92-595: Kinetic Luna is a 50 cc moped that was introduced by Kinetic Engineering in India in 1972. The Kinetic Luna continues to be produced and marketed in India. It is marketed in the USA as Kinetic TFR . A 35 cc version, the Luna Wings, was also produced. The original Luna of 1972 was a licensed copy of Piaggio Ciao moped. It has since been updated by Kinetic until the end of production in early 2000s. An EV version
184-409: A G license . The G license is a "general" license for automobile drivers such as cars, small vans and trucks. The "E.U. moped" is a scooter, moped (or similar) with two, three or four wheels, a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) and an obligatory license plate as proof of insurance. Many E.U. countries only require special insurer issued plates, not state-issued plates. The second category
276-417: A class 6 motorcycle license . In 2009, weight restrictions were removed, and the speed limit increased from 50 km/h (30 mph) to 70 km/h (45 mph). A Class 7 license is the minimum requirement to operate a moped. They are allowed to carry more than one person provided the user is over 18 years of age. Mopeds are subject to all of the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and all riders must wear
368-557: A 'miniature version of a motorcycle' in many cases, but a motorized bicycle should hook turn to the right in some cases on a signalized intersection with more than three lanes including a L/R turn lane in the same direction. A vehicle that has a maximum speed of over 20 km/h (12.4 mph) also requires, as a miniature version of a motorcycle, to have similar performance in terms of its brakes, tires, silencer, headlight, license plate lamp, rear reflector, side mirror, horn, tail lamp, brake lamp, direction indicators and speedometer. Hence,
460-477: A 125 cc (7.6 cu in) scooter or motorcycle, go for the less expensive AM driver's license, which allows them to drive a moped or scooter with a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), but less than 1% chose a moped over a scooter based bike. Modern scooter design and amenities have effectively changed how teens chose their first set of wheels in Germany. The 25 km/h (15 mph) category has
552-427: A 16-year-old can now drive a 125 cc (7.6 cu in) bike and scooters in the "moped" category allow for transporting a passenger comfortably, mopeds, even though they have less power, more appeal, and space, have almost disappeared as a result of the new E.U. laws. Most teens that do not have the money for the costly A1 driver's license (first step towards the full motorcycle license), which allows them to drive
644-483: A DVLA-required insurance certificate, must provide proof from the original seller of the bicycle and engine that both the bicycle and the engine are new and unused. ICE motorized bicycles that are amateur-built and meet MSVA safety and regulatory standards, and which meet the definition of low powered mopeds (engines of proven output of less than 1 kW (1.34 hp) and capable of 25 km/h (16 mph) or less) face considerably fewer regulatory requirements. In
736-592: A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and standard on-road safety equipment such as mirrors, turn signal lamps, side marker lamps, and stop lamps ), then the vehicle shall not be considered a "motor vehicle" as defined by DOT/NHTSA regulations, but instead is defined as an off-road vehicle (since the lack of a VIN and on-road equipment indicates that a vehicle was not manufactured primarily for use on public roads.) Such off-road vehicles are considered to be neither motor vehicles nor motorcycles , as those terms are defined under federal law. Under present-day NHTSA rules,
828-493: A belt turning a large gear wheel attached to the opposite side of the rear wheel as the chain. By 1901 the kit engine was a 211 cc (12.9 cu in) unit developing 1.5 hp (1.1 kW; 1.5 PS), comfortably cruising at 30 km/h (19 mph) at 1,500 rpm, capable of a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), and getting fuel consumption in the range of 3 L/100 km (94 mpg ‑imp ; 78 mpg ‑US ). These kits were exported around
920-440: A bicycle on public roads. An example of Nova Scotia 's Motor Vehicle act, as it applies to Motorized Bicycles: In France, the laws regulating moped and scooter ( cyclomoteur ) operation apply as well to the gas-powered motorized bicycle, variously known as a bicyclette motorisée , vélo motorisé , vélomoteur , or vélomoto . Under French law, no person under 14 years of age may operate a gas-powered motorized bicycle (defined as
1012-432: A bicycle with a gasoline motor under 50 cc displacement, and capable of a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph)). All vélomotos or motorbikes must be registered, and all riders without a full driving license must pass a test and receive a certificate ( Brevet de Sécurité Routière , or BSR) consisting of written exam and five hours of practical training, four and a half of which must be on public roads, with
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#17327866624691104-484: A blue license plate, occupants require a speed pedelec bike or motor helmet (NTA 8776) and have to use cycle side lanes. If electric powered they can also drive on segregated bike paths. On some 30 km/h(18 mph) roads in Amsterdam it is mandatory for all mopeds to use the carriageway instead of the cycle side lanes. The 45 km/h (30 mph) category has a yellow license plate, occupants are required to wear
