If you live in a city where owning a car isn’t always feasible or you already have a car and you’re considering buying a new one or adding another mode of transportation to your arsenal, mopeds and motor scooters might just be on your radar.
Everyone has their own needs and preferences, but there are a few things you might want to know about mopeds before you make a decision about whether you should invest in one. From the environmental impact to the impact on your budget, there are so many reasons you might want a moped.
If you’re wondering “Is a moped a good investment?” there are a few things you should consider as you research and see what works for you. Whether you live in a city or you’re considering making the move, a moped could be the perfect mode of transportation for you.
The Cost
If you want a mode of motorized transportation that fits well with your budget, a moped could be the perfect option for you. While they come at all different price points — especially depending on whether you buy yours new or used — you can find motor scooters and mopeds for around $1,000 if you look around.
From craigslist to pre-used sites, you can find plenty of mopeds for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a car or even a motorcycle.
Parking
Depending on the city you live in, parking your moped might be a bit of a struggle. While some cities have places to park mopeds, others are more keen on street parking for cars and bicycle racks for bikes.
If you have an alleyway or a backyard to park your moped, that can be a great alternative than parking it somewhere on the street.
Mopeds vs. Motor Scooters
Right about now you might be asking yourself what the difference is between motor scooters and mopeds. While many people refer to the terms interchangeably, one of the differences is that mopeds traditionally use pedals while motor scooters use a step-through frame.
This can be important as certain states allow vehicles with pedals to avoid motorcycle license laws, so getting a moped can actually be more beneficial depending on where you live.
Gas Mileage
If you’re thinking about saving money on gas, it can be important to check on the specific moped you’re planning on getting.
On average, most mopeds and motor scooters can get somewhere in the neighborhood of 60-70 miles per gallon, due in large part to the lightweight nature and the speed ceiling on most of these vehicles.
Fees
If you live in a state where mopeds and motorized scooters are treated the same as motorcycles — such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania — you may be subject to the same fees you would if you owned a motorcycle.
While each state is different, it’s highly important that you look into the rules before you make your investment just so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
License Requirements
Similar to the fees you might have to pay, you should also look into the license requirements in each state. While some states treat mopeds and motor scooters as if they’re benign vehicles, other states treat them like motorcycles, meaning that you need to have a license to drive them, as well as insurance to own them. While this might not be a big deal, it can change the exact financial commitment involved.
Highway Capability
One of the other considerations you might find important when thinking about purchasing a moped or motor scooter is the highway capability. While most mopeds are great for city navigation and even main roads, most don’t go fast enough to make it on the highway.
And unlike cars and motorcycles, you can’t modify too much internally on your own. If you live in a city, this might not matter at all, whereas living in a more suburban area where highways are a requirement to get around might make things a bit more complicated.
Carbon Footprint
Lastly, another reason you might want to invest in a moped is the impact it can have on your carbon footprint. Between the gas mileage, the compact size and the reuse if you happen to buy yours used, mopeds are much better for the environment than cars or even motorcycles.
While each moped is different and has its own impact on the environment, overall they can be a great step towards lowering your carbon footprint.
Is a Moped a Good Investment?
If you’re asking yourself, “Is a moped a good investment?” there are a few things you might want to consider. From the budget to the requirements in your state, moped life will treat everyone differently. Who knows? It might just be the right investment for you.
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.
