Moped sales on the rise

By Jimmy

Published: September 19, 2008

Young and old alike are flocking to fuel-efficient mopeds and more stylish scooters to get around Waynesboro and other towns and cities across the country.
With high gas prices, an increasing number of the fuel-efficient mopeds that can get 100 miles per gallon or more can be found on city streets. Greg Hensley, manager of Wayne Cycle Shop in Waynesboro, said the mopeds are moving out quicker than he can keep them in stock.
His sales are up by about 60 percent over last year, with nationwide moped sales up nearly 50 percent. Prices start at just under $2,000, with payments as low as $50 per month.
According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, more people are riding motorcycles and mopeds.
In the first three months of 2008, sales increased 24 percent compared to the same time last year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Motorcycle sales have nearly quadrupled – from 356,000 in 1997 to 1.1 million in 2006.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says lower prices, stylish designs and improved performance have contributed to the moped and motorcycle proliferation.
Other advantages to mopeds: “no tags, no insurance, no permit,” Hensley said.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some rules to follow.
For starters, mopeds in Virginia must display green stickers classifying them as mopeds.
“Really, [the police] could charge them because they’re supposed to have the sticker on it,” Hensley said.
Moped riders, according to Virginia law, must be at least 16 years old, cannot exceed 35 mph and must carry identification. In addition, moped engines must not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. Also, anyone who is a habitual offender or has had their license suspended due to an alcohol violation is not allowed to ride a moped.
Virginia code also states that a moped seat must be at least 24 inches high. Riders must abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as people driving motorcycles or cars.
While state law does not require a helmet to ride a moped, Waynesboro recently passed a helmet ordinance that took effect Aug. 21. First-time offenders get a warning, with a second offenders facing a $25 fine.
Across Virginia and in other states, Hensley said there is no degree of consistency in moped laws.
At Wayne Cycle, Hensley said anyone buying a moped must sign a form stating that they understand the law.
He said some people come into the store saying they want a scooter, but it can be classified either as a moped or a motorcycle depending on the amount of horsepower it has. A scooter, he said, is about the styling of the bike, as it has a step-through frame. If the scooter is 50 cubic centimeters or more, those owners – like motorcycle riders – must have a driver’s license and the vehicles must have tags and registrations. The higher-powered scooters, at 40 to 90 mpg – get slightly poorer gas mileage their lower-powered counterparts.
Vice Mayor Frank Lucente is a recent scooter convert.
“I thought it’d be fun to ride around town,” Lucente said. “I didn’t buy it particularly to save gas. I was a little bored driving to the post office in my car, and it’s a lot more fun to drive the scooter.”
Besides having trouble keeping them in stock, the other issue Hensley faces is finding parts for mopeds. He told a customer recently that it would be four months before a part came in. He was able to provide a temporary fix for the moped until then, however.
“Your selection and availablity to see what’s out there is very slim right now because demand is so high,” Hensley said.