| The word moped was coined by Swedish journalist | | | | punishable as driving without a license, so be warned, |
| Harald Nielsen in 1952. | | | | police have now increased the number of surprise |
| The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, | | | | checks in schools and teenager hot spots to help cut |
| were standard bicycles with a helper motor in various | | | | down on the problem. |
| locations, for example on top of the front wheel; they | | | | A moped is usually powered by small 2-stroke or |
| were also called cyclemotors. | | | | 4-stroke engines ranging from 50 cc to 125 cc. |
| Mopeds are restricted to 30-75 mph (48-121 km/h) and | | | | In most countries mopeds are subject to all of the |
| may not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) in the UK. Also in | | | | same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must |
| the UK a provisional licence, full motorcycle or car | | | | wear helmets. |
| licence is needed to operate a moped. A "Compulsory | | | | Some advantages of owning a moped are low |
| Basic Training" (CBT) certificate is also required to ride | | | | purchase costs with some models costing only a few |
| a moped on public roads. | | | | hundred dollars. Road tax is much cheaper than a |
| Many mopeds are equipped with reflectors and other | | | | motorcar, gas/fuel consumption is very much lower |
| accessories that makes them more visible in the street | | | | than a motorcar with some models running up to 220 |
| especially in the dark. | | | | miles (350 km) on one tank of fuel. |
| Some mopeds are restricted by simple means, such | | | | With many mopeds now styled to look like |
| as plates or washers which some remove to increase | | | | motorcycles this may encourage inexperienced riders |
| speed, some dealerships will de-restrict a moped for | | | | to act as if they were operating such a machine, |
| free or at a small charge. The speed gained by such | | | | sometimes bringing it into situations or expecting |
| modifications depends on the specific engine and also | | | | performance it is not capable of negotiating such as |
| the combination of modifications performed. | | | | attempting to ride a moped at a high speed. This can |
| The problem with riding tuned mopeds by teens in | | | | increases the risk from automobile drivers who may |
| countries where their top speed and/or engine | | | | think a moped is a motorcycle and misjudge its speed. |
| capacity has to be limited can make riding one | | | | |