The Difference Between a Moped & a Motorcycle
A moped and a motorcycle have several fundamental differences when it comes to speed, safety and design. These differences determine how motor vehicle agencies in each state classify and regulate each type of machine.
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Speed
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A moped reaches speeds of no more than 30 miles per hour on level surfaces unless it's modified to travel faster. Motorcycles are capable of reaching maximum speeds much higher than 30 miles per hour. Maximum speed on a motorcycle varies by motor size and performance upgrades.
Operating Area
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Some states restrict mopeds to certain roads or specific parts of a road. In California, mopeds can only travel on the right-hand side of the road or on the shoulder. Motorcycles can operate in any traffic lane.
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Design
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A moped is built smaller than a motorcycle with smaller tires, making it lower to the ground, lighter and more compact. Even the smallest of motorcycles, those with 250 cubic centimeter engines, are larger than standard mopeds. Mopeds have foot boards, while motorcycles have foot pegs.
Engine
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Moped engine size should not exceed 50 cc, while motorcycles are manufactured in a variety of engine sizes, from 250 cc to 1,400 cc. A specialty motorcycle called the Boss Hoss has a 6,200 cc engine, comparable to a V-8.
Licensing
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Both mopeds and motorcycles must be registered with your state's motor vehicle licensing agency, but only a motorcycle requires a special endorsement to be driven without special restrictions. In some states, mopeds must only be registered once, whereas a motorcycle registration must be renewed yearly.
Safety
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Mopeds are designed with smaller tires and smaller engines, which can make them unstable and hard to maneuver in emergencies. The motorcycle's wider tires and larger engine make them safer when encountering road hazards. The driver can accelerate quickly and maintain balance at the same time.
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References
- Photo Credit motor scooter #2 image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