1196-655: A complete powered rear wheel which was simply substituted for the bicycle rear wheel, which originated from a design by two DKW engineers in Germany. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98 cc (6.0 cu in) engine were known as autocycles. On the other hand, some mopeds, such as the Czech-made Jawa , were derived from motorcycles. A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors – these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorized bicycles . Other jurisdictions may categorize
1288-427: A driving school. All operators must carry third-party insurance and wear helmets, and a metal license tab with the owner's name ( Plaque de nom ) must be attached to the handlebars. Motorized bicycles are not permitted on French motorways, and riders must use cycle paths where provided. In Japan, any vehicle with an internal combustion engine is regarded as a car, motorcycle or motorized bicycle. A motorized bicycle with
1380-458: A dual-purpose propulsion system seemed particularly advantageous. As time went on, pedal propulsion was increasingly replaced by constant use of a two or four-stroke gasoline engine. Nevertheless, the concept of using motor assist for the ordinary bicycle has persisted, and the concept has periodically resurfaced over the years, particularly in times of austerity or fuel shortages. In countries where automobiles and/or fuels are prohibitively expensive,
1472-629: A g/km basis and was unaffected by fuel economy. Currently in the United States, the EPA allows motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds with engine displacements less than 280 cc (17 cu in) to emit ten times the NOx and six times the CO as the median Tier II bin 5 automobile regulations. An additional air quality problem can also arise from the use of moped and scooter transportation over automobiles, as
1564-464: A gasoline motor over 50 cc is regarded as a motorcycle in law. It can be ridden by persons age 18 or over who have a full driving license for motorcycles who have had long-term training and have sat a driving exam in a driving school. A two-wheel cycle with a gasoline motor of under 125 cc is not permitted to go on Japan's controlled-access highways . Motorized bicycles in Japanese law are treated as
1656-413: A gasoline motor under 50 cc has a regulated maximum speed of 30 km/h (18.6 mph). It must be registered and the rider must have insurance. To ride one, you have to be at least 16 years old, have a license and wear a helmet. All riders without a full driving license for cars or motorcycles must pass a written test and go through one-day practical training in a driving school. Any two-wheel cycle with
1748-573: A gasoline motor under 50cc, and max design speed of 30 mph is allowed for persons over 14 years old, NOT requiring a DVLA issued driving licence. All bigger bikes have a minimum age of 17. Purchasers of new-construction ICE motorized bicycles must meet a host of regulatory requirements and pass inspections from the DVLA and MSVA in order to register such machines for operation on public roadways. Owners must obtain an EC-type Motorcycle Single Vehicle Type Approval Certification (MSVA), and in order to obtain
1840-446: A helmet, while ensuring their moped is insured and registered. Regulations have changed: as of July 1, 2009, there is no longer a weight restriction and speed has increased to 70 km/h (45 mph). In British Columbia , mopeds (limited-speed motorcycles) and motor assisted cycles (MAC) have separate and distinct classifications and requirements. The following criteria apply to a moped (limited speed motorcycle): Definition of
1932-408: A helmet. Many United States cities and other local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions upon ICE motorized bicycles when operated on public streets and roadways. The laws on electric motor-powered bicycles or E-bikes vary considerably according to country. In many nations, a top limit on the power of the electric motor is imposed if the vehicle is to be legally classified and/or taxed as
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#17327866624692024-412: A higher density of motorized vehicles can be supported by existing transportation infrastructure . Safely riding a moped mostly requires the same considerations as safely riding a motorcycle . However the lower speeds reduce some dangers and increase others. The biggest danger is that other traffic may not notice the presence of a moped; bright clothes and reflective fittings help. Drivers may even see
2116-423: A leading-link front fork, a leather spring saddle, a front Duck roller brake , and an Atherton rear coaster brake . A leathern belt-drive directly connected the engine output shaft to the rear wheel. During the summer of 1903, George A. Wyman rode a 200 cc (12 cu in), 1.5 hp (1.1 kW; 1.5 PS) California from San Francisco to New York City, becoming the first person to cross
