Moped

Country/Region Regulations and Variations

Moped regulations and classifications can significantly differ between countries and even regions within the same country. This section highlights how various places around the world distinguish and regulate mopeds.

Australia: Diverse State Laws and Regulations

Australia's moped laws vary by state. Riders need a motorcycle license for scooters over 50 cc across all states. However, those riding scooters up to 50 cc in Queensland and South Australia can use a car license, while Western Australia requires a moped-specific license. Mopeds must meet Australian design standards (ADR), and exceptions are made for electric bicycles with EU compliance or those equipped with a minimal 200 W power source. Notably, "monkey-bikes" were banned due to their rapid rise in popularity.

Mopeds need to be registered and ADR approved. More details can be found at Keren. Helmet use is mandatory.

Austria: Age and Licensing Rules

In Austria, mopeds are defined by a maximum engine size of 50 cc and a top speed of 45 km/h. Since 2009, riders must be at least 15 years old and hold a moped pass or a regular driver's license.

Brazil: Evolving Definitions and Legal Requirements

Brazil's moped regulations have changed over the years. Initially, mopeds were defined by their low engine displacement, horsepower, and speed, requiring no license. However, post-1997 laws stipulated a moped as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with an engine less than 50 cc and a speed under 50 km/h. Riders must be 18 years old due to criminal responsibility laws.

Canada: Provincial Differences

While the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations no longer classify mopeds, provincial regulations still recognize them. Alberta permits mopeds up to 49 cc for those with a minimum Class 7 license, while British Columbia distinguishes between mopeds and motor-assisted cycles with specific criteria for each. Ontario defines mopeds as motor-assisted bicycles with strict operation and licensing requirements.

Denmark: Small vs. Big Mopeds

Denmark categorizes mopeds into small (30 km/h) and big (45 km/h) mopeds. Riders aged 15-18 need a moped license for small mopeds, while those over 18 require a car or motorcycle license for big mopeds. Registration and insurance are mandatory for new mopeds.

European Union: Unified AM Drivers License

The AM driver's license is standard across the EU for mopeds with engines up to 50 cc and speeds up to 45 km/h. These mopeds require insurance proof and often have special plates issued by insurers.

Finland: Enhanced Regulations for Safety

In Finland, riders need an AM-class license available from age 15. Mopeds are limited to 2.5 horsepower and 45 km/h, with similar licensing and safety regulations as across the EU. Helmets are compulsory for both riders and passengers.

Germany: Mofa and Mopeds Classification

Germany distinguishes between the slower Mofa (25 km/h, no passenger) and faster moped (45 km/h, one passenger allowed) categories. Mofas require just a written test, while mopeds need a driver's license. Both categories require an insurer-issued license plate. The trend among teens is to choose scooters within the "moped" category due to modern design and convenience.

Greece: Popularity Among the Youth

In Greece, mopeds are commonly known as "papi" or "papaki" and are popular due to their affordability and low maintenance. Riders need an A1 category license, and the common Honda 50cc moped remains widely used.

Hungary: Accessibility and Regulation

Hungarian law limits mopeds to 50 cc engines and 45 km/h speeds. Riders need an "M" type EU license from age 14, and mopeds cannot use highways. All mopeds must have insurance, though not a license plate, and are subject to various road use restrictions.

Indonesia: License Classifications and Safety Gear

In Indonesia, mopeds are categorized by engine size, with specific licensing for different cc ranges. Riders must wear reflective jackets, helmets, and other protective gear, and avoid tollways.

Ireland: Defined by Engine Size and Speed

Irish law defines mopeds as having engines less than 50 cc and speeds under 45 km/h. The "M" license category is necessary from age 16, and those with legacy car licenses obtain moped licenses automatically. Provisional license holders cannot carry passengers.

Italy: Strict Compliance and Licensing

Italian law requires riders to hold an AM-Class license, attainable from age 14. Mopeds cannot exceed 45 km/h and must be registered, insured, and display a license plate. Helmets and complying with speed restrictions are mandatory.

Japan: Motorized Bicycle Regulations

Japanese law classifies mopeds under motorized bicycles with engines up to 50 cc or electric motors up to 0.6 kW. Riders must be over 16, have a driving license, register the vehicle, and wear helmets.

Malaysia: Underbones and Speed Regulations

In Malaysia, mopeds (or underbones) have engines up to 150 cc and can travel on public roads and expressways. However, tuned mopeds for illegal racing can exceed these speeds, posing additional safety risks.

