Moped
Historically, the term exclusively meant a similar vehicle with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine.
The term "moped" now only applies to low-power (often super-economy) vehicles, but pedals were fitted to some early motorcycles, such as the pictured 1912 Douglas.
The earliest mopeds were bicycles with a helper motor in various locations, for example on top of the front wheel; they were also called cyclemotors.
This practice is not restricted to the third world; France and Belgium classify microcars such as the Aixam similarly or as "light quadricycles".
As of 1977, the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic considers the moped any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc.
Studies have found that two-stroke 50 cc mopeds, with and without catalytic converters, emit ten to thirty times the hydrocarbons and particulate emissions of the outdated Euro 3 automobile standards.
[10][11] In the same study, four-stroke mopeds, with and without catalytic converters, emitted three to eight times the hydrocarbons and particulate emissions of the Euro 3 automobile standards.
The biggest danger is that other traffic may not notice the presence of a moped; bright clothes and reflective fittings help.
A survey of Finnish high school vocational and gymnasium students found that 80% and 70% of their respective mopeds were tuned.
From 1997 onwards, the legal definition of moped changed to "a two- or three-wheeled vehicle having an internal combustion engine with displacement inferior to 50 cc (3.1 cu in) and maximum factory speed of less than 50 km/h (31 mph)".
In Alberta, mopeds up to 49 cc (3.0 cu in) and over 55 kg (121 lb) used to require a class 6 motorcycle license.
[24] In British Columbia, mopeds (limited-speed motorcycles) and motor assisted cycles (MAC) have separate and distinct classifications and requirements.
Modern scooter design and amenities have effectively changed how teens chose their first set of wheels in Germany.
The 25 km/h (15 mph) category has a blue license plate, occupants require a speed pedelec bike or motor helmet (NTA 8776)[33] and have to use cycle side lanes.
Before 19 January 2013, the speed restriction was 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph),[38] and mopeds registered before 1 September 1977 were required to have pedal-assistance.
All motorised cycles, motorcycles and mopeds under 50 cc are prohibited from using UK motorways, due to their limited top speed of 30 miles an hour, meaning they are not able to drive safely among other vehicles.
[40] After lobbying Congress on its fuel efficiency benefits, Seguin was able to get more than 30 states to devise a specific vehicle classification for mopeds.
[40] Produced by U.S. manufacturers such as American Machine and Foundry (AMF), mopeds had very small engines and often could not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Because of the problems caused by the 1970s energy crisis, mopeds quickly became popular, with more than 250,000 people in the United States owning one in 1977.
However, as gasoline prices eventually moved down, licensing laws took their toll, and automobile companies devised more efficient cars, the moped's popularity began to fade.
[42] It was created in order to circumvent governmental legislation aimed at forcing young motorcycle riders off the road[citation needed].
Models were produced by Japanese manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, and European companies such as Puch, Fantic, Gilera, Gitane and Garelli from 1972 onwards, the most famous of which was the Yamaha FS1-E.[45] They included roadsters, enduro and motocrossers, cafe racers and choppers or scooters,[46] and led to a boom interest in motorcycling similar to the early 1960 rocker period.
The government responded again by bringing in even more restrictive legislation in 1977 which limited mopeds to a weight of 250 kg (550 lb) and a top speed to 30 mph (48 km/h).
