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As of 2023, gasoline prices have risen to unbearable levels, which causing many people to seek alternative modes of transportation. For short distances, motorized two-wheeled options like scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, and e-bikes are often preferred because of their ease of use, lower gas consumption, and low maintenance costs. Although they are all two-wheeled vehicles, their benefits, legal requirements, and riding styles are very different.
If you want to know more about these two-wheelers Moped, Scooters, Ebike, and Motorcycles, and how they are different from each other then keep reading this post. we have thoroughly explained all of these and their differences too.
What is a Moped?
Mopeds are motorized bikes that are similar to motorcycles but with less power. Mopeds are considered super-economy vehicles, an alternative to traditional everyday transportation. Although mopeds often have pedals similar to bicycles, the engine is one feature that distinguishes them from bicycles.
Different states have different requirements, so to check the license requirement, you have to check your state’s law. Interestingly, they are generally less restrictive than those for motorcycles.
Top Speed of 50cc Moped: They are made for in-town use and have a small motor, so a 50 cc Moped has a top speed of 30 mph.
| Moped | |
| Average Mileage | 40- 42 kmpl |
| License or Registration | Depends on your state’s law |
| Average price | $1,000 and $2,000 |
What is Scooter?
Besides motorcycles, scooters or motor scooters are commonly seen on American roads. Scooters are two-wheeled vehicles equipped with footrest platforms and step-through chassis. Since their introduction in the early 1900s, they have become increasingly popular.
In general, scooters have engines that range from 50cc to 250cc. Similar to the mini bikes, they have 10″ wheels and are powered by an electrical charging system to support the light and ignition. Scooters are easier to ride and more maneuverable than motorcycles because they have lower speeds.
Top Speed of 150cc Scooter: The average top speed of a 150 cc scooter is 60 – 65 mph.
| Scooter | |
| Average Mileage | 45 – 50 km kmpl |
| License or Registration | License or Registration is must |
| Average price | $2,000 and $3,000 |
What is an E-bike?
E-bikes are bicycles with electric motors to assist you with pedaling. A rechargeable battery powers it so the motor will run the bike. Essentially, an e-bike is one in which the motor aids rather than propels the rider on its own. Therefore, you must pedal to get assistance.
You can choose between a number of modes on electric bikes, depending on how much power to supply through the pedals and how long the batteries last. Lastly, people got confused between e-bikes and e-motorcycle. They both are different: for instance, CSC City Slicker is an e-motorcycle that requires a license, but e-bikes do not require any registration or license.
Top Speed of E-bike: The top speed of E-bike ranges from 20 – 28 mph.
| E-Bike | |
| Average Mileage | Depends on the size of battery |
| License or Registration | No License or Registration required |
| Average price | $3,000 and $4,000 |
What is Motorcycle?
Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles powered by motors and don’t have pedals. As a result, they are designed to operate at higher speeds and possess better acceleration and handling characteristics. Motorcycles can be used for commuting in the city at a slow speed and also for traveling at highway speeds.
Generally, they have some cargo storage and offer more wind protection than mopeds or scooters. They are available in different specs, including 50 cc, 100 cc, 125 cc, 150 cc, 200 cc, 350 cc, and up to 2500 cc. Lastly, a proper motorcycle license is required to ride it on the streets.
Top Speed of Motorcycle: The top speed of motorcycles varies from model to model, but the highest legal speed of a motorcycle is 180 mph.
| Motorcycle | |
| Average Mileage | 30 – 40 mpg |
| License or Registration | License or Registration is must |
| Average price | $4,000 and $10,000 |
Difference between Moped, Scooter, E-bike & Motorcycle
Here is the difference between these two-wheelers are given below.
| Moped | Scooter | E-bike | Motorcycle | |
| Power source | Small internal engine | Small internal engine ( gasoline or electric) | Electric motor powered by a battery | Big internal combustion engine |
| Average speed | 30 mph | 60 – 65 mph | 20 – 28 mph | 80-140 mph |
| Frame | lightweight bicycle frame | Compact chassis with step-through frame | Different frames similar to both bikes and scooter | Robust design with a heavy frame |
| Environmental Impact | High emission | Depends on the engine type | Eco-friendly | High emission |
| Safety Features | Basic safety features | Advance safety features | Basic safety features | Comprehensive safety features |
FAQ’s
Here are some of the frequently asked questions, and their answers given below.
Do you need a license to drive a moped?
Every state has its own requirements, so check yours to find out if you need a license or not. It is interesting to note that they are generally less restrictive than those for motorcycles.
Is a moped the same as a scooter?
Mopeds and scooters are similar machines used for daily transportation and are economical, but there are a few things that make them different from each other, including chassis design, engine specs, and speed.
Why is it called a moped?
Mopeds are bicycles powered by a motor of 50 cc or less, which means you can ride them even without pedaling. Moreover, it has small wheels, small in size, and good economical, which makes it ideal for daily transportation; that’s why it is called a Moped.
Is an electric scooter faster than a bike?
No, electric scooters are not faster than bikes. Bikes are made for performance and will provide more speed than a scooter.
Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.
