E-bike vs. Moped vs. Scooter
Updated June 2, 2021 . AmFam Team
Are you in the market for a moped, scooter, or electric bike (e-bike) but not sure which route to go? With all the options to choose from, it’s important to take the time to find which bike is the right ride for you. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you get everything you need to know about mopeds, scooters, and e-bikes to make a smart choice.
Whether you’re looking to breeze around campus, or zip from A to B on two wheels, take a close look at this primer to get in the know on the wide array of e-bike, scooter, and moped facts.
What is a Moped?
A moped is a bicycle-type vehicle with pedals and an engine that's less than two horsepower. Mopeds, or motor-pedals, get their name from the bicycle pedals the rider uses to start the motor. Moped engine sizes are measured by cubic centimeters (cc) and are designed to help riders with pedaling and to supply some power. Even though most mopeds come with an electric system, some still use pedals.
What do mopeds run on?
Mopeds with gas engines, or internal combustion engines, make pedaling easier for the rider. There are some mopeds with electric engines, but most are gas-powered.
How fast is a moped?
The average moped has an engine under 50cc and can reach top speeds of 28 miles per hour (mph). A moped’s top speed is far slower than a motorcycle’s, which makes them best suited for city streets.
What is the difference between a motorcycle and a moped?
Power and size are two important factors that distinguish mopeds from motorcycles. Motorbikes with engines smaller than 50cc are considered mopeds and a motorcycle is anything with an engine over 250cc.
The Benefits of a Moped
Mopeds are ideal for short trips at low speeds. It’s a step above a bicycle speed-wise and is far less expensive than a motorcycle. Here are some more key benefits of a moped.
Mopeds are time-tested and affordable
Gaining fame in the early 1950’s, mopeds offered a reliable means of travel for people with limited budgets. And they still fill that niche today.
Mopeds have a long track record
Today’s models are much safer and more fuel efficient than earlier models. Because they’ve got time on their side, they’ve gained from a long history of design upgrades.
Mopeds are regulated by state and federal laws
Mopeds are considered to be motor vehicles in many areas. Some states require riders to have an operator’s license, tags and moped insurance. Check with your local DMV and learn about your state’s moped laws.
Mopeds cost more because you’re getting more.
Typically costing more up-front, a new moped can get pricey when compared to an E-bike. Costly items like shock absorbers and automatic braking systems can add a level of safety.
Mopeds are a step above e-bikes
Because they are considered a motorized vehicle, registration, driving school and gas costs all factor into a higher yearly expense when compared to an electric bike.
Insurance can be required.
If your moped is over 50cc, the bike will be deemed a motorcycle in many states. If it is, don’t forget to review our options for motorcycle coverage.
While people are still buying mopeds, many new arrivals in the e-bike market are getting noticed. Mopeds are the tried-and-true option for getting around town, but they can limit your ability to see the sites in ways that only an e-bike can offer.
What is an Electric Bike?
E-bikes are bikes with motors that help you pedal, so riding is easier. Motors on bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries. There are bike models that need your help pedaling while others move forward by themselves with a motor. A variety of modes can be used to balance pedal power with range and battery life on electric bikes.
Are Electric Bikes a Smarter Choice?
Fast, energy efficient and taking the market by storm, electric bikes are here to stay. Well-built apps get you key details on your bike. Better still, you can ride off-road legally with them, too. In the early 2000’s, electric bikes started to gain momentum, and since then, they’ve only grown in popularity.
Here are some other important details to keep in mind when considering an E-bike.
E-bikes have pedals.
This simple feature has made them even more popular. If you want the chance to exercise while zipping around town, e-bikes are the way to go.
E-bikes are eco-friendly.
E-bikes don’t require gas to get around as mopeds require. This makes them a good choice of transportation for those who want to decrease their carbon footprint.
The batteries are getting better for e-bikes.
New high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries are increasing both bike speed and ride time. As money for research and development continues to be poured into renewables, electric bike batteries are improving.
E-bikes are typically slower than mopeds.
With speeds topping out around 22 mph, that may not be fast enough if you’ve got a long commute. Some high-end e-bikes do get up into the 30 mph range, but most don’t.
E-bikes are not as regulated as mopeds
State licensing and tag processing fees are not usually related to the purchase of an e-bike, making them attractive to people with limited budgets.
