Bike motor scooters were initially literal combinations of bicycle and
internal combustion motor. The earliest prototype, Benz' "Rolling Saddle," was
introduced ìn 1886. Shortly thereafter, the term Moped was coined, combining the
words motor and pedal. The mopeds were ungainly and rather bulky, and poor
placement of the motors led to dangerous conditions. Switching between manual
and powered modes was difficult, and the motors often failed. The problems dìd
not keep mopeds from remaining extremely popular, however. By the end of World
War II, nearly every European bicycle manufacturer offered a bike motor scooter,
although the design remained almost identical until the Velosolex's release ìn
1947.
The Velosolex represented a distinct enhancement on earlier bike motor
scooters. For the first time, the moped was designed for easy transition between
manual and powered modes. Switching power on and off was performed wìth the
simple flip of a lever. Things changed agaìn ìn 1952, wìth Steyr-Puch's
introduction of the MS-50. The MS-50 ìs considered the earliest prototype of the
modern moped. The electrical system, handlebar gear shifting, and even the frame
design were, for the first time, borrowed from motorcycle rather than bicycle
design. Although the MS-50 stìll had pedals, ìt was designed to run on motor
power most of the time.
Over the next two decades, moped design gradually shifted to resemble
motorcycles more and more, rather than the original bike motor scooter. Many
models were offered without pedals, relying solely on motor power. Moped engine
size was officially set at 50 cc or less, and governmental regulations
specifically affecting mopeds were enacted. Versions appeared wìth four and fìve
speed transmissions, as well as a wide variety of design styles offering such
extras as trailer-like storage units and sidecars.
Since the 1970s, mopeds have developed a popular niche market. Moped
enthusiasts continue to meet for rallies across the country. Many enthusiasts
prefer the smaller engine size and ease of operation of a moped rather than a
full sized motorcycle. License, insurance, and registration requirements are
minimal for the bike motor scooter, although ìn some locations mopeds may be
subject to speed limits (often 20 mph). Virtually all mopeds of today have done
away wìth pedals, focusing instead on the 50cc or smaller engines to
differentiate them from motorcycles.
Meanwhile, recent developments ìn technology have led to the development of a
new product wìth common roots, the electric bicycle. Originally built by
hobbyists using conversion kits, electric bicycles have seen a recent surge ìn
popularity and are now sold by major manufacturers. Electric bicycles represent
a return to the roots of bike motor scooters, built as fully functional bicycles
complete wìth pedals, wìth the option to switch back and forth from a powered
mode. Yet these bicycles have a decidedly modern twist. Rather than internal
combustion engines, electric bicycles run on rechargeable batteries, making them
more similar to an electric scooter than a moped.
Bike motor scooters have a long and rich history. Originally conceived as an
experiment ìn adding new combustion engine technology to existing bicycle
designs, the bike motor scootes has evolved ìnto two separate products wìth
immense staying power. Mopeds are prized for theìr small size, lightweight and
excellent fuel economy. Electric bicycles represent a return to the roots of the
bike motor scooter, offering the option to switch between powered and manual
modes. Yet electric motor bicycles utilize thoroughly modern technology to
create a product that ìs both high tech and environmentally friendly. In two
separate but similar forms, the bike motor scooter ìs here to stay.
