Are you thinking about buying a moped but not sure about its speed limits? Or perhaps you’re just curious about how fast these two-wheeled vehicles can go? Either way, you can be sure to find what you’ve been looking for here! In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into the exciting world of moped speed and answer the all-important question: how fast do mopeds go?
Mopeds have been around for decades and began gaining serious popularity after the second world war. Nowadays, the mighty moped is a popular mode of transport for many people in most parts of the world, this is mainly due to their fuel efficiency, ease of use and pure rider enjoyment.
There are very good reasons for needing to know how fast mopeds can go, for one, it’s essential for riders to have a good understanding of the capabilities of their vehicle, you’ll most likely need to know if your moped can keep up with traffic! Secondly, knowing the speed limits of different engine sizes can help you to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right moped for your needs, or thirdly, maybe you’re a parent whose child is looking for their first moped and you’re a little worried – this is completely normal and extremely common!
In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of moped speed, including the different types of mopeds and their engines, the factors that can affect their speed, and tips on how to increase moped speed safely. If you want to delve a bit deeper into specific engine sizes, the links provided throughout this article will take you to the right place… so, let’s see how fast these little vehicles can really go…
How Fast Do Mopeds Go?
Mopeds can come in a variety of engine sizes; this is of course the main thing that will impact their speed and overall performance. So, what are the most common engine sizes in mopeds and what sort of speed you can expect from each one…
| Moped Engine Size | Moped Top Speed |
|---|---|
| 50cc | 30-35mph |
| 100cc | 45-60mph |
| 125cc | 55-65mph |
| 150cc | 65-75mph |
| 250cc | 80-85mph |
50cc Moped Speed
A 50cc moped is the smallest type of moped and is ideal for short trips around town, 50cc is also the engine size that most young adults start with as their first bike.
Because of legal requirements in most parts of the world, 50cc mopeds generally come restricted from new, which means their top speed is limited to around 30-35mph or 45-55kph, however these little machines can be derestricted quite easily increasing their top speed. In derestricted form, you can expect speeds of around 40-45mph/65-75kph from a 4-stroke moped and 50-55mph/80-90 kph from a 2-stroke.
50cc mopeds are perfect for city driving. They’re lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offer excellent fuel efficiency. They’re also relatively affordable, making them an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for low-cost option for making shorter trips.
100cc Moped Speed
100cc mopeds are slightly larger in engine size than a 50cc moped, they’re great for commuting on suburban roads. 100cc versions don’t come with the same legalities as 50cc mopeds, and so are mostly unrestricted from new, however, manufacturers will quite often put limits on how high most mopeds can rev in order to avoid engine damage.
100cc mopeds come with a top speed of around 45-60mph/70-95kph. These mopeds can handle longer trips and offer more power than their smaller counterparts. They’re still quite light and so relatively easy to ride and they offer good fuel efficiency.
Before you consider buying a 100cc moped, it’s worth checking what the laws are in your area, as mopeds with an engine size of more than 50cc normally come with different licensing requirements.
125cc Moped Speed
A 125cc moped is perfect for longer commutes and highway travel. Mopeds with a 125cc engine are more common to find than the 100cc models above.
With a top speed of the majority of models in the region of 55-65mph/88-105kph, these mopeds offer a bit more power and speed than the smaller engine sizes. Some geared 4-stroke mopeds can reach the 70mph/112kph mark, whilst older 2-stroke models have even been known to push the 100mph/160kph barrier.
125cc mopeds are great for anyone who needs to travel longer distances on a regular basis and those who need a moped that can safely handle highway speeds.
150cc Moped Speed
The largest engine size that we’re going to concentrate on in this article is 150cc, although mopeds can and do have larger engines, with 250cc models being quite common. These 150cc machines are great for long-distance travel and can easily handle highway driving. But bear in mind they’re also more expensive than the smaller engine sizes and require a bit more maintenance.
150cc mopeds can reach speeds of 65-75mph/105-120kph from the showroom. Most 150cc moped engines are 4-stroke and can run at wide open throttle for extended periods of time, a half hour blast down the highway flat out shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
150cc mopeds are great for anyone needing to take longer journeys at a higher speed, but they are just as suited to nipping around on short journeys.
The size of the moped’s engine will have the biggest impact on its speed and performance. If you are thinking about getting a moped, it’s worth considering your specific needs and the type of riding you’ll be doing.
For short trips to the shops and back and a 50cc would most likely suit your needs, if you need longer distance at a higher speed, then consider a 125cc or 150cc.
Now that we’ve given you an overview of the speeds of the different cc mopeds, it’s worth looking at some of the other factors that can affect moped speed, regardless of the engines size…
Factors That Can Affect Moped Speed
While engine size is undoubtedly one of the most critical factors that impact a moped’s speed, several other factors can have an effect on its performance as well. Understanding these factors is important to help you get the most out of your moped and make sure you pick the right one for your needs…
Weight and Size
The weight and size of the rider, any passengers and the moped itself can significantly impact a moped’s speed. A heavier load can bring down the mopeds top speed and make its acceleration more sluggish.
To get the maximum speed out of your moped, it is essential to consider the weight and size of the rider, if you’ll be carrying any passengers and the weight of the moped itself. a heavier load may require a larger engine size to get the best speed for the rider.
Luckily for you, apart from your own weight and that of any passengers, we’ve done this research for you! If you click one of the links below, you’ll be taken to an article that goes into more detail on the top speed of the various engine sizes for mopeds, from there you should find a link to an article with details on your specific make and model…
Terrain and Weather
The terrain and weather conditions can also significantly impact a moped’s speed. Riding uphill or on rough terrain will clearly slow down the moped, while riding downhill on a smooth road will increase its speed.
Driving into strong winds or rain can also make it more challenging for the moped to hit its top speed, whilst driving with a strong wind behind you may give you a few extra MPH!
If you live in an area with lots of hills or rough terrain that form part of your daily commute, you may want to consider a moped with an engine size greater than 50cc.
Maintenance
As is the same with any other vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your moped running at its best. A badly maintained moped can suffer from a whole host of issues that can impact its speed and performance. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups/services can help ensure that your moped is running as smoothly, efficiently and quickly as possible.
Included in your moped sale will be a handbook outlining the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. If you want to ensure your moped is always in good condition and lasts you a long time without serious failure, its a good idea to follow this schedule.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding large accessories or making engine modifications to your moped will have an impact its speed and performance. Not all accessories will have an impact on speed, fitting a top case or large visor will create more wind resistance, whereas changing the throttle grip to something more stylish will have no impact whatsoever.
Moped engines are finely tuned machines, and whilst some modifications can increase its overall top speed, others may end up lowering it. For example, putting a performance air filter on a moped without any changes to the jets or fuel injection system, will cause your moped to run poorly and may also lead to severe engine damage.
We’re not saying not to modify your mopeds engine, but research well beforehand and know what you’re doing. Feel free to get in touch if you need some advice!
Tips for Maximizing Moped Speed and Performance
So far in this article, we’ve outlined the main factors that affect your mopeds speed. All this information is great, but what if you’ve already got a moped? What if you live on a big hill and a 50cc is all you’re old enough to drive and you can’t make any modifications?
Luckily there are a few simple steps you can take to always ensure you get the best speed out of your moped…
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is extremely important for both safety and speed. Low tire pressure will result in more resistance between you and the road and will make the moped unsteady. High tire pressure can lead to damage and blowouts.
The condition of your tires is also vitally important. If you think about it, an area of tire less than the size of the palm of your hand is all that’s holding you to the road so it’s definitely worth making sure your tires and in good condition and at the right pressure!
Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it as needed, most pumps will let air out as well as pumping it in. You can find the recommended tire pressure in your moped’s owner’s manual or on the tire sidewall.
Use High-Quality Fuel
Low-quality fuel can have a bad impact on moped engines performance and its fuel efficiency. Such fuel can contain contaminants or additives that will cause your moped more harm than good.
It is important to check the octane rating that is recommended for your moped, you’ll be able to find this in the manual or online. The octane rating of fuel refers to its ability to withstand premature combustion.
Using fuel with a lower octane rating than recommended will most likely lead to a knocking or pinging sound being heard from your moped’s engine. This knocking or pinging is basically the air/fuel mixture within the engines cylinder detonating before it’s supposed to, this can lead to engine damage over time and will decrease engine performance.
The best way to ensure that you’re using high-quality fuel is to simply choose a reputable gas station and use the recommended octane rating for your moped’s engine.
Avoid Overloading Your Moped
As we mentioned earlier, the weight of the rider and any passengers can impact your moped’s speed and performance. Overloading your moped will cause it to slow down and make it more sluggish to accelerate.
Check what your mopeds maximum weight capacity is and try not to exceed it.
Practice Safe Riding Habits
This one may sound obvious, but not driving around like a lunatic will have a positive impact on both performance and fuel consumption. Steady start/stops and keeping speed constant where possible will benefit your engine and fuel efficiency.
If you’d like to learn more about safe riding habits and get some riding tips, then the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has a great PDF that covers everything you’ll need to know. You can check it out by clicking on the button below…
What to Consider When Buying a Moped
If you’re considering buying a moped, there are a few things to think about that will ensure you choose the right one for your needs. Some important considerations to keep in mind are:
Engine Size
As we’ve discussed in this article, mopeds come in different engine sizes, ranging from 50cc to 150cc and beyond. The engine size determines how fast the moped is and how much power it has, so it’s important to choose one that fits your intended use. A 50cc moped is best for short commutes and city driving, whilst a 150cc moped is better suited for longer distances and highway riding.
Fuel Efficiency
Another important thing to think about is a mopeds fuel efficiency. Mopeds are generally more fuel-efficient than cars or motorcycles, but some models are obviously more efficient than others. A 50cc moped will be more efficient than a 150cc purely because it has a smaller engine. It’s good to consider how much you’ll be using your moped and choose one with good fuel efficiency, it will save you money on gas in the long run.
Price
The prices of mopeds can vary greatly. Some cheap mopeds from manufacturers you’ve never heard of may seem like a good deal at the time, but you also need to think about ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Over the course of a few years, buying a quality moped from a well know manufacturer will most likely save you money and will certainly cause you less headaches!
Insurance
Moped insurance is required by law in many US states and the UK and will protect you financially in the unfortunate event of an accident or theft. When thinking about buying a moped, it’s a good idea to get an insurance quote first before you make the purchase, that way you can factor in the cost.
Safety Gear
To stay safe on the road, safety gear is vital, but some of it isn’t cheap! Have a look at the price of helmets, jackets, gloves and other safety equipment to go with your moped so you have a rough idea of what you’ll need to spend.
FAQ’s
Are mopeds street legal in the UK?
Yes, mopeds are street legal in the UK, but they must meet certain requirements to be roadworthy. In the UK, a moped is defined as a motor vehicle with two or three wheels, with an engine capacity no greater than 50cc and a maximum design speed of no more than 30mph (45km/h).
Are mopeds street legal in the US?
Moped laws vary by state in the USA, but in general, mopeds are street legal in most states. However, there are certain requirements that must be met for a moped to be considered street legal in each state. In most states, a moped is defined as a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle with an engine size of 50cc or less and a maximum speed of 30mph or less.
Do you need a license to drive a moped in the US?
Yes, you generally need a license to drive a moped in the US. However, the specific requirements can vary by state. In most states, you need at least a valid driver’s license or a moped license/endorsement to operate a moped.
Do you need a licence to drive a moped in the UK?
Yes, you need a license to drive a moped in the UK. To drive a moped in the UK, you must hold a valid driving license. If you are 16 years old or over, you can drive a moped with a provisional moped license, which allows you to ride a moped with L-plates after completing a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course.
Wrapping Up
To wrap things up, understanding how fast mopeds can go and how to optimize their speed and performance is important for anyone considering buying a moped as well as those that already own one. In this article we’ve discussed the different speeds you can expect from different engine sizes, the factors that can affect a mopeds speed and performance, and some of the different ways you can easily improve its speed and acceleration.
If you’d like to know more about moped speed for specific cc engines or even specific moped models, you can follow the links provided throughout this article. If there’s anything else you’d like to know or if you have any suggestions on how we can improve, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help and hear from our readers!
Rhys is a qualified mechanic with a passion for mopeds and engines of all sizes. He has owned and worked on mopeds since his early teens and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping others get the best of their machines. He currently owns 1 fully intact moped but has a few others in pieces in the workshop. More about Rhys
