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Scooter vs. Moped vs. Motorcycle: Pros, Cons, Differences, & FAQ
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
If you are thinking of buying a two-wheel vehicle but are uncertain about which one to pick, you’ve come to the right place. This article will cover what makes scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles so different from each other, their main characteristics, and their uses.
Overview of Scooters
Image Credit: Trinity_Elektroroller, Pixabay
Scooters are two-wheeled vehicles that have become popular and widely used around the world. People of all ages love these vehicles because of their easy handling and convenience for driving in cities with high-volume traffic. They are very fuel-efficient for shorter rides and easy to maneuver in dense traffic. Scooters usually have a platform for the drivers to rest their feet, sitting in a natural, upright position, like in a chair. Scooters can have an automatic and manual transmission, although automatic shifting is more common.
You can also choose between an electric scooter and a scooter that runs on petrol. Even though petrol scooters are the more conventional type, electric varieties are slowly gaining popularity because of their environmentally-friendly features.
Specifications
Scooters are generally faster than mopeds but slower than motorcycles. A scooter has an engine usually between 50cc and 250cc in size, while some bigger models may go up to 750cc. While a two-wheel vehicle that big may be categorized as a motorcycle, the critical difference that makes up a scooter is the step-through design and foot platform. Even though scooters are much less powerful than motorcycles, they also have lower prices and fewer maintenance needs.
What are scooters best used for?
Scooters are primarily used for shorter drives or commutes around town. They are best for maneuvering your way easily in dense traffic and are very fuel-efficient. Although the same laws and rules apply to scooters and motorcycles, scooters are much easier to handle, making them favored mainly by younger people, especially women.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to handle
Great for high-volume traffic
Low prices
Easy and cheap to maintain
Comfortable
Cons
Lower speed
Less stability than motorcycles
Not suitable for longer travels
Not as much storage capacity as motorcycles
Overview of Mopeds
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A moped is a less common type of motorized two-wheel vehicle. It is defined as a low-powered motorcycle with an engine size of no more than 50cc.
The name moped is derived from the original name motor-pedal, referring to how this vehicle starts and runs. The moped is considered somewhere between a bicycle and a scooter. It is a motorized two-wheel vehicle, but it requires pedals to activate the helper motor. The earliest models of mopeds were similar to motorbikes, which allowed them to run both on gas and by running the pedal manually like a regular bicycle.
Specifications
A moped may seem like a scooter to an untrained eye, but these differ significantly in how they function. While both are two-wheel vehicles, the moped is more of a bicycle-type vehicle because to start a moped, you would need to use the pedals to propel the vehicle. Mopeds have a much smaller engine, up to 50cc, making them unable to keep up with traffic and convenient only for shorter rides.
What are mopeds best used for?
Mopeds can achieve a maximum speed of about 30 miles per hour, making them unsuitable for driving on a highway. Because of that, they are ideal for shorter rides and commutes in the city. In some states, you do not require a license to drive a moped, and since they are much cheaper than scooters, they are perfect for younger people that make shorter trips around town.
Pros
Can run as a bicycle in emergencies
A license is not necessary in some states
Easy to maintain
Cheap
Great for beginners and young people
Cons
Low power
Not suitable for driving on the highway
Not convenient for longer travels
Overview of Motorcycles
Image Credit: Piqsels
A motorcycle is defined as a two-wheel vehicle, motorized but without pedals. Motorcycles are designed to achieve much higher speeds than scooters or mopeds and are suitable for longer rides. Motorcycles have a vast culture and history behind them. From the famous Harley Davidson chopper to the sports bike, there are many incredible types of motorcycles to choose from.
Specifications
Motorcycles are characterized by an engine larger than 250cc. They are significantly larger and faster than both the moped and the scooter, which allows them to travel long distances. Some motorcycles come with built-in extras that add to comfortable traveling. Even though they are larger, heavier, and equipped with extras, motorcycles are much harder to drive and more expensive to buy and maintain.
What are motorcycles best used for?
Depending on what you are planning to use the motorcycle for—whether you will compete in racing competitions, have fun riding off-road, or travel the country—there is a type of motorcycle suited for almost everyone. Since motorcycles are designed to achieve incredible speeds and distances, they are best for people who enjoy traveling. You can even go on a camping trip with your motorcycle since they usually come equipped with a great storage capacity.
Some common motorcycle types include:
Standard motorcycle
Sportbike
Motocross
Chopper
Cruiser
Adventure
Dirtbike
Touring
Pros
Great for longer travels
Large storage capacity
They can achieve much higher speeds
Come with many built-in gadgets
Some models are suitable for off-road riding
Cons
Heavy and bulky
Not ideal for beginners
Difficult to ride
Expensive to maintain
Which is Right for You?
Choosing the correct type of two-wheel vehicle can be a difficult decision. Depending on your needs, there are many models within these types to choose from. Whether you are planning to use them for sport, entertainment, or simply as a means of transport, you can find a motorcycle, scooter, or moped to fit you precisely.
Motorcycles are great if you are an adventurous type of person that frequently travels since they can achieve high speeds and have a lot of storage capacity. If you are looking for a perfect vehicle for rides around town, then a scooter or a moped is the right choice. They are not as powerful as motorcycles but are very practical for maneuvering traffic.
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Cost
Motorcycles are certainly the most expensive to buy and maintain when it comes to costs. Scooters, and more so mopeds, are much more affordable to purchase as well as in fuel economy. Even though motorcycles are more expensive, they can serve you for many years if maintained properly.
Safety
When it comes to the safety of these three vehicles, they are not the same, mainly because of how they are built and how they run. Motorcycles can be considered dangerous simply because they can achieve very high speeds, and many inexperienced drivers cannot control them with enough confidence. If you are not experienced enough or confident in your driving skills, it is very easy to lose control of this vehicle and end up causing an accident.
While mopeds and scooters are much smaller and lighter, they are also not safe at times. Since they drive at lower speeds, they tend to be unstable and can also be dangerous in certain situations. Wearing proper protection when driving any of these vehicles is a crucial step, no matter the size, power, or distance that you are planning to travel. Wearing adequate head protection, not speeding, and being aware of your surroundings is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
Characteristics
Scooter
Moped
Motorcycle
Engine size
From 50cc to 250cc
Less than 50cc
Larger than 250cc
Speed
Up to 155 mph
Up to 30 mph
More than 155 mph
Suitable for highways
Yes
No
Yes
Travel range
Shorter trips around the city
Ideal for short commutes
Ideal for long trips
Final Thoughts
When buying a motorcycle, moped, or scooter, it is essential to consider the primary purpose it is going to have. After reading this article, hopefully, we’ve helped you gain the knowledge necessary to decide which type of two-wheel vehicle is right for you.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.