health insurance, such as through your job. However, riding without a helmet is not recommended, remember there isn’t much between you and the pavement if an accident happens so it is always a good idea to wear a helmet and protective gear while riding a motorcycle, moped or a scooter. Anyone under the age of 21 must wear an approved helmet to operate the motorcycle/vehicle without exception. Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters can be fun to ride, but make sure you are complying with Florida law and make sure you have insurance to protect yourself in case of a crash! Call us with any questions you have and ride safe. Bradenton, Florida 34205 Tel. (941)-748-1358 Toll Free 1-800-332-1992 Fax (941)-748-1863 Email: Info@Qlaw.com (Principal Administrative Office)
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