E-bikes offer more travel options
Because most states consider e-bikes a bicycle, you’ll be able to legally ride them on the street and trails. This includes paved bike trails that are off-limits to mopeds. E-mountain bikes are also available if your commute includes forest trails or dirt roads.
E-bikes have plenty of tech
From great apps that help you navigate, to geo-location info, e-bikes are tech-loaded. Some e-bikes also convert braking and pedaling energy back to the battery. I bet your old bicycle can’t do that!
Parking an e-bike can be much easier
It’s as simple as finding a bike rack and locking it up. Many e-bikes come with portable battery units that easily detach so you can lock up outside and charge inside.
What is a Scooter?
Like mopeds, scooters have step-through frames, but the biggest difference between them is the size of their engines. The engine size of scooters is not set, which means you can get a scooter that can have a high or a low powertrain that ranges from 50cc to 750cc in size. It’s important to note that the rules for scooters mirror motorcycles when it comes to road safety.
What to Consider When Choosing a Scooter
Here are some key things to consider before purchasing that scooter you’ve had your eyes on.
Scooters have lower gas mileage
Small, powerful engines and lightweight frames make scooters a great choice for daily commutes and better gas mileage. A scooter with a 150cc powertrain can reach a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour and get up to 70 miles per gallon.
Scooters have more powerful motors
Scooters don’t have limitations on engine size. There are no set engine sizes for scooters, so you can get one with a 50cc to 750cc engine. There are a wide range of scooters out there with engines that are large enough to handle daily commutes.
Scooters tend to be smaller than mopeds
The wheels of scooters are usually smaller than those on mopeds, and they feature either automatic or manual transmissions. The small engines make them both lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Scooters can be more expensive than mopeds
A scooter is usually more expensive than a moped because of the increased power and engine size, engine sophistication, acceleration, and top speed. Scooters feature more power than a moped, but far less than motorcycle.
Moped vs. Scooter vs. Motorcycle vs. E-bike
Make Sure Your Moped, Scooter, Motorcycle, or E-bike Is Covered
Whether you choose a moped, scooter, e-bike or motorcycle, you want to make sure your investment is protected. Reach out to an American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) and find out what policy can best protect your two-wheeler. There’s nothing like cruising around town with the confidence that your new ride is properly insured.
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Sending a text, eating your burrito, applying makeup — what do all of these tasks have in common?
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As a driver, it’s your responsibility to focus on the road to keep you, your passengers, and other people on the road safe from accidents. We’ve put a spotlight on some risky driving behaviors that we hope can help influence you to keep your focus on the road.
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The Deadliest Driving Distraction: Texting and Driving
It should come as no surprise to you that texting is the most common distraction while driving as well as the most dangerous. It’s so deadly in fact, that it gets its very own section.
It’s easy for us all to see the dangers of texting while driving, but even with that knowledge, so many of us fall into the temptation of sending off a fast text message while behind the wheel. But even a quick text can have horrible consequences.
Just think, when you look at your phone, your focus is on the screen, not the road; one hand is off the wheel to hold your device, and your mind drifts to the message instead of the task at hand: driving safely.
Why texting is distracting
To put it into perspective, if you’re traveling at 55 MPH and you take your eyes off the road and onto your phone, you’ve traveled about 100 yards – the length of a football field! That’s quite a distance to cover driving “blind.”
The National Safety Council reports that one out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by a distracted driver who was texting. They also reported that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated.
Let these driving facts be a wake-up call to the extreme dangers of texting while driving.
Is it Illegal to Use Your Phone While Driving?
The truth is that it depends on which state you live in. As of 2020, the Governors Highway Safety Association reports that there is a hand-held cell phone use ban in 22 states, with 48 states banning text messaging for all drivers. Find out the distracted driving laws for your state to ensure you’re following the rules of the road in your state.
It’s always important to know our state laws, and in your state there may very well be no law preventing you from texting while driving. However, for your safety as well as those in your car, and for anyone else sharing the roads with you, it’s best to stick with a firm “no phone use while driving” mentality.
Types of Distracted Driving
The first step to preventing distracted driving is understanding what it is. In a nutshell, anything that occupies your attention while driving is a distraction. Here are a few notable distractors that should be eliminated while behind the wheel.
