Visitors and residents of Washington D.C. noticed a new addition to the city’s busy streets in late August—moped scooters. Revel moped rentals debuted in Washington D.C. to much public enthusiasm, but that is not all these rentals brought with them. The city also experienced its first Revel moped crash, which left a driver with a broken collarbone.
New Moped Rentals in Washington DC
In an effort to provide more low-cost transportation options to city residents and visitors, Washington D.C. decided to bring the fast-growing trend of rental mopeds to the city. The mopeds are available in all eight wards and rides must end before leaving D.C. The app requires drivers to scan their driver’s licenses, provide a payment method, and pay a registration fee. The app checks your driving history before allowing you to take your first ride.
However, while there is widespread excitement about the options provided by Revel mopeds, the news is not all positive. Research on moped and scooter accidents indicates that many riders take unnecessary risks and that infrastructure simply does not support these low-speed motorized options. Knowing the common causes of Revel moped accidents can help riders stay safe on the road.
Common Accident Causes
Since moped and scooter rental options have increased dramatically across the United States, researchers have substantial data to use when analyzing accident causes and risk factors. Primary causes include:
- Unsafe road conditions. Washington D.C.’s first Revel moped accident occurred when a driver hit a pothole and sent the moped airborne. While the driver should have been more attentive to road conditions, unsafe and uneven roads were undoubtedly a contributing factor.
- Failure to use safety equipment. The Revel app recommends that riders use helmets every time they ride. However, research indicates that only 17% of riders involved in accidents were wearing helmets at the time of their crash.
- Inattentive drivers. Other drivers on the road often navigate unsafely around mopeds and scooters. They may be unaware of right-of-way laws, how much space to leave when passing moped riders, and how fast mopeds can travel. Drivers should exercise caution to prevent moped and scooter injuries.
- Inexperienced riders. Since moped rentals are relatively new in most areas, rider inexperience is a major accident factor. This may decrease over time as riders become more comfortable.
Moped Safety Tips
Following moped safety guidelines can reduce your risk of an accident:
- Ensure that your helmet is secure and that your visor is down before riding away.
- Adjust mirrors before beginning your ride.
- Secure purses, keys, and other dangling items.
- Wear bright colors or reflective equipment to ensure that you are visible to other drivers.
- Remain vigilant of your surroundings and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
Your Next Step If You Have Been Hurt in a Revel Moped Accident
If a moped accident has left you with minor or major injuries, consult a moped accident lawyer in Washington D.C. They will find the responsible party and hold them accountable. Explore your options and reach out to Hilton & Somer, LLC for a free consultation by dialing (703) 560-0700.
Additional Reading:
