Are you curious about the top speed of a 150cc moped? Look no further! Thankfully, unlike their smaller engine counterparts, these powerful machines are not subject to legal restrictions and can reach some impressive speeds. If you’re wondering, “How fast does a 150cc moped go?” you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 150cc mopeds and their maximum speeds.
We know that every rider has their favorite brands and models, that’s why we’ve included links to separate articles that provide detailed information on the top speeds of individual makes and models, including Vespa, Piaggio, Honda, Yamaha, and more.
Click here to explore our library of moped top speeds and satisfy your curiosity.
How Fast Does a 150cc Moped Go?
If you’re curious about how fast a 150cc moped can go, you’re not alone! The top speed of a moped is an important thing to think about, whether you’re thinking about buying or are just browsing and after more information for comparisons sake.
To understand how fast a 150cc moped can go, it’s helpful to know a bit about engine capacity. The “cc” in “150cc” stands for cubic centimeters, which is a measure of the engine’s displacement or volume. In general, a larger engine size means more power and potentially higher speeds.
Compared to smaller engines, a 150cc engine is considered to be relatively powerful in moped terms. However, it’s not the biggest engine size out there. For example, a 250cc engine will typically have more power and a higher top speed than a 150cc engine, whereas a 50cc will have less power and a lower top speed.
Based on personal experience, most of the modern 150cc mopeds usually have a top speed of around 65-75 miles per hour (105-120 kilometers per hour).
Of course, this figure can vary between different manufacturers and moped types, but without knowing more details, this can be taken as a best guess or something to start from.
If you know exactly what moped you’re looking at or are just curious to find out the speeds of different 150cc mopeds, click on a link in the table below.
We’ve covered the most common mopeds, giving you their top speed in detail. This is not your usual vague answers, we’ve relied on personal experience, talked with owners and searched through forums to bring you each moped’s exact top speed!
| Peugeot Django 150 | Peugeot Tweet 150 |
| Kymco Agility 150 | Honda SH150i |
| Honda PCX150 | Piaggio Liberty 150 |
Factors That Affect Top Speed
The most obvious factor affecting any mopeds speed is its engine size, and although this is a huge part of the equation, it is not the only thing that will impact the top speed of a 150cc moped. Some other things to bear in mind include;
Weight
The weight of the rider and any passengers or luggage can affect the moped’s top speed. A heavier load requires more power to move, resulting in slower acceleration and a lower top speed. If you want to increase your moped’s top speed and minimize its fuel consumption, it will be helpful to travel with minimal luggage and no passengers.
Terrain
The type of terrain you’re riding on can also have an impact. Uphill climbs, for example, can slow you down, while smooth, flat roads can help you go faster. If you’re riding in an area with lots of hills, you will need to adjust your expectations for top speed depending on the road you are on.
Wind Resistance
The design of your moped can affect its wind resistance and thus its top speed. If your moped has a bulky design or lots of added accessories, it may not be as aerodynamic and may have a slower top speed. Consider removing any unnecessary accessories and trying as best you can to get a more streamlined shape to improve your moped’s top speed.
Maintenance
Keeping your moped in good condition can also affect its top speed. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire checks, and spark plug replacements can help keep your moped running smoothly and at its full potential. Neglecting maintenance can result in decreased performance and slower top speeds.
As always, Mopedandmotors advise against breaking any speed limits, as this may lead to prosecutions or worse, an accident. Stick to a legal and comfortable speed and keep yourself safe.
How to Increase a 150cc Moped Top Speed
There are several ways that you can increase your 150cc moped’s top speed, some of these ways will include modifying your moped whilst others are simpler. It’s important to keep in mind that making modifications to your moped can be risky and may void your warranty.
Some of these modifications that we are suggesting will require mechanical knowledge, so if you’re not confident or not the most mechanically minded person, it may be best to get an expert to do these for you. As always, feel free to contact us for advise, we are happy to help where we can.
