I’m visiting Italy and floored by the number of mopeds. Found the same thing in Vietnam. Having spent time in New York, Chicago, St Louis, Seattle, Miami and lots in Orlando, I’ve never seen anything like this in the USA. Is there a cultural reason or economic reason the USA prefers motorcycles over mopeds?
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Lotta people chiming in here who have never driven a moped in the USA.
As a moped rider I really don’t know why they are not more popular. Most people have many trips that are well inside the moped range, grocery store, friends house, restaurants whatever. And people complain about weather but it’s not that bad, HTFU.
I would say it’s one of a few factors. First, it cannot really be a primary vehicle. Second it’s just straight up dangerous. Third, unless you can ride in the bike lane(proper moped registration, allowed in some states) a motorcycle is just more practical.
In states where you can drive mopeds (50cc scooters and smaller) in the bike lane they are a truly underutilized vehicle. You beat traffic in the bike lane, and can park in any bike rack or even on the sidewalk if you are brave.
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