2208-559: A limited range, particularly when large amounts of power are utilized. This design limitation means that the use of the electric motor as an assist to pedal propulsion is more emphasized than is the case with an internal combustion engine. While costly, new types of lithium batteries along with electronic controls now offer users increased power and range while reducing overall weight. Newer electric motor bicycle designs are gaining increasing acceptance, particularly in countries where increasing traffic congestion, aging populations, and concern for
2300-547: A limited-speed motorcycle: Requirements for operation of a moped (limited speed motorcycle): In Ontario , "a moped is a motor-assisted bicycle fitted with pedals that can be operated at all times and has a maximum speed of 50 km/h (31 mph)". A motor assisted bicycle is a bicycle: Since 28 November 2005, moped drivers are required to have either a full M license or a restricted class M license to legally ride on roads in Ontario. Prior to that date riders only required
2392-418: A maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph)). Moped driver must use a helmet and he must keep right border. Velomotors are not under register. Since 2014, moped driver must have an "M category" license or any of higher grade. But as of 2015, there's no official procedure to obtain "M" license, so moped drivers are still not under control in practice. In United Kingdom, driving a motorised bicycle with
2484-451: A moped provided that person could read and be physically able. However, in 1998 the minimum age limit was changed to 18 years, since Brazilian Law does not allow minors to be criminally responsible, which contradicts the 1997 New Code of Transit, that states that being criminally responsible is a requirement to be able to get a license. In Alberta , mopeds up to 49 cc (3.0 cu in) and over 55 kg (121 lb) used to require
2576-465: A motor helmet (ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06). These mopeds always must use the carriageway, except when there is a compulsory moped-cycle side lane. Mopeds in Norway used to go at least 50 km/h (30 mph) (usually 55–65 km/h; 35 to 40 mph) before adaptation of EU regulations. With the 45 km/h (30 mph) speed limit tuning the engines are common. Until August 1, 2013 operators could have
2668-425: A passenger on if they were under 10 years old, but from this date, a passenger is no longer allowed. Before 19 January 2013, the speed restriction was 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph), and mopeds registered before 1 September 1977 were required to have pedal-assistance. A provisional licence, full motorcycle or car licence is needed to operate a moped. An additional Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate
2760-442: A regular bicycle to which an engine or motor has been simply added is illegal. Driving without a suitable license or without insurance is strictly punishable by law. Any other violations including parking violations in urban areas are severely enforced. Under Russian law, no person under 16 years of age may operate a gas-powered motorized bicycle (defined as a moped with a gasoline motor under 50 сс) displacement, and capable of
2852-473: A second renaissance in the 1960s and 1970s as a new generation of youth discovered they could ride a motorized vehicle without need of a driver's license . Other countries had relaxed licensing requirements, e.g. lower age limits for motorized bicycles, which increased their popularity. In the USSR, a deficiency of any vehicles in the market led to a great increase of cheap 50cc mopeds and kits production. Sales of
Kinetic Luna - Misplaced Pages Continue
2944-410: A similar vehicle with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine . Mopeds typically travel only slightly faster than bicycles on public roads. Traditional mopeds are distinguishable by their pedals, similar to a bicycle. Some mopeds have a step-through frame design, while others have motorcycle frame designs, including a backbone and a raised fuel tank, mounted directly between the saddle and
3036-425: A specific vehicle classification for mopeds. Produced by U.S. manufacturers such as American Machine and Foundry (AMF), mopeds had very small engines and often could not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). What they could do, however, was run for up to 220 miles (350 km) on one tank of fuel. Because of the problems caused by the 1970s energy crisis , mopeds quickly became popular, with more than 250,000 people in
3128-431: A standard bicycle frame to support motorization may be extensive. The earliest motorized bicycles were ordinary utility bicycles fitted with an add-on motor and transmission to assist normal pedal propulsion, and it is this form that principally distinguishes the motorized bicycle from a moped or motorcycle. In a day when gasoline engine and transmission designs were in their infancy, and power-to-weight ratios were low,
3220-529: Is 200 watts. Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia have banned the use of ICE motorized bicycles. For example "In NSW, all petrol-powered bicycles are banned on New South Wales roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths. The ban, introduced on 1 October 2014, includes bicycles that: -Have had a petrol-powered engine attached after purchase -Were bought with an attached petrol-powered engine -Are powered by any type of internal combustion engine." And "As from
