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 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 and small scooters and 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 autocycles. An example of this early type is the Velosolex brand. 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. Contents 1 Etymology 2 Local definitions 2.1 Hawaii 2.2 United Kingdom 2.3 Russia 2.4 Canada 2.5 Finland 2.6 New Zealand 3 Moped culture 4 See also 5 External links 6 References Etymology 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. 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] 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 organization which sponsors events and rides throughout the United States. 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. See also Look up ]] in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Category:Moped manufacturers Motorcycle Scooter Motorised bicycle External links Open Directory Project - Moped section. Moped Army Moped Web Ring http://moped2.org/ References ^  http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/highways/hwy-v/HIDrvMan.pdf ^  http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/page/dft_transstats_609923-01.hcsp#P25_1691 ^  http://www3.gov.ab.ca/gs/services/mv/operator.cfm#LicenceClasses ^  http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/publications/infosheets/infosheet-1-10.htmlda:Knallert (køretøj) Search Term: "Moped" Categories: Mopeds