Do you live in a crowded city?
Then you know getting a car isn’t the most efficient way to go from point A to point B. Think of all the traffic woes you’ll have to face. Not to mention the difficulties and costs of parking and maintaining it.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of other vehicular options available on the market that can transport you swiftly from one place to another, even in the busiest of cities.
All you need to know about moped scooters
One suitable choice is the moped scooter. Much like its brothers, motorcycle and scooter, a moped has two wheels.
If you’re all at sea when it comes to these types of vehicles, you’re probably guilty of confusing a moped scooter with a regular scooter or a motorcycle.
Totally understandable, which is why we have written this article for you to understand better what mopeds are and how much they have to offer.
First, let’s give it a clear definition.
What is a moped scooter?
Imagine a regular bicycle, then motorise it. That used to be the whole point of mopeds.
Where the term “moped” comes from?
Not surprisingly, the modern versions no longer have pedals. Instead, the term moped became a sort of classification for vehicles with a small engine size of 50cc or lower.
However, this has since changed because there’s now an array of 125cc mopeds up for sale, offering more efficiency and dependability.
Its appeal comes from retaining the lightness of a bicycle but offering a quicker alternative. You get to enjoy the benefits of a bike and much more, especially in terms of speed.
Moreover, mopeds are very economical because they don’t consume too much energy.
Now that you’ve got the definition of mopeds in the bag, it’ll be easier for you to pick them out from a line-up of two-wheeled vehicles.
What Makes Mopeds Different?
We’re not about to dive into the nitty-gritty here, so don’t worry.
But in order to give more clarification to what mopeds are, let’s discuss more about its history.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, a moped has a low-powered engine, which is about 50cc in size and comes with a maximum speed of 28 meters per hour (mph). It supplies the power necessary to propel the vehicle and assist the rider.
Back then, the pedal was the main power source. And since mopeds didn’t have advanced electrical systems, it was no surprise that you could use them by only utilising the pedals.
These days, there are two main types of mopeds: electric and gas-powered.
Benefits of Using Mopeds
In this section, we’re going to give you a list of reasons why you should own a moped (if you don’t already).
And if you already have one of your own, then you’re in for a treat — you’ll appreciate your Moped’s value more.
1. Mopeds are affordable and can also save you money in the long run.
You can get a moped for less than a thousand pounds! Not only that, if you switch to a moped, just think of the efficiency gains you’ll be getting. These vehicles are inexpensive to manage and run, not to mention the discounted tax and insurance rate you can also enjoy.
2. Mopeds are easy to handle.
Being lightweight vehicles, handling mopeds is a walk in the park (but faster!). There won’t be an issue navigating through high-traffic areas because of their limber nature. Even beginners won’t have a hard time learning how to ride them.
3. Mopeds don’t consume too much space.
This is good for two reasons: parking and storage.
Any car owner has experienced the frustrations of finding a space to park their vehicles. Then there’s the hefty car parking fee to worry about once they do. But if you own a two-wheeled vehicle such as a moped, your parking woes will be long over. In the UK, you can find free parking for your moped just about anywhere.
Living in a busy city means public transport is encouraged and there’s a lack of parking space in residential areas, particularly at the city centre. But since mopeds are small-sized, we’re pretty sure tucking them in a garden, or even inside your home, is possible.
4. Mopeds are environmental-friendly.
Having a vehicle with a small engine won’t bring Mother Nature harm, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious individuals. For instance, gas-powered mopeds don’t use as much fuel as cars, even when travelling the same distance.
5. Mopeds can give you peace of mind.
We apologise for sounding a bit cosmic here, but admit it. You don’t have to stress about going to work so early in the morning. Certainly, zooming past stuck cars with bumper to bumper distance can give you some sense of repose, right?
Pro tip: If you see a road sign for bus lanes which has a motorist in it, you can pass by this lane on your moped.
Drawbacks of Mopeds
Of course, mopeds are not all roses. There are a few disadvantages worth mentioning here, such as:
1. Mopeds have lower speeds.
Some people are speed freaks. Unfortunately, while mopeds can get you to places quickly, it has little to do with speed. It just helps you steer clear of traffic.
2. Mopeds have limited mileage.
You can’t take your mopeds for long drives. Its compact engine won’t be able to take it.
3. Mopeds are little defenceless on the road.
Obviously, mopeds offer less protection than cars. Therefore, users need to be extra careful when riding them just as you would when on any two-wheeled vehicle, for that matter.
Safety Tips for Moped Users
Although using a Moped has its risks, it doesn’t mean it’s a huge hazard. If you follow the safety tips listed below, you won’t have anything to worry about!
- Be observant.
- Make yourself visible. Car drivers have blind spots, make sure they don’t miss you.
- Avoid tailgating at all costs. Keep your distance from the rear end of the vehicle in front of you.
- Before manouevring, look first from left to right to ensure you have enough space to do so.
- Follow speed limits. Slow down if you’re driving under bad weather conditions.
- Wear protective gear, regardless of the distance.
Who can use Mopeds?
You can often see young individuals using mopeds around Essex because it’s an easy means to get to the university or work.
As young as 16 years old, teens can ride 50CC mopeds, provided they have a driving licence and have passed the Compulsory Basic Training test. Training is also available for those who need it.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Moped
There are plenty of things to keep in mind before you purchase your first moped. However, one good thing is that, unlike with scooters and motorcycles, you don’t have to stress over your experience level because mopeds are more straightforward to navigate as they are less powerful. Nonetheless, the following factors will keep you in check so you can make a sound choice:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Mopeds are generally cheap, but if you’re not ready to invest too much, you can check out used models online. However, you might have trouble with the upkeep should you go down this path.
- Usage: More frequent usage means more maintenance costs.
- Moped regulations: Make sure you have a clear understanding of license plate laws, local regulations, speed-related rules, and access restrictions.
- Gears: Don’t think for one sec that you can snag a moped and call it a day. You need to purchase moped clothing as well, such as jackets, boots, helmets, and let’s not forget — the gloves.
- Available financing: Moped dealers usually provide financing, but doing your research beforehand pays off if you want a more reasonable rate.
- Options where to buy: You can get one from a dealer or enjoy the glory of the 21st century that is the internet and shop online!
How to Maintain a Moped
Mopeds have a tiny, cylindrical engine. While they tend to be low-maintenance, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye out on them. Here are some things you should monitor to make sure your vehicle is always up and running:
- Liquids (for gas-powered). Check the quality of the oil in use to ensure it’s always fresh.
- Suspension. Make sure it doesn’t have any leaks and has enough rebound.
- Rust. Rusting is a sign of deterioration. All moped parts should be free of it.
- Alignment. It should be according to the given specifications.
- Brakes. Majority of mopeds have drum brakes, which break easily.
- Tires. Worn out tires can be a problem on the road. For this reason we recommend having a puncture repair spray.
What’s the Lifespan of a Moped
Hard to say, because it will depend mostly on you, the user, and your maintenance skills. The good thing is that if you have problematic parts, you can replace them in a jiff.
What’s the Future of Mopeds?
Many European countries are encouraging the use of two-wheeled vehicles because of their benefits to the environment. Not only that, they can greatly reduce traffic in major cities, which causes a lot of stress to many.
