According to Russian law, two- and three-wheeled vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm3 and a maximum speed of up to 50 km / h are called mopeds, while all other two- and three-wheeled vehicles weighing up to 400 kg are considered motorcycles. The main structural difference between a moped and a motorcycle is the presence of pedals.
The traffic rules in force in the Russian Federation clearly define the differences between mopeds and motorcycles, since a driver must have an appropriate driver's license to drive a motorcycle, while a license is not required to ride a moped. Mopeds unite a whole class of low-power vehicles of different design, which includes classic mopeds, motorized bicycles, mokiki, scooters and scooters.
Differences according to legislation
According to the SDA, a moped is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle whose engine volume does not exceed 50 cm3, and the maximum speed is structurally limited to 50 km / h. Two-wheeled vehicles with a volume of more than 50 cm3 or capable of high speed are considered motorcycles, even if they do not differ from a moped in design.
Russian legislation does not require the entry of mopeds in the state register and the presence of license plates. Also, the owners of mopeds are not burdened with the obligation to undergo regular technical inspections and compulsory insurance of their vehicle. These features, as well as the low cost of mopeds, have led to their high popularity among young people as a vehicle ideally suited for movement in an urban environment.
Design differences
The main design feature of the moped is the presence of pedals used both for movement using the muscular strength of the driver and as a starter when starting the engine. The first mopeds were produced by installing a low-power engine on a regular bicycle, and such vehicles are still used today. Nevertheless, a modern moped may not have a pedal drive if its maximum speed and engine size meet the above standards.
Braking a moped with pedals is carried out by rotating them in the opposite direction, similar to braking when riding a bicycle. Motorcycles are equipped with a full disc or petal brakes, controlled by a handle located on the handlebars.
Another difference in the design of the moped is the lack of a gearbox. This makes the vehicle cheaper, but makes it unsuitable for driving on roads with steep slopes. On pedal-powered mopeds, in these cases, the muscular strength is used to overcome steep climbs.