3312-493: Is also required to ride a moped on public roads, except for anyone who obtained their full car driving licence before 1 February 2001 (though the UK Government recommends that all new riders take a CBT course). A provisional moped licence may be obtained at the age of 16, whereas standard car and motorcycles licences are only available at the age of 17. Provisional licences require learner plates and expire after two years if
3404-480: Is capable of going faster. In a few states this number is 20 or 25 mph (32 or 40 km/h), and in most states, the maximum engine capacity is 50 cc (3.1 cu in). However, Kansas ("Motorized Bicycle" K.S.A. 8-126, 8-1439a) allows up to 130 cc (7.9 cu in). Some states require pedals, while others do not. In the United Kingdom during the 1970s, a high-performance derivation of
3496-828: Is driven by electric motors which power from pedals and batteries . Mopeds are also almost motorized bicycles since they function the same way as these vehicles but with engines less than 50 cc (3.1 cu in). The term motorized bicycle should not be confused with motorcycle since this type of vehicle uses a combination of pedal power and engine power whereas motorcycles are purely either internal combustion engine or electric motor powered. Motorized bicycles have utilized all variety of engines, from internal-combustion (IC) two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines to electric, diesel, or even steam propulsion. Most motorized bicycles are based or derived from standard general-purpose bicycle frame designs and technologies, although exceptions abound. In addition, modifications to
3588-696: Is not as safe as a purpose-designed motorcycle. A survey of Finnish high school vocational and gymnasium students found that 80% and 70% of their respective mopeds were tuned. Only 10% of trade school students had a moped that conformed to legislation. The average maximum speed was 72 km/h (45 mph), far higher than the legally allowable 45 km/h (28 mph). Another study reported that of school-age moped owners, 50% of boys and 15% of girls have an illegally tuned moped. Mopeds in Australia have to be registered and thus ADR approved in order to be ridden on Australian roads. All requirements are listed in
3680-405: Is the moped, with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), the minimum age is 16, a drivers license is required, one passenger is allowed if the moped or scooter is certified for a passenger. Both types need an insurer issued license plate, which is much smaller than regular state-issued plates, which have to be renewed every 12 months, changing the color of the plates every year. Since
3772-470: The Thomas Motor Company , he began selling complete motor-assisted bicycles under the name Auto-Bi . The Auto-Bi is generally considered to be the first production motorized bicycle made in the United States. The 1900 Singer Motor Wheel was a wheel incorporating a small ICE powerplant that could be substituted for the front wheel of a bicycle. A later design, the 1914 Smith Motor Wheel ,
Kinetic Luna - Misplaced Pages Continue
3864-483: The Trojan Minimotor . In West Germany, a compression-ignition (diesel) engine kit using an 18 cc variable head engine made by Lohmann was produced during the 1950s. In France, where postwar reconstruction, taxes, and fuel shortages limited automobile access, motorized bicycle kits and complete models were produced by a variety of smaller manufacturers, often using a two-stroke gasoline engine mounted above
3956-515: The chain drive made possible the safety bicycle , giving the bicycle its modern form. The origins of the motorized bicycle or motorbike can be traced back to the latter part of the 19th century when experimenters began attaching steam engines to bicycles, tricycles , and quadracycles . The first true motorized bicycle is generally considered to be the French Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede of 1868. The Michaux-Perreaux
4048-556: The head tube . Some resemble motorized bicycles , similar to modern ebikes . Most are similar to a regular motorcycle but with pedals and a crankset that may be used with or instead of motor drive. Although mopeds usually have two wheels, some jurisdictions classify low-powered three- or four-wheeled vehicles (including ATVs and go-kart ) as a moped. In some countries, a moped can be any motorcycle with an engine capacity below 100 cc (6.1 cu in) (most commonly 50 cc (3.1 cu in) or lower). The word moped
4140-459: The hydrocarbons and particulate emissions of the outdated Euro 3 automobile standards. In the same study, four-stroke mopeds, with and without catalytic converters, emitted three to eight times the hydrocarbons and particulate emissions of the Euro 3 automobile standards. Approximate parity with automobiles was achieved with NOx emissions in these studies. Emissions performance was tested on
4232-543: The "Autocycle" with a purpose-built frame incorporating pedals and a two-stroke engine (often a 98 cc Villiers engine), but without a gearbox (e.g. the Malvern Star ). Autocycle manufacturers were well established in countries such as Britain and Australia before World War II. In 1939, the American bolt-on Whizzer gas-engined bicycle kit was introduced, utilizing a 138 cc side-valve four-stroke engine,
