Do Mopeds Have a Weight Limit?


Do Mopeds Have a Weight Limit

Most cities in the world are becoming more and more crowded, so majority of people are looking for alternative transportation solutions such as electric scooters, bicycles and mopeds. This type of transport can save you a lot of time and nerves, which is important at the end of the day. In the early 2000s, kick scooters were popular, shortly after, they were easily replaced by electric scooters and gained very great popularity among adults. But mopeds are also slowly coming back and taking their share of the market. So the question arises, how much weight can a moped actually carry? Let’s find out!

So Do Mopeds Have a Weight Limit? Mopeds are designed to come with smaller engines, which affects their weight limits. Therefore, the average weight limit that mopeds have is between 200 and 350 pounds (90 to 158 kg), which depends on elements such as brakes, shocks and moped construction.

However, each moped is designed differently and thus its weight limit changes. We should therefore take much more detail so that we can assess how a suitable moped can withstand. So let’s first see what mopeds are, since people often replace mopeds with other similar vehicles. 

Most Popular Mopeds and Their Weight Limit:

Type of Moped:Weight Limit:Moped Weight:
1. Honda CHF50278 lbs (126 kg)179 lbs (81 kg)
2. Honda Zoomer290 lbs (131 kg)185.2 lbs (84 kg)
3. NIU UqiPro242 lbs (110 kg)143 lbs (65 kg)
4. GigaByke Groove250 lbs (113 kg)148 lbs (67 kg)
5. Onyx RCR220 lbs (100 kg)145 lbs (66 kg)

Mopeds are mostly designed in such a way that they can carry only one person while their weight limit is between 200 and 350 lbs. Most popular brands of mopeds like Honda, Vintage, Piaggio have that weight limit while their total weight doesnt exceed 200 lbs.

How To Find Out The Weight Limit Of Your Moped?

The total weight of the moped is listed in the vehicle document. Every moped should have written a max payload that can carry in the booklet. Therefore, your weight must meet the required conditions of the vehicle. If you are a little heavier than the maximum weight that is allowed on the moped, you will be able to ride your moped, but it is not recommended as it could damage your vehicle. Remember to consider the extra weight if you are carrying it on a moped, such as a travel bag or other equipment if you are carrying.

Anyone who drives a moped with a higher weight than allowed is responsible for inappropriate behavior and endangering other people in traffic.

Important

History of Mopeds

The first thing you need to know is that “moped” was coined in 1952 by Harald Nielsen, the journalist. In the late 1920s, during the period of the global crisis, the need for cheap and economical vehicles increased in Europe. By that time, motorcycles, heavy and technically sophisticated two-wheeled vehicles were already mass-produced. Many inventors could not resist the temptation to install a compact gasoline engine of a simplified design, without a gearbox, on bicycles. One of the first, the mass production of cycle motors, and motorbikes began the German firms ILO and Fichtel und Sachs. Already in the late 1930s.

However, throughout history as technology has advanced, mopeds have become more common and comfortable way of transportation. Today, the vintage models are the most common mopeds on the streets today. Mopeds are defined by their motor size, speed, and output. When buying mopeds, these are the three main characteristics of what you should pay attention for.

What About Moped Engines?

Moped  is a vehicle with an internal combustion engine with a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters (also an electric motor, or a motor wheel with a power of 250 W to 4 kW) and a maximum design speed of not more than 28 mph (50 km/h).

The distinction between motorcycles and mopeds in traffic rules is due to the fact that the motorcycle can ride in the general flow of cars, and the moped rides much more slowly. The popularity of mopeds is determined primarily by the fact that they do not require state registration, technical inspections and compulsory insurance. 

Moped Weight limit engine

Therefore mopeds are much smaller than the average motorized scooters, and they cost less which makes them an very affordable solution. The weight of the average moped range between 160 to 180 pounds (72 to 81 kg), which makes them a very means of transport, even if you are not carrying it. But mopeds are still a harderier alternative if you compare it with electric scooters, and they offer more comfortable ride. Therefore when choosing a moped you need to see what specifications do you want, since the unit’s weight can differ.

Most moped users are illegally tuned for higher speeds that are not allowed. For such changes it is necessary to register the vehicle as motorcycles. In addition, mopeds are quite cheap and consume little gas . The first mopeds were bicycles to which a motor was attached .

