Find out the differences between a moped, scooter & e-bike — do they need motorcycle insurance and a license?
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Ease of use, lower gas consumption, less maintenance and nimble size: There are many reasons people might consider motorized two-wheeled options such as scooters, mopeds and e-bikes for driving short distances. Before making a decision, you may want to understand the differences between them and a motorcycle and to familiarize yourself with regulations governing all four. And more importantly, if they require a motorcycle insurance policy or license to ride.
First named because it was a bicycle with a motor (literally a motorized pedal vehicle), today's mopeds have a step-through frame (with or without pedals), small wheels (typically 10 inches) and have a 50cc (cee-cee is moto-speak for cubic centimeter) or smaller motor.
Mopeds generally top out at 28 mph (less with increased rider weight) and may achieve triple-digit gas mileage.
A scooter (motor scooter) has the same step-through frame and smaller wheels like a moped, but a more powerful motor — 50cc - 250cc. Scooters usually have automatic transmissions and come with lights, turn signals and horns.
Scooters offer superior mobility with higher top speeds and good gas mileage. For example, a 150cc scooter has a top speed of 60 mph and may get up to 70 mpg, while a 250cc scooter can reach 75 mph but might get fewer than 60 mpg. However, you may not be able to use a scooter on the freeway. Check with your local DMV regarding size or horsepower minimums.
Electric bicycles have pedals, an electric motor and have no more than 750 watts.
There are different types of e-bikes:
If you think an e-bike is right for you, review some of our e-bike safety tips.
The bike's design is what distinguishes a motorcycle. The engine and gas tank are forward and between the driver's knees. Motorcycles usually have a manual transmission in which drivers need to use a clutch and shift gears. Motorcycles typically have 16-inch tires and the driver sits upright with their back perpendicular to the road.
Motorcycles generally have an engine size that enables them to share the road with other motorized vehicles.
Coverage will depend on which you purchase. Mopeds, e-bikes and scooters may require liability insurance and each state may differ in their requirements. You may also choose to add comprehensive coverage which normally covers vandalism, theft or storm damage. Contact your local insurance agent to confirm.
Homeowners policies may provide a limited amount of liability and coverage for potential property damage or theft for your scooter, electric bike or moped. But criteria such as cost of replacement, cost of parts and size of motor may require them to have a separate policy. Discuss what your homeowners policy may cover for these vehicles with your agent.
Your state regulates licensing requirements. Check local regulations; they may vary from one locale to the next, and license age and requirements could be different for each motorized two-wheeled option. Your state may offer a two-wheeler education course and/or require a skill's test.
License plates and registration requirements may also be determined by engine size.
If the engine is 49cc or less, many states require only a vehicle driver’s license or driver’s permit. A motorcycle license may be necessary if the moped has an engine capacity of 50cc or more. Please check your state’s licensing requirements.
Scooter laws are similar to mopeds, where scooters under 49cc can be ridden with a vehicle driver’s license. In many states, when the scooter is 50cc’s or more, a motorcycle license is required. Please check your state’s licensing requirements.
Many states require helmets for motorcyclists under a certain age. If they aren't required, consider helmet use for you and your passengers for added safety. Check your state and local laws for helmet regulations.
Regardless of what you’re riding, motorized riders need to obey the same traffic and safety laws as all other vehicles. States like California also prohibit passengers on mopeds and e-bikes. In addition, most cities prohibit their use on sidewalks and walking trails. Check with your local DMV for any specific rules in your area.
While two-wheelers may have better gas mileage, their emissions may be less than stellar. According to Gear Junkie, motorcycles from the 2000s produce over 3,000% more nitric oxide and over 8,000% more carbon monoxide than their vehicle counterparts. Today, many are manufactured with emission-reducing technology. If emissions are important to you, ask before you buy.
If you are in the market for a moped, scooter or e-bike, understand the differences between them, the rules of the road and the requirements of your state. Also consider talking to a State Farm® agent about what the best coverage for your new ride is, whether it is homeowners, motorcycle or another type of policy. And don't forget to consider liability insurance and learn about the additional protection it may provide.
