Mopeds
A moped is a motorized two-wheeled vehicle subject to local speed regulations.
Definition
Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30–35 mph (about 50–55 km/h). Some localities require pedals, thus making them hybrid transport, using both human power and machine power. The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, were nothing but bicycles with a helper motor on top of the front wheel. These were commonly called autocycles. An example of this early type is the Velosolex brand.
Etymology
The word moped is a Swedish short form of the word motorvelociped. Velociped is an older Swedish word for bicycle, imported from the French word vélocipède formed from the Latin velocispedis meaning "fast foot". However, it is also likely that the term is merely an abbreviated combination of the two key elements of a moped—a motor and pedals.
Local definitions
Many localities place various requirements on the legal definition of a moped, including, but not necessarily limited to speed, engine size, transmission, and horsepower.
- In Hawaii, "a moped is a two- or three-wheeled device with a motor no larger than two horsepower."
- In the United Kingdom, the term moped describes any low-powered motor driven cycle with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h.
- In Russia, the moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Such vehicles require no licensing. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver.
- In Alberta, Canada, mopeds and scooters require a class 6 or class 7 license and must have engines under 50 cc. They are allowed to carry more than one person. Mopeds and scooters are subject to all of the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must wear helmets.
- In Finland mopeds can be driven with M-class driving licence, at the age of 15. Horsepowers of a moped aren't limited, but the speed limit is 45km/h. Mopeds are allowed to carry one passenger with the driver, if the moped is registered to two persons.
Power-assisted bicycle
People have been adding motors to bikes for over a hundred years. A bicycle with a small motor added used to be known as an autocycle or cyclemotor. These eventually evolved into mopeds, which really aren't bicycles as they were never actually designed to be pedalled, though pedals were fitted to comply with regulations and to aid in starting.
A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors—these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorzied bicycles. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion. Template:Main
Moped culture
As mopeds and repair parts have become scarcer, and as a certain nostalgia has grown around mopeds (not unlike that of classic scooters), enthusiats have formed an increasing number of organizations devoted to moped collecting, repair, and lifestyle.
- The Moped Army is a moped club comprised of local branches from the United States and Canada.
- The Moped Rider's Assocation is an organization which sponsors events and rides throughout the United States.
A number of unaffiliated local and regional organizations also exist, such as the RCMP from the Greater Toronto Area, the MOFOs from New Jersey, or the Moped Navy (who are apparently now defunct).
Gangs and Counter-Culture Movements
In the Gatineau Area, mopeds have been associated with fraternal organizations such as the Hells Mopeds, a sub group of the motorcycle gang called the Hells Angels. Most motorcycle and moped organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides. Gangs represent far less than 1% of motorcyclists.
See also
Template:Wiktionary Category:Moped manufacturers