Moped: Simplest & The Most Affordable Two Wheeler

Moped

What is a Moped?

It is a small, two-wheeled automotive bicycle vehicle with pedals. Swedish journalist Harald Nielsen first made up the word ‘moped in 1952. It combines the Swedish words “motor” and “pedaler.” It employs a smaller capacity automotive engine to run itself. Generally, most mopeds in the world install a small petrol engine for this purpose.

Suvega (Courtesy: OLX)
Suvega (Courtesy: OLX)

Earlier, the manufacturers offered them a Two-Stroke/Spark Ignition (SI) engine. Nowadays, they use a Four-Stroke/Spark Ignition engine due to regulations for emission control. However, nowadays, battery-powered e-mopeds are also getting popular.

Generally, manufacturers divide small two-wheeled bikes into two categories. They are Scooters and Mopeds. There are other sub-categories, scooteretts. However, many fall into these two main categories according to their application and usage. Indian brands Hero and TVS made them famous in India, with Hero Puch & TVS Luna being very popular. So, most of these have similar size and price ranges compared to other bike types.

Watch how to start a moped:

Most people use mopeds for daily commuting. It may be a very short distance ranging from 5 km to 15 km or so. Besides, you can also peddle them and use them as bicycles. Hence, the manufacturers offer smaller engine capacities for these bikes. They have engine capacities of 50cc and power output up to 5 bhp. Hero Puch, with a low-capacity engine, claimed to deliver an astonishing average of up to 90 Km/L. However, the newer generation TVS XL 100 has a 100cc engine that provides a 4.5 Ps power and 67 Km/L mileage.

Characteristics:

Often, they have a simple design/shape and manufacturing process. Most mopeds have a step-through frame design, while others have a chassis-frame design. It includes a backbone and a raised fuel tank that sits directly between the saddle and the head tube. However, some early models had pedals too. The term “moped” now applies only to low-power (often super-economy) vehicles.

TVS XL 100 moped (Courtesy: TVS Motors)
TVS XL 100 moped (Courtesy: TVS Motors)

Technically, they are economical to make and buy compared to commuter bikes. They have more mileage and low maintenance. Primarily, their focus is on affordability and convenience. They also have inexpensive and durable spare parts. Hence, they are easy on pockets and do not have many petty issues to deal with.

Advantages of Moped:

Most mopeds are very affordable to buy and use. They provide an economical personal transportation solution to users. Hence, they are more popular all over the world. Generally, they have lower power & torque, solid colors, and a simple design/style.

Hero Majestic Pacer (Courtesy: Moped Army)
Hero Majestic Pacer (Courtesy: Moped Army)

To summarize, they carry out the duty of day-to-day city commuting without any hassles. They can also negotiate the stop-and-go traffic quite well because of the short wheelbase and compact size. Besides, they require minimal space for parking. They also offer some degree of comfort and convenience. So, they are ideal mainly for intra-city travel. Thus, generally, mopeds command a lower price tag.

Disadvantages of Moped:

However, they are not ideal for long-distance commuting because of limited safety, inadequate suspension, and braking ability. Hence, most people use them only within the city areas for the day-to-day commute. Avanti Garelli, Hero, Royal Enfield & TVS from India and Honda, Lambretta, Harley Davidson, Vespa, and VeloSolex are some of the popular manufacturers of mopeds in the world.

Hero Puch Turbosport (Courtesy: Moped Army)
Hero Puch Turbosport (Courtesy: Moped Army)

Watch Moped Safety Film here:

Watch the TV Commercial for TVS XL 100 HD here:

Read More: What is a Sports Bike?>>

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CarBikeTech is a technical blog. CarBikeTech Team members have experience of over 20 years in the automobile field. CarBikeTech Team regularly publishes specific technical articles on automotive technology.