Mopeds

Scooters are not mopeds, and vice-versa. The distinction, according to Pennsylvania anyway, is that a motorized pedacycle (moped) is a motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour. "Operable pedals" means that you can turn the engine off and pedal it like a bicycle.

While all of these pictures were taken at Carlisle Bike Fest, Lancaster has it's own moped gang. I've seen a group of college-aged white kids cruising around the City of Lancaster, 3 or 4 of them together, their 2-strokes screaming. It looks like fun. Live fast, ride slow.

They were popular in the 70's, and I sense they might be coming back. Mopeds have their own privilges that were written into PA State Law back then. Mopeds can legally park on the sidewalk.

There are some outfits that are converting bycycles into mopeds, and that is causing some confusion for local law enforcement. Is it a bicycle? Is it a moped? Is it a motorcycle? Well, it depends on the size of the engine, which is tough to prove during a traffic stop. This example definitely blurs all of those lines.