# Tell me about mopeds **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 8, 2008, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457 "2008-04-08T15:13:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![phall0106](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phall0106/32/5934_2.png) [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/1 "2008-04-08T15:13:54Z")
With the cost of gasoline fast approaching $4 a gallon, I’m really reconsidering my mode of transportation (2004 Hyundai Elantra). While I do have access to public transportation, it’s not particularly reliable when it comes to arriving to my destination anytime within this calendar year (ie. it takes FOREVER). However, I’ve been considering a moped, as I live close enough to work to ride a moped, but probably too far to bike. So, what can you tell me about owning and driving a moped? If I drive an automatic vehicle, and don’t have the coordination for a standard (and a motorcycle), will I be at a loss when it comes to a moped? What should I look for in a moped? Is buying a used moped worth the money? How about insurance? Just as a clarification, this would be to suppliment, not to replace, my car. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/2 "2008-04-08T15:50:18Z")
A moped (meaning a scooter under 50 ccs) is twist-and-go - in other words, it’s an automatic. However, there _is_ a learning curve, and I can’t believe they just let you drive the things without getting a special license for them. (At least they do in my state.) You should definitely take a class. And of course wear a helmet and motorcycle jacket, etc. My boyfriend got me one for Christmas and I love it. It’s fun to ride. It’s used, which is fine. I called a local place to ask about getting it checked up when I got it, and they said, eh, with those two stroke engines they run until they don’t run anymore. You keep gas and oil in it and it just runs. Mine gets a hundred miles to the gallon. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/3 "2008-04-08T16:16:40Z")
I second gettingthe safety gear and taking a safety class. I try to be a ATGATT rider (all the gear, all the time), I really hope I can keep that up through the summer. Send me a PM if you want recommendations on specific gear. I’ll list some of my favorite sites at the bottom, though. A scooter-specific class put on by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) can be found here: > **[You and Your Scooter: Riding Tips - Motorcycle Safety Foundation](http://msf-usa.org/documents/library/you-and-your-scooter-riding-tips/)** > > Your enjoyment and your safety depend on mastering not only the skill of riding a scooter, but also on the mental strategies related to sharing the road. If you can have a bike, you shouldn’t have any problem riding a scooter. I’d buy a used one, to make sure it’s something you’re going to get into (don’t buy a used helmet, though). If you decide you want to sell it, you won’t lose much money compared to buying a new one. Insurance ought to be super cheap, I’ve got a 1164cc engine on my bike, and full coverage is something like $150 every six months, if that. As far as what to look for, I’d say to make sure you have a place to put stuff. I have saddle bags on my bike, but a lot of scooters have plenty of room under the seat. When checking it out, see if you can go for a ride to make sure the handlebars are straight, and make sure to discount your offer significantly for any body damage. Heck, a single cowling on my bike is $500, and it’s got three, not counting the rear body work. Scooters really ain’t what they used to be, they’ve come a long way. I was in the cycle shop the other day, and this bad boy caught my eye: [http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/05/11/piaggio-3-wheel-mp3-scooter/](http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/05/11/piaggio-3-wheel-mp3-scooter/) It’s got two front wheels, for better traction in turns. I’ve never ridden one, but it looks pretty awesome. My favorite sites, in no particular order: > **[MotorcycleGear.com (the new name of New Enough) :: Motorcycle Jackets,...](https://www.motorcyclegear.com/)** > > MotorcycleGear.com: Your source for the latest motorcycle gear and the hottest motorcycle closeouts! [www.ridegear.com](http://www.ridegear.com) > **[Motorcycle Gear, Biker Apparel and Leather Clothing](https://www.leatherup.com)** > > Started in 1999 with 3.5 Million Customers. Shop the best selection of motorcycle riding gear, apparel, parts and accessories online. Over 200,000 product reviews and easy to shop features online. Lowest Price Guarantee, Free Shipping, and No Hassle... > **[Motorcycle Gear & Parts Online | J&P Cycles For Aftermarket...](https://www.jpcycles.com/)** > > Since 1979, J&P Cycles has been the go-to for die-hard motorcyclists who know aftermarket expertise when they see it. Learn more about our stores & online shop! Oh, and stay away from First Gear, they don’t make a very good product, IMHO. I probably missed something, let me know if you have other questions and I’ll do some research if I can’t answer them right away. [hijack] **Zsofia** , did you ever end up taking the MSF or scooter class?[/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![yanceylebeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yanceylebeef/32/12290_2.png) [@yanceylebeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yanceylebeef)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/4 "2008-04-08T17:09:51Z")
