Two-wheelers are an easy choice for drivers who love freedom and flexibility. Known for their ease of use, they help you beat traffic with lower gas consumption. And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, electric scooters are available as well. If you want to drive around and cover short distances, mopeds, e-bikes, and scooters are the best options.
If you’re already planning to buy a two-wheeler but are unsure whether to go for a scooter or a moped, things can get difficult. Yes, mopeds and scooters look alike, but they have distinct features. If you’re confused now, worry not, my friend, because I’ve written this guide to help you understand what sets them apart and to help you decide which is the best choice for your ride.
Understanding Mopeds and Scooters
When you hear and think about two-wheeled vehicles, you imagine a motorcycle, scooter, or perhaps a moped. All three of them are considered great forms of transportation if you don’t prefer a car. In a place like Hawaii, the best option to maneuver around is by a scooter. It covers small to long distances, you can park it anywhere you want, and you can also enjoy the sights along the way. It helps you get fresh air and is overall safe to drive. You can also rent a scooter if you don’t prefer buying one, but again, you have to decide which one you prefer, a moped or a scooter. Now let’s understand the difference between a moped and a scooter.
What is a Moped?
To be honest, initially, I couldn’t understand the difference between a moped and a scooter. I didn’t even know there was a category called mopeds in the two-wheeler vehicle section. Well,, now I will try to help you understand what a moped is.
The two-wheeler has an interesting origin that dates back to the early 20th century in Europe. One of the early moped pioneers was the Swedish company “Monark,” which produced motorized bicycles with small engines attached to them.
Moped was named because it was a bicycle with a motor (literally a MOtorized PEDal vehicle). A moped has a step-through frame, small wheels, and a low-powered engine. Mopeds typically have engines smaller than 50cc and a maximum speed of 28 mph, and even less if the rider’s weight is increased. They may achieve triple-digit gas mileage. They are basically designed for urban streets and should not be ridden on highways.
What is a Scooter?
Whenever I imagine a scooter, I see a sleek and stylish ride perfect for city streets. It’s just a beautiful piece of vehicle art for me. They’re designed for easy, efficient, and fuss-free commuting.
If you want to know the history of scooters, we should go back to 1817 Germany when Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun invented the two-wheeler. The scooter’s story continued in mid-20th century Italy. The rise of the iconic Vespa and Lambretta popularized the ride.
A scooter is a motor scooter with a step-through chassis and footrest platform. A scooter (motor scooter) has the same step-through frame and smaller wheels like a moped but a more powerful motor: 50cc–250cc. They offer super mobility, usually have automatic transmissions, and come with lights, turn signals, and horns. I think they are more maneuverable than motorcycles due to their lower speeds and are easier to ride. Other than that, they often have nifty storage compartments to stash your stuff and are overall just stylish.
Key Features and Differences
While both of these vehicles offer you urban mobility with freedom and efficiency, you need to understand their key differences as well as features to finally make a purchase decision.
Speed
For mopeds, you’re looking at a maximum speed that won’t go beyond 28 miles per hour. It’s like a gentle breeze on the road, perfect for easy city cruising and short drives.
Meanwhile, scooters can vary quite a bit in engine size. A tiny 50cc engine might zip along at around 35 to 40 miles per hour. You can ride through highways, and it is far more capable of daily commutes. If you’re planning to opt for a 124cc scooter, you can hit a speed of up to 60–70 miles per hour, making them a solid choice for longer journeys and highways.
Engine Size
When you talk about engine size, it is one of the key differences that you’ll find between mopeds and scooters. Like, for starters, I’ve noticed that mopeds have a smaller engine department compared to scooters.
If you look at mopeds, they have smaller engines with less power than scooters, with a maximum of 50cc.
Scooters usually don’t have a set size limit for their engines. Scooters have larger engines and more power than mopeds, with engines ranging from 50cc to 250cc.
Despite the range in engine sizes, one thing I find interesting is that both mopeds and scooters often share similar emissions levels.
Plus, modern scooters come with some snazzy features like cast aluminum frames, automatic start buttons, and integral counterbalancing engines.
