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Moped

A picture of several mopeds from a ride sponsored by the Moped Army. In the front is a Garelli, followed by a Motobecane, and in the rear is a Sachs.

Mopeds are a class of low powered motorized vehicles in legal literature normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, or the requirement of pedals. Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorised vehicles avoiding safety restrictions and licensing charges of larger motorcycles. Motorized bicycles, small scooters and small motorcycles generally fit the definition of a moped.

Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30–35 mph (about 50–55 km/h). Some localities require pedals, thus making them hybrid transport, using both human power and machine power. Many jurisdictions consider them as "limited speed motorcycles." The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, were nothing but bicycles with a helper motor on top of the front wheel. These were commonly called cyclemotors. An example of this early type is the Velosolex brand. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98cc engine were known as autocycles. However, some mopeds, such as the Czech-made Jawa, were derived from motorcycles.

A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors—these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorized bicycles. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion.

Some mopeds are designed like cars, similar to microcar, for instance the french Aixam. Another type is the three wheeled (two front, one back) transport moped.

Etymology

Moped's ancestor - a bike equipped with a motor

The word moped is a Swedish short form of the word motorvelociped. Velociped is an older Swedish word for bicycle, imported from the French word vélocipède formed from the Latin velocispedis meaning "fast foot". However, it is also likely that the term is merely an abbreviated combination of the two key elements of a moped—a motor and pedals.

Local definitions

Hawaii

A moped is a two- or three-wheeled device with a motor no larger than two horsepower. (1.5 kW) [1]

United Kingdom

The term moped describes any low-powered motor driven cycle with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h. if used before 1/8/1977 it must be moveable by pedals.[2]

Russia

Russian moped ZiD-50 "Pilot"

The moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Such vehicles require no licensing. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver.

Canada

In Alberta, Canada, mopeds and scooters require a class 6 (motorcycle) or class 7 (learner's permit) license and must have engines under 50 cc. In addition to this, they must not have a driver-operated transmission. They are allowed to carry more than one person. Mopeds and scooters are subject to all of the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must wear helmets. [3]

Finland

Mopeds can be driven with M-class driving licence, at the age of 15. Power of a moped isn't limited, but the speed limit is 45 km/h, but most modern mopeds go easily over 50km/h. Mopeds are allowed to carry one passenger with the driver, if the moped is registered to two persons.

New Zealand

Mopeds can be driven with any class of driver licence. Mopeds are classified as having an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h. Electric mopeds must have a motor between 600 and 2000 watts.[4]

Sweden

Mopeds are available in two classes. Class 1 (also known as EU moped as it was introduced to comply with European Union rules) is a moped deisgned for a maximum speed of 45 km/h powered by a engine of 50 cc or, if it's an electric motor, has a maximum power of 4 kW. To drive a class 1 moped you have to have either a driver's licence type A (motorcycle) or B (car), a driving license for tractor or a class 1 moped licence. In traffic class 1 mopeds are regarded as motorcycles (but may not be driven on motorways or motorroads) and has to be registered and have a license plate. They are however tax free. Class 2 is a moped designed for a top speed of 25 km/h and has an engine with maximum 1 kW. No license is required, but the driver has to be above 15 years and wear a helmet. In traffic they are regarded as bicycles unless there are signs explicitly fordiding mopeds. Mopeds registered before June 17, 2003 are called legacy mopeds and they are subject to the same rules as class 2 mopeds, but may have a top speed of 30 km/h.

Moped culture

As mopeds and repair parts have become scarcer, and as a certain nostalgia has grown around mopeds (not unlike that of classic scooters), enthusiasts have formed an increasing number of organizations devoted to moped collecting, repair, and lifestyle.

  • The Moped Army is a moped club comprised of local branches from the United States and Canada.
  • The Moped Riders Association is an international organization which sponsors events and rides throughout North America.

A number of unaffiliated local and regional organizations also exist, such as the RCMP from the Greater Toronto Area, and the MOFOs from New Jersey

In the Gatineau Area, mopeds have been associated with fraternal organizations such as the Hells Mopeds, a sub group of the motorcycle gang called the Hells Angels. Most motorcycle and moped organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides. Gangs represent far less than 1% of motorcyclists.


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Gangs represent far less than 1% of motorcyclists.
. Most motorcycle and moped organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides. . In the Gatineau Area, mopeds have been associated with fraternal organizations such as the Hells Mopeds, a sub group of the motorcycle gang called the Hells Angels. Norton Healthcare, a healthcare system in Louisville, Kentucky. A number of unaffiliated local and regional organizations also exist, such as the RCMP from the Greater Toronto Area, and the MOFOs from New Jersey. Norton AntiVirus computer software, owned by Symantec.

As mopeds and repair parts have become scarcer, and as a certain nostalgia has grown around mopeds (not unlike that of classic scooters), enthusiasts have formed an increasing number of organizations devoted to moped collecting, repair, and lifestyle. A character played by Art Carney in The Honeymooners. Mopeds registered before June 17, 2003 are called legacy mopeds and they are subject to the same rules as class 2 mopeds, but may have a top speed of 30 km/h. Norton, a major American publishing corporation. In traffic they are regarded as bicycles unless there are signs explicitly fordiding mopeds. W. No license is required, but the driver has to be above 15 years and wear a helmet. W.