Depending on your where you live, [Genuine Scooters](http://www.genuinescooters.com/) makes both the Buddy, eithe 50cc or 125cc twist and gos, or the Stella, a 150 cc four speed that looks and runs much like the old Vespa P series scoots. The 125 and the 150 will give you enough oomph to get out of tricky traffic situations, but will need more training to ride, higher liscencing fees etc. I’d stay away from vintage vespas unless you like tinkering. My scoot is a 64 GL and I’m working on it almost every weekend. ---
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/5 "2008-04-08T17:19:46Z")
My fiancee bought a 50cc Buddy scooter last month and loves it. It gets up to around 45 MPH, but it takes a while. She’s averaging 90 MPG on it. It is 5 miles from our house to her job, and she hasn’t had any problems with it. If we would have had another $500, we probably would have bought to 125cc model, though. It has a top speed of about 60 MPH, but you need a motorcycle endorsement to (legally) ride one. As far as how easy it is to ride, if you can handle a bicycle, you can handle a scooter. They are almost all auto transmissions, so they are twist-and-go operation. The 50cc Buddy weighs about 200 pounds, so it’s not even that heavy to handle. > **[Home - Genuine Scooters](https://www.genuinescooters.com/)** > > For more than twenty years, Genuine Scooters has been creating passionate two-wheel scooter enthusiasts. We want everyone to feel the same passion and excitement that we do when we take one of our scooters or motorcycles for a ride. So what are you... ---
**Author:** ![RedSwinglineOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RedSwinglineOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedSwinglineOne)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/6 "2008-04-08T17:35:46Z")
I have a [yamaha vino 125](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/328/0/home.aspx), and it gets 80mpg, does 60mph. Its an automatic, easy to ride. Rock solid dependable. I think **wmulax93** is right about the size. I always recommend people get a 125 if they can. They are a little more expensive, but their speed makes them much safer. 50cc just can’t get you out of trouble. You will need a licence, but they are easy to get if you take the MSF training course, which is a good idea anyway. ---
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/7 "2008-04-08T20:43:44Z")
This thread is talking about scooters. Do real mopeds even still exist (I used to own one, but haven’t seen one in years). Just wondering. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/8 "2008-04-08T21:35:17Z")
Mopeds are very dangerous. You have to ride them in traffic but you can’t keep up with normal trafic speeds. I see people driving them extremly close to the right side of the road which makes cars pass them in the same lane. You have almost zero acceleration to get out of trouble. Scooters on the other hand can keep up and you can learn to ride them to be as safe as a regular motorcycle with all the fun of twist and go mopeds. I would go 200cc’s at least, but that depends on brands and your weight as well. I drive the cadillac of scooters but Burgman’s are expensive, but my top speed is well over 100mph. WEAR A HELMET no matter what you drive. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2008, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-mopeds/444457/9 "2008-04-09T14:01:02Z")
[QUOTE=kelly5078] This thread is talking about scooters. Do real mopeds even still exist (I used to own one, but haven’t seen one in years). Just wondering. [/QUOTE] I don’t think I’ve ever seen a true moped (MOtor PEDals). However, the term has been bastardized, even the legal definition, to mean any motorized vehicle with less than a 50cc engine, or up to 150cc, depending on locality. From the Wiki: > [@](#): > > Mopeds are a class of low-powered motorized vehicles, generally two-wheeled. Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorised vehicles, avoiding the safety restrictions and licensing charges required of larger motorcycles. Some motorized bicycles, small scooters, and small motorcycles fit the definition of a moped. In many countries[citation needed] microcars like Aixam and Piaggio Ape are classified as mopeds because of their low top speed and small capacity engine. > > In legal literature, mopeds are normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, transmissions, or the requirement of pedals. In some countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for larger motorcycles, and consequently mopeds are popular among the youth. Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30-75 km/h (18-47 mph) and engines less than 100 cc. Some localities require pedals, thus making them a form of hybrid vehicle, using both human power and machine power. Because of their small size, many jurisdictions consider them “limited speed motorcycle.” > **[Moped](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moped)** > > A moped (/ˈmoʊ.pɛd/ MOH-ped) is a type of small and inexpensive motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. Historically, the term exclusively meant a motorcycle with bicycle pedals. Mopeds typically travel only slightly faster than bicycles on public roads. > Traditional mopeds are distinguishable by their pedals, similar to a bicycle. Some mopeds have a step-through frame design, while others have motorcycle frame designs, includi... Although it says some localities require pedals, I know New Mexico doesn’t. YMMV. ETA: To respond to Lanzy’s post, when they mention a 200cc scooter, be sure and check the DMV website in your state to find our licensing requirements. In New Mexico, anything above 100cc requires a W class motorcycle license. Good info here: > **[The DMV Made Simple - DMV.ORG](https://www.dmv.org/)** > > DMV.ORG makes understanding the Department of Motor Vehicles simple. Get quick access to DMV locations & hours, appointments, renewals, forms, practice tests & more.