Pricing and Insurance
When it comes to pricing, as you expected, there’s always a pretty clear distinction between mopeds and scooters. And here’s why:
Mopeds are generally less expensive than scooters due to their smaller engines and lower manufacturing costs. They are generally more budget-friendly and are basically designed for economical speeds. This is the most cost-effective way to get around town, and if you have considered getting a two-wheeler on a limited budget and only need it for short commutes, mopeds are the way to go.
Scooters, on the other hand, offer more powerful engines and higher speeds, but that comes with an increased price tag.
Well, if you think about insurance costs, they can vary depending on the type of vehicle, engine size, and local regulations in your state. But mopeds are often seen as lower risk, and that’s why they tend to be cheaper to insure compared to scooters.
Wheel Size
One is a motorized scooter, and the other is a motorized pedal vehicle, so you obviously expect the size of their wheels to be different.
When you think of moped wheel size, it’s smaller, scooters, in general, sport smaller wheels compared to other two-wheeled vehicles.
Most scooters usually roll around on wheels that measure about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. You can check Vespa’s wheels, for example. Scooter wheels are often interchangeable, meaning you can switch them between the front and rear. Some scooters even come equipped with a spare wheel, often called a “stepney.”
On the other hand, moped tires can reach up to 17 and 19 inches in diameter.
Carrying Passengers
Here’s another difference that I found in both these vehicles. If you have a significant other or a friend you need to tag along on short commutes, then, well, you need to buy a scooter.
Most mopeds have a single seat, and carrying extra weight can affect balance and performance. You are not allowed to carry passengers when riding a moped, limiting their utility for those who may want to ride with others. Mopeds are for singles—ahem, sorry—for people who love to ride alone and get things done in their urban commutes.
However, some mopeds come with a pillion seat and footpegs, meaning they can carry a passenger if allowed by local laws.
Whereas in the case of scooters, they can legally carry passengers. So it’s a better choice if you have a +1 to ride with.
Similarities Between a Moped and a Scooter
Besides all the differences, these two-wheelers in the same family share some similarities as well, including their licensing requirements and legal riding age.
Licensing and Age Requirements
Well, I realized a little too late that if I wanted to ride a moped or scooter, I needed a particular license called a provisional motorcycle license, along with the compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate, which is valid for a few years.
Your license depends on the type of two-wheeler:
- AM Moped License (50cc, max 28 mph) – This allows you to ride a moped with an engine no larger than 50cc and a top speed of 28 miles per hour. You won’t need learner’s plates.
- A1 Motorcycle License (up to 125cc, max 11kw) – With this one, you’re stepping up a bit. You can cruise on motorcycles up to 125cc and not exceeding 11kw, which includes scooters. And just like with the AM license, no L plates are required.
If you’re 17 and riding a 125cc bike, you’ll need learner plates. Some regions may have different rules, so check with local authorities.
Wear Helmets
Whether you’re riding a moped or a scooter, you need to make sure you wear protective gear and keep yourself and your passengers safe. I always wear helmets, and I will only recommend you do so. You can also make sure you have other essentials. This means a good helmet, gloves, a sturdy jacket, pants, and proper riding boots. And once again, helmets are non-negotiable.
I think gloves not only protect your hands but also give you a better grip on the handlebars. If you wear a good jacket and pants, this will shield you from the elements and provide some extra protection in case of a fall.
Fuel Efficiency and Transmissions
Another thing for similarity is the transmission and fuel efficiency. Both mopeds and scooters are fuel-efficient and can achieve better gas mileage than cars.
Yes, most scooters and even mopeds use Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This means they are automatic, so you just twist the throttle and go without worrying about shifting gears. It uses a belt and pulley system to give you a seamless range of gear ratios.
