Road and Weather Conditions: Watch Out on Your Moped or Scooter!
Wind, rain, fog, wet pavement, oil patches, gravel... Road and weather conditions considerably affect the operation of a moped or scooter.
Check the weather forecast before setting out for a moped or scooter ride
The main weather conditions to which moped or scooterA 2- or 3-wheel passenger vehicle equipped with an electric motor or a gasoline-powered engine with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cc and an automatic transmission. operators must adapt are rain, fog and wind.
Driving a moped or scooter in the rain
The roadway is slippery.
Visibility is reduced.
The braking distance is longer.
Tire traction is reduced.
Whenever possible, avoid riding:
in lanes where water accumulates
in grooves in the pavement
As you approach a puddle
Look far ahead.
Release the throttle.
Avoid abrupt manoeuvres and keep your arms and hands relaxed.
Do not attempt to turn the handlebars or brake.
Once you have crossed the puddle, gradually accelerate to a safe speed.
Driving a moped or scooter in fog
Slow down.
Increase the distance between you and other vehicles.
Wear protective clothing that is brightly coloured or has reflective strips.
This recommendation should be followed at all times. You can never be too careful!
Drive in the section of the road where you will be best protected from incoming traffic as well as from parked vehicles.
Driving a moped or scooter in windy conditions
In strong winds, especially if they blow from the side, it is strongly recommended that you do not use your moped or scooter.
In the event of high winds, take cover in a safe place as soon as possible.
If you still have to use your moped or scooter, here is was you must do:
slow down
increase the distance between you and other vehicles
firmly grip the handlebars
stay in the middle third of the lane so you have room to move to the left or right if your moped or scooter is moved by the wind.
In the event of crosswinds, slightly counter steer to fight the crosswinds pushing on your moped or scooter:
push the right handlebar if the wind is blowing from the right
push the left handlebar if the wind is blowing from the left
Between December 1 and March 15
The Regulation respecting the use of tires specifically designed for winter driving also applies to mopeds and scooters. Therefore, from December 1 to March 15, you must have your moped or scooter equipped with winter tires that meet established standards and are in good condition in order to drive it on the road network.
However, even if your moped or scooter is equipped with winter tires, if it is snowing or if the road is covered with snow or ice, do not take any chances: do not use your moped or scooter.
Road conditions: be cautious!
Be aware of road conditions and watch out, in particular, for:
potholes and cracks
pavement markings: they are very slippery when damp
fallen leaves and frost in the fall
oil patches: whether or not mixed with dust, oil patches reduce tire traction considerably and very quickly, especially when it has just begun to rain or on a very hot day
sand and gravel, especially when riding uphill, downhill or in a curve
Sunshine and mopeds or scooters: watch out for sun glare
Early morning and evening sunlight can sometimes be blinding, which affects your vision.
Be careful with tinted visors: they may reduce sun glare, but they can also interfere with sharpness of vision!
