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Chapter 1: Introduction to Mopeds

A reliable form of personal transportation is a requirement in almost every life. The many advantages of mopeds have brought them increasingly into the mainstream, and these efficient, versatile machines have become the motor vehicle of choice among all types of riders. For many, a moped can suffice as the only motorized vehicle in the home. It can bring a commuter to and from work, run basic errands, and even travel long distance. For others, a moped can provide an alternative form of transportation, to be used when a car or public transportation is unnecessary, inconvenient or poorly economical.

A moped can be thought of as intermediate vehicle between a bicycle and a motorcycle. In contrast to their bicycle predecessors, mopeds are powered by gas or electricity and thus do not rely solely upon energy provided by the rider for function. However, mopeds are much less powerful, slower, and thus safer than motorcycles, which can reach speeds as great as or greater than cars but are also among the more dangerous forms of transportation.

The word �moped� is thought to originate from a combination of the words �motor� and �pedal�. Indeed, the first mopeds in existence were simply bicycles with a small motor attached to the front wheel to aid in propulsion of the pedaled bicycle. Alternatively, some believe that the word was derived from the Russian �motor velocipede,� with �velocipede� indicating a bicycle in Russian.

Even today, many mopeds have retained the bicycle pedaling function as a part of their powering mechanism. Additionally, mopeds are usually equipped with a chain engine, similar to the chain on a bicycle. Of the variety of motorized vehicles that are street-legal in the United States, mopeds have the smallest engines. In many states, a vehicle is classified as a moped only if it features an engine smaller than 50cc.

Not to be confused with mopeds are motor scooters, which are frequently but erroneously referred to interchangeably with mopeds. Unlike mopeds, motor scooters may feature engines larger than 50cc and these engines are often the two- or four-stroke models also used in motorcycles. While top speeds for mopeds are generally in the range of 35 miles per hour, motor scooters with their more powerful engines can reach speeds as high as 85 miles per hour. Of course, true motorcycles feature engines that are even more powerful, and can reach speeds far beyond any speed limit.

The intermediate properties of mopeds between bicycles and more powerful two- or three-wheeled vehicles lend them versatility unavailable to many other forms of transportation. Indeed, some models of moped enable the operator to choose between powering the moped with pedals or with the engine. This feature also makes these models the most efficient and most environmentally friendly models. It also makes them the slowest and safest of the two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles.

Mopeds are available in many sizes, shapes and colors and can be purchased at a dealership or even online. Many moped websites are available from which a buyer can select a model, color and accessories and the moped can be conveniently shipped directly to its new owner.

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