But some of the high-end maxi scooters with engines above 125cc come with Dual Clutch transmission or DCT. Some older mopeds or manual transmission models may have a gear system that requires shifting, but this is less common
Moped Vs Scooter
| Characteristics | Scooter | Moped |
| Definition | Two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through chassis and footrest platform | Two-wheeled vehicle equipped with bicycle-like pedals that the rider uses to propel the vehicle |
| Engine Size | 50cc to 250cc | 50cc |
| Wheel Size | 10” – 16” | Varies |
| Speed | Varies by engine size | 28mph |
| Ability to Ride on Highways? | Yes | No |
| Legal Age to Ride | 14-16 | 15-16 |
| Motorcycle License Required? | Yes | Varies by state |
Should I Get a Moped or Scooter?
As we’ve covered the major differences and similarities, let us now prioritize the factors that you need to check while riding a scooter or a moped.
Comfort
I’ve understood that mopeds have a more upright riding position and are designed for short distances. It’s not designed for carrying a passenger or for highway riding.
Meanwhile, scooters have a more relaxed riding position and are designed for longer journeys, making it a more comfortable choice for you. It has larger seats and better suspension systems.
If you are buying this vehicle for shorter commutes and individual use, mopeds are the best choice, but if you require traveling for a longer journey or highway rides, scooters are the best option for you.
Safety Considerations
Mopeds are safer in urban areas but riskier on faster roads where cars may tend to overtake them. Mopeds are only designed for short trips and city streets, so it’s not recommended to be used on a heavy highway and are less stable on rough roads and sharp turns.
On the other hand, scooters can keep up with the traffic, reducing the chance of accidents caused by speed differences. It has more stability and better suspension. I’ve understood that scooters have a more robust frame and better body protection against wind and minor impacts. Scooters are more visible in traffic since they are larger and often have better lighting.
Both mopeds and scooters, you need to be safe. Being safe and prioritizing yourself is a job you have to do from your end. Wearing protective equipment and using helmets is essential. You also need to be visible and safe on the road. And finally, try to follow basic traffic laws and ride defensively.
Storage
When you consider your commuting needs and personal preferences, storage is something that can come to your mind first. If you have a lot of things to bring on your ride, like personal stuff, scooters have more storage space due to their larger design.
Mopeds’ under-seat storage is much smaller, and you can only fit items like gloves, documents, or a half-face helmet. You need to upgrade the storage compartment, but it can affect the performance, so mopeds have minimal storage compared to scooters.
Scooters often come with built-in larger compartments, usually under the seat, that can fit a full-face helmet, groceries, or small bags. It has more flexibility in carrying personal items.
Regular Maintenance and Repair
It’s a commonly known truth that every vehicle requires regular maintenance and repair.
Both mopeds and scooters require proper maintenance, including oil changes and tire checks.
Mopeds have simpler engines, making them easier and cheaper among the two to maintain and look after. It has straightforward oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleanings.
Mopeds, on the other hand, require frequent wheel replacement compared to scooters’ more durable wheels.
Scooters may require more frequent maintenance due to their larger engines and higher speeds. It may require more frequent belt and clutch servicing than mopeds and may have more electronic features which can require extra care.
Anyway, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Mopeds and scooters are the easy choices for you to travel in urban areas. So, choosing between the two depends upon your needs and preferences. You’ll want to make your final decision depending on where you want to ride your bike, the price range you can afford, and your preferred riding style. If it was me, I would have settled for a scooter because I really care for my personal safety, and I’d want to bring a passenger to help me enjoy my ride. But make sure you make your decision that makes you happy and is right. So, if you don’t want to make a purchasing decision, you can always rent a scooter from us, and you can contact us to learn more. Now, best of luck, and enjoy the ride.
FAQs
How fast is a moped vs scooter?
For moped riders, the maximum speed should be limited to 30 km/hr, providing a light and comfortable breeze, ideal for a relaxed city cruise. On the other hand, scooters come with various engine sizes, typically around 50cc, and can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
Do mopeds generally travel faster than scooters?
Motorized scooters generally have higher speeds than mopeds, which means that mopeds tend to lag behind when compared to scooters on the road.
Is it worth buying a scooter?
An electric scooter can help lower costs for the rider and minimize the hassle of traditional travel. However, for those with longer journeys who require more stability and comfort, it may be worth considering an alternative option.