Moped sales on the rise
September 19, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
Young and old alike are flocking to fuel-efficient mopeds and more stylish scooters to get around Waynesboro and other towns and cities across the country.
With high gas prices, an increasing number of the fuel-efficient mopeds that can get 100 miles per gallon or more can be found on city streets. Greg Hensley, manager of Wayne Cycle Shop in Waynesboro, said the mopeds are moving out quicker than he can keep them in stock.
His sales are up by about 60 percent over last year, with nationwide moped sales up nearly 50 percent. Prices start at just under $2,000, with payments as low as $50 per month.
According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, more people are riding motorcycles and mopeds.
Moped riders adjust to helmet rule
August 20, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
BLACKSBURG — Forget the romantic photos of windswept babes with coifed hair motoring around Europe on curvaceous Vespas. Beginning in October, moped riders in Blacksburg have two choices: helmet hair or a $50 fine.
Technically, the new helmet law — which requires helmets and eye protection for riders and drivers of mopeds — went into effect Aug. 12, after Blacksburg Town Council approved it on a unanimous vote. But for the next few weeks, police will focus on education instead of punishment.
Moped, Scooter Riders Urged To Use Caution, Follow Laws
July 24, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Hot weather and high gas prices are causing drivers to turn to more fuel-friendly modes of transportation, but police are warning motorists to be careful with their new rides.
Fairfax police said more drivers with different experience levels are traveling by moped, scooter and motorcycle, creating safety concerns as small vehicles share the road with larger cars.
The Fairfax Police Department released a new educational brochure for operators of small vehicles.
Is your moped a motorcycle?
July 24, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
WASHINGTON – Is that a moped or motorcycle you’re riding?
That might seem like a silly question, except in Virginia a new law blurs the distinction.
If you go more than 35 mph on a moped or scooter, it’s now considered a motorcycle.
That means you’ll have to have a motorcycle license, insurance and additional certification.
Helmets Enforcement for Moped Drivers
July 8, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
Waynesboro City Council also addressed the possibility of enforcing that helmets be worn by all moped riders throughout the city. This after a deadly moped crash happened over the weekend.
Police say the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash on the corner of North Delphine Avenue and Sixth Street.
Councilmember Nancy Dowdy says this fatality proves that city council must take action by moving forward on an ordinance, “I’m afraid that as the fuel crisis gets worse, more people are going to be riding them, and brain injury is a very real result of moped accidents, or scooters, or whatever you want to call them.”
Moped or motorcycle? Legal difference is big
June 24, 2008 by Hersey · Leave a Comment
Yes, those little mopeds go far on a gallon of gas. But how fast do they go?
Too fast to be safe, says Philip Bennink of Beaufort.
Not fast enough, says state Rep. Cary Allred of Burlington.
North Carolina State law limits mopeds to 30 mph on level ground. If they go any faster or their engines are larger than 50 cubic centimeters, they’re considered motorcycles.