Checking your GPS
When it comes to directions, we’ve come a long way from the world of fold-up maps. Today, everyone has a built-in navigation system in the palm of their hands: the smartphone. The only problem is that just one quick glance at your phone’s screen is all it takes for a costly mistake behind the wheel.
Your best bet is to leave your phone in your pocket or purse when driving. But if you must use your phone for directions, enable the voice feature so that you don’t have to look at the screen for every turn.
Sifting through your music device
Trying to find the right song for your road trip is just as dangerous as texting and driving. Your best bet is to pick a playlist prior to getting into your vehicle. Or listen to the radio. The key here is to keep your eyes on the road and not on your music device.
Checking social media
Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, you name it – all of them bide for our constant attention. Don’t fall prey to this when you’re driving. That post, tweet, or message can wait. Avoid checking social media when behind the wheel.
Eating behind the wheel
You may be a pro at eating your burrito on the go, but ingesting your lunch while driving is a big no-no. All it takes is one wayward waffle fry to take your attention from the road to your lap. And it’s not just the mess that distracts; it’s the smell, taste, you name it – that makes eating one of the most distracting things you can do while driving.
Other types of distracted driving
There are a few more forms of distracted driving that could cause an accident. If you’re in the driver’s seat, try to avoid these altogether:
- Taking selfies
- Talking on the phone
- Drinking coffee or another beverage
- Putting on makeup
- Using an app
- Loud music
Top 5 Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
There are easy ways to prevent distracted driving. Try using making these five simple changes distracted driving safety tips to have a safer driving experience.
Use a text-blocking app
There are many apps available that block texts while driving. Several apps exist with different features, ranging from ones that completely block any incoming or outgoing texts while going a certain speed, to apps that will send a message saying you’re unavailable to respond to an incoming text. Here’s a list from DMV.org with great suggestions for apps to fight distracted driving.
Have a passenger navigate for you
If you’re driving with a passenger (of an appropriate age), hand the directions to them. Even a not-so-great navigator in the passenger seat is better than the person behind the wheel being responsible for both driving and navigating. If you’re driving by yourself, take the time to look at the directions before you set off. Then turn the volume up and let the AI lead the way.
Make music selection easy
Make multiple playlists that you can choose from before starting the car. If you really need to change it up, either pull over or wait for a red light. Set your presets to stations you already know you like. Hitting one button is better than cranking the dial until you find music you like.
Don’t text while driving
If you’re behind the wheel, just put the phone away. Social media can wait. It’s not going anywhere — that we can promise. Are the notifications too tempting? Turn them off! No comment or new tweet is worth the risk.
Eat at home or while stopped
If you’re in a rush and want to keep things moving, consider the hazards of driving while eating behind the wheel. Hopefully you can recognize that the risks outweigh the temptation, and you can wait until you get to your destination to eat.
How Does Distracted Driving Affect Insurance?
For starters, getting into an at-fault accident will almost always make your insurance premium go up, simply because your insurance company now deems you a higher-risk driver. Distracted driving is no exception. Even if you avoid an accident but you get a ticket for distracted driving, you’re susceptible to those increases in insurance.
Why does distracted driving increase insurance? For starters, you may be getting a discount for having a clean driving record. But if you get a ticket, such as for texting while driving, you may no longer be eligible for that discount, and you’ll notice an increase in your premium. Another reason your insurance might go up goes back to being a higher risk. If you’re guilty of distracted driving, an insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver (meaning you’re more likely to file a claim due to an accident) and they’ll set your premiums higher.
Many of the discounts that insurance companies give out revolve around rewarding drivers for having no claims and a good driving record in general. Don’t let distracted driving take away those perks!
Protect Yourself From Distracted Drivers on the Road
Avoiding distracting driving behaviors is a great way to be safe on the road, and car insurance is a great way to stay protected from the unexpected. With American Family you can customize your car coverage to meet your unique needs. Talk to your agent today to find the right coverage for you.
The Insurance Information Institute claims driving while interacting with a mobile device can increase the odds of a crash by as much as 3.5 times, compared to the risks that a sober, alert and attentive driver faces. Teens are more susceptible to collisions, even when speaking hands-free on a mobile phone. Let’s explore the many ways you can help prevent distracted driving accidents.
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