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Published: November 5, 2006
In the early 1950s, a Swedish journalist took note of a new type of transportation taking hold of Europe, a hybrid of a bicycle and motorized engine. Noticing the motor powering the invention and the pedals of the bicycle, the journalist merged the two words together, coining a term still used today: moped.
Like so many inventions, the moped emerged largely out of necessity. After World War II, the demand for simple, economical and affordable ways of traveling throughout Europe exploded. Most people could not afford cars after the war; hence, the marriage of the bicycle with the internal combustion engine to form a low-powered form of transportation.
There has always been a certain confusion surrounding the moped’s classification. After all, what makes a moped different from a motorcycle? One such difference lies in a moped's speed capabilities. Generally, mopeds are restricted by law to have engines of less than 50 cc and speeds of around 30 mph or 45 to 50 km/h.
Another one of the moped’s distinguishing traits is how several countries require lower driving ages for the moped than for other vehicles. For example, in Finland, legislation requires moped drivers to be at least 15 years old. A lower required age for operating mopeds has contributed largely to their popularity among teenagers. Mopeds also are popular among adolescents because of their easy maintenance and low cost.
Legislation surrounding moped operation varies largely from country to country. In the United States, mopeds are forbidden from exceeding 30 mph. While this speed restriction, or ones similar to it, is generally the norm in most nations, some countries have more lenient policies. For example, in Italy, experts estimate that close to 95 percent of all Italian 50cc mopeds are illegally unrestricted. That is to say, the devices automatically preventing the moped from reaching high speeds are removed in most mopeds.
The small size and easy maneuverability of the moped lends an air of convenience to riders, but there are risks as well. The same compactness that comes in handy when maneuvering a moped also makes it harder for other drivers to detect it. For this reason, as with motorcycle operators, moped riders should always wear a safety helmet.
These days, moped aficionados hold their vehicle of choice in high regard, and think back on the glory days of the moped with a strong sense of nostalgia. A variety of organizations exist internationally for such people who wish to share their love of mopeds with other enthusiasts. One such organization is the Moped Riders Association, which sponsors moped rides throughout America and internationally. Another organization, the Moped Army has members in Canada and the United States, and hosts similar events for moped lovers. Even Japan has its own population of moped fans and collectors. This country is home to the Rocket Ship Tomos organization.
Sources:
The History of Mopeds. 2006. 21 Sept 2006 <http://www.torontomopeds.com/mopedhistory.htm& gt;.
Moped. Wikipedia. 2006.Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 21 Sept 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moped>.
Like so many inventions, the moped emerged largely out of necessity. After World War II, the demand for simple, economical and affordable ways of traveling throughout Europe exploded. Most people could not afford cars after the war; hence, the marriage of the bicycle with the internal combustion engine to form a low-powered form of transportation.
There has always been a certain confusion surrounding the moped’s classification. After all, what makes a moped different from a motorcycle? One such difference lies in a moped's speed capabilities. Generally, mopeds are restricted by law to have engines of less than 50 cc and speeds of around 30 mph or 45 to 50 km/h.
Another one of the moped’s distinguishing traits is how several countries require lower driving ages for the moped than for other vehicles. For example, in Finland, legislation requires moped drivers to be at least 15 years old. A lower required age for operating mopeds has contributed largely to their popularity among teenagers. Mopeds also are popular among adolescents because of their easy maintenance and low cost.
Legislation surrounding moped operation varies largely from country to country. In the United States, mopeds are forbidden from exceeding 30 mph. While this speed restriction, or ones similar to it, is generally the norm in most nations, some countries have more lenient policies. For example, in Italy, experts estimate that close to 95 percent of all Italian 50cc mopeds are illegally unrestricted. That is to say, the devices automatically preventing the moped from reaching high speeds are removed in most mopeds.
The small size and easy maneuverability of the moped lends an air of convenience to riders, but there are risks as well. The same compactness that comes in handy when maneuvering a moped also makes it harder for other drivers to detect it. For this reason, as with motorcycle operators, moped riders should always wear a safety helmet.
These days, moped aficionados hold their vehicle of choice in high regard, and think back on the glory days of the moped with a strong sense of nostalgia. A variety of organizations exist internationally for such people who wish to share their love of mopeds with other enthusiasts. One such organization is the Moped Riders Association, which sponsors moped rides throughout America and internationally. Another organization, the Moped Army has members in Canada and the United States, and hosts similar events for moped lovers. Even Japan has its own population of moped fans and collectors. This country is home to the Rocket Ship Tomos organization.
Sources:
The History of Mopeds. 2006. 21 Sept 2006 <http://www.torontomopeds.com/mopedhistory.htm& gt;.
Moped. Wikipedia. 2006.Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 21 Sept 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moped>.
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