Mopeds vs Scooters Difference between Mopeds and Scooters Mopedsscooters
If you happen to be a fan of motorcycles, a moped and a scooter may seem like the same animal. This is not at all the case. There are several differences between a moped and a scooter.
A moped gets its name from the way that it operates. Technically it is a scooter in the fact that it does have a small engine that is used to propel the unit. It differs however from that point on. For one, as the name indicates, it has pedals. This means that you can ride it like a bicycle until you want to use the motor. This gives you the benefit of riding a bicycle for a healthy lifestyle and a non polluting source of transportation, yet when you get tired, you have the ability to be self propelled. Another thing that makes it different from a scooter is the fact that your position on the moped is the same as a bicycle. You have a frame that is just like like a traditional bicycle, it just has an engine attached to it.
A scooter is a different breed of animal. They only have two major things in common. Two wheels and a small engine. That is about it. A scooter doesn't have a seat that you straddle like a moped. it is more like a car seat (with out the back rest). You don't have pedals or pegs for your feet. You ride with your feet together on a floorboard that is the width of the scooter. All of the controls are on the handle bars. This includes the throttle and the brakes. It will be powered by a small cc gasoline motor or sometimes an electric motor. Many times (but not always) they will either be a single gear or automatic transmission.
Neither of these vehicles are going to win any races. They are not made for this. For the most part, they are designed for in town use. A top speed of 40mph is not uncommon, although some area capable of much higher speeds. Due to the basic design of of both types vehicles, safety is a major issue. While they may seem like a motorcycle, they have less safety devices, and that is saying a lot considering the amount of safety features on the motorcycle.
So, to summarize, what is the difference between the scooter and the moped? A moped has pedals which offer a separate form of acceleration. This can definitely come in handy if you run out of gas. The scooter relies completely on the engine. If you run out of fuel (or electricity if it is an electric scooter), you have no other form of propulsion other than your feet. Depending on the distance, this can be a "not fun" experience.
All being said, if a motorcycle isn't your thing, but you want an economical way to feel the wind in your hair, either type will work. The scooters are much more common than the mopeds but don't count the mopeds out. They have started to make a come back in the last few years.
