Texas Accident & Injury News
Mopeds offer a great way to get around back roads and small distances but should never be ridden on a highway.
18-Wheeler Hits Moped, Hospitalizes Rider on the East Side
According to a KSAT News report, a woman was critically injured after being struck by an 18-wheeler.
Police reported the accident happened at around 6 p.m. Friday, March 28th, at the intersection of Farm-to-Market 1346 and North Foster Road on San Antonio’s East Side. The driver of the 18-wheeler was heading eastbound on East Houston Street and FM 1346 and was preparing to make a left turn to head to North Foster when they collided with a 2022 Honda NVA Motorcycle traveling westbound on FM 1346. The 41-year-old woman riding the moped spun out of control as a result of the collision and suffered life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler stayed at the scene, and no charges were reported. The investigation is ongoing. The injured woman was hospitalized and reportedly in stable condition Saturday afternoon.
Did You Know?
40% of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in Texas in 2023 were not wearing helmets.
Motorcycle, Moped, e-Bike, Scooter, e-Scooter — What’s the Difference?
Depending on the kind of electric vehicle you’re driving, you may need to have a license, wear a helmet, or stay off the highway while riding.
Motorcycles, Mopeds, e-bikes, e-scooters, and scooters are all very similar and could cause some confusion among users. Let’s take a look at the key differences between these vehicles and what laws are relevant to each.
e-Bikes vs. Mopeds
Electric bicycles have pedals and electric motors that do not exceed 750 watts.
e-Bikes are organized into three classes:
- Class 1: Motor activates when the rider is pedaling. Top speed is capped at 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: Same as Class 1, but the motor can propel the rider without pedaling.
- Class 3: Same as Class 1, but has a speedometer, and the top speed is capped at 28 miles per hour.
A Moped originally got its name because it was a motorized bicycle. Today, Mopeds don’t necessarily have pedals– they have a step-through frame (with or without pedals), small wheels (typically around 10 inches), and a 50cc or smaller motor. A Moped’s top speed usually doesn’t exceed 28 mph.
e-Bikes and Mopeds cannot be ridden on sidewalks or on streets with speed limits exceeding 35 mph. Bike lanes must be used when available, and Mopeds and e-bikes are required to yield to pedestrians when appropriate.
For an e-bike, riders must be at least 16 and cannot carry a passenger, but a license is not required. Moped drivers must have a license, but a Class M is not required.
Scooters vs. e-Scooters
A scooter has the same step-through frame and smaller wheels as a moped but a more powerful motor — usually between 50cc and 250cc. Scooters typically have automatic transmissions and come with lights, turn signals, and horns. A scooter’s top speed can be anywhere between 60 mph and 75 mph.
An electric scooter is a two-wheeled device that has a floorboard designed for the rider to stand upon while riding. They are designed to transport one person at a time and have a rechargeable electric motor that can power them to speeds up to about 15 mph.
e-Scooters must follow all of the same rules as an e-bike. Similarly, a license is not required, and riders must be at least 16.
To ride a scooter (with an engine greater than 50 cc), you must have a Class M license. Scooters are street-legal but may have highway restrictions. Riders under 21 are almost always required to wear a helmet. To drive on the highway, regardless of cc, a scooter must have a horn, brakes, steering, mirror, tires, headlamp, taillamp, stop lamp, license plate lamp, rear red reflector, exhaust system, wheel assembly, and VIN.
Motorcycles
A motorcycle’s design is what distinguishes it from other vehicles. The engine and gas tank are forward and between the driver’s knees. Motorcycles usually have a manual transmission, requiring drivers to use a clutch and shift gears. Motorcycles typically have 16-inch tires, and the driver sits upright with their back perpendicular to the road.
Motorcycles generally have an engine size that enables them to share the road with other motorized vehicles. You must have a Class M license, and they are typically highway legal, provided they have all of the factors mentioned above. You are required to carry minimum liability insurance.
Injured in a Motorcycle or Scooter Accident in San Antonio? Call Shaw!
If you were injured in a motorcycle, e-scooter, e-bike, scooter, or moped accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PSTD,
- Missed Work,
- Disfigurement,
- Surgeries,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today for a free case evaluation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio. There are no fees and no obligations attached: Just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.