4324-627: The 15 December 2016 internal combustion engines that are fitted to bicycles are not permitted to be used on South Australian roads or road-related areas". In Victoria ICE bicycles over 200 watts are classed as motorcycles and must be registered as such. The legislation in all states favours electric power assisted bicycles over ICE powered bicycles. In Canada, each province has its own authority over motor vehicle and transportation laws, including classification of vehicles used on public roads. Motorized bicycles using an internal combustion engine under 100 cc are generally legally indistinguishable from
4416-620: The 1890s, with the advent of the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE), that the motorized bicycle could be considered a practical machine. One of the first gas motor-assisted bicycle designs was the Millet motorcycle developed by Félix Millet in France in 1892. Millet's designs had both pedals and a fixed-crankshaft radial engine built into the back wheel. In 1896, E. R. Thomas of Buffalo, New York, began selling gasoline engine kits for propelling ordinary bicycles . After forming
4508-532: The 1970s, use of mopeds in the United States was relatively rare due to legal restrictions on the devices in many states. In 1972, Serge Seguin, after writing a masters thesis on the European moped, received two mopeds and a small amount of money from the French company Motobécane to promote the vehicle. After lobbying Congress on its fuel efficiency benefits, Seguin was able to get more than 30 states to devise
4600-537: The Minerva motorized bicycles continued through to about 1909, they became a less and less significant part of the company. In England, the Phelon & Rayner motorized bicycle was introduced in 1901, and was sold through 1903. The original Phelon & Rayner machine used a 260 cc (16 cu in), 1.75 horsepower (1.30 kW; 1.77 PS) gasoline engine mounted to a standard 28-inch bicycle frame. In
4692-541: The North American continent aboard a motor vehicle. As early as 1903, motorized bicycles were being fitted with larger and heavier loop frames designed to specifically accommodate larger displacement engines, which produced higher speeds. These new motorbike frame designs soon incorporated a new riding position that no longer centered the rider over the pedals, but instead moved the rider's feet forward, where they rested on pegs or platforms. The new riding position
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#17327866624694784-533: The United States owning one in 1977. However, as gasoline prices eventually moved down, licensing laws took their toll, and automobile companies devised more efficient cars, the moped's popularity began to fade. Legal terms and definitions of low-powered cycles vary from state to state and may include "moped", "motorcycle", "motorbike", "motorized bicycle", " motor scooter ", "scooter", "goped", "motor-driven cycle", and others. A moped's speed generally may not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) on level ground, even if it
4876-458: The United States, Velosolex America markets the VELOSOLEX worldwide. Currently there are several companies manufacturing aftermarket internal combustion engine (ICE) motor conversion kits for conventional bicycles. These include both four-stroke and two-stroke gasoline engine designs. Among these, Golden Eagle Bike Engines currently produces a rear-engine (rack-mounted) kit using a belt to drive
4968-641: The United States, federal law governing ICE motorized bicycles is subject to interpretative rulings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the United States Department of Transportation. Under current NHTSA rules, a "motor-driven cycle" (a definition that includes a two-wheel vehicle such as a bicycle with an add-on ICE engine of five brake horsepower or less, a speed capability of more than 20 miles per hour and/or lacks both
5060-645: The United States, the California Motor Company was formed in 1901 to sell complete gasoline-engine motorbikes in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. The company began with a 200 cc single-cylinder, 1.5-horsepower, four-stroke engine designed by R.C. Marks. Mounted to a standard bicycle frame, the California could reach speeds of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). The California weighed around 75-80 pounds, and featured
5152-675: The company introduced a complete production bike, the Pacemaker . Sales of the Whizzer conversion kits continued until 1962. In the United Kingdom, the motorized bicycle saw a resurgence of popularity and such bolt-on motors as the Cyclaid and the Cyclemaster motor wheel saw brief periods of immense popularity. The Cyclemaster , which was a hub motor that could be fitted to an ordinary bike, started at 25 cc (painted black), but later
5244-405: The consumer affairs website. Helmets are mandatory. From 1997 onwards, the legal definition of moped changed to "a two- or three-wheeled vehicle having an internal combustion engine with displacement inferior to 50 cc (3.1 cu in) and maximum factory speed of less than 50 km/h (31 mph)". The 1997 New Code of Transit also stated that any person aged 14 or older could ride
5336-489: The decline of the UK motorcycle market. In Continental Europe no such restrictions existed and such vehicles could be ridden by 14-year-olds. Motorized bicycles A motorized bicycle is a bicycle with an attached motor or engine and transmission used either to power the vehicle unassisted, or to assist with pedalling. Since it sometimes retains both pedals and a discrete connected drive for rider-powered propulsion,
