Mopeds and scooters are popular across South Carolina thanks to their affordability and excellent gas mileage. Despite their convenience, these two-wheel vehicles come with significant risks. Their small size, low speed, and lack of structural protection leave riders highly vulnerable in traffic, especially around faster, heavier vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, moped and scooter riders are 35 times more likely than car drivers to die in a traffic accident. Data from the South Carolina Traffic Collision 2023 Fact Book shows that moped crashes remain a significant safety concern. In 2023, South Carolina recorded 25 moped fatalities statewide, including two in Greenville County. Horry County reported 46 moped crashes with three fatalities, Richland County reported 32 crashes with one fatality, and Charleston County recorded 39 total moped crashes.
Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers helps victims regain their lives after devastating moped crashes. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be and understand what you’re up against. One example involves a South Carolina moped driver who was struck by an 18-wheeler. Our attorneys held the trucking company accountable securing a $2.3 million settlement.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused, our experience and winning reputation help level the playing field for injured underdogs. We’ll quickly gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, manage your medical care, and push back against insurance companies that try to minimize your injuries or unfairly shift blame onto you. We’ve been doing this since 1968. Check out our recent results to see how we’ve helped people just like you.
South Carolina Moped Laws: What Riders Need to Know
In response to increased injuries and fatalities from moped accidents, the South Carolina legislature strengthened regulations.
South Carolina law defines a moped as a cycle with pedals that:
- Cannot exceed 30 mph on level ground
- Has no more than 2 brake horsepower
- Has an engine of 50cc or smaller
- Has a drive system that does not require clutching or shifting
Additional legal requirements include:
- Registration: Mopeds need to be registered with the state of South Carolina and have a license plate.
- Licensing:
- Riders 15+ with a valid SC driver’s license may operate a moped or scooter, including:
- Class D: the regular driving license issued for operating non-commercial passenger vehicles. Most South Carolina drivers hold this license.
- Class G: a license specifically for operating a moped. While holders must pass a vision and knowledge test, a road skills test is not required.
- Class M: the license required for operating motorcycles. A standard Class D is not sufficient.
- Riders under 14 cannot operate a street-legal moped without a permit or license.
- Riders 15+ with a valid SC driver’s license may operate a moped or scooter, including:
- Helmets:
- Not required for moped riders over age 21 (but strongly recommended).
- Required for riders under age 21.
- Land Positioning:
- Mopeds must stick to the furthest right lane of traffic, unless it is unsafe or they are making a left-hand turn.
- Scooters vs. Mopeds:
- Scooters can maintain higher speeds and are considered motorcycles, requiring full licensing and insurance.
Because mopeds top out around 30 mph, riding them on high-speed roads or highways is extremely dangerous and illegal. It should be avoided under all circumstances.
The Risks of Riding a Moped in South Carolina
Moped operators face unique hazards, including:
- Riding alongside much faster, heavier vehicles
- Limited visibility to drivers, especially in blind spots
- No crash-protective framework
- Greater susceptibility to weather and road conditions
- Increased likelihood of serious injuries or death in collisions
Even minor distractions, like texting or listening to music, can have extreme consequences for riders. Unfortunately, even when you do everything right, you can’t protect yourself against others’ bad decisions.
Top Safety Tips for Moped and Scooter Riders
Experts offer several important recommendations to help reduce crashes and injuries:
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Ride slightly to the far right of the vehicle ahead to reduce the chance of being hidden from view.
Keep Headlights On
Use headlights even during the day to make yourself more visible.
Perform a Pre-Ride Safety Check
Before each ride, inspect:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Mirrors
- Tire treads and pressure
Be Seen
Wear bright or reflective clothing, like neon yellow or orange. This is especially critical at dusk or in low-light conditions.
Always Wear a Helmet
South Carolina doesn’t require helmets for moped riders, but a DOT-certified full-face helmet is the single best protection against fatal injuries.
Wear Gloves and Boots
Protect your hands and feet from road rash and debris.
Avoid Distractions
Never text or talk on the phone while riding. Even listening to music can drown out important road sounds.
Watch the Weather
Two-wheel vehicles are especially vulnerable on wet or slick roads. Delay riding when possible.
Need Legal Help After a Moped or Scooter Accident?
Moped accidents happen in an instant and lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a South Carolina moped, scooter, or motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help. Our attorneys are here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Guided by our core values: Compassion, Bravery, Continuous Improvement, and Respect for the Common Good, we work tirelessly to protect injured South Carolinians and ensure their voices are heard.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our clients come first. Each one gets our Client’s Bills of Rights and No Fee Guarantee, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We believe cost should never be a barrier to justice, especially when you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future.
Call Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers at (877) 936-9707 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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