Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall
No law in New Mexico dictates the applicable height for riding a motorcycle. The most important aspect is your ability to touch the ground with both feet simultaneously while standing to enhance your balance.
Standing on one foot at a time or on tiptoe is dangerous and increases the risk of losing balance and overturning the motorcycle. Choose a bike with a suitable seat height, whether you’re short or tall.
The bike should also have an ideal height that promotes a safe and comfortable riding experience.
Consult a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in New Mexico to learn about applicable laws and what to do if injured in a crash.
Are there Motorcycles for Short People?
If you’re a short person, there are several factors to consider besides the height of the motorcycle. You should evaluate the seat width and room for bending your legs. The ideal bike for a short person should be lighter, narrower, and well-balanced.
Here are excellent options for short riders:
- Honda Grom—30-inch seat
- Honda Havi—30-inch seat
- Triumph Speed Twin 900—30.1 inch seat
- BMW G-310—30.9-inch seat with an option to lower the seat to 30.3 inches
- Harley Davidson Street 750— with an adjustable seat of 28 inches
- Honda Monkey— with a 30.5-inch seat weighing 231 lb
Can Size Affect a Motorcycle Ride?
Motorcycle size refers to the size of the engine, measured in cubic centimeters (CC). The greater the engine’s volume or the higher the CC levels, the more power and speed capacity a motorcycle has.
Beginners should choose an engine capacity that fits their ability. They should not ride anything more potent than 750cc. The ideal motorcycle size should be within the 250cc—500cc range.
Because of its power, a bike with too much CC increases the risk of motorcycle accidents for beginners.
Why Height Matters?
A low seat level can make all the difference when controlling your motorcycle at low speeds or coming to a stop. A suitable seat level allows you to establish yourself securely on the ground and confidently navigate traffic situations.
What Are the New Mexico Laws to Ride a Motorcycle?
Here is a list of motorcycle laws applicable to riders:
New Mexico Traffic Laws and Regulations
All vehicle owners, including motorcyclists, must abide by New Mexico’s traffic laws and regulations. New Mexico has numerous traffic laws and regulations, including yielding to the right of way.
Riders should also adhere to prescribed speed limits. New Mexico’s speed limit is at most 75 mph on rural interstates and 55 mph on other roads.
New Mexico Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle riders and passengers below 18 years old must wear a helmet. The suitable helmet should meet or exceed the federal regulations under the Department of Transportation. Once a motorcyclist turns 18, they are under no legal obligation to wear a helmet.
New Mexico repealed the law requiring all riders to wear helmets in 1977. Failure to wear a helmet for riders or passengers below 18 may attract a fine.
New Mexico Motorcycle License Laws
According to the Motor Vehicle Division in New Mexico, all persons driving a motor vehicle on New Mexico roadways and highways require a license. A motorcycle rider in New Mexico must have a valid driving license with proper endorsements determined by the motorcycle’s engine size.
You will require the following to obtain a New Mexico motorcycle license:
- Pass a motorcycle license exam
- Proof of identification
- Pass a state-approved driver education program
- Pass a vision test
- Make a payment for license fees
In addition, motorcycle license requirements depend on the applicable age. For instance, the New Class M 15+ license requirement is appropriate for those aged 15 years or above. In addition to the above requirements, the applicant requires the parent’s or guardian’s signature.
A New Class M 15+ license is an instruction permit with an endorsement that doesn’t require the rider to carry a passenger.
New Mexico Motorcycle Insurance Laws
All motorists in New Mexico must carry minimum insurance coverage to operate legally. The minimum insurance requirements in New Mexico are as follows:
- $10,000 for property damage
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
You should carry proof of insurance at all times when operating a motorcycle. A few riders opt to leave $60,000 or a surety bond with the state’s treasurer’s office.
Motorcycle Eye Protection Laws
New Mexico Statutes Section 66-7-355 requires anyone operating a motorcycle without a windshield to wear an eye-protective device, which may include a face shield attached to a safety helmet, safety eyeglasses, or goggles.
Can Size Be the Cause of a Motorcycle Accident?
When it comes to bikes, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Although a motorcycle with a larger engine size is more powerful than a smaller bike, riding a motorcycle with a more prominent engine can be dangerous and deadly.
Inexperienced riders find it challenging to control powerful engines, which exposes them to the risk of accidents.
Choosing an appropriate seat height gives you better stability and a reduced risk of motorcycle accidents.
In addition, a suitable seat level offers the following advantages:
- Enhanced Control: An appropriate seat height ensures you gain control and stability over your motorcycle, particularly during start-stop traffic. You gain more confidence and control when you’re comfortably touching the ground.
- Maximum Comfort: A suitable seat height helps prevent discomfort and potential injuries. An incorrect seat level can contribute to knee, hip, or lower back pain, diminishing your riding pleasure.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get in Touch With an Experienced New Mexico Personal Injury Attorney
Your quality of life is likely to worsen after sustaining an injury in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence. You, therefore, deserve compensation for injury-related losses like medical expenses or pain and suffering.
Parnall Law is a highly experienced motorcycle accident attorney with a proven track record of representing injured victims. Contact us online or at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation.