This is not by any means an exhaustive list, but it will give you an idea of some of the things that can be done to increase speed fairly easily.
Upgrade the Exhaust
Upgrading the exhaust is another way to potentially increase your 150cc moped’s top speed. The exhaust system plays an important role in your moped’s performance by expelling the exhaust gases from the engine and regulating backpressure.
A stock exhaust system is designed for efficiency and emissions compliance, but it may limit your moped’s performance potential. Upgrading to a high-performance exhaust system can improve your moped’s exhaust flow and potentially increase power, resulting in a higher top speed.
There are several types of exhaust systems available, including slip-on exhausts and full exhaust systems. Slip-on exhausts are designed to replace only the muffler portion of the exhaust system and are generally less expensive and easier to install than full exhaust systems.
Full exhaust systems replace the entire exhaust system, including the header pipes and catalytic converter, and are generally more expensive and require more installation time.
When choosing an exhaust system, you need to make sure that you get the right exhaust system for your moped and the engine set up you are running. Some exhaust systems may be better suited for racing or high-performance applications, while others may be designed for street use or emissions compliance.
Install a Performance Air Filter
Installing a performance air filter is another way to potentially increase your 150cc moped’s top speed. The air filter plays an important role in your moped’s performance by filtering out dirt and debris from the air that enters the engine.
A stock air filter is designed for efficiency and emissions compliance, but it may restrict airflow and limit your moped’s performance potential. Upgrading to a high-performance air filter can improve your moped’s airflow and potentially increase power, resulting in a higher top speed.
When you change the air filter in your 150cc moped, you’re essentially altering the air flow to the engine. This will change the fuel-to-air ratio that the engine needs to operate properly. This is important because if the fuel-to-air ratio is not set up correctly, your engine will run too lean or too rich, potentially causing damage.
In carburetor models, the fuel-to-air ratio is adjusted by changing the size of the fuel jets. Installing a performance air filter can increase the air flow into the engine, which means that the fuel jets may need to be adjusted to provide more fuel to maintain the proper fuel-to-air ratio.
If the fuel-to-air ratio is too lean, the engine can run too hot and potentially cause damage. If it’s too rich, the engine can become bogged down and lose power.
In fuel injection systems, the fuel-to-air ratio is controlled by the engine control unit (ECU) and can be adjusted electronically. If the air flow to the engine is increased by installing a performance air filter, the ECU may need to be reprogrammed to adjust the fuel-to-air ratio to prevent damage to the engine.
If you’re not familiar with tuning carburetor jets or reprogramming an ECU, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional mechanic or expert who can help you make the necessary adjustments to your moped’s fuel system.
Upgrade the Variator
A variator is a component in the transmission system of a moped that controls the gear ratio and adjusts the speed of the engine. It works by changing the diameter of a pulley, allowing the transmission to change gear ratios seamlessly as the moped’s speed changes.
In a moped, two pulleys are connected by a belt. One pulley is connected to the engine (this is the one we mean by variator) and the other to the transmission. As the engine rotates, the belt moves between the two pulleys.
The diameter of the variator is controlled by a set of weights or rollers that move in and out of the pulleys. When the moped is accelerating, the weights move outward, decreasing the diameter of the pulley and forcing the belt higher up, effectively increasing the front gear. This allows the moped to accelerate more quickly.
As the moped’s speed decreases, the weights move inward, increasing the diameter of the pulley and allowing the moped to maintain speed while also providing good fuel efficiency. The variator ensures that the engine is always operating at its optimal speed, delivering the best balance of power and efficiency for the given road conditions.
Upgrading the variator on a 150cc moped can allow for smoother and quicker acceleration, as well as higher top speeds. By modifying the weights or rollers and changing the diameter of the pulleys, the gear ratio can be adjusted to better match your riding style and specific road conditions.
Ensure Correct Tire Pressure
Checking the tire pressure is a simple and effective way to potentially increase your 150cc moped’s top speed. Properly inflated tires can improve your moped’s overall performance and handling, including its acceleration, braking, and top speed.