5428-574: The development of new, lighter, and more powerful batteries, electric motors for power assist are increasingly popular, often using hub motors to facilitate after-market conversions. Converting bicycles or tricycles has proven useful for some people with physical disabilities such as knee injury or arthritis. In 2003 production of the French gasoline-powered VELOSOLEX ceased in Hungary. However, production continues in China and has restarted in France. In
5520-540: The earliest two wheeled motorcycles, all mopeds were once equipped with bicycle pedals. The term "moped" now only applies to low-power (often super-economy) vehicles, but pedals were fitted to some early motorcycles, such as the pictured 1912 Douglas. Pedaling away from stationary was a great improvement over "run and jump" and light pedal assistance (LPA) was valuable for climbing hills. Better transmissions with wider ranges, better clutches and much better engine performance made pedals obsolete on most motorcycles by 1918 but
5612-477: The engine or for emergency use. The alternate design philosophy to the moped is the so-called motor-assist or pedal-assist bicycle. These machines utilize the pedals as the dominant form of propulsion, with the motor used only to give extra assistance when needed for hills or long journeys. The two-wheeled pedal powered bicycle was first conceived in Paris in the 1860s. By 1888, John Dunlop 's pneumatic tire and
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#17327866624695704-433: The environment have stimulated development and usage. The legal definition and status of motorized bicycles using internal combustion engines varies from nation to nation, and in some cases, on local rules and regulations. Current laws in some states/territories allow the use of ICE motorized bicycles, provided they do not produce more than a certain number of watts of power. In Tasmania and The Northern Territory this limit
5796-445: The final decision as to whether such federally defined off-road vehicles may be legally operated on public roads is determined by the laws of the state in which the vehicle is being operated. The legal status of an ICE motorized bicycle in the United States is presently determined by the laws of each state and/or local jurisdiction. Several states allow ICE motorbikes to be operated on roadways without registration, tax, or licensing in
5888-516: The first whizzer was of the friction drive variety, but was soon replaced with belt drive. Despite some initial engine reliability issues, the Whizzer enjoyed modest popularity during World War II due to fuel and automobile shortages, and was used by war plant workers and others with priority for transportation. After the war, the Whizzer became popular with youth who desired faster speeds from their heavy cruiser-framed Schwinn bicycles. In 1949,
5980-575: The front wheel. In 1946, production of the very successful French VELOSOLEX commenced, continuing until 1988. The VéloSoleX was a mass-produced motorized bicycle that used a tire roller ( friction drive ) to the front wheel. After French production ceased, the VELOSOLEX continued to be produced in China and Hungary. An in-wheel gasoline engine was used on the Honda P50 moped, which ceased production in 1968. The velomoteur and motor scooter enjoyed
6072-412: The gasoline-powered motorized bicycle, known popularly as the vélomoteur or vélomoto was popular during the 1930s, and continued to be widely sold in early postwar years as a means of transportation during a period of gasoline shortages and limited automobile production. In the 1930s, the United Kingdom and its former colonies also developed "clip-on" motors for bicycles (35 to 49 cc), followed by
6164-541: The licence holder has not passed a test, however it can be extended another two years by retaking the CBT. Mopeds are subject to all of the same traffic and vehicle regulation laws as other vehicles, including displaying a conforming rear registration plate . All motorised cycles, motorcycles and mopeds under 50 cc are prohibited from using UK motorways, due to their limited top speed of 30 miles an hour, meaning they are not able to drive safely among other vehicles. Prior to
6256-464: The moped any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc. Mopeds can achieve fuel economy of over 100 mpg ‑US (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg ‑imp ). The emissions of mopeds have been the subject of multiple studies. Studies have found that two-stroke 50 cc mopeds, with and without catalytic converters, emit ten to thirty times
6348-682: The moped concept was developed, aimed at 16-year-olds. It was created in order to circumvent governmental legislation aimed at forcing young motorcycle riders off the road . These new laws, called the "Sixteener Law", were introduced by John Peyton , the then Conservative Party Minister for Transport in 1971. They forbade 16-year-olds from riding motorcycles of up to 250 cc (15 cu in) capacity as they had done before, and limited them to 50 cc (3.1 cu in) machines until they were 17. The law provoked motorcycle manufacturers to develop new class of motorcycle which were then called "sports mopeds" or, colloquially, "sixteener specials" and
