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Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 | 7:05 p.m.
An Assembly committee gave a lukewarm reception to the Las Vegas Metro Police on Tuesday on its bill to require licensing and insurance coverage for mopeds.
The bill, AB101, would require moped owners to register their bikes with the Department of Motor Vehicles, buy insurance and wear a helmet.
Assemblyman Paul Anderson, R-Las Vegas, said it would put a burden on the consumer. The cost of registration would be $33 and $16 for a license plate. And there was testimony that a minimum insurance policy would cost about $200 every six months.
Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Minden, said some people build these mopeds and put lawn mower engines in them. And they would be subject to the licensing and insurance.
Officer Brian O’Callaghan of the police department said these moped drivers cause accidents, suffer injuries and have no insurance when they are taken to the hospital.
Transportation Committee Chairman Richard Carrillo, D-Las Vegas, told O’Callaghan he wants some firm numbers on what it is costing taxpayers for treatment of these uninsured moped riders.
O’Callaghan told the committee that some of these mopeds are souped up to exceed the 20 mph limit. They are a motorized vehicle and need to be regulated, he said.
Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, D-Las Vegas, said she had “real concerns” about the bill including the financial burden on people.
Carrillo said the bill would be placed in a work session to determine its fate. He did not have a date for the session.
These underpowered things are a danger on our streets...to the riders and those individuals and cars around them. And far too often I see them being ridden without regard to their own safety or the safety of those around them.