Mopeds are a type of low-powered motorcycle with pedals, designed to provide economical and relatively safe transport with minimal licensing requirements. Traditionally, mopeds are equipped with bicycle-like pedals (the source of the term, motor-pedal), but moped is sometimes applied by governments to vehicles without pedals, based on their similar engine displacement, speed, and/or power output. Mopeds occasionally resemble powered bicycles, but most are now step-through designs (both kinds, visually similar to a traditional scooter but with either large or small wheels) and step-over designs similar to regular motorcycle. Although mopeds usually have two wheels, in some jurisdictions low-powered three or four wheeled vehicles are also classified as mopeds.
In most countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for larger motorcycles and cars and they are often popular with the young. Mopeds are typically restricted to 50 km/h (30 mph) from an engine displacement of 49 cc, though there are a few variations.
History
The earliest mopeds were invented by Anthony Derek Davis, which were bicycles with a helper motor in various locations, for example on top of the front wheel; they were also called cyclemotors. An example of that type is the VéloSoleX brand, which simply has a roller driving the front tire. (See picture, below left.)
A more innovative design was known in the UK as the Cyclemaster. This had a complete powered rear wheel which was simply substituted for the bicycle rear wheel, which originated from a design by two DKW engineers in Germany. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98 cc engine were known as autocycles. On the other hand 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; see full article there. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion. In some places, three wheelers and microcars are classified as mopeds or variations thereof. In some countries, such as France and Belgium, microcars like Aixam are classified similarly to mopeds as "light quadricycles" - because of their low top speed and small capacity engine.
While the term "moped" now has a particular meaning, pedals were a sign of sophistication when fitted to early motorcycles, such as the 1912 Douglas in the photograph. LPA (light pedal assistance) was valuable for climbing hills and even pulling away from stationary. It was a great improvement over "run and jump".
Etymology
The word moped was coined by Swedish journalist Harald Nielsen in 1952, as a portmanteau of mo tor and ped al. It is however often claimed to be derived from " mo torveloci ped ", as Velocipede is an obsolete term for bicycle that is still being used in some languages such as Russian. According to Douglas Harper, the Swedish terms originated from "( trampcykel med ) mo (tor och ) ped (aler )", which means "pedal cycle with engine and pedals." (the earliest versions had auxiliary pedals).
Other terms used for low-powered cycles include motorbicycle , motorized bicycle , motor-driven cycle , and goped (motorized inline skateboard with T-bar). In German, the terms Mofa (from Motor-Fahrrad , "motor-bicycle") and Mokick (equipped with kick-start) are also used. In Finnish, the common term is mopo (from moottoripolkupyörä , "motor-powered bicycle"). The term noped is sometimes used for mopeds that do not have pedals.
Derestriction and performance tuning
By the 1970s, it was obvious that the pedals on mopeds were no longer performing any useful function, in fact the performance of the 49 cc engines available was delivering speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h), a common model in the UK being the Yamaha FS1E. Such speeds were felt to be considerably more than the target market could safely handle. Western jurisdictions introduced new regulations (eg UK in 1977), limiting the speed of these "mopeds" to 30 mph or 50 km/h (and abolishing the requirement for pedals). In some cases, the power restrictions (such as perforated plates in the inlet tract) were primitive and easy to bypass, but the larger manufacturers from eg Japan restricted engine breathing with smaller carburettors (eg 16 mm replaced with 13 mm) and modifications to cylinder ports and exhausts. Then they fitted CDI ignition systems tuned to limit maximum engine revolutions eg the Honda MT/MB50 was built to run to 10,000 rpm, but the combined restrictions cause it to run out at around 6,500 rpm. Illegal de-restriction of models such as this is effectively impossible.
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 larger bikes, also makes them harder to see. Many mopeds are equipped with reflectors and other accessories that make them more visible in the street - especially in the dark. Most mopeds are distinctive, low-powered scooters (though often with motorcycle wheels), while others are styled to look like motorcycles. Those that are styled like or as motorcycles are more likely to be used (illegally) on high speed roads.
Moped racing
The wide availability of previously-used but still functional small motorcycles in western societies enables and encourages cheap forms of racing, wrongly called moped racing. Dirt-racing can take place in the stadiums of agricultural shows, where the surface is not too important. One popular series uses chicanes consisting of stacked tractor tyres and requires a team of riders, each doing 10 laps before pulling into the middle of the ring for change-over. Two heats and a final, each lasting 25 minutes, can be held in one day interspersed with speedway racing and other displays. Another series once held on full-size race-tracks, including Le Mans, ran for 25 hours (typically 3.00pm one day until 4.00pm the next) and was billed as "the longest race in the world".
Moped collecting
Even as mopeds themselves have become scarcer in the West, a certain nostalgia has grown around them (as with classic scooters). Enthusiasts have formed a considerable number of organizations devoted to moped collecting, repair, and lifestyle.
Individual countries/regions
See also
- Category:Mopeds
- Category:Moped manufacturers
- Electric motorcycles and scooters
- Motorized bicycle
- Motorcycle
- Scooter
- Underbone
- Moped Army
References
- ^ aixam.com, Legislation , http://www.aixam.com/legislation.php , retrieved 2009-03-31
- ^ "Moped - inget teleskopord" (in Swedish). Dagens Nyheter . 2006-01-15 . http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1637&a=513203 . Retrieved 2007-06-01 .
- ^ Harper, Douglas (November 2001). "moped". Online Etymology Dictionary . http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=moped&searchmode=none . Retrieved 2007-01-09 .
- ^ "Moped Survival Guide—Urban Two-Wheeled Warfare". Moped Army . http://www.mopedarmy.com/resources/articles/survivalguide/ . Retrieved 2007-06-01 . ...
Mopeds for Sale - Gas and Electric Mopeds Free Shipping
Mopeds : GO Karts : Dirt Bikes : Pocket Bikes : Mini Choppers : Motorcycles : Bike Helmets ... About Mopeds. The days for petroleum fuelled vehicles are speedily diminishing ...
50cc Moped - Direct Bikes Mopeds
Direct Bikes 50cc Mopeds Delivered to Your Door, cheapest prices. London based.
Direct Bikes Moped - Buy 125cc and 50cc (49cc) Mopeds Direct
The UK's No.1 Moped Brand - Mopeds Delivered To Your Door. Large Range of Moped Designs From 50cc (49cc) Mopeds To 125cc Mopeds.
Moped Insurance from Swinton Bike Insurance
Swinton Bikes compare cheap moped insurance quotes in minutes! Swinton moped insurance comes with helmet and leather cover included worth £1500.
50cc 4 Stroke Moped Scooter - Sports Bike Store
Everybody needs a break from their demanding lives and face it, we do not get out of the house enough. Stuck in traffic? Seeking an alternative means ...
Mopeds
You’ve seen them by now no doubt – mopeds. They zip by you on the city streets or cruise through country roads at a quick speed. For most these were simply fun bikes to toy ...
EEC Moped Bike Manufacturers & Suppliers | Global Sources
EEC Moped Bike Manufacturers ★ Verified with 3 or more face-to-face visits by Global Sources ★ Choose Verified Wholesale EEC Moped Bike Manufacturers & Suppliers
mopedsPocket Bikes | Mopeds
Your Cart is currently empty.
Electric Mopeds - Bike Hugger
Check this hand-built beauty from Sound Speed Scooters. It still has pedals for when the juice runs low. It’s almost painted and ready for a hugga test ride.