Mopeds Weight Limits And Risks

Now that we have talked about some things that are related to mopeds, it is necessary to state how to define the weight limitation on mopeds. It is worth considering a few things when it comes to weight limits on mopeds. The first most important thing is the rider’s weight. The weight of the passenger must meet the conditions of the moped in order to avoid additional stress. It is also necessary to consider whether this moped will be used on a daily basis and whether the rider will carry some extra stuff on the moped.

Moped Weight Limits And Risks

Sometimes the heavy backpack can impact the moped’s performance a lot. Most mopeds have the weight limit around 200 to 380 pounds (90 to 170 kg). The main factor affecting the weight limit is the engine’s capacity. Therefore, you need to know that larger the engine, the more weight the moped can carry.

The shocks on the moped are also an essential element that needs to be checked when it comes to weight limits. Shocks are exposed to various road conditions most of the time and can be very easily damaged.

Most mopeds can be upgradet in cases when it is necessary. If the rider is a heavy individual, the best solution would be to choose a scooter or a motorcycle for safety reasons and for the more comfortable ride. Some mopeds even have a passenger seat, and allow you to carry a second passenger on it. But keep in mind that carrying a passenger is illegal when it comes to mopeds.

We can therefore conclude that the manufacturer’s indications on weight limits should be followed primarily for safety reasons. If a heavy person is riding a moped, it can impact the braking distance and other factors when it comes to safety. You need to prevent potential danger. Ultimately, if there is more weight on the moped than the limit is, it affects fuel consumption, moped speed and braking. Therefore, to reduce the risk, adhere to the restrictions.

What is The Best Solution?

When it comes to teenagers and adults, they are always looking for the best way to get around the city. Therefore mopeds are the ideal solution for this problem. The only thing you have to fulfill is that you have to be 16 years old to be able to drive it, and the engine must be up to 50 cc and without a passenger. If you are 17 or older you can ride a 125 cc vehicle. But before you decide to enter traffic, you should check in your country the local administration rules. This will avoid possible penalties and save you money.

We can say that choosing a light vehicle, such as an electric scooter or a moped is the cheap and safe solution. Mopeds usually achieve speeds of 30 mph, which is much less than a motorcycle. Another advantage of mopeds is that they are cost-effective compared to a motorcycles that require maintenance and insurance.

Mopeds Vs. Scooters – What’s The Difference?

When we talk about scooters, we had to take a much broader picture into question. Most people when they talk about scooters think about electric scooters that are extremely popular for motorized scooters that are very similar to mopeds. So now we will list the main differences between mopeds vs scooters.

Moped Vs Scooter

Scooters have a frame and the engine, just like mopeds. The main difference with scooters is that their power can range from 50 cc to 750 cc. That data is also more than enough to see that we have many more options to choose from when it comes to scooters.

The engine’s power is the main difference when it comes to scooters vs mopeds. Scooters are much more powerful than mopeds, but also more expensive. Mopeds have smaller wheels then scooters. If you can’t decide which is the best choice for you, do a test ride with a scooter and moped and determine which one suits you best.

What Type of Moped Should I Buy?

The most popular and highly regarded brands of mopeds are: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Piaggio. These models hold the price very well so after use you can sell them for over 50% of what you paid for. Honda is the bets in this class, but other models are not far behind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMssVXQCnHI

What is the Weight Limit For an Electric Scooter?

The weight limit (capacity) for an electric scooter is between 121 to 220 lbs (55 to 100 kg). It is the maximum weight limit that a rider can have. Riders who weigh 220 lbs (100kg) can comfortably ride on an electric scooter, but anything above that is not recommended unless that model is designed to withstand higher weights.

How Much Weight Can a Honda Metropolitan Carry?

The weight limit of the Honda Metropolitan is 278 lbs (126 kg). That doesn’t mean you can’t drive this model if you weigh more than that, but Honda will god down a little bit. So if your weight is more than 278 lbs, try changing the moped.

Mario Poljak

I'm the co-owner of ElectricScooterReport. I have been passionate about Scooters since I was a boy. I will bring you experience, expertise and knowledge in this new industry which I have gained over the last couple of years.

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