What Are the Different Types of Mopeds?
by Chelsea Oliver
A moped is commonly defined as a motorbike that can either be driven by a low-powered engine or pedaled. The safety of such vehicles is a controversial topic and most countries and regions have their own legislation regarding the use of mopeds in terms of maximum speeds, sizes and driver requirements. Many variations of mopeds are currently available in terms of size, speed and style.
50cc Gas Moped
The 50cc gas moped by Jin Lun, called the JL5A, has an air-cooled, 50cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. It has an automatic CVT transmission and is legal to drive in all 50 of the United States. This moped can reach a top speed of 37 mph and has a fuel capacity of 1 gallon. It is ridden in an upright position and has an electric/kick-start starting system. Standard features on this type of moped include a front hydraulic disc brake and split tri-spoke premium alloy 10-inch wheels. It has a net weight of 185 lbs., a weight capacity of 220 lbs. and a wheelbase of 47 inches.
XM-150 Gas Moped
The XM-150 model of moped has a four-stroke, 150cc engine. The starting system is an electric kick start, but this moped also comes with a remote control starter. It uses a 12-volt 7AH battery for the electric start system and has a larger fuel capacity and higher top speed than the 50cc model at 1.75 gallons and 60 mph. It has a variable-speed control throttle, a belt-drive system and weighs 279 lbs. The XM-150 also features storage underneath a spring-loaded seat, gas-shock-cushioned forks and a maximum weight of 360 lbs.
Jonway MC_50CRP Moped
This Jonway moped is modeled after the look of a retro Vespa. It has a 50cc, four-stroke engine with an automatic, clutch-less transmission that does not require gear changing and a top speed of approximately 30 mph. The starting system is also kick or electric start, while the battery is a 12-volt, 7AH and the fuel capacity is 1.5 gallons. This moped also features a steel frame, front and rear drum brakes, mono-shock rear suspension and spring-activated fork front suspension. It has a gross weight of 220 lbs. and a weight capacity of 185 lbs.
250cc Trike Chopper Road Warrior Moped
This moped -- with a 250cc, four-stroke, double-cylinder engine -- is considerably more powerful than the previous models. The transmission is manual and it has an electric starting system and a chain drive driveline. While the battery remains the same as in the other models, the top speed is approximately 70 mph and the fuel capacity is 2.2 gallons. This powerful type of moped has front and rear disc brakes, a reinforced steel tube frame, double-swing-arm front suspension and air absorber rear suspension. It is considerably larger than the other types at 621 lbs., and has a maximum weight capacity of 380 lbs.
