Oakland locals have a lot of options when they need to get around the city. They can hop an AC Transit Bus, a BART Train, and even a ferry. Bicycles for rent are laying around every corner. And a new addition to the fleet of local choices is the Electric Moped.
Revel provides this new service across Oakland and hopes to soon offer the mopeds in San Francisco too. You download the app, pay a minimal amount, and jump aboard. It’s a handy way to get around, but with any new mode of transportation on the road, drivers may need some time to get used to sharing the lanes with moped traffic. Unfortunately, this lack of familiarity can lead to drivers making careless decisions that can cause scary accidents for moped riders.
Revel Electric Scooter Dangers Worldwide
The risk to anyone on a moped can come from distracted drivers who tend to miss seeing travelers who are on smaller rides than their own vehicles. The threats can also come from road hazards like cracked pavement and potholes.
The dangers to riders are real and, in fact, two recent fatal accidents have forced Revel to suspend moped sharing across New York City. The New York Times reported on the decision on July 28, 2020.
The move comes after two separate electric moped deaths occurred in July. In one case, the rider crashed into a light pole and was killed. In the other instance, a local TV reporter was a passenger on a Revel Moped when she fell off and was killed in the fall. Her death was believed to be the first Revel Electric Moped fatal accident anywhere.
The Times said the company was reviewing safety measures and planned to offer mopeds again “in the near future.”
Revel Scooter Safety Requirements
Like a bicycle rider, people on mopeds have very little protection as they travel the lanes with cars, trucks, and SUVs. These vehicles are moving much faster and can weigh several tons. With this in mind, Revel has some safety measures in place for those that rent their mopeds
- Revel Mopeds come with two helmets and riders are required to wear them.
- Mopeds are also limited on the speeds they can travel. The machines won’t go over 30 mph.
- Riders are also required to upload photos of themselves and their drivers’ licenses before the mopeds unlock.
- Moped drivers must be at least 21-years-old and have a safe driving record.
- Passengers are required to be at least 18-years old or older and must also wear a helmet.
- Free moped training classes are offered by Revel in Oakland each month.
Does Revel Provide Insurance for Moped Accidents?
Generally, Revel forces moped riders to take full responsibility for their rides and any accidents that might occur. A rider’s own insurance is involved, although most normal car insurance policies don’t include coverage for anything with less than four wheels.
If you are injured and Revel isn’t forced to take responsibility, your own health insurance may be your only option to get help with medical bills. This is how Revel would like it to work anyhow. The company makes it hard to hold them liable, but a victim can win compensation if they build a strong case. A victim can argue that Revel was at fault if a moped malfunction causes the accident and there are other ways Revel may be required to pay damages. An experienced, local attorney can help determine the best way to proceed.
Revel does carry third-party liability coverage if a rider is found at fault in an accident. After a deductible is paid, the victims in an accident could receive $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident. Property damage is covered up to $10,000.
Deadlines for Filing for Compensation in California
If you were in an accident on a moped and feel Revel should be helping you with your financial hardships, filing a claim for damages may be your only option to get compensation. The State of California allows up to two years from the date of an accident for a victim to file a lawsuit.
The attorneys with Bay Area Bicycle Law do not recommend waiting the full two years before filing. The more time that passes the harder it will be to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and collect documents you’ll need to build a strong case against Revel. An experienced attorney can help you assemble these important details.
If you decide to file a claim for damages and win you may be awarded compensation for some of your hardships that you hadn’t considered.
Some of the damages that are commonly awarded after an accident are:
- Medical Bills (Past and Future)
- Surgeries
- Skin Grafts
- Medical Equipment
- Travel Costs
- Missed Time from Work
- Permanent Disability
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Pain and Suffering
- Cost of counseling for emotional pain.
Contact an Oakland Moped Accident Lawyer
Bay Area Bicycle Law is the only personal injury law firm in Northern California to specialize exclusively in representing injured cyclists and also victims injured on mopeds, scooters, and other forms of alternative travel. Years of advocacy for victims have seasoned our attorneys with the necessary skills, knowledge base, and familiarity to handle accident cases with the utmost level of professional expertise.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Oakland riders who are injured while riding mopeds are entitled to a wide array of compensation. We will always offer you legal advice which is in your best interest.