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Mopeds are a class of low powered motorized vehicles in legal literature normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, or the requirement of pedals. Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorised vehicles avoiding safety restrictions and licensing charges of larger motorcycles. Motorized bicycles, small scooters and small motorcycles generally fit the definition of a moped.

Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30–35 mph (about 50–55 km/h). Some localities require pedals, thus making them hybrid transport, using both human power and machine power. Many jurisdictions consider them as "limited speed motorcycles." The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, were nothing but bicycles with a helper motor in various locations, for example on top of the front wheel. These were commonly called cyclemotors. An example of this type is the Velosolex brand which simply had a rubber roller driving the front tyre. A more innovative design was known as the Cyclemaster in the UK. This had a complete powered rear wheel which was simply substituted for the bicycle rear wheel. It originated from a design by two DKW engineers in Germany. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98cc engine were known as autocycles. However, some mopeds, such as the Czech-made Jawa, were derived from motorcycles.

A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors—these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorized bicycles. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion.

Some mopeds are designed like cars, similar to microcar, for instance the French Aixam. Another type is the three wheeled (two front, one back) transport moped.

Etymology

The word moped is a Swedish short form of the word motorvelociped. Velociped is an older Swedish word for bicycle, imported from the French word vélocipède formed from the Latin velocispedis meaning "fast foot". However, it is also likely that the term is merely an abbreviated combination of the two key elements of a moped—a motor and pedals.

Local definitions

United States

While the exact legal definition of a moped varies from state to state, a moped's speed generally may not exceed 30 mph on level ground (in a few states this number is 20 or 25 mph), and in most states, the maximum engine capacity is 50 cc, although a few states allow up to 85 or 130 cc. Some states require pedals, while others do not.^[1]

United Kingdom

The term moped describes any low-powered motor driven cycle with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h. If used before 1/8/1977 it must be moveable by pedals.^[2]

Russia

The moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Such vehicles require no licensing. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver on a provisional license. If a full moped test is carried out then riders are allowed on the back.

Canada

In Alberta, Canada, mopeds and scooters require a class 6 (motorcycle) or class 7 (learner's permit) licence and must have engines under 50 cc. In addition to this, they must not have a driver-operated transmission. They are allowed to carry more than one person. Mopeds and scooters are subject to all of the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must wear helmets. ^[3]

Finland

Mopeds can be driven with M-class driving licence, at the age of 15. Power of a moped isn't limited, but the speed limit is 45 km/h and engine capacity can be max 50cc, but most modern mopeds go easily over 50km/h. Mopeds are allowed to carry one passenger with the driver, if the moped is registered to two persons.

New Zealand

Mopeds can be driven with any class of driver licence. Mopeds are classified as having an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h. Electric mopeds must have a motor between 600 and 2000 watts.^[4]

Sweden

Mopeds are available in two classes. Class 1 (also known as EU moped as it was introduced to comply with European Union rules) is a moped deisgned for a maximum speed of 45 km/h powered by an engine of 50 cc or, if it's an electric motor, has a maximum power of 4 kW. To drive a class 1 moped you have to have either a driver's licence type A (motorcycle) or B (car), a driving licence for tractor or a class 1 moped licence. In traffic class 1 mopeds are regarded as motorcycles (but may not be driven on motorways or motorroads) and has to be registered and have a licence plate. They are however tax free. Class 2 is a moped designed for a top speed of 25 km/h and has an engine with maximum 1 kW. No licence is required, but the driver has to be above 15 years and wear a helmet. In traffic they are regarded as bicycles unless there are signs explicitly fordiding mopeds. Mopeds registered before June 17 2003 are called legacy mopeds and they are subject to the same rules as class 2 mopeds, but may have a top speed of 30 km/h.

Italy

Mopeds require either a car "B-class" license, or a special moped license that is supposed to be taught and delivered in schools, but in reality often requires an external driving school. They are limited to 50cc and physically restricted to 45 km/h, either with mechanical or electronic locks. This regulation is, however, widely ignored, and most dealerships will unrestrict the moped at no expense if the owner so desires. They can also be de-restricted later with minimal expense. Unrestricted mopeds commonly reach speeds in excess of 80 km/h. It is estimated that close to 95% of all italian 50cc mopeds are illegally unrestricted, with many of them further modified as well.

Moped culture

As mopeds and repair parts have become scarcer, and as a certain nostalgia has grown around mopeds (not unlike that of classic scooters), enthusiasts have formed an increasing number of organizations devoted to moped collecting, repair, and lifestyle.

File:Mopedrally009.jpg

Mopeds Gone Wild—A rally sponsored by the Hells Satans branch of the Moped Army

The Moped Army is a moped club comprised of local branches from the United States and Canada. Different branches put together annual rallies around the country.

The Moped Riders Association is an international organization which sponsors events and rides throughout North America.

A number of unaffiliated local and regional organizations also exist, such as the RCMP from the Greater Toronto Area, Rocket Ship Tomos from Japan, the MOFOs from New Jersey, and The Variators, which were formerly a branch of the Moped Army, from Ottawa.

In the Gatineau Area, mopeds have been associated with fraternal organizations such as the Hells Mopeds, a sub group of the motorcycle gang called the Hells Angels. Most motorcycle and moped organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides.

Moped safety

Riding a moped safely has similar considerations to motorcycle safety, however, some concerns are exacerbated on a moped. Their smaller size, while offering finer control than would be possible with a larger bike, also makes them harder to see.^[5]

Keeping in mind these differences, information on Motorcycle safety and scooter safety offer useful safety advice.

External links

Open Directory Project - Moped section.
DIY Moped Repair Videos: Instructional video series teaches how to repair and maintain your moped.
Moped Army
Moped Web Ring
http://moped2.org/
The Scooter Scoop!, for motor scooter news, reviews, commentary and the celebration of 2-wheeled oddities

References

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 === Russia ===
 [[Image:ZiD-50-Pilot.jpg|thumb|Russian moped ZiD-50 "Pilot"]]
-The moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Such vehicles require no [[license|licensing]]. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver, on a profisinal licece. If a full moped test is carried out then people are allowed on the back.
+The moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Such vehicles require no [[license|licensing]]. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver on a provisional license. If a full moped test is carried out then riders are allowed on the back.
-APRILIA SR50 DITECH is the fastest scooter on the road within the 50 cc catorgary.
 === Canada ===