6440-807: The moped, recognize it as harmless to them and simply forget it is there, pulling out of side-turnings into its path. Similarly, a car approaching a moped from behind will approach it more quickly than the driver expects, and the driver's attention may be more attuned to other automobile traffic rather than the moped, increasing the likelihood of an accident. This is a particular problem for mopeds used on high-speed roads where they may not be intended to travel. Mopeds are often tuned for higher speeds, powers or engine displacements. For this to be legally allowed in most jurisdictions, such vehicles should be re-registered as motorcycles, and their driver's license requirements, taxes, insurance costs, and minimum driver age may be higher. A tuned vehicle, not designed for higher speeds,
6532-409: The mopeds and kits reached approximately a half million per year in the later 70s. As to technical level, it was analogous to pre-WW2 German models, with minimal changes made to later 80s. The only clip-on kit engine was "D" series ("Д-4" ... "Д-8Э", designed by Soviet engineer Filip Priboloi), a single-speed chain-driven 45cc 2-stroke motor with manual clutch and a rotary slide valve in a crankshaft. It
6624-513: The most famous of which was the Yamaha FS1-E . They included roadsters, enduro and motocrossers , cafe racers and choppers or scooters, and led to a boom interest in motorcycling similar to the early 1960 rocker period. The government responded again by bringing in even more restrictive legislation in 1977 which limited mopeds to a weight of 250 kg (550 lb) and a top speed to 30 mph (48 km/h). The move contributed to
6716-401: The motor driven cycle. The term motorized bicycle refers to just a bicycle combining pedal power and internal combustion engine power. However, the term could be used as an umbrella category to refer to bicycles using sources besides pedal power. Electric bicycles technically could be in the category of motorized bicycles but instead of using internal combustion engines as a combination it
6808-444: The motorized bicycle has enjoyed continued popularity as a primary mode of transportation. The design of the motorized bicycle varies widely according to intended use. Some motorized bicycles are powerful enough to be self-propelled, without use of the pedals. A development of the motorized bicycle is the moped, which commonly has only a vestigial pedal drive fitted primarily to satisfy legal requirements, and suitable only for starting
6900-404: The motorized bicycle is in technical terms a true bicycle, albeit a power-assisted one. Typically they are incapable of speeds above 52 km/h (32 mph); however, in recent years larger motors have been built, allowing bikes to reach speeds of upwards of 113 km/h (70 mph). Powered by a variety of engine types and designs, the motorized bicycle formed the prototype for what would later become
6992-475: The pedals on mopeds remained valuable for their original purposes as late as the 1990s. The earliest mopeds were bicycles with a helper motor in various locations, for example on top of the front wheel; they were also called cyclemotors. An example of that type is the VéloSoleX brand, which simply has a roller driving the front tire. A more innovative design was known in the UK as the Cyclemaster . This had
7084-580: The rear wheel. Staton-Inc., a motorized bicycle manufacturer of long standing, also uses a rack-mount with either a tire roller-mount (friction drive) or a chain-driven, geared transmission. Other manufacturers produce kits using small two- or four-stroke gas engines mounted in the central portion of the bicycle frame, and incorporating various types of belt- or chain-driven transmissions and final drives. Some of these brands include Jiangdu Flying Horse Gasoline Engine Factory Ltd., EZ Motorbike Company, Inc., Mega Motors Inc., and Grubee Inc. The Sachs 301/A (Germany)
7176-408: The relevant market, usually 500 W for Europe (Sachs 301/A) and 200 W for Australia (Rotary RH-01). These units could rarely exceed 20 km/h on level ground without pedal assistance hence are true 'power assisted' bicycles. Motorized bicycles using electric motors have also re-entered the market. Electrically powered bicycles use batteries, which have a limited capacity and thus
7268-565: The same machines as mopeds, creating a certain amount of confusion. In many countries three-wheelers and microcars are classified as mopeds or variations thereof. This practice is not restricted to the third world; France and Belgium classify microcars such as the Aixam similarly or as " light quadricycles ". The Ariel 3 , a motorised three-wheeler is classed as a moped. As of 1977, the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic considers
7360-483: The same manner as bicycles, providing certain restrictions are observed. Many state jurisdictions use limits on top speed and/or engine displacement to determine if ICE motorized bicycles require registration and licensing—sometimes as mopeds, sometimes as motorcycles. Some states prohibit the use of motorbikes on multi-use recreational paths or high-speed, limited access roadways, while others require additional safety equipment for operation on public roads, such as wearing
