Important things you need to know if you're buying a moped or scooter

Tools

A Flash player error has occured, please make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash Player. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

By Ashley Campbell acampbell@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 5:57 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 6:27 PM EST

Not all mopeds and scooters are created equally. And if you don't do a little research before you buy, it could cost you.

Mopeds and scooters are very popular right now. NBC Augusta found dealerships in the Augusta area can barely keep them in stock.

A lot of people may think they're the same because of their similar body styles, but they're not.

"Mopeds are basically motorized bikes, hence the word moped. Mopeds are capable of 30, 40 sometimes 50 mph," said Alan Moffett, Sales Manager at Street and Trail Motor Sports.

"Scooters can range from fifty CCs capable of 30 mph up to 650 CCs capable of 120 mph,” said Moffett.

CCs stand for Cubic Centimeters of an engine. The larger the engine, the faster the vehicle can go.

"You have license ramifications as far as whether you require or don't require a license. 50 CCs and below does not require a license," said Moffett.

That means if your scooter or moped goes LESS than 30mph, you do not need a motorcycle license.

If it's capable of going faster than 30 mph, you will need to get a license.

So, if you're thinking about trading in your gas guzzler, make sure you do your homework.

Insurance, tags and registration varies in South Carolina and Georgia.

To find out what exactly what you need to know click on the related content link in this story.

Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I started driving the moped to make a statement and to do my part going toward "green" living. I was surprised when I discovered I get almost 100 miles per gallon so when gas prices went up last fall I had a second reason to drive the moped. It is has become such a fun experience for me and that's the number one reason I ride my moped. People in cars have been very nice to me but you have to be very careful as you would if you were riding a bike.

Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My family has three 50 cc mopeds that we just love! We ride our mopeds to work everyday. I ride to the mall and do most all my errands on the moped. I pay $4.00 a week for gas. People driving cars, trucks,SUV's have all been very courteous to me. I also try to be courteous to them and allow them to pass me.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 48 °F
Fair
More Weather

WAGT Weather

On Demand
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On Tonight Full Schedule

Viewer Poll

Do you plan to travel for Thanksgiving?

  • Yes
  • No