Scooter vs Moped
Distinguishing between a scooter and a moped can be confusing, as they both look quite similar. If you’re considering purchasing a scooter, you might also encounter mopeds at a dealership. Mopeds are thinner-looking, two-wheeled vehicles with a lower price point than scooters, making them popular among teenagers and the elderly. To help you make an informed decision, this guide will explain the key differences between scooters and mopeds.
Key Takeaways
- Scooters are heavier, have a higher engine capacity, and differ in design and styling from mopeds.
- Mopeds are hybrid vehicles, combining features of bicycles and motorbikes, and are lighter and more fuel-efficient than scooters.
- License requirements and age restrictions for mopeds are generally more lenient than for scooters.
What is a Scooter?
A scooter is a heavier vehicle with a higher engine capacity, starting at around 100 cc. It has smaller wheels and a fuel tank located beneath the seat. Scooters have a frame that allows riders to place their feet in front of them comfortably. Most modern scooters are self-start, meaning you can start the engine with the push of a button, but they also have a kick-start option. Scooters are typically more expensive than mopeds and have higher road tax and registration fees due to their larger engine capacity. However, scooters are regaining popularity due to advancements in engine technology that provide better fuel efficiency and the ability to carry more weight.
What is a Moped?
A moped is a hybrid vehicle, falling between a bicycle and a motorbike in its design. You can use the engine to ride like a motorbike, or you can pedal like a bicycle. Mopeds have larger wheels, a fuel tank below the handle, and pedals, which are not present on scooters. A moped’s engine capacity is typically around 50 cc. Moped riders sit with their feet on either side of the seat, similar to riding a motorcycle. Sometimes, the rider has to pedal in a standing position to start the moped’s engine.
Difference between Scooter and Moped
- Scooters have a frame that allows riders to place their feet comfortably on the frame, whereas mopeds require riders to keep their legs sideways like on a motorbike.
- Mopeds are hybrid vehicles that combine features of motorbikes and bicycles, while scooters are a form of motorbike.
- Scooters are generally heavier than mopeds and have higher engine capacities (over 100 cc), while mopeds have lower engine capacities (around 50 cc).
- Scooters have smaller wheels than mopeds.
- Mopeds are more fuel-efficient than scooters and have a lower maximum speed.
- Mopeds are generally cheaper than scooters.
- License and age requirements for mopeds are more lenient than for scooters. Mopeds are considered “limited motorcycles” and can be driven at a younger age (around 15) in most countries, while scooters require a general license and a minimum age of 16 or higher.
- Mopeds are known by different names in various countries, such as “monkey bikes” in Australia, “Kapchai” in Malaysia, and “motorower” or “motor bicycle” in Poland.
