Mopeds must meet same requirements as vehicles; rider must have permit or driver's license

Question: I read an article about gas-powered bicycles/mopeds and I have some questions of my own. What is needed in addition when one has a permit or driver’s license?
Answer: These rules apply to required equipment and gear for moped riders:
•A moped must meet the same lighting requirements as a motorcycle, with a headlight, taillight and stop lamp. The headlight must be on during operation. Mopeds manufactured before 1987 are not normally equipped with a headlight or taillight and may be operated during daylight hours only.
•A horn and mirror are required safety equipment for a moped.
•Moped riders must wear protective eyewear.
•Moped riders under 18 years old must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
•The Department of Public Safety recommends that moped operators observe the same rules of safety and wear the same protective equipment suggested for motorcycle riders.
These rules and restrictions apply to operating mopeds:
•Because of the relatively low speeds of mopeds, you should ride in the traffic lane as far right on the roadway as possible unless you are making a left turn. Riding on sidewalks is not permitted except where it would be necessary for a short distance to get from a driveway, alley or building to an adjacent roadway.
•Mopeds are not allowed on lanes or trails that have been set aside for bicycles and the exclusive use of non-motorized traffic.
•Moped riders on a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast and shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
•Mopeds are not allowed on interstate freeways.
•A moped equipped with a headlight and taillight that meet motorcycle lighting requirements may be operated during nighttime hours. “Night” or “nighttime” means the time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us) or on Twitter: MSPPIO_SOUTH.