Department of Transportation

Mopeds to Hit DC Streets This Weekend

You can rent a bike, a scooter and — starting this weekend — a moped. 

Revel electric mopeds are set to roll out on D.C. streets in a four-month pilot program.

Revel Mopeds co-founder Paul Suhey said he wanted to bring the moped trend to the U.S. after often seeing them overseas.

"We're super excited to be here," Suhey said. "This is a really fun, easy and convenient way to get around."

To ride, one must send in a photo of a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years old with a safe driving record.

The company verifies if you have a suspended license, any past DUIs or multiple reckless speeding tickets. If you do, you're not allowed to ride, Suhey said. 

After making an account, one can reserve a moped on the app and pay by the minute.

All the mopeds come with a helmet for the driver and another for a passenger. Revel advises that riders do a quick safety inspection of the ride before they get on and start riding.

D.C. law defines a moped ("motor-driven cycle") as a vehicle powered by a gas, electric or hybrid motor, with a seat or saddle and two or three wheels, able to travel no faster than 30 mph. 

Since they're considered vehicles, they're only allowed on the streets, not sidewalks or bike lanes. 

The pilot program is meant to allow the District to evaluate how mopeds will fit in with the rest of D.C.'s transportation network, DDOT Director Jeff Marootian said in a statement. 

Companies that want to participate in the pilot program must meet the terms and conditions of a new Public Right of Way Occupancy Permit; among the requirements, they must mandate that riders wear helmets and have valid driver's licenses.

Companies that qualify will be allowed to have up to 400 vehicles during the demonstration period.

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