“What should I get a moped or scooter?” If this is the question that’s bothering you, then you’ve landed at the right place!
Hawaii is a place where you cannot explore the island on a car or by changing transportation every now and then. So, what’s the best way to maneuver around?
I think, the best option is to rent a scooter or a moped, or if you have one, just ride in style all around the island.
But, now is when most people have the above question. Many people and by that I mean even me, have much confusion regarding this question. Personally, I’ve ridden both vehicles and have my viewpoint on it.
For starters, I must say that both are super fun ways to zip around town, but they have their differences. I’ve been in your shoes, weighing the pros and cons of each.
So, let’s dive into the details so you can make the best choice for your needs!
Why Consider These Vehicles
So why just consider these vehicles to go around Hawaii? Just imagine going to the hotspot Waikiki, and not finding a place to park your car. Would be so annoying right?
Parking is just one of many reasons why I choose these vehicles over others. When I was deciding between a moped and a scooter, my main goals were convenience, cost-effectiveness, and fun! Here’s what I considered:
Fuel Efficiency
If you like to explore the island on your own, I bet you would go for two-wheelers or four-wheelers. But, with a four-wheeler i.e. a car, one of the problems is that the fuel cost will be a lot especially if you are on a budget trip to Waikiki.
In this case, both mopeds and scooters are fuel-efficient compared to cars. Moped and scooters have small engine sizes, which means they can get upwards of 100 miles per gallon!
If you want to save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, scooters and mopeds are your best bet.
Cost of Ownership
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Whether you are looking to buy a scooter or a moped or rent one, either way, it’s less expensive than owning a car. Well yes, you can choose to travel by bus or cab, but will that be feasible regularly? Think about it.
Coming to mopeds and scooters, they tend to be less expensive upfront compared to other vehicles. If you’re on a tight budget or just want something for quick trips around town, a moped or a scooter could be perfect.
Comfort and Storage
When going around the Hawaiian islands, I am sure you’ll be shopping around a lot. While a scooter or a moped won’t give you the same storage or comfort as a car, it sure is the best way to go around and do a bit of shopping.
Like a shop? Easily find a spot and park your two-wheeled vehicles. You don’t have to walk much, it’ll be eco-friendly and the best part is you’ll have extra energy to take a piece of Hawaii with you!
Understanding A Moped & A Scooter
While these two-wheelers may seem almost the same, they’re really not! Many people often get confused thinking what’s the actual difference between the two vehicles. Are they the same? Can they be used interchangeably? Do they have the same driving laws? These are just some of the many questions that even I had in my mind.
So, what’s the deal with these two vehicles, let’s check it out:
Moped
Let’s begin with “What is a moped? “.
To be frank, a moped is just a blend between a bicycle and a motorcycle, and I love that I get the best of both worlds when I ride one.
If we delve into its history, these two-wheelers have a pretty cool history that goes back to early 20th-century Europe.
The main idea behind launching this vehicle was to motorize a bicycle, and by the early 1900s, people were already experimenting with the concept.
The idea for scooters gained traction only after World War II as they were a cheap, economical transportation system, particularly in those countries that were post-economic crises.
Several companies in Europe, such as the Swedish company, Monark, and the French company, VeloSoleX, began manufacturing motorized bicycles, also known as Motorized Pedal Vehicles (Moped), which served as the basis for what we now call mopeds.
At last, by the 1950s and ’60s, mopeds were all around the streets, providing cheap and convenient alternatives to cars.
These vehicles are lightweight, and have smaller engines of 49cc and smaller wheels, making it easier to ride them on low-speed limit roads. Just make sure you’re not riding it on the highways as they cannot go more than 28mph. So, where to ride them? City roads and short-distance routes are the perfect way to maneuver around on a moped.
Scooter
Coming to scooters, when I think of a scooter, I imagine a city ride that’s compact, stylish, and effortless to zip around in.
Now, if you want to know about its history, let me warn you, it’s going to be surprising! Scooters have been around for over 200 years! Can you imagine? It’s that old!
The concept of two-wheeled personal transport started way back in 1817 in Germany— all thanks to Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun’s great mind.
But at the time, it wasn’t powered, but it paved the way for the future. Almost a century later, Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson and Joseph F. Merkel added an engine and, thus, it became a real scooter that we see now.
