Do You Need a License and Insurance To Drive a Scooter in Montgomery, AL?
Scooters have become extremely popular in recent years, and many children use electric scooters as a bicycle or other method of transportation. Many people look at scooters as children’s toys. However, you actually need a license and insurance to drive a scooter in Montgomery, AL.
Keep reading below to learn all the details about driving a scooter in Montgomery.
How Does Alabama Law Define a Scooter?
Although you may think of a scooter as a toy for children, Alabama law defines them quite differently. Under Alabama law, a scooter is defined as a device that:
- Has handlebars and an electric motor
- Is powered solely by the electric motor or human power
- Has a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface
The surprising thing is that scooters are classified as motor vehicles under Alabama law. This means that scooters are subject to the same rules and regulations as other motor vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles.
Since the law classifies scooters as “motor-driven cycles,” riders need both a Class M motorcycle license and insurance to operate them on the roads.
Additional Scooter Restrictions in Alabama
Not only do scooter riders need a license and insurance, but there are several other restrictions you should also be aware of. Some of those restrictions include:
- Drivers may not operate scooters on public sidewalks
- Drivers may not operate a scooter without a rear tag
- Drivers may not operate a scooter without wearing a helmet and shoes
- Drivers may not operate a scooter without brakes
- Parents may not allow children to violate any of the scooter laws
Scooters are popular among children, but parents can face liability if they allow their child to break any of the laws pertaining to scooters. Parents should never allow their children to break any of Alabama’s scooter laws.
How Do I Get an Alabama Motorcycle License?
Drivers as young as 14 may apply for a restricted motorcycle license in Alabama. With the proper license, a 14-year-old can legally operate a scooter on the roads in Alabama. The “B” restriction on your motorcycle license allows 14 and 15-year-olds to operate motor-driven cycles or motor scooters.
To get your license, you must:
- Pass a written knowledge exam
- Pass a vision test
- Provide verification of your identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, etc)
- Provide proof of school enrollment
- Pay the required fee
Once your license has been issued, you can legally operate a scooter on the roads. Keep in mind that those under 16 who have a restricted license can only operate scooters or motor-driven cycles with 5 horsepower or less. They must also adhere to passenger limitations and restrictions on operating hours.
What To Do if You’ve Been in a Scooter Accident in Montgomery
If you or your child has been hurt in a scooter accident in Montgomery, knowing what to do can help you remain calm and also help protect your legal rights.
After a scooter or motorcycle accident, you should:
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Get medical treatment for any injuries right away
- Take photos of all the vehicles, as well as your injuries
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Never admit fault or wrongdoing after the accident
- Save all receipts, medical records, and other accident-related documentation
- Get help from an experienced personal injury lawyer
Keep in mind that the insurance company will try to put some of the blame for the accident on you if you do not have the proper license to legally operate a scooter. If they are successful, you might be unable to get any compensation for your injuries. This is why you should always get help from a lawyer before talking to the insurance company.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Montgomery Personal Injury Attorney
Alabama law requires scooter riders to meet many of the same legal requirements as motorcycle operators, including obtaining the appropriate license and maintaining insurance. Knowing these rules can help you avoid penalties and better protect your rights if you’re involved in a scooter accident.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73159361945047, -86.58690898412395
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694