Mopeds in the city?? (Baltimore, Randallstown: insurance, how much, buy)

[theleftway]

My gf wants to get rid of one of our cars and buy a moped for city driving. We move to Baltimore in Aug. So, I don't know how city driving is, if it's safe to ride a moped, and if they are stolen easily. Do you know if they need to be insured in MD? Or if you need a motorcycle license to drive them?

Thanks for your help!!!

[PG2005]

I do know that around my university campus I would see various moped parts locked to street signs and no signs of a moped. I personally wouldn't be comfortable locking it up somewhere, hoping it was still there when I returned. Heck, people steal locked locks, car alarms and all without much trouble. I wouldn't drive a motorcycle, bicycle or moped in the city because I worry about my safety (ie car accidents). Other people do it though.

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by theleftway

My gf wants to get rid of one of our cars and buy a moped for city driving. We move to Baltimore in Aug. So, I don't know how city driving is, if it's safe to ride a moped, and if they are stolen easily. Do you know if they need to be insured in MD? Or if you need a motorcycle license to drive them?

Thanks for your help!!!

Unless the rules have changed recently, you don't need a motorcycle license or insurance. I'm not sure what you mean by a moped--I'm thinking of an motorized or electric bicycle. I'd stick to a scooter that can travel at close to normal traffic speed for safety if you're planning to ride it regularly. It's also less likely to be stolen being heavier and, depending on how much you're willing to pay, come with an ignition lock or alarm. I'd also make sure that you have a secure or visible place to park it at your new place.

[atariwhizkid]

I could be wrong (as I often am), but I don't think you need to license, insure or register a moped or motor scooter if the motor size is under 50cc. This is why you see so many people riding these things around town and being generally irresponsible. As for locking them, you should get a heavy duty Kryptonite U lock and a nice and thick hardened steel chain lock and you'll be fine.

[mrboltonman]

i would like to get a scooter.

i think atariwhizkid is right about not having to license, insure, or register a scooter if it's 50cc and under.

[Jermaine88]

Old Topic I know.

I think you need a moped operating license ($45 fee) if you do not have a regular drivers license. They can't go over 30 or 40mph I believe. Which in downtown Baltimore Traffic, from what I've seen at times people are lucky to go over 25.
I've seen a lot more in the county Owings Mills, Pikesville, Randallstown Area.

I'm seriously thinking of getting one. I'm so tired of the metro. It'll be a decent ride for me I'll probably have to avoid liberty Rd. in some spots. lol.
But seems like a good way to save money.

Needs better options for parking them in county and city but hopefully that's coming. soon. I've seen them tied to the bike racks around the harbor occasionally.

[are you kidinme?]

Maryland may not require insurance, but I would get insurance on any motorized vehicle I was going to drive on public streets. If you hit a pedestrian, for example, (even if they walk out in front of you) you are going to get sued and without insurance the liability is on you. Also, the kryptonite lock and hardened steel chain are irrelevant if you use them to secure your cycle to a flimsy street sign. I have seen many street signs pulled up from the ground (even concrete when they get loose) and the bikes stolen. Theives are also using battery powered sawz-alls to cut through locks and street sign posts. Find a secure parking area or secure your cycle to something substantial.

[tortoise]

Originally Posted by Jermaine88

They can't go over 30 or 40mph I believe.

30 mph per Maryland MVA (http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Vehicle-Services/REG/scooter.htm - broken link).

New To Scooters