People witnessed the real scooter in the mid-20th century, in Italy, when automobiles like Vespa and Lambretta became cultural icons.
Suddenly, the entire purpose of launching these vehicles changed. Creating a solution that could transport those from place A to place B—they had now become a fashion statement and a symbol of freedom.
Performance-wise, scooters are pretty versatile. The mini scooters, which are 50 cc sized, are ideal for going through city streets, whereas the bigger ones are capable of highway driving.
Plus, the built-in storage compartments are a game-changer—I can stash my bag, helmet, or even some groceries without a hassle. To me, scooters are an easy option, fun, and give a sense of liberation.
Difference Between A Moped And A Scooter
Now, for the actual part, what should you choose between the two? Both moped and scooter are different and thus, they have their own set of pros and cons as well.
First off, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Mopeds and scooters might look similar at first glance, but they have some key differences:
Mopeds
A moped generally has a smaller engine compared to a scooter. They have a certain power capacity with an engine size of 49cc and can only reach a maximum speed of 30 mph.
These are Class A vehicles in Hawaii. All persons over 15 years of age riding without a motorcycle license, as long as they have a valid driver’s license.
These vehicles often come with pedals. Mopeds are designed for short distances and are great for city commuting.
-Legal Requirements
Now, let’s talk about the legal stuff!
- Licensing and Registration
In Hawaii, licensing requirements for mopeds are different. A standard Class 3 driver’s license is considered for driving mopeds. You don’t need insurance but are required to register and undergo safety checks.
- Helmet Laws
Moped riders under 18 must wear a helmet. While not legally mandatory for everyone over 18, protective helmets are highly urged for safety purposes.
- Pricing
Mopeds are cost-effective as they have a cheaper purchase price and cheaper maintenance than scooters, making them more accessible for daily use.
- Gas Mileage
They can achieve over 100 miles per gallon, which is typically better than most scooters, especially smaller models, which means they are fuel efficient.
- Weight
The mopeds are usually more lightweight and easier to maneuver and park in narrow spaces, especially in places like Honolulu.
- Registration Fee
In Hawaii, the registration fee for mopeds is less compared to registrations for scooters, resulting in cost savings.
-Cons
- A moped’s speed limit is set at 30 mph and hence may limit use on faster roads or highways.
- You are not allowed to carry passengers if riding a moped, limiting their utility for those who may want to ride with others.
- As engine sizes are normally limited to 49cc, mopeds can perform poorly in steep hills or with greater load, in comparison with more powerful motor scooters.
Scooters
Scooters, on the other hand, can have larger engines (over 50cc) without pedals and are capable of higher speeds, often exceeding 55 mph.
They’re more powerful and can handle longer rides better than mopeds. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, from retro to modern.
To operate a scooter you need to have a motorcycle license or endorsement, and must be at least 21 years old.
- License Requirements
If you want to go around in Hawaii on a scooter, you must have a valid motorcycle license. You should also make sure that the scooters are insured, with minimum coverage requirements including $20,000 per person for bodily injury. For legal requirements of scooter riding, check local regulations or read below:
- Helmet Laws
While Hawaii law mandates that riders under 18 wear helmets it is not legally required. However, wearing helmets is strongly recommended for safety reasons.
- Speed
Scooters with 50cc engine capacity have higher speed capabilities and can reach a top speed of 55 mph or more, making them suitable for a wider range of road conditions and traffic situations.
However, when you scale up to a 125cc scooter, they can go as fast as 60 to 70 mph, which makes them very nice for extensive rides and highway cruising.
For high performance, some models to highlight are the Kawasaki J125 and the Honda Forza 125, which go up to a top speed of 80 miles per hour, providing you with speed and comfort.
-Cons
Scooters are more expensive to buy and maintain.
Scooters are required to be insured and come with an extra cost
While still fuel-efficient compared to cars, scooters typically average around 80 mpg for mid-sized models.
