Moped motorcycles, or simply mopeds, are two-wheeled vehicles with an engine size typically not exceeding 50cc. They are designed for short-distance travel, and as such are generally not capable of high speeds. Mopeds are a popular choice for commuters and city-dwellers looking for an economical and convenient way to get around.
Mopeds typically have both pedals and an engine, making them more versatile than bicycles. Many mopeds also have a step-through frame, which makes them easy to mount and dismount. Mopeds typically have a maximum speed of 30 mph, making them ideal for short trips around town.
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Moped motorcycles are a great option for those who want the convenience of a motorcycle without the speed or power. Mopeds are perfect for short trips around town, and can even be used for commuting if you live in a city with good public transportation. They’re also much cheaper than traditional motorcycles, making them a great option for budget-conscious riders.
From the historic Piaggio Typhoon to the cutting-edge Aprilia SR50, we’ve compiled a list of the top 50cc motorcycles and mopeds on the market today.
Yamaha Aerox 50
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Yamaha’s Aerox, the quintessential sporty moped of the mid-2000s, was a sleek urban-ready moped that borrowed design cues from the company’s R-series supersports motorcycles.
It was built to last and looked the part with its red anodized damper springs, beefy Paioli forks, and front and rear disc brakes.
There was brisk acceleration from the liquid-cooled two-stroke motor, but the moped could only go 30 miles per hour because of its restrictions.
With its 13-inch wheels and fat tires, it zips through traffic with ease. The best part is that for a long time, you could get it in a paint job that looked just like those used by Valentino Rossi, complete with FIAT sponsorship on the bodywork.
Peugeot Django 50
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French manufacturer Peugeot’s Django scooter is a gorgeous throwback that manages to be both functional and affordable.
It has an electronic starter and automated gearing for its four-stroke, air-cooled engine that produces about 4 horsepower. The ordinary Django moped can only reach 30 miles per hour, but its attractive design—inspired by the S55 scooter of the 1950s—is what will catch your eye.
The Django is available in many different colors, ranging from sleek blacks and greys to bold reds and blues and two-toned designs, and has Art Deco-style vents, sleek alloy wheels, and aerodynamic bodywork.
Honda Vision 50
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A Honda Vision may not be the most “rock and roll” vehicle, but as far as affordability and dependability go, it’s hard to beat.
The original two-stroke Vision debuted in the 1980s, but the newest model employs a four-stroke engine that is extremely clean and complies with strict emissions standards.
Performance is about what you’d expect from a moped, with about 3–4 bhp, a top speed of 30 mph, and a twist-and-go transmission.
It is convenient and simple to ride. There is a cubbyhole in the front for extra storage in addition to the ample space beneath the seat and the storage hook on the legshields.
Brakes are discs up front and drums in the rear, and the suspension is a single-sided swingarm with monoshock damping. Honda incorporates a linked-brake system (CBS) on several of their motorcycles that combines the braking force of the front and rear wheels, improving control in slippery conditions. In order to meet Euro standards, newer bikes needed ABS.
Lexmoto Hunter 50
Lexmoto is one of the best low-cost motorcycle manufacturers since it imports high-quality Chinese machinery at reasonable costs and provides superior support for both replacement parts and warranties.
The Hunter isn’t a scooter since it has a manual clutch and four gears instead of a twist and go automated transmission.
The four-stroke engine runs cleanly and is incredibly economical with fuel; with a 12-liter tank, it can travel an astounding 300 miles!
The front brake is a hydraulic disc, while the back is a drum. The wheels and tires are 18 inches in diameter and are designed for motorcycles.
If you’re interested in motorcycle style but only have a moped license, the Hunter 50 (which retails for just over £1000) is a great alternative.
The Piaggio Typhoon 50
One of the most popular moped scooters of the ’90s and ’00s was the Typhoon, which was available in 50 and 125cc engine sizes. Fun to ride in town or on longer trips because to its combination of chunky, aggressive design with reliable chassis and engine technology.
