Moped Information
Mopeds are motor vehicles that fall somewhere between full-sized motorcycles and motor-driven bicycles. Unlike traditional motorcycles, mopeds still contain pedals, hence the name "moped," which stands for "motor/pedal." Mopeds are classified differently by various governments and municipalities, but must usually be low-powered vehicles.
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Development
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Some of the earliest European automobile manufacturers and engine builders experimented with motor-driven bicycles. These vehicles served as the earliest motorcycles, but some retained their pedals and small engines, becoming the modern moped. By using pedals, early mopeds could be driven even when the engine wasn't powerful enough, such as on uphill climbs. This feature actually gave early mopeds an advantage over pure motorcycles, but the invention of more powerful motorcycle engines distinctly separated the two types of vehicles in the early 20th century.
Modern History
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The popularity of mopeds has been occasionally boosted by the ever-rising cost of gasoline. Coupled with the price of cars and motorcycles, this means that mopeds provide a low-cost form of personal transportation. In many parts of Europe, laws allow young drivers to operate mopeds on public roads even if they do not meet age requirements for a vehicle or motorcycle driver's license. This has led mopeds to become a symbol of youth culture. Mopeds have also been adapted to several other types of vehicles, including scooters and minibikes.
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Operation
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Traditional mopeds resemble bicycles and contain one or more motors that connect to the driveline to provide power. The engines can be mounted anywhere, most often appearing on the handlebars, below the seat or in front of the rear wheel. A gas tank is also required, along with a transmission and engine controls for the driver. When the engine is started, a moped can be driven in much the same way as a motorcycle with the driver shifting through gears, and controlling speed and acceleration with a throttle. The pedals may be used to augment the engine's power output, or when the engine is disengaged.
Evolution of Terminology
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Over time, the definition of a moped has been changed by different users. A variety of vehicles have been referred to as mopeds. This includes vehicles with such non-traditional features as three wheels instead of two, more powerful four-stroke engines (like those used on small motorcycles), continuously variable (shiftless) transmissions and a lack of pedals for supplying manual power. In the United States, motor scooters (which utilize an open, step-through frame) are sometimes lumped into the moped category.
Moped Hybrids
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In a strict sense, all traditional mopeds are hybrid vehicles, receiving power from a combination of manual pedals and the onboard gas engine. Recently, however, a new class of hybrid electric mopeds have begun to appear, mimicking the trend in car design by offering an electric motor that can store energy in batteries during braking or when coasting downhill and later use it to power the vehicle. Hybrid electric mopeds are generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts, often priced between $2,000 and $3,000 compared to a standard moped's $1,000 to $2,000 price tag. However, these hybrid models require even less fuel, making them more economical over time.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Norbert Schnitzler/Wikimedia.org