So, you can understand better, we’ve listed all the key differences in the table below:
| Specification | Moped | Scooter |
| Engine Size | 49cc or less | 50cc and more (can go up to 250cc and above) |
| Top Speed | Maximum speed can go up to 30mph | Can go more than 55mph, depending on the engine capacity |
| Pedals | Available in some models | No pedals |
| Passenger Capacity | Single-rider only | Can carry passengers |
| Gas Mileage | Over 100mpg | Around 80mpg for mid-sized models |
| Pricing | More affordable | Generally more expensive
|
| Wheel Size | 17 to 19 inches in diameter | 10 to 12 inches in diameter |
| Legal Riding Age | 15 and above | 21 and above |
| Insurance Requirements | Not required | Required |
| Registration & Fees (Hawaii) | Lower registration fees | Higher registration and insurance costs
|
| License Plates | Require a single decal-style license plate (sticker) placed on the rear fender | Require a metal license plate, just like motorcycles, mounted on the rear of the vehicle. |
| License Requirements (Hawaii) | A standard Class 3 driver’s license is sufficient | Requires a motorcycle license or endorsement |
| Performance on Hills | Limited power on inclines | Better performance due to larger engines
|
| Best For | Short city commutes, affordability, easy parking | Longer rides, faster speeds, carrying passengers
|
What To Choose: A Moped Or Scooter
Now that we’ve covered some basics and know about the basic differences, let’s talk about what should you choose.
Comfort
Scooters usually offer more comfort features than mopeds—think larger seats and better suspension systems. When you’re riding for a long time or when you need to carry a passenger, a scooter is probably the way to go.
Storage
Also, storage is something I didn’t think much about at first. There is usually storage under the seat on scooters or even compartments built into the scooter to keep your stuff. Mopeds generally have less cargo space, which may be a problem if you have to take groceries or other large items with you.
City Commuting
If you’re mostly commuting in the city, both options work well! Mopeds are small and easy to maneuver through traffic. Nevertheless, I noticed that, in situations like longer waiting at red lights, or during the more uneven surface of roads, the scooters offered much better stability and comfort.
Safety Considerations
Safety was definitely at the top of my thoughts before arriving at the decision. Whether I selected a moped or a scooter, the proper use of protective equipment, such as helmets and protective clothing, is essential. Being visible and safe on the road is important, to be protected from other vehicles.
To make things easier for you, please go through the below table:
| Factor | Motor | Scooter |
| Comfort | Basic seating, minimal suspension | Larger seats, better suspension, more comfortable for long rides or carrying a passenger
|
| Speed & Power | Generally lower speed (usually 50cc or less), better for short trips | Higher speed options (50cc–300cc+), more powerful for highways and longer distances
|
| Maintenance & Repairs | Simpler design, generally lower maintenance costs | More complex mechanics may require more frequent servicing
|
| Storage | Limited storage, usually requires external bags or baskets | Built-in under-seat storage and compartments for better cargo capacity
|
| Safety Considerations | Requires proper protective gear, visibility is crucial | Same safety concerns, but often has better lighting and road presence
|
Conclusion: What Did I Choose?
Taking into consideration the cost vs comfort, riding style, how much fuel it used, and how much would I have to spend on it, I finally settled on a scooter. It provided me with the best value in power and fuel economy that suited my lifestyle.
Keep in mind, though, that your choice totally depends on what your priorities are! Be it an eye-catching scooter or a peppy moped, each will make you feel happy when you ride them around town.
And so, there you have it! Consider what will value most in your life. Best of luck, and enjoy the ride! Need scooters or mopeds to travel around? Contact us to rent one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a moped and a scooter?
A moped is a motorized pedal vehicle with a smaller engine (49cc or less), while a scooter has a step-through frame, and automatic transmission, and comes in various engine sizes (50cc to 500cc+). Please note, that some mopeds may or may not have pedals.
Should I choose an electric or gas-powered model?
Electric scooters/mopeds are quieter, eco-friendly, and require less maintenance but have limited range. Gas models offer longer rides and quicker refueling.
Does a moped and scooter have gear?
Most mopeds come with a simple “twist and go” automatic transmission making them incredibly easy to ride, especially for beginners. Scooters, on the other hand, can have either automatic or manual transmissions. If you’re riding an automatic scooter, it’s just as effortless as a moped. But if your scooter has manual gears, there’s a bit more of a learning curve.
What’s the best option for a beginner?
A 50cc moped is great for new riders due to its ease of use and lower speeds. A 125cc scooter can also be beginner-friendly if you need more power. Make sure you have compulsory basic training before getting on the road with your vehicle.