Mopeds

Getting around town

Mopeds and scooters are two-wheeled vehicles, much like motorcycles, only smaller and less powerful. Many mopeds have pedals, both for starting power and as a backup in case the engine fails. Scooters, on the other hand, don't have any pedals.

Mopeds are generally less than 50 cc's, have less than two horsepower and can't travel faster than 30 mph. Scooters are typically over 50 cc's - 80 cc scooters are likely the most popular.

Mopeds experienced a brief period of popularity during the OPEC oil crisis of the 1970s, which caused the price of gasoline to soar. However, as gas prices went back down, most people returned to their cars and trucks. Now, as gas prices are once again going through the roof, many people are giving mopeds a second look - across the country, moped sales are up nearly 20 percent.

Mopeds: The Good

Mopeds are incredibly fuel-efficient. A 1.5 gallon gas tank can get you as far as 100 miles, which is a dramatic difference from many of the gas-guzzling SUVs that are so popular today. Some mopeds and scooters are battery powered, so they never cost you a cent for gas.

While they aren't great for long-distance travel, they are perfect for zipping around a small town or an urban center.

Mopeds: The Bad

One of the first things that people ask about mopeds and scooters is if they are safe to drive. It's true that these vehicles do carry with them a few minor safety concerns - on a moped, you don't have much protection against the big hulking cars that speed past you. Still, you just have to be a little more careful and you should be fine. Always wear a helmet and eye protection, and make sure you're aware of all the other vehicles and pedestrians around you.

Another downside to riding a moped is the risk that you'll get a ticket. Many states don't require riders to be licensed or insured, provided they don't exceed 30 mph. If they do exceed this speed, they have to have a valid motorcycle license and insurance. Some riders claim they are being unfairly targeted by cops, who wait at hills where it's hard not to exceed 30 mph and hand out fines to everyone without a license.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.