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9 Moped Accident and Safety Statistics (2024 Update)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Mopeds and scooters are rising in popularity in the United States, and that’s why it’s more important than ever to analyze how safe these devices are.
The problem is that in the United States, moped accidents and motorcycle accidents fall under the same category, making it challenging to determine what numbers come from mopeds and which ones come from motorcycles.
Fortunately, there are a few studies out there that separate the numbers, and we did the hard work for you by tracking them down and highlighting their key findings here!
You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from House Grail)
Mopeds and Injuries
1. 40% of moped accidents result in bone fractures.
(University of California Los Angeles)
Although most people think of mopeds as safe transportation devices, the statistics behind accidents don’t back that up. There’s undoubtedly a good number of moped accidents that never get reported, and 40% of those that do get reported involve bone fractures.
Image Credit: Pixabay
2. 31.7% of moped accidents create head trauma.
(University of California Los Angeles)
Not only are bone fractures common in moped accidents, but also head trauma is also a common occurrence. You might think that going 20 to 25 miles per hour isn’t all that fast, but when you smack your head against something going at that speed, it’s going to do quite a bit of damage.
Since many moped accidents never get reported, that means many head trauma injuries are occurring without any reporting.
3. Motorcycle and moped accidents create the same severity of injuries.
(Scandinavian Journal of Surgery)
People think of motorcycles as far more dangerous than mopeds, but one study found otherwise. It’s not that mopeds are more dangerous than motorcycles, it’s just that they’re not any safer.
If it’s bad enough that you need to go to a hospital, the study found that the resulting injuries are eerily similar. Any time you’re traveling on two wheels, you’re more prone to injury.
Image Credit: Kzenon, Shutterstock
4. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die per mile driven than someone driving a car.
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
While this statistic isn’t specifically for moped drivers, it does show a disturbing trend for those who travel on two wheels. For each mile that you go, you’re 27 times more likely to die than someone behind the wheel of a car.
That’s no small jump, and it’s even more of a reason to be extra cautious and always wear your safety gear when you’re riding a moped.
5. Scooter-related injures surged by 222% from 2014 to 2018.
(University of California San Francisco)
While mopeds and scooters aren’t the exact same thing, they have a ton of similarities when it comes to engine size and power. That’s why it’s alarming to see that scooter-related injures jumped by 222% in just a 4-year period.
While this is in large part due to the surge in usage, it’s a stark reminder that you need to be extra careful on these devices, even if you’re not traveling at the same speeds that you would behind the wheel of a car.
Image Credit: Canetti, Shutterstock
Moped Driver Facts
6. 90% of drivers in moped or scooter crashes did not have insurance.
(Moped and Scooters: Crash Outcomes in a High Traffic State)
While motorcycle drivers and car drivers often carry insurance, you can’t say the same thing about moped drivers. In fact, according to one study, 90% of moped drivers don’t carry any insurance!
This has two major implications. First, any damage that they cause to other vehicles has to come straight out of their own pocket. Second, if they get injured while riding a moped, there’s a good chance that they’ll have to pay for their own medical expenses.
7. Only 17% of moped drivers in Florida wear helmets.
(Moped and Scooters: Crash Outcomes in a High Traffic State)
People tend to think that mopeds are ultra-safe because they don’t travel as fast as motorcycles. It seems like this mindset has translated to more and more drivers not wearing proper safety gear.
While the percentage of moped drivers that wear a helmet is likely higher in states where it’s mandatory, the fact that only 17% of moped drivers in Florida wear a helmet is concerning.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Miscellaneous Moped Safety Facts
8. Moped sales are up 60% in recent years.
(Moped and Scooters: Crash Outcomes in a High Traffic State)
If you haven’t seen a ton of mopeds on the road yet, just wait. They’re becoming more common, and some studies have seen the prevalence of mopeds rise by as much as 60%! Mopeds are becoming especially popular in urban areas, so it’s likely that more safety information will come out in the next few years.
9. 58% of motorcycle accidents are caused by the other motorist.
(Indiana Traffic Safety Facts)
If you’re thinking that you can stay safe just by doing what you’re supposed to do on the road, the sad fact is that’s not always the case. When you’re on two wheels, most accidents come from the other driver, and it’s why you should always wear your safety gear.
While driving defensively and following the rules can certainly help mitigate the risk of getting into an accident, if the other driver causes it, there’s only so much that you can do!
Image Credit: Josfor, Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Moped Accident and Safety Statistics
There’s not a ton of moped-specific information out there, and that’s why we answered frequently asked questions for you here.
How Dangerous Is a Moped?
While people tend to think of mopeds as safe, the truth is that they’re often just as dangerous as motorcycles. Head trauma and broken bones are common, even if it’s not what first comes to mind with mopeds. (Scandinavian Journal of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles)
While finding the exact cause of moped accidents can be a bit challenging because they’re all reported as motorcycle accidents, one thing that’s clear is that most moped accidents come from the other motorist. This is likely because the other motorist fails to see the moped driver, and it’s why you need to be extra cautious when driving a moped. (Indiana Traffic Safety Facts)
Image Credit: Godlikeart, Shutterstock
Can 16-Year-Olds Ride a Moped?
It all depends on the state, but in many states, a 16-year-old can drive a moped as long as its engine doesn’t exceed a certain size. For most states, this is a 49cc engine, and typically, it can’t exceed 28 miles per hour.
So, while a 16-year-old can technically drive a moped, there are a few restrictions in place to help keep them safe.
Are Moped Accidents Common?
While you might not hear about them often, the truth is that moped accidents are fairly common. From 2014 to 2018, the number of scooter accidents jumped 222%, and that trend will likely continue as scooters and mopeds continue to climb in popularity.
So, put on all your safety gear every time you go to ride your moped because a serious injury can happen faster than you think. (University of California San Francisco)
Conclusion
While it’s certainly fun to get behind a two-wheeler and ride, you need to keep your eyes wide open! Mopeds can be just as dangerous as their motorcycle counterparts.
Don’t skimp on the protective equipment, and don’t take things for granted just because you’re traveling at a lower speed. All that said, when you do it right, there’s no reason that you can’t enjoy the feel of the open road on a moped!
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
