Are you a motorized bicyclist or driver in Nevada? Perhaps you are both. Regardless of your transportation mode, you want to know the state's motorized bicycle laws. These statues are meant to keep every road user safe. Any motorist or bicycle rider who violates these statutes could injure other road users.

Motorized cyclists injured by motorists or other riders who failed to comply with these statutes may be capable of suing the liable party for their injuries. Similarly, a person injured by a motorized bicyclist who neglected to follow the laws can sue the bicyclist for their injuries. This blog explains Nevada motorized bike laws. Follow them to avoid trouble.

Understanding the Definition of a Motorized Bicycle

A motorized bicycle is a general term for moped and eclectic bicycles. The Nevada statute does not define a motorized bike but defines a moped and electric bicycle separately. These two differ in certain ways. A moped is a motor-driven scooter, cycle, or similar device set in motion by an engine that:

  • Generates 1,500 watts or less of the final output.
  • Its displacement is not above 50 cm³.
  • Generates not more than two gross brake horsepower.

Additionally, a moped’s speed limit is 30 mph on level ground with not more than 1% grade in any direction.

An electric bike is a bicycle with these features:

  • Three or two wheels.
  • It is propelled by an electric engine that generates not more than one gross brake horsepower and generates 750 watts or less final output.
  • Can travel not faster than 20 mph on level ground while carrying a rider weighing 170 pounds.

In summary, an electric bicycle looks like an ordinary bike except that it has an engine.

The primary difference between a moped and an electric bicycle is that a moped is faster and more powerful. Whereas an electronic bicycle has one brake horsepower, a moped has two. While an electric bicycle produces 750 Watts or less of the final output, a moped generates 1,500 or less. And whereas an electric bicycle can travel at a maximum speed of 20 mph or less, a moped can travel at a maximum speed of 30 mph.

Mopeds are, therefore, bigger than electric bikes. However, if an electric bike can travel faster than 20 miles per hour, it is deemed a moped, and the authorities will expect you to comply with moped traffic laws. Mopeds that move more than 30 miles per hour are classified as motorcycles, so law enforcement will expect you to adhere to motorcycle traffic laws.

What Are the Laws?

It is in the best interests of every rider to understand precisely how they are required to ride a motorized bicycle in Nevada. The state has set several laws regarding motorized bicycles and safe travel along public roads and streets. Like other road users, motorized bicyclists must comply with the same stipulated traffic rules and regulations. To start with, they should travel with the flow of traffic, navigate their bikes appropriately, and turn in the same way as motorists.

Additionally, motorized bicyclists should always ride their bikes reasonably safely on public roads or streets. Should you operate a motorized bicycle carelessly or recklessly, you may be in legal trouble for violating traffic rules and held civilly responsible for the resulting damages.

Motorized bicyclists should also always keep to the extreme right-hand lane of the roadway except if:

  • There is just one traffic lane in the direction of the bicycle's travel.
  • They are preparing to turn left. They must make the turn within a quarter mile from the entering lane.
  • Driving in the extreme right-hand lane would not be safe.
  • Directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.

Laws Specific to Mopeds

The above are the general rules that apply to both mopeds and electric bicycles. There are some key state regulations you should be aware of, which specifically apply to mopeds but do not apply to electric bicycles. Particularly, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) necessitates that every moped owner adheres to these critical statutes:

Registration/Inspection Requirements

Under Nevada statute, you cannot ride a moped on a public street or road unless you have the bike properly registered. To complete registration for your moped, you must take it for inspection at a DMV office. You will fill out the Moped Registration Application/Inspection form and pay a $33 registration fee. The inspection does the following:

  • Determines whether the auto meets the moped definition.
  • Establishes the VIN.

In Nevada, only one registration is mandated for the whole lifespan of the bicycle. The registration stays valid provided you retain the vehicle possession, and there is no need to update your registration details annually. However, a new inspection of the moped will be mandatory whenever a new registration is done or ownership is transferred. Without registering your moped, you cannot lawfully operate it on state public roads. Electric bicyclists are not mandated to register their bicycles with the DMV.

The Requirement to Have Driver’s License

A moped operator must possess a legitimate driver’s license. You cannot ride a moped on Nevada public roads or streets if you do not have a valid driver's license. Any license category satisfies this requirement, so you need not possess a motorcycle license.

