moped

American  

[moh-ped] / ˈmoʊˌpɛd /

noun

1. a motorized bicycle that has pedals in addition to a low-powered gasoline engine designed for low-speed operation.

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moped British  

/ ˈməʊpɛd /

noun

1. a light motorcycle, not over 50cc

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Etymology

Origin of moped

1955–60; < German, ultimately < Swedish ( trampcykel med ) mo ( tor och ) ped ( aler ) pedal cycle with engine and pedals

Explanation

A moped is a two-wheeled vehicle that can be powered by pedals or an engine. You might find it easier to get around the city on your moped than in a car. Although today there are some mopeds that don't have them, the earliest versions always included bicycle pedals. The word itself was coined in 1952 by a Swedish journalist, from trampcykel med motor och pedaler, literally "pedal cycle with motor and pedals." It's relatively easy to get a license to ride a moped, which is less powerful and slower than a motorcycle.

Example Sentences

As a performer, he first came to prominence in the 1970s with anecdotes about Midlands life delivered in a Brummie accent - and his novelty single Funky Moped, a surprise top five hit in 1975.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

Mr Taylor, who has named his challenge the Moronic Moped Marathon, will be mostly camping on his trip.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2021

Moped Army co-founder Daniel Kastner said club membership grew steadily after his group started, in 1997, but has picked up in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2016

After acquiring the bike, he got it running with the help of the Moped Army, an online support group that gives technical advice and runs affiliated clubs across the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2016

Then came the Moped crash that injured his knee and foot so bad he'd wouldn't play again for 18 months.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2010