Zipping around town on a moped. Visiting the best tourist attractions by scooter. Signing up for that off-road all-terrain vehicle (ATV) excursion. These are all exciting ways to enjoy a vacation or holiday. But, to avoid breaking local laws and keep yourself safe, it’s best to know what your insurance will cover.
Here are a few things to know about rental vehicles before your next trip.
Depending on where you travel, it's best to check the laws in that specific area about mopeds, ATVs and scooters. In some regions, special licenses might be required. And, driving vehicles of this type without a license might be illegal and not covered by any insurance.
Questions to ask include does the area require a special license? Is additional insurance required?
Why this matters:
There are different types of vehicles. Some are considered bikes. Others are considered motorcycles.
Mopeds and scooters aren’t the same. They have different licensing requirements:
A scooter is a smaller version of a motorcycle, but less powerful. It can have a step-through chassis, a footrest platform (no pedals) and is usually two-wheeled. The engine is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). This can often determine what licensing is required.
Up to 50cc: It's considered a limited-speed motorcycle (LSM). It can reach top speeds of about 70 km/hour.
In most places, scooters up to 50cc can be ridden without a separate license.
Over 55cc: Larger scooters over 50cc will require licensing.
Mopeds are derived from the name "motor-pedal" because they look like bicycles with pedals. These look like much smaller motorcycles and they have low-powered engines.
Mopeds generally have 50cc or less. Some have functional pedals like a bike and they can travel about 50 km/hour. A license is not usually required for a moped.
Basic insurance coverage should include:
Optional insurance options include:
Costs for rentals and insurance coverage can vary. Various factors can affect the rates you're charged. These include your age, driving record, driving experience and the type of vehicle you want to insure and rent.
Tips on Vehicle Safety:
Tips on Rentals and Insurance:
Renting a moped, scooter or ATV can be exciting when you're on vacation or holiday. Ensure you have proper insurance and licensing before renting vehicles. Most vehicle rental agencies have policies you can sign up for. They may also offer a short course on vehicle safety for the rental. Stay safe on the road and obey all traffic laws (for an even better time away!). And, if you have questions about vehicle insurance, contact Rates.ca.
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