7452-467: The same time, purpose-built motorbikes like the Derny and VéloSoleX , with stronger frames and sometimes with only token ability to be wholly human-powered were introduced in France. Many years later, manufacturers would re-introduce this concept as the moped, a small motorcycle fitted with pedals that can be used as a starting aid but which cannot, practically, be ridden under pedal power alone. In France,
7544-570: The size went up to 32 cc (painted grey). Elsewhere in Europe, the motorized bicycle continued to be popular, particularly in France and Italy. An Italian manufacturer, Vincenti Piatti, designed a 50 cc engine for driving portable lathes and this was also used to power a bicycle frame in the form of the Mini Motore . Piatti later licensed the design to Trojan for production in Britain as
7636-590: The world to countries including the United Kingdom , France , Germany , the Netherlands , Australia , and other British territories of the time. As engine power increased, frame ruptures became increasingly common, and by 1903 Minerva had developed an in-frame design with the engine mounted above the bottom bracket , while still also offering the clip-on kit. From 1904 Minerva began focusing more on car production, and while development and production of
7728-413: Was a popular 30cc 2-stroke developed in the late 70's that was later copied by Pro-Rotary (Taiwan) in the late 90's as an RH-01 and sold in markets such as Australia. The design is that of a hub motor with considerable internal gear reduction resulting in low-output RPM hence low measured power. These units were fitted with a unique ignition system whereby the spark-advance curve limited output power to suite
7820-564: Was attached to the rear of a bicycle by means of an outrigger arm, a design later taken up by Briggs & Stratton . In Belgium , the Minerva company, later known for luxury cars, started out manufacturing standard safety bicycles in 1897, before expanding into light cars and "motocyclettes" from 1900. They produced lightweight clip-on engines that mounted below the front down tube, specifically for Minerva bicycles, but also available in kit form suitable for almost any bicycle. The engine drove
7912-484: Was coined by the Swedish journalist Harald Nielsen in 1952, as a portmanteau of the Swedish words motor and pedaler . The claimed derivation from the term motor- velocipede is incorrect. According to Douglas Harper , the Swedish terms originated from "( trampcykel med ) mo (tor och ) ped (aler )", which means "pedal cycle with engine and pedals" (the earliest versions had auxiliary pedals). Like some of
8004-399: Was designed to increase rider comfort and control when using the motor for propulsion, and soon owners began relying on the gasoline motor for all but emergency use. Front suspension and (on some machines) rear suspension increased control at high speeds. By 1915, some manufacturers were omitting pedal propulsion entirely, resulting in the introduction of the first true modern motorcycle. At
8096-481: Was destined for clipping into a classic twin-diamond bike frame. As of the present day, it is still widely produced by some Chinese factories like Jiangdu in a piston distribution version, and has some popularity even in the United States. During the 1960s, the moped craze arrived in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Mopeds had been produced for years in France and Italy, but were largely unknown in other countries. The moped's surge in popularity
8188-468: Was followed by the American Roper steam velocipede of 1869, built by Sylvester H. Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts . Roper demonstrated his machine at fairs and circuses in the eastern United States in 1867, and built a total of 10 examples. These early attempts at propelling a bicycle by means other than the human body were not successful, either practically or commercially. It was not until
8280-401: Was launched by Kinetic in 2024. Luna kinetic - Luna TFR (out of production) This motorcycle, scooter or moped-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Moped A moped ( MOH -ped ) is a type of small motorcycle , generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles . Historically, the term exclusively meant
8372-687: Was motivated by the arrival of new machines produced in Japan by Honda , Yamaha , and other manufacturers, which could be operated without a driver's license and with a minimum of effort to meet existing regulation by the authorities. The new moped designs were really low-powered motorcycles, equipped with pedals largely to meet legal requirements. Most could be pedaled only with difficulty over short distances on level ground. Today, motorized bicycles are still being developed both as complete designs and as add-on motor kits for use on standard bicycles, either by part-time hobbyists or by commercial manufacturers. With
8464-494: Was subject to much criticism. The market for these was primarily young males. Sports mopeds were ostensibly 50 cc (3.1 cu in) motorcycles, capable of doing more than 50 mph (80 km/h) in some cases, with bicycle-style pedals added to them which the law required were capable of propelling the vehicle. Models were produced by Japanese manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, and European companies such as Puch, Fantic, Gilera, Gitane and Garelli from 1972 onwards,
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