Mopeds and motor scooters are an exceptional alternative option for those that don’t want the burden of owning and maintaining a car in Hawaii. Some people think mopeds and scooters are the same and use the terms interchangeably. That’s because they’re both easy to operate and get around for short distances. They’re also smaller and consume less gas compared to motorcycles. Let’s examine the distinct features of mopeds and scooters to help you determine which type of two-wheeler is best for you.
How Mopeds Are Different from Scooters
While both vehicles have a step-through frame or a platform instead of foot pedals, mopeds(a combination of the words “motor” and “pedal” as they first started as motor-powered pedal bikes) motors are 50 cubic centimeters or lower. They can legally only seat one person and must be on roadways of 45 mph or lower.
Meanwhile, scooters’ motors can exceed 50cc, with such larger motors capable of riding up to 75-85 MPH but with a mileage of 60 miles per gallon. They might be allowed to join highway vehicular traffic depending on their size. However, depending on the engine size, this might force riders to run the engine at full speed (over-revving) for extended periods, which can endanger you as a rider and damage your engine if the ccs are low enough.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Moped or Scooter
1. Purpose
Ask yourself: How far and how often will you be using it? Will you be usually riding by yourself or with a companion? Will you be usually bringing any cargo with you during trips? Your answers to these questions will help you determine which two-wheeler is appropriate for you and what its motor size should be.
Mopeds must stay off the H-1, H-2, H-3 and off of roadways with speed postings greater than 45 mph. While scooters can legally drive on these roadways, but may be under-powered if it is 125cc or less. You should also check the terrain and speed limits leading to your destination to see if you can meet the required minimum.
A moped’s weight limit is normally 200 to 350 pounds while scooters 150cc and above would have limits ranging from 330 to 500 pounds. Overloading can easily wear out your tires, strain your brakes, and affect your fuel use.
2. Your height
Your moped or scooter should be just the right size so that when you stand up or dismount your vehicle, you can easily land your feet on the ground.
3. License plates
Hawaii requires mopeds and scooters to be registered and bear license plates.
The state doesn’t have a Department of Motor Vehicles, but each county has a specific office serving this purpose. Oahu-based motor vehicle dealers usually register and license your two-wheelers for you. Otherwise, you’ll need to fill out an Application for Registration form signed by you and the dealer and then submit this to a Satellite City Hall. You also have to get your vehicle inspected at any of these stations to obtain a Hawaii Vehicle Inspection Certificate. The city hall will issue a license plate and emblem while the inspection station will place a decal on your moped certifying that it passed the safety inspection.
You’ll need at least a valid Class 1 driver’s license or Hawaii issued permit to legally operate a moped. Meanwhile, you have to present a motorcycle license to operate a scooter as they’re treated like motorcycles in Hawaii. Driver education requirements are required for persons aged 17 and younger.
4. Helmets
Moped and scooter drivers below age 18 are required by law to wear helmets with chin straps. Only scooters are allowed to have passengers, who should wear helmets accordingly. Children aged six and below are also not allowed to ride as passengers on scooters. Due to safety reasons, however, donning helmets is still highly recommended although not legally required for those aged 18 and above.
5. Parking laws
Parking a scooter or moped is significantly easier than parking a car, especially in Honolulu. There are usually designated parking stalls or spaces for mopeds and scooters. It’s best to park, chain, and lock them onto bike racks through the rear tire whenever they’re available. Some areas charge owners a minimal daily fee. Whenever possible, research your destination ahead of time to determine what kind of parking is available in that area.
6. Fuel economy
Mopeds and small scooters can average over 100 miles per gallon, making them more fuel-efficient than motorcycles. Meanwhile, the mileage of mid-sized scooters (125 to 150cc) that can carry a passenger is just around 80 mpg.
Wide or oversized tires, frequent revving, and carrying unnecessary weight can increase your fuel consumption.
7. Insurance
Mopeds don’t need to be insured in Hawaii, but scooters do. The minimum coverage should include $20,000 per person for bodily injury in case of an accident or $40,000 if several people were hurt and $10,000 for property damage. Optional coverage includes personal injury medical payments worth up to $10,000, damage coverage for your vehicle, or income disability plan. Full motor scooter insurance is significantly cheaper than any comparable car policy.
8. Test drive opportunities
Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales is happy to offer a try & buy program where you can rent a vehicle for the day and we can put the first day’s rental rate toward the purchase.
9. Financing
Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales is offering six month 0% interest financing for all qualified customers and eighteen month 0% interest financing for any customers who purchase at least three aftermarket Scooter Works accessories.
Renting a moped or scooter with Hawaiian Style Rentals is a great way to discover which type of two-wheeler gives you the best ride. You can book with us before choosing from our array of mopeds and scooters that are for sale and supplied by Genuine Scooters Company. Rentals include a driving lesson, detailed tour maps, a helmet, and a safety lock.
Once you’ve completed your rental period, you can visit our online store at Shop.hawaiimoped.com to check on our brand new and used two-wheelers as well as accessories, or drop by our physical shop in Honolulu. Discover your perfect ride today!