Getting around a crowded big city in a car has never been easy. But parking these days has become a downright nightmare for many city dwellers. In response, commuters have adopted all kinds of motorized two-wheel people-movers that have taken over bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The cool kids call it a “micro-mobility” revolution.
Mopeds and scooters are an excellent transportation solution for many reasons. For starters, you don’t need an inheritance to buy one. Motorized two-wheelers are affordable, easy to park, and wicked fun to ride. The best of the bunch are stylish, too. It’s all about attitude.
eBay can help you join the fun with a wide selection of new and vintage mopeds and scooters.
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Moped History 101The first mass-market motorized bicycles hit the streets of New York early in the last century when the Thomas Motor Company released the Auto-Bi.
Thomas bolted a 200cc internal combustion engine on a conventional pedal bicycle frame. That produced a two-wheeled contraption with dual-propulsion technology. Modern mopeds use much smaller engines, but the premise remains the same. If the tank runs out of fuel, you can apply human power. If the tank still has gas, but you ran out of get-up-and-go, just twist the throttle. For big hills, use a hybrid of gas and human propulsion.
The term “moped” didn’t appear until the early 1950s: Mo for motor and Ped for pedals. Never mind that these little beasts typically used tiny 50cc gasoline engines rather than electric motors.
While most vintage mopeds are step-through bikes, there are some very desirable exceptions, like the Puch Magnum. A vintage moped in excellent condition can sell for five times its original cost.
When Did Mopeds Become Popular?Moped popularity skyrocketed in the United States during the 1970s energy crisis. With gasoline in tight supply, folks parked their gas guzzlers and hopped onto thrifty mopeds to get from A to B while making ends meet.
As a result, the moped industry kicked into high gear, with innovative offerings from Honda, Jawa, Motobecane, Puch, Sachs, and Suzuki.
The lines between different two-wheelers blurred as folks began to refer to sit-down scooters as “scooter mopeds,” even though they lacked pedals. This shift in vernacular is partly due to the overwhelming popularity of standup scooters, like the Razor.
As a standalone term, the use of “moped” diminished with the advent of the e-bike.
The Scooter Option: No PedalsScooters are all the rage now, but they have a long history. The Autoped, a standup motorized scooter made from 1915 to 1922, foreshadowed the scooter revolution a century later. Sit-down scooters followed with a more civilized alternative to bigger conventional motorcycles.
Motorized scooters feature downsized wheels and a step-through design that provides a flat floor to place your feet. Unlike most mopeds, they don’t have pedals.
After the Second World War, scooters became popular in Europe when Vespa and Lambretta delivered personal transportation for the masses. A classic Vespa has tons of Italian street swag. With a bigger structure and more mass, scooters need more power. So, they often carry more capable engines than a typical moped. But take note: Sit-down scooters are more expensive than mopeds.
Which Companies Make the Best Scooters?The scooters and mopeds listings on eBay Motors include a wide array of new and used two-wheelers. Choosing a name-brand scooter ensures serviceability, as well as parts availability. Used models are a fraction of the price for 2021 models noted below.
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The Future is Electric, and That Future is NowTimes have changed. While highly functional and economical to operate, traditional gasoline-powered mopeds are noisy and can be a bit smelly. The same goes for scooters that spew pollutants. Electrification changes all of that. Unfortunately, conventional scooter manufacturers have been slow to adapt.
Electric bikes have become extremely popular these days. We’ll offer more about e-bikes in a future post.
Do I Need a License and Insurance to Ride a Scooter or Moped?Scooter and Moped regulations vary state-by-state. So, if you’re considering a purchase, please do your due diligence and check the local laws. Riding a scooter or moped is tons of fun, but it brings its risks. Be sure to wear a helmet and proper shoes.
Restoring a vintage scooter or moped can be a rewarding endeavor. eBay has a vast selection emerging from barns and garages. Best of all, you can tackle a two-wheel restoration project from a corner of the basement, garage, or even out in the shed. And eBay has abundant parts and accessories to help you get on the road.
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