What is a moped?

This question, as it turns out, it not as straight forward as one would think. In fact, I argue that there are multiple, and conflicting ideas of what defines a moped, and these definitions become defined contextually. As a definitions, these ideas generate meanings not only of what an object is, but how it is used, and what it means, both for the user and society at large. Those that use mopeds strategically navigate these conflicting meanings meanings, and exploit these ambiguities to their advantage.

The vernacular definition, the common everyday understanding of what a moped is may be best described as sub-motorcycle. In this sense moped become interchangeable with the term scooter. Mopeds have a mark of foreignness, either European or Asian in origin. And they are most properly used in short local transportation, in urban settings.

The legal definition of moped, in the United States, varies state by state. Most often defined by its small engine, and presence of pedals, it is less regulated than other vehicles. Many states require a simple registration, no plate, title, or insurance like higher forms of motor vehicle. Recognized and regulated slightly above bicycle, it must be operated by a licensed driver, but a moped license is often granted to people at a younger minimum age than other vehicle licenses.

A third area of definition comes from the community of enthusiasts. This group includes a subset of individuals associated with the Moped Army, a nationwide collection of moped gangs formed in the 1990s around the use and appreciation of mopeds. They recognize these vehicles as distinct from scooters, and primarily European in origin. These objects are, for the most part, vintage, produced in the decades following World War 2, though the 1970s seem the apex of moped manufacture. These vehicles are valued for their age, rarity, low cost, mechanical simplicity, and durability. This enthusiast community cross the legal and vernacular concepts of mopeds, but also utilize these alternative definitions of what a moped is, or is not, to use these vehicles to actively construct a social identity.