The Quick Facts:

Mopeds are ideal for urban living and can save you up to $3500 a year on petrol (based on the 1800cc motor car) and $3000 a year on parking fees. Most major cities allow for the free parking of moped’s but make sure you check the rules and regulations of your local Council. The standard 50cc moped runs approximately 100km to 2 liters of petrol as apposed to the standard 1800cc motor car that runs approximately 100km to 8.2 liters.

What defines a “moped”?

A moped is a scooter with a capacity of 50cc or less, a maximum of 2KW and designed with a maximum speed of 50km/h. Moped’s must be registered with Land Transport New Zealand, you need a valid New Zealand Drivers License and does not require a Warrant of Fitness. Anything over 50cc needs to be registered as a motor cycle and requires a New Zealand Motorcycle License.
So what are the pros and cons of owning a Moped in New Zealand?

The Pros

Mopeds are more fuel efficient- The standard 50cc moped runs approximately 100km to 2 liters of petrol as apposed to the standard 1800cc motor car that runs approximately 100km to 8.2 liters of petrol.

Mopeds have low maintenance costs – No warrant of fitness is necessary, registration is $73.45 annually, it costs around $50 for a new tyre and batteries need replacing once every 2-3 years.

Mopeds are cheaper than cars – The standard 50cc is usually priced between $2200 and $2400 new or around $1600 second hand. Mopeds also enjoy free inner city parking (make sure you check the rules and regulations of your local Council) and do not require a warrant of fitness.

Environmentally friendly – less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Road Rules and Regulations – Mopeds only require a standard New Zealand Drivers License,

The Cons

Mopeds have limited road access -You cannot ride a moped on the motorway.

Mopeds are exposed – Riding a moped means having to ride in the whether, rain, hail or shine.

Motor Cars are faster – Mopeds have a limited speed of 50 kilometers.

Mopeds are hard to value – Mopeds do not require a VIN number and are identified officially by their chassis number and registration plates. Land Transport NZ never sees the moped and therefore without any proof people can register their moped as having any year of manufacture, colour and specification. Old mopeds are often registered and sold as newer mopeds.

If you own or are thinking of buying a moped in New Zealand make sure that you have a standard moped and not a scooter or a motorcycle. There are bikes available to the New Zealand market that looks like Mopeds but travel faster than the allowable speed due to identically fitted engines but with different gear ratios. These bikes should be registered as a Motorcycle as it is illegal to register a motorcycle as a moped.