Shopping Mopeds for Adults: What You Need To Know
- on June 06, 2023
- Categories: Articles
Looking at mopeds for adults is fun and exciting. You go through styles and colors to find something that fits your look and personality. However, there is much more to consider. The right moped has the power to get you where you need to go without sacrificing your budget. Consider this your brief guide to finding the ideal moped for you.
Why Are You Shopping for Mopeds for Adults?
Before you make a big purchase, consider how you plan to use your moped. Do you need an affordable way to get around the city? Mopeds are an excellent mode of transportation for urban commuters. They cost significantly less than a car or motorcycle and offer more power and efficiency than a bicycle.
If you intend to use it for transport to work, school, or shopping, engine power, storage, and street-legal status should be priorities. On the other hand, if you plan to ride it around the neighborhood for fun, you can go for style over function. Consider the places you will go and how essential factors such as speed and maintenance requirements are to you as you explore options for mopeds for adults.
What Size Engine Do You Need?
Mopeds come with various engine sizes, and choosing the right one is the most critical choice you make before purchasing. Along with personal preference, you want to ensure the engine's capabilities match the roads you intend to ride on. Otherwise, you risk damaging the vehicle not long after you buy it.
Engine models list the cubic centimeters of displacement to describe size and power. Basically, this number defines the amount of fuel and air mixture needed to make the moped move. Naturally, a faster scooter will have a higher number, which becomes important when thinking about where you intend to ride and if you need to go with the traffic flow.
How Speed Limits Impact Engine Needs
Consider the terrain around you or where you intend to take the moped. For example, a college student who only wants to get around campus or down the road to nearby shops would likely never need to go much above 30 miles per hour. Something like this Trailmaster Trophy automatic electric start scooter would be perfect in that case. It features a 50cc engine, electric and kick-start capabilities, and impressive acceleration.
However, if the college campus is in a hilly area, that puts more pressure on the engine. In that case the student would benefit from looking for a larger engine size.
If you plan to take your scooter on roads above 45 miles per hour, you might consider mopeds with a 125-175cc engine option. Remember that riding your engine at maximum speed for extended periods is unsuitable, so be sure to choose an engine size with a higher top speed than you would need.
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Engines
Virtually any engine between 50cc and 125cc of displacement in mopeds for adults will also have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke factor, which refers to the number of strokes the piston takes to run fuel through the motor. The 50cc mopeds are especially loaded with these options. There are pros and cons for each.
For example, the 2-stroke engine is about 50% more powerful than the 4-stroke engine. Additionally, the 2-stroke does not require engine oil, so you don't have to worry about oil changes. However, 4-stroke engines are about 25% more fuel efficient and have better emissions. Thus, for most people, the choice comes down to personal preference.
Do Mopeds for Adults Have Storage?
Storage is a deciding factor for most people. Adult mopeds and other types of scooters generally offer more storage than a motorcycle. Of course, the make and model determine how much, but many models have attachments, so you can add more storage if needed. For example, nearly all mopeds allow you to add a rear or front rack for a top box or a rollbag. This is an excellent option for commuters.
Do You Need a License To Ride a Moped?
In the U.S., all but six states require you to have a license to drive a moped or scooter. However, in the 44 states requiring it, the license type may vary. For example, in Massachusetts, you need a standard driver's license and must be the minimum age of 16. The same applies to Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Delaware. However, you need a motorcycle license in Alaska, and the minimum age is 14.
Check your state licensing requirements before you buy. Also, ensure you know the state laws for driving a moped on certain roads. For example, California has very restrictive laws for mopeds and scooters, so many models are not street-legal in the state.
What Is Your Budget for Adult Mopeds?
For many, budget is the make-or-break decision-maker when shopping for mopeds for adults. If you are new to the moped world, here is a basic breakdown of average pricing:
- Mopeds with 50cc engine range from $700 to $3,000.
- Mopeds with 100-200cc engines range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Mopeds with more than 200cc engines can cost as much as $7,000 to $10,000.
The manufacturer also impacts the cost. For example, Italian and Japanese brands are generally more expensive than U.S. ones. However, that does not affect the quality.
Additional Expenses
The purchase price is not your only expense with a moped. Like any form of transportation, it comes with other fees and costs. For example, you will need to pay for the licensing and registration required to drive it, as well as insurance fees, maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs. In addition, most states have helmet laws. However, owning and operating a moped costs substantially lower than a car or motorcycle.
