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

Law enforcement officials also point out that any type of modification to e-bikes might not just be dangerous, but can also transform the e-bike into a motorcycle or moped under California law.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

He said pursuits had to be considered carefully, giving an example of one moped rider spotted snatching multiple phones on Oxford Street.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The court heard how Teeton was was walking back from his barracks at 17:50 BST when Esan asked him if he could use his phone because his moped had broken down.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Pulling up his laptop, Dallas shows off the art for a single: On a majestic winding Italian road, ian perches pensively on a white moped, in an all-white yacht outfit, barefoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

At the end of the day, after everybody had left, Rose finally moped back.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore