Lawmaker wants to ban mopeds from South Carolina roads

WEST ASHLEY SC (WCSC) - A state lawmaker wants to put the brakes on mopeds in South Carolina.

Pickens County Rep. David Hiott wants mopeds banned, saying they are too dangerous to share the road with cars.

For North Charleston resident Ryan Johnson, his moped is his only way to get around. Johnson doesn't own a car.

"I personally have an anxiety issue that doesn't allow me to operate your average car," Johnson said. "They are dangerous, yes, but that comes with any vehicle."

Just how dangerous are they? You be the judge.

According to the Department of Public Safety, so far this year, there have 30 fatal moped accidents this year in South Carolina. There were 24 for all of last year.

"You don't remember the guys like me in the far right lane of traffic, operating using their turn signals, going to speed limit. You remember that one jerk who cut in front of you and you had to slam the brakes and possibly cause you an accident," Johnson said.

West Ashley moped dealer Michael Schillo says most of his customers are folks who cannot afford a car or legally can't drive one because of a DUI.

"A lot of people probably don't want to be forced to ride one of these every single day. They would rather be driving a car," Schillo said.

Moped riders who will have their eyes on the road and also on the state capital, hoping they won't have to park them permanently.

Hiott's bill has been sent to committee for further study. He is hoping it will be taken up by the house in the next legislative session.

Copyright 2014 WCSC. All rights reserved.