Class 2 is a moped designed for a top speed of 25 km/h and has an engine with maximum 1 kW. Norton (grape), a variety of grape also known as Cynthiana. They are however tax free. Norton (motorcycle), a British motorcycle manufacturer. In traffic class 1 mopeds are regarded as motorcycles (but may not be driven on motorways or motorroads) and has to be registered and have a license plate. Norton Sound, an inlet of the Bering Sea. To drive a class 1 moped you have to have either a driver's licence type A (motorcycle) or B (car), a driving license for tractor or a class 1 moped licence. William Norton, an Irish politician and one-time Labour Party leader.

Class 1 (also known as EU moped as it was introduced to comply with European Union rules) is a moped deisgned for a maximum speed of 45 km/h powered by a engine of 50 cc or, if it's an electric motor, has a maximum power of 4 kW. Thomas Norton, a 16th century English writer and politician. Mopeds are available in two classes. Scott Norton, a retired professional wrestler. Electric mopeds must have a motor between 600 and 2000 watts.[4]. Peter Norton, software engineer and founder of Peter Norton Computing. Mopeds are classified as having an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h. Patrick Norton, an American writer and editor specializing in the high tech industry.

Mopeds can be driven with any class of driver licence. Ken Norton, an American heavyweight boxer (or his son, Ken Norton Jr. Mopeds are allowed to carry one passenger with the driver, if the moped is registered to two persons. Norton, who declared himself Emperor of the United States of America. Power of a moped isn't limited, but the speed limit is 45 km/h, but most modern mopeds go easily over 50km/h. Joshua A. Mopeds can be driven with M-class driving licence, at the age of 15. Jim Norton (actor), an Irish actor.

[3]. James Norton, founder of the Norton Motorcycle Company. Mopeds and scooters are subject to all of the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must wear helmets. Sir Gregory Norton, a 17th century English MP. They are allowed to carry more than one person. Graham Norton, an Irish comedian. In addition to this, they must not have a driver-operated transmission. Gale Norton, an American lawyer and politician.

In Alberta, Canada, mopeds and scooters require a class 6 (motorcycle) or class 7 (learner's permit) license and must have engines under 50 cc. Eleanor Holmes Norton, an American politician best known as the delegate from Washington, D.C. They are not allowed to carry passengers except the driver. Edward Lawry Norton, an electrical engineer. Such vehicles require no licensing. Edward Norton, an American actor. The moped is legally defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with engine displacement of no more than 50 cc and maximum speed no more than 50 km/h. Norton, a 19th century American politician.

if used before 1/8/1977 it must be moveable by pedals.[2]. Daniel S. The term moped describes any low-powered motor driven cycle with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h. Charles Eliot Norton, an American scholar who died in the early 20th century. (1.5 kW) [1]. Andre Norton, an American author. A moped is a two- or three-wheeled device with a motor no larger than two horsepower. Norton, Zimbabwe, a city in Zimbabwe.

However, it is also likely that the term is merely an abbreviated combination of the two key elements of a moped—a motor and pedals. Norton, New Brunswick, in Canada. Velociped is an older Swedish word for bicycle, imported from the French word vélocipède formed from the Latin velocispedis meaning "fast foot". Norton, Virginia. The word moped is a Swedish short form of the word motorvelociped. Norton, Vermont. . Norton, Ohio.

Another type is the three wheeled (two front, one back) transport moped. Norton, Massachusetts. Some mopeds are designed like cars, similar to microcar, for instance the french Aixam. Norton, Kansas. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion. Norton, Powys. A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors—these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorized bicycles. Norton, Monmouthshire.

However, some mopeds, such as the Czech-made Jawa, were derived from motorcycles. Norton, Evesham, Worcestershire. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98cc engine were known as autocycles. Norton, Worcester, Worcestershire. An example of this early type is the Velosolex brand. Norton, Wiltshire. These were commonly called cyclemotors. Norton, Arundel, West Sussex.

Many jurisdictions consider them as "limited speed motorcycles." The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, were nothing but bicycles with a helper motor on top of the front wheel. Norton, Selsey, West Sussex. Some localities require pedals, thus making them hybrid transport, using both human power and machine power. Norton, Suffolk. Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30–35 mph (about 50–55 km/h). Norton, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Motorized bicycles, small scooters and small motorcycles generally fit the definition of a moped. Norton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorised vehicles avoiding safety restrictions and licensing charges of larger motorcycles. Norton, Dawley, Shropshire. Mopeds are a class of low powered motorized vehicles in legal literature normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, or the requirement of pedals. Norton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The Moped Riders Association is an international organization which sponsors events and rides throughout North America. Norton, Ludlow, Shropshire. The Moped Army is a moped club comprised of local branches from the United States and Canada. Norton, Nottinghamshire.

Norton, North Yorkshire. Norton, Northamptonshire. Norton, Leicestershire. Norton, Isle of Wight.

Norton, Hertfordshire. Norton, Halton. Norton, Gloucestershire. Norton, East Sussex.

Norton, County Durham.