In a modern city, it is difficult to do without personal transport, because with today's pace of life, it is important to save time. However, the presence of a large congestion of cars on the roads leads to the opposite result. This is why Europeans are switching to scooters en masse. For a long time, the moped was more popular in Russia. Since these vehicles are similar in many ways, they are often confused or replaced by one name for another. It is worth figuring out whether there are fundamental differences between a moped and a scooter.
Design features of a moped and scooter
A moped is usually a two-wheeled, less often three-wheeled vehicle that is designed to travel not very long distances. This type of transport is economical, since gasoline is consumed minimally. The engine displacement is no more than 50 cubic centimeters, the maximum speed is 50 km / h.
A distinctive feature of the moped is the absence of a gearbox in it. You can adjust the speed using the right handlebar grip. Making rotational movements, thereby, you can either add gas or reduce the speed. There is also a front brake. To set this vehicle in motion, you should rotate its pedals in the opposite direction.
Structurally, the scooter is a relative of a motorcycle, but the former is lighter in weight and has a slightly smaller wheel diameter (from 8 to 14 inches). The gearbox for this type of transport is a V-belt variator. The engine displacement is 50-250 cubic centimeters. Accordingly, the scooter can reach a high speed - 50-120 km / h.
The rear brake must be operated with a lever located on the left handlebar. The scooter is operated only with the hands, i.e. legs do not take part in this process. A special feature of such a vehicle is a special footrest - "floor". In addition, a body is provided in the scooter design.
Rules of movement on a moped and a scooter
The popularity of the moped is not only related to its budgetary cost. The advantage is the fact that you can move on it without having a license and without going through a technical inspection. However, at the same time, no one exempts the moped driver from the knowledge of traffic rules. The moped is equated more with bicycles than with motorcycles. Therefore, on a moped, you should not move in the general stream of cars, but very close to the right edge of the road or along the cycle path.
A scooter is a type of motorcycle. Currently, a law is being developed to revise the age restrictions on driving a scooter, as well as to obtain mandatory rights.
What are the differences between a scooter and a moped
Thus, the following differences between a scooter and a moped can be identified:
- the design of the second resembles a bicycle, and the first - a motorcycle;
- the scooter has a larger engine capacity, it also develops a higher speed;
- a scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle, and a moped can be both two-wheeled and three-wheeled;
- the scooter has a V-belt variator used as a gearbox;
- the moped does not have a gearbox, and the speed is controlled using the steering wheel handle;
- to drive a scooter, the license is still not needed, but a bill is already being considered on the introduction of restrictions and rights for driving such a vehicle;
- to drive a moped, you do not need to have a license.
