Moped or Scooter?
A moped, sometimes called a "scooter," is a motor vehicle with the engine as an integral part of the vehicle. If the engine is an add-on it's likely the vehicle is a motor bicycle, which has limited operation on highways different from motorcycles and mopeds. A moped engine may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters (CCs) in size with an automatic transmission, or 130 CCs in size if it is a bicycle type vehicle with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power.
Traditionally, mopeds had fully operative pedals but modern mopeds are usually more like small motorcycles with an automatic transmission and no pedals.
Differences between a moped and a motorized scooter
A motorized scooter is similar to a traditional foot-propelled scooter with two small wheels except it is powered by either an electric motor or gasoline engine. A person operating a motorized scooter typically is in the standing position although some scooters are equipped with a bicycle seat.
Example of a motorized scooter
Unlike mopeds, which may be driven legally on public roads, a motorized scooter may not be operated legally on public roads or sidewalks within a roadway’s right-of-way.
Motorized scooters do not meet federal safety equipment standards for motor vehicles and are not designed for operation on roadways. Therefore, the law treats motorized scooters like lawn tractors, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, mini-bikes and other off-road motor vehicles that are not allowed on public roads.
In addition, anyone operating a motorized scooter on a street or sidewalk without a valid driver’s license could receive a citation for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. For juveniles, such a violation could result in their being ineligible for a driver’s license when they turn age 16.
Learn more about the rules and regulations at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation web site by clicking here.
How to Buy a Used Scooter
Research the various makes and models of scooters on the market today. Everything from the top-of-the-line Vespa to the "maybe it's really welded together, maybe it's not" Chinese scooter is available.
Scooters have been selling so well the last couple of years that they are frequently sold in 24-hours. Buying a used scooter means you'll save money, but you'll have less to choose from. Scooter-U will help you decide which scooters you'd be happy to own, and which you are definitely not interested in. By registering with Scooter-U, you'll always know when we get scooters in so you'll have a good chance of getting what you want. Click here to register
Have a look at your budget. How much can you afford to spend? What size engine do you require? Wisconsin has licensing and insurance requirements- Scooter-U will make sure you have everything you need.
Things to look for: does it start easily? Is anything loose? Is there any rust? Does it come with a trunk? How many people can ride it? Examine the tires. What kind of fuel does it take, and how do you add oil? Do the brakes feel tight? Do you enjoy riding it? If you are looking for something like a luggage rack or a cart to tow behind the scooter for running errands, Scooter-U offers recommendations.
Scooter-U performs complete service and inspection on all of our stock before you ride away with your purchase. We also service most makes and models of scooters, mopeds and other small engines, even if it wasn't purchased here.
Scooter-U
2635 University Avenue.
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 233-3300
Cross Streets:
Between Campus Dr. and University Bay Dr . on the corner of University & Farley
“Ride 101”
This instruction is to advance the person that has not ridden before, and our effort is to gain his or her confidence in their ride.
Simply starting with stops and starts. Feet firmly on both sides of the bike, and sitting comfortably on the seat. Lifting your feet in unison, at the same time that you accelerate (like you are riding a bike).
Coming to a stop is just the opposite – slowing down to a stop, your feet land on the ground as you stop. Now, everyone has their own time it takes to learn how to do this. Anxious moments are always the first emotion that might come to you. Make no mistake about it, everyone can get that “out-of-control” feeling when learning about the scooter’s handling. It is a machine. Take your time.
Once you’re over the anxious, out-of-control feeling, you’re ready to learn about the left-hand, center, and right-hand panels. Your pinnacle achievement is handling your right- and left-hand panels without having to watch what your brain tells your hands to do. That’s a big achievement, and makes for an even more relaxed, confident ride.