This means teenagers without a driver's license and those with just an instruction permit cannot lawfully ride a moped. Thus, the minimum age to ride a moped is sixteen years, as long as the operator has acquired a license. Riding a moped without a license could lead to you being cited for violating traffic rules and regulations. Eclectic bicyclists do not need to apply for a driver’s license to ride their bicycles.

The Requirement to Wear a Helmet

Electric bicyclists are not mandated to wear helmets while riding but should put them on anyway because they contribute to preventing severe injuries. As of 1st October 2019, all moped riders have been required to put on a helmet just like motorcyclists do. Moped helmets should meet these requirements:

  • Have a DOT imprint in the back, certifying adherence to the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards.
  • Have a label with the manufacturer’s model type, name, materials, and year.
  • Not have any external components extending more than two-tenth of an inch from the helmet’s surface.
  • Have strong chin straps with rivets.
  • Have at least a one-inch thick layer of firm polystyrene foam as an inner liner.
  • Weigh at least three pounds.

If a moped does not have a transparent windscreen, riders must also put on face shields, glasses, or goggles. If a moped driver fails to put on a helmet, they risk being cited and gaining two demerit points on their driver's license. The fine for citation varies from one location to another.

The definition of a moped and electric bicycle is vague, so the law application could sometimes be confusing. If you need clarification about whether your bike is a moped or electric bicycle, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office to ensure you understand the specific requirements you must adhere to under state law.

Safety Equipment Requirements for Motorized Bicycles

Motorized bicycle operators must have proper safety equipment and operate their bicycles safely. In Nevada, mopeds are not mandated to have turn signals like motorcycles do. Although, they must have nearly all the same safety features as motorcycles to be ridden on Nevada public roads and streets:

  • Mopeds must have brakes.
  • They should have two mirrors with a minimum length of three inches, which should be on each handlebar. The mirrors must permit the rider to view 200 ft to the rear.
  • There should be a minimum of one rear reflector from twenty to sixty inches above the ground, and the reflector can be seen from 300 ft.
  • Mopeds should have a minimum of one tail lamp that shines a red light that can be seen from 500 ft.
  • Headlights/headlamps should be 24 to 54 inches from the ground; the color temperature should range between 5,000 and 6,000 kelvins.
  • Mopeds should have stop lamps and two or one headlamps visible from a thousand feet. The headlamps should be on in low visibility weather and from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset.
  • Wheels should have fenders.
  • Handlebars should be six or fewer inches above the rider’s shoulders while on the bike. Additionally, the rider must always have at least one hand on the handlebars.
  • The seat's height should not allow the rider’s 2 ft pedals to touch the ground simultaneously.

On the other hand, electric bicycles must have these features to be permitted to operate on Nevada public roads or streets:

  • A break enabling the cyclist to make the wheels skid on clean, level, dry pavement.
  • During the night, the bicycle must have the following:
  • Reflective material visible from the bike’s sides for 600 ft when directly in front of the lawful beams of the vehicle headlamps, or a lightened lamp visible from both sides for a minimum of 500 ft.
  • A front lamp that emits a white light that is visible from a minimum distance of 500 ft to the front.
  • A rear red reflector which should be visible from 50 ft to 300 ft to the rear.
  • Additionally, an electric bicycle must be fitted with pedals and generally be identifiable as a bike.

DUI Laws Apply to Motorized Bikes

It is unlawful to drive a motorized bicycle while intoxicated with drugs or alcohol. You will likely be subject to reckless endangerment charges if caught cycling an electric bike while intoxicated. And if arrested for operating a moped while high or drunk, you will likely be subject to DUI charges. 

The consequences for operating a moped or cycling an electric bicycle while high or drunk are based on whether you hurt or killed somebody. The Department of Motor Vehicles will also revoke your driver’s license.

Insurance Requirements for Motorized Bicycles

Currently, no laws in Nevada require motorized bicyclists to purchase liability insurance. Therefore, it is not mandatory for moped riders or electric cyclists to possess liability insurance.

What Does Nevada Law Say About Motorized Bicycle Accidents?

