When we talk about motorcycles and mopeds, we are referring to a two-wheeled vehicle driven by an engine, although certain 3- and 4-wheeled vehicles are also considered as mopeds. Its main structure consists of the chassis or “frame” and the wheels. They are usually two-seater vehicles, but can carry up to 3 if they have a sidecar.
Motorcycles and mopeds belong to category L3 and L1 respectively.
A moped is fitted with an engine with a displacement of 50 cc or less and a speed limit which, by construction, cannot exceed 45 km/h. In addition, they can have up to 3 and 4 wheels, but always meet the above characteristics.
Motorcycles, on the other hand, have a displacement greater than 50cc, which can vary depending on the type of motorcycle, and do not have speed limitation, being able to exceed 45km/h.
Another issue to bear in mind is that the Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial excludes mopeds from the group of “motor vehicles”, this being another differentiating aspect.
The type of tracks on which they can travel also makes a small difference between these two vehicles, as mopeds are prohibited from travelling on motorways, while motorcycles can.
Apart from these technical and legal details, we can easily distinguish them by their size, because a motorcycle, even if it is of the lowest displacement, is bigger than a moped. Their tires are also bulkier and heavier.
In case you still need any more, mopeds have a distinctive license plate with a yellow background and arranged upright. A motorcycle is white.
The periodicity of the compulsory roadworthiness test for motorcycles and mopeds also differs slightly. If we attend the date of registration, a motorcycle does not have to pass the first MOT until 4 years. However, a moped must undergo its first MOT within 3 years of registration.
After these initial periods, the ITV for both motorcycles and mopeds will be biennial, that is, it will have to be spent every 2 years. You can see it more clearly in this table:
| Condition | Motorcycles | Mopeds |
|---|---|---|
| First MOT | At 4 years of your first enrollment | At 3 years of your first enrollment |
| Subsequent periodicity | Biennial, every 2 years | Biennial, every 2 years |
On a motorcycle or scooter, the basic elements for any vehicle are reviewed: registration, chassis number, lighting and signalling, engine, brakes, tyres, suspension and those aspects that can be checked at first sight, to ensure that there is no damage or bad parts.
Of course, there are particular components of these two-wheeled vehicles that must also be checked:
However, the MOT for motorcycles and mopeds also have their differences.
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Many such vehicles have passed through our ITV station La Hoya. Therefore, we know very well where the most common defects are found and what recommendations to follow to pass the ITV of your motorcycle or moped with favorable result.