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 50kmh (or 30mph in other jurisdictions) from an engine displacement of 49 cc, though there are a few variations.

History

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

Other terms used for low-powered cycles include: Mofa (Motor-Fahrrad, German for motor-bicycle), Mokick (equipped with kick-start), Motorbicycle, Motorized Bicycle, Motor-Driven Cycle, and Goped (motorized inline skateboard with T-bar), Mopo (Moottoripolkupyörä, Finnish meaning motor-powered bicycle).

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 49cc engines available was delivering speeds in excess of 50mph (80km/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 30mph or 50km/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 16mm replaced with 13mm) 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 6,500rpm. 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. These latter are more likely to be used (illegally) on high speed roads.