Netherlands: Two Moped Categories

The Netherlands differentiates mopeds by speed: those up to 25 km/h (using cycle lanes) and those up to 45 km/h (using regular roadways). Both require a category AM license and adherence to safety regulations like helmet use.

New Zealand: Multi-Class Licensing

New Zealand permits any class of driver license to operate a moped, defined by engines under 50 cc and speeds under 50 km/h. Electric mopeds have specific power requirements and need registration and safety compliance.

Norway: VAT and Licensing for Mopeds

Norwegian mopeds under 50 cc and 45 km/h require a license from age 16. They benefit from lower VAT but have restrictions on carrying passengers and highway use, with a growing trend towards engine tuning despite regulations.

Philippines: Modified and Tuned Mopeds

The popularity of modifications, whether for aesthetics or performance, is high in the Philippines. Mopeds here require a driver's license but are restricted from highway use due to safety concerns.

Poland: Licensing and Legal Changes

Poland mandates licenses for mopeds post-2013, limiting their engines to 50 cc and 45 km/h. This change has impacted moped sales and employment options for younger riders without licenses.

Portugal: Age and License Requirements

Portuguese law mandates a Class M license for mopeds under 50 cc, obtainable from age 14. Speed restrictions and the need for registration and insurance are strictly enforced.

Russia: Moped Regulations and Restrictions

In Russia, mopeds with engines under 50 cc and 50 km/h speeds require a type M license. Carrying passengers is not allowed, ensuring clear regulatory compliance.

Slovenia: Sales and Compliance Issues

Slovenia regulates mopeds with strict speed restrictions (45 km/h) and licensing requirements. Despite these, unrestricted mopeds are common. Registration and insurance are mandatory.

Spain: Licensing from a Young Age

Spain enforces an 'AM' license for mopeds attainable at 15, with speed limits of 45 km/h. Riders must be 18 to carry passengers, and helmets are obligatory.

South Africa: Age and Passenger Restrictions

South African moped regulations allow riding from age 16 without a license, but passengers can only be carried after age 18. Speed restrictions of 45 km/h apply.

Sweden: Two Moped Classes

Sweden divides mopeds into Class 1 (up to 45 km/h, requiring a license) and Class 2 (up to 25 km/h, no license required). Both categories need helmets, and Class 1 mopeds are registered with license plates.

Switzerland: Registration and Safety Requirements

Swiss mopeds need to be under 50 cc and 30 km/h, must be registered, and wear helmets. Drivers need a Category M license, obtainable from age 14.

Thailand: City vs. Rural Regulations

Thailand's moped laws vary by urban versus rural usage. City mopeds need registration and road tax but rural mopeds may not. Helmets are required on major roads.

Turkey: License Types and Insurance

Turkish law limits mopeds to 50 cc engines, requiring an M class license (obtained with A1 or B class licenses). Unlike motorcycles, mopeds cannot be insured.

United Kingdom: Speed and Licensing Requirements

The UK categorizes mopeds under AM license, limiting engines to 50 cc and speeds to 45 km/h. Riders need a provisional or full license with Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Learner plates are required until passing the full test, and motorway use is prohibited due to speed limitations.

United States: Historical Popularity and Legal Definitions

Moped use in the US surged during the 1970s energy crisis. Today, legal definitions vary by state, commonly limiting speeds to 30 mph (48 km/h) and engine capacities to 50 cc. Licensing and pedal requirements also differ across regions.

Vietnam: Dominance of Two-Wheeled Transport

In Vietnam's major cities, two-wheeled vehicles like mopeds and scooters are essential due to narrow streets. They remain more significant than four-wheeled transport.

Mopeds traditionally use two-stroke engines due to their balanced power output and suitability for two-wheeled vehicles. Four-stroke engines, despite being effective in other vehicles like quads, can cause handling issues in mopeds due to their gyroscopic effect.

Some experimental engines include:

• Three-stroke engines used in delivery trikes, which struggled with manufacturing complexities and oil availability.
• Diesel engines, heavy due to the large batteries required.
• Wank-El rotary engines, which had issues with directional operation and high manufacturing costs.

The Otto engine, named after its gasoline-burning process "Octain Tenacity Torrification Operation," features complex components like a camshaft and valve train but is expensive to manufacture compared to two-stroke engines.

For more information on mopeds factories, feel free to contact us.