General safety requirements

Much has already been said about safety. Actually, one thing is very important in the context of safety: your own common sense. If something seems unsafe, it probably is. It is often underestimated how much force is applied to certain components and loads during accelerating, riding, braking and steering. Load that is not properly secured can become life-threatening while riding. Passengers can also influence the road holding, the steering and braking behaviour of the moped.

Load

Load may not form an obstruction while riding. Properly secure load so that it stays in place while accelerating, steering and (heavy) braking. Make sure that the load does not obstruct steering. Also think of loose straps. If these get caught between the moving parts of the moped while riding, there can be serious consequences.

Load may also not cause the lights or the number plate to be less visible. If your moped is more heavily loaded, for example due to load or a passenger. Adjust your rear suspension to be a little stiffer and increase the tyre pressure of the rear tyre.

Passengers

Adult passengers and children from the age of 12 are responsible themselves for how they are transported. But that does not mean that you no longer have a say in it as the driver. As the driver, take responsibility and make sure that everyone is safely transported. Do not go riding with a passenger who is not wearing a helmet or seatbelt, when these are mandatory. Indicate when you are bothered by your passenger, for example, because they counter-hang to much or when they cause you to swerve.

You must ensure that you stay concentrated while riding. Do not let yourself be rushed by passengers and adhere to the rules. If something goes wrong because you were distracted or dared you will be the one to pay for all the damages.

Protective clothing

In essence, mopeds and snorfietsen are slow motorcycles. Due to the lower speeds, the damage during a fall will also be less significant than with a motorcycle. In this, the helmet is the most important protection. It is not immediately necessary to purchase a full protective suit, like with a motorcycle.

However, wearing only shorts and a t-shirt will result in significant abrasions in the event of a fall. The advise is to at least wear long jeans or trousers and a sweater or jacket with long sleeves. Long trousers also protect your legs from the hot exhaust pipe of a moped or snorfiets if you accidentally touch it when getting off after a ride.

Gloves ensure the protection of the hands and wrists during a fall and, of course, against the cold while riding. The latter is also important, as you must be able to properly control the brakes. This is more difficult in winter with cold hands.

During sunny weather, a pair of sunglasses or a sun visor are important. If you helmet has a visor, make sure that this visor is clean.