MOPEDS AND THE AUSTRALIAN USER PROFILE

Moped definitions, the regulation of moped use, and major moped safety issues are briefly outlined to provide an international basis for a discussion of recent Australian data on moped users. Results are presented of two 1979 surveys: a pilot survey in Victoria and Western Autralia to test questionnaire design and to obtain initial data on the characteristics of moped purchasers, and a main survey in South Australia of registered moped and under-50 mL. motorcycle owners. Data cover the number of mopeds, personal characteristics of riders, vehicle ownership and access, licenses held, the vehicle and reasons for purchase, effects of moped ownership on travel, distances traveled, accident involvement, and attitudes (perception of the moped, moped regulations, and moped riding habits). The implications of increased moped use in Australia are discussed: regulatory aspects, effect of reduced fees, minimum license age, and effects on accidents. From the surveys conducted in the three Australian states, moped owners are likely to be male, to come from any age group (the average age highly dependent on minimum license age), and to perceive the moped as a necessary means of economical transport. The moped is likely to be ridden 2300 km. (1400 mi.)/yr. and has a low accident risk. Future research should be directed at monitoring and examining moped accident patterns.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also HS-030 011.
• Corporate Authors:

  ARRB

  Melbourne, Victoria  Australia 

  Department of Transport, Australia

  Department of Construction House, 470 Northbourne Avenue
  Canberra, A.C.T.,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • WIGAN, M R
  • Carter, A J
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 55 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Drivers; Human characteristics; Moped drivers; Mopeds; Motor vehicles; Motorcyclists; Ownership; Regulations; Traffic crashes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver characteristics
• Subject Areas: Law; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00376875
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: ARRB-AIR-349-3, HS-030 028
• Files: HSL, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 30 1983 12:00AM