When your tires are underinflated, the contact patch between the tire and the road increases, causing more rolling resistance and reducing your moped’s speed. Conversely, overinflated tires can reduce the contact patch and make your moped more difficult to handle.
Use High Quality Fuel
Using high-quality fuel is important anyway and is easy way to increase the top speed of your 150cc moped. High-quality fuel has a higher-octane rating, which means that it burns more efficiently and provides more power to the engine. This can result in better acceleration and higher top speeds.
Filling up with high-quality fuel will help to prevent engine knocking or pinging, which can occur when the fuel-air mixture in the engine combusts prematurely. Engine knocking can cause damage to the engine and reduce overall performance.
To ensure that you are using high-quality fuel, look for gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher and always fill up at a reputable gas station.
Keep Your Moped Well Maintained
Keeping your 150cc moped well-maintained is crucial when trying to increase its top speed and keep it reliable. Regular maintenance ensures that all of the components of the moped are functioning properly, which will help to optimize the moped’s performance. Here are some tips for keeping your moped in good condition:
Regularly change the oil: Regular oil changes can help to keep your engine running smoothly and can prevent damage to the engine. Check your moped’s owner’s manual for recommended oil change intervals.
Keep the air filter clean: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, reducing performance. Regularly check the air filter and clean or replace it as necessary.
Check the brakes: Properly functioning brakes are essential for safe and efficient riding. Check the brake pads and discs regularly and replace them as necessary.
Check the spark plug: The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine. A dirty or worn spark plug can reduce performance. Check the spark plug regularly and replace it as necessary.
Check the fuel filter/lines: A clogged or damaged fuel filter or fuel line will restrict fuel flow to the engine, reducing performance. Check and replace or clean the fuel filter regularly.
150cc Moped FAQ’s
How fast does a 150cc moped go?
On average, a 150cc moped can reach a top speed of around 65-75 mph (105-120 km/h). However, the actual top speed can vary depending on factors such as the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the moped’s design.
What is the difference between a 150cc moped and a 150cc motorcycle?
The main difference between a 150cc moped and a 150cc motorcycle is the design and intended use. A 150cc moped is typically a small, lightweight vehicle that is designed for urban commuting and short distances.
Mopeds usually have smaller wheels, a step-through frame, and a lower top speed than motorcycles. They are also typically more affordable and easier to operate than motorcycles, making them a popular choice for new riders.
On the other hand, a 150cc motorcycle is a larger, more powerful vehicle that is designed for longer distances and highway speeds. Motorcycles have a higher top speed and are generally more expensive and complex to operate than mopeds.
How fuel-efficient are 150cc mopeds?
150cc mopeds are generally quite fuel-efficient, as they are designed to be small and lightweight, with efficient engines that are optimized for urban commuting and short distances. The exact fuel efficiency of a 150cc moped can vary depending on factors such as the moped’s design, engine, and riding conditions. On average, a 150cc moped can achieve a fuel efficiency of around 70-100 miles per gallon (30-42 km/l), which is significantly more fuel-efficient than most cars or motorcycles.
Do I need a license to ride a 150cc moped?
The requirement for a license to ride a 150cc moped varies depending on your location and the specific laws and regulations in your area. In most states in the US, you do need a driver’s license to operate a 150cc moped on public roads. However, some states may have different requirements for moped riders, such as a separate moped license or endorsement.
Similarly, in many countries, a driver’s license is required to ride a 150cc moped on public roads. However, the specific license requirements can vary depending on the country or region. It’s important to check with your local DMV or government agency to determine the specific license requirements for operating a 150cc moped in your area.
How often should I service my 150cc moped?
The recommended service interval for a 150cc moped can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of the moped. However, in general, it’s a good idea to service your moped at regular intervals to keep it in good condition and prevent any potential issues from arising.
For most 150cc mopeds, the recommended service interval is usually every 1,000-2,000 miles (1,600-3,200 km) or every six months, whichever comes first.
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