The original model’s motor was a two-stroke affair, and it was based on the same technology found in other Piaggio and Vespa models.
The chassis was made out of a basic steel tube construction, and it included a front suspension that could go further, as well as a sleek plastic body, an all-inclusive dashboard with a speedometer and fuel indicator, and a clever dual-beam headlamp.
It’s easy to ride because to its twist-and-go mechanism, and it stops quickly thanks to its combination of a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. The 12″ tyres are well-suited for bumpy terrain, and you can even fit a few things in the handy storage compartment behind the seat.
Combine it with the auto-lube two-stroke oiling and you’ve got a fantastic tool for commuting to and from work, school, or college.
Kymco Agility 50
The Kymco Agility is a small, quick, and inexpensive moped that fulfills its advertised purpose. A modest air-cooled four-stroke engine provides the required 3 horsepower of moped power, allowing for a quick enough acceleration to the maximum speed of 30 mph.
You may easily achieve the rated 120 mpg fuel efficiency. Not many other modes of transportation can compete with the low cost of this one.
The scooter is fully automatic, with a disc brake up front and a drum brake in the back. The whole vehicle weight is only 92 kilograms, and the 785mm seat height is ideal for most people.
It has a sleek rear rack for extra baggage or even a top box, plenty of under-seat storage, and a kickstart as a backup to the electronic start in case the battery runs short.
The suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2020 model was around £1,800, with the 2021 model, which complies with Euro5 emissions standards, costing almost the same.
Bullit Heritage 50
Although Honda created the first “Monkey” bike in the 1960s, there are now many enjoyable replicas available, such as this Bullit Heritage model. It shares the same compact chassis and air-cooled four-stroke engine as an older Honda design, but it also features a four-speed gearbox rather than the twist-and-go automatic transmission common to scooter- and moped-style vehicles.
It’s equipped with a powerful disc brake up front and a drum brake in the rear, and it rolls on beefy 10-inch wheels with big tyres. It has a rear seat and pillion pegs, so if you pass your test, you may bring a friend along.
The Heritage isn’t only for 16-year-olds either. Motorhome, yacht, and caravan owners might also benefit from having a vehicle like this as a secondary mode of transportation; during the summer, you’ll see many such compact vehicles zipping about marinas and campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moped
Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped?
There is no universal answer to this question, as it depends on the laws of the specific state or country in which you intend to operate a moped. However, in general, a motorcycle license is not required to operate a moped. In some states, a regular driver’s license is sufficient, while other states may require a special moped license. It is always best to check with your local DMV or other authorities to determine the specific requirements for operating a moped in your area.
Is a moped a motorcycle?
A moped is a two-wheeled vehicle with a small engine that is used for transportation. They are similar to motorcycles in many ways, but they are typically smaller and have less power. Mopeds typically have a maximum speed of around 30 miles per hour, while motorcycles can go much faster. Mopeds are also usually less expensive than motorcycles.
Moped vs Scooter vs Motorcycle
There are three main types of two-wheeled motorized vehicles: mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles. All three have two wheels and an engine, but there are some key differences between them.
Mopeds are the simplest and most affordable type of two-wheeled vehicle. They have small engines, usually less than 50cc, and are often pedal-assist, meaning that you have to pedal to get them moving but the engine gives you a boost. Mopeds are slow and not very powerful, but they’re easy to operate and can be used for short trips around town.
Scooters are slightly larger and more powerful than mopeds, with engines ranging from 50cc to 250cc. They’re still relatively simple to operate, but can reach higher speeds than mopeds. Scooters are a popular choice for commuting, as they’re more comfortable than mopeds and can carry a passenger.
Motorcycles are the largest and most powerful type of two-wheeled vehicle. They have engines that range from 250cc to over 1,000cc, and can reach high speeds. Motorcycles are more difficult to operate than mopeds or scooters, and require more skill and experience. They’re also more expensive, and are typically used for recreation or long-distance travel.