Motorized bicycle accidents with other vehicles can result in severe injuries to the victims. Nevada has laws in place that cover these kinds of situations and protect victims of these crashes. Here is what you need to know:

You Should Report Your Accident to the Authorities

If injured in a crash with another automobile, you should report the accident to the relevant authorities. Under Nevada statute, the police should be notified of all vehicle collisions on public streets or roads that lead to injuries. If you have been in a moped crash with another motorist, it is in your best interest to ensure the police are aware of the collision. The responding officer will write a report that would form part of crucial evidence when you file a personal injury case.

Liability is Dependent on Negligence

If injured after involvement in a moped bicycle accident, you will likely bring your legal lawsuit or claim under the state's modified comparative negligence law. Under this rule, all parties are legally responsible for the percentage of the collision that resulted in their negligence (carelessness or recklessness). Particularly, if you were hurt in a moped accident and were not complying with the motorized bicycle rules as required when the accident happened, it could significantly impact your claim.

To clarify, you could still seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit or claim even if you contributed to the accident. However, Nevada modified comparative rule provides that you should not be 51% or more to blame for the accident to qualify. This means you can only bring a claim/lawsuit if you were 50% or less at fault, and your percentage of liability will still be considered. 

Comparative negligence law is complex. You would have to work with a skilled lawyer if you contributed to your motorized bicycle accident.

You Are Entitled to Full and Just Financial Compensation

Per Nevada law, a negligent party or parties may be legally responsible for the total worth of the victim's damages. You are entitled to the maximum compensation available if you were injured in a motorized collision. Unluckily, it can be difficult to obtain a full recovery. You need help from a skilled and tenacious lawyer who can ensure you recover the total compensation you are owed. You could recover financial damages for:

  • Lost wages,
  • Emergency medical attention,
  • Other medical/hospital bills,
  • Pain & suffering,
  • Physical disfigurement,
  • Mental distress,
  • Long-term or permanent disability,
  • Lost enjoyment of life, and
  • A family member’s wrongful death

The Value of Legal Help

The personal injury lawsuit/claims process is complex. Large insurance companies defend most motorized bicycle accident personal injury cases. These companies care about protecting their bank accounts and not paying victims their deserved settlement offer. After a severe motorized bicycle accident, you should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will review your case and establish what actions must be pursued to defend your rights and protect your financial interests.

Understanding Drivers' Obligations Towards Motorized Bicyclists May Help

Since sharing the roadway can create a hazardous situation, Nevada law has put in place numerous requirements and responsibilities to ensure the safety of motorized bicycle riders on public roads. The law provides that drivers on the road must:

  • Not proceed through or enter into an intersection while within a bicycle lane
  • Not stand in, enter into, park, drive within, or stop within designated bicycle lanes
  • Give the right of way to bicycle riders
  • Not pass or overtake persons on bikes unless they do it safely without endangering the rider
  • Not deliberately interfere with the movement of anybody legally riding on a bicycle
  • Exercise due care to avoid accidents with bicycle riders on the roadway
  • Give an audible warning to bicyclists with the vehicle horn to avoid colliding with them

If a motorist fails to comply with these requirements and causes an accident in which you sustain injuries as a motorized bicyclist, you can sue them for damages.

But even though these requirements and responsibilities are clear, it is still challenging to determine liability in crashes involving motor vehicles and mopeds. Because insurance providers are involved, they act fast to shift the blame away from the motorist to the bicycle riders to avoid compensating them for what they lawfully deserve.

Having an expert attorney on your side will increase your chances of a successful claim. A knowledgeable attorney will ensure the motorist's blame is not pinned on you and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Find an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Near Me

Are you a victim of a motorized bicycle crash? You want to fight to protect your legal rights with help from a skilled personal injury attorney. Motorized bicycle accident cases are intricate as far as determining liability and rightful compensation are concerned. At Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm, we have a devoted team of attorneys and staff who strongly advocate for the rights of personal injury victims and are ready to help you with your case.

If you suffered injuries or your loved one died in a motorized bicycle accident, please call us as soon as possible at 702-996-1224 for a consultation and case evaluation. Remember that insurance providers will not willingly hand you the compensation you deserve. You need to defend your interests and protect your rights at all costs.