Mopeds MPG - A Great Way To Save Gas

Mopeds offer excellent ROI (return on investment) especially when it comes to their fuel consumption. If oil prices continue to go up, mopeds would come back to the automobile market with an even greater gusto. Most college campuses have a number of students riding mopeds on campuses. These bikes are convenient for short rides that can't be covered by a bicycle or a car. There are mopeds that start at $1000 and could go on up to $5000. What distinguishes these bikes from motorcycles is their small bore engine and small diameter tires.

Though mopeds are essentially the same, they have different definitions in most states. In Massachusetts, for example they should have automatic transmission, a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cc and not be capable of a speed greater than 30 miles per hour. Some models of a moped with a 50 cc engine may give 100 MPG. One such moped was the Honda 50 that is not on roads anymore. There are others, which give 120 MPG, though these are at the higher end. One of the best mopeds is Solex, made in France.

As always, your riding habits could improve the fuel efficiency. Accelerating slowly will utilize less gas. Coast towards stoplights and you'll see that you burn less fuel than in the case where you step on the pedal till the last minute. Adjust your highway speed and also when you are on the country roads. Riding at lower speeds helps in greater fuel efficiency and would give you a higher MPG. Keeping your moped in a good condition is another way of achieving optimum fuel utilization.

Presently there aren't many US moped manufacturers. However, there is a surge in the number of people buying mopeds. But it would be nice to have a 'hybrid moped' where in you pedal on level ground and charge the battery if you want to. Use the battery side to the moped when you are going downhill, and use the motor for the uphill. This way you don't use gasoline, and you don't tire yourself when going uphill, either.

There are a couple of disadvantages as well to buying a moped. Safety is a concern and also riding in tough weather conditions becomes almost impossible. But the saving made on gasoline consumption is tremendous. Having an average fuel economy rating of about 100 MPG, a moped will reduce the gasoline that an auto would from one-quarter to one-tenth. You could thus save up to $100. And if you can handle a bicycle, you can most definitely ride a moped.