Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | July 16, 2025 | Personal Injury
Prince George’s County, Maryland, has lots to do, with many commercial hot spots and popular destinations close to residential areas. You can reach many of these locations on foot, via public transportation, or on two wheels. If the latter is your preferred travel method, e-scooters and mopeds are among the top options.
The question is, which one is right for you? Knowing the difference between the two types of conveyances can help you cruise around on two wheels safely and legally.
What Is a Moped?
According to Maryland state law, a moped is a bicycle that:
- Has two or three wheels
- Has at least one wheel that’s more than 14 inches in diameter
- Is equipped with pedals that “mechanically drive the rear wheel(s)”
- Is designed to be operated under the rider’s power with motor assistance
- Has a motor with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less (if the motor is an internal combustion engine)
- Produces 1.5 brake horsepower or less
If your “moped” doesn’t meet all these criteria, it may be classified as a motor vehicle.
What Is an E-Scooter?
Electric motor scooters, or e-scooters, are battery-powered variations of motorized scooters. These compact vehicles are rechargeable and allow you to zip around town easily.
Most e-scooters can reach speeds of up to 15–20 MPH. They’re also light enough to store easily.
Do The Same Laws Apply to Both Mopeds and Scooters?
Many of the same laws apply, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
E-scooters are subject to the same rules as standard scooters and bicycles. While riding an e-scooter on public roads, you must follow all relevant traffic laws.
Examples include:
- Stopping at stop signs
- Obeying traffic signals
- Riding in the correct direction (with traffic)
- Yielding to pedestrians and vehicles
If riding your e-scooter on an approved trail, follow any posted speed restrictions. If you’re riding on a mixed-use path (e.g., pedestrians and scooters), make sure you yield to any pedestrians.
For the most part, the same rules apply when riding a moped. You’ll need to follow all traffic laws and yield when appropriate. However, mopeds are generally prohibited on shared-use paths and bicycle paths.
Unique Criteria for Mopeds
Maryland has some pretty strict definitions for mopeds. If your vehicle doesn’t meet those criteria, it could be classified as a motor vehicle. If so, you would need a driver’s license with the appropriate endorsement, insurance, and registration to drive it.
Make sure your moped is actually a moped according to state law. Otherwise, you could get pulled over and even receive a traffic citation.
Are Mopeds and E-Scooters Safe?
Generally speaking, both options are relatively safe. That said, they’re both two-wheeled vehicles that provide virtually no protection during an accident. While a crash would likely be less severe compared to a motorcycle accident, you could still face serious injuries.
With that in mind, investing in a helmet is wise to reduce your risk of a brain injury. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for careless drivers who may not be paying attention. Remember, you’ll be difficult to spot, especially at night or in dimly lit conditions.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Mopeds and e-scooters each offer distinct advantages for urban travel. Before settling on one option, do your homework and consider which one best fits your needs and habits.
By being diligent while cruising around Prince George’s County, you can minimize your risk of a personal injury. If you get into an accident involving a moped or an e-scooter, call our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7