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Riding is so much fun, and it’s no wonder that many start by looking at 50cc options. They can fall into the gray area in some places with licensing, and they tend to be the most affordable transportation options. That said, how fast are 50cc engines?! How much zip can you expect?
50cc engines are expected to reach a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour (mph) if restricted. If unrestricted, 50cc engines have been reported to reach up to 43 mph without additional modifications.
Scooters in particular are designed to be an economical and environment-friendly transportation options, especially when compared to cars!
It’s part of why 50cc bikes have risen in popularity, particularly among age 16 years and above whether we are talking 50cc dirt bikes, 50cc mopeds, mini bikes, whatever.
People favor their ability to maneuver within the neighborhood areas and cover short distances within the city. They are lightweight and relatively slow speed to start riding on or can be fun & zippy for the experienced rider.
What does 50cc mean?
To explain it in simple terms, CC is short for the measuring unit cubic centimeters. Cubic centimeter measures the capacity of the engine to burn air and fuel to create horsepower. Put simply, it is the volume of air and fuel that the engine burns to generate power.
The technical terminology for this capacity is engine displacement. An engine with high displacement can burn higher volumes of energy and thus generate higher power. So, if we interpret the label 50cc engine, we can say that the engine can burn 50 cubic centimeters of air and fuel to generate power.
This applies to all 50cc options whether we are talking 50cc motorcycles or 50cc dirt bikes.
When we are talking scooters, sometimes scooters with an engine size of 50cc will be called a moped. It’s not truly a moped, but you’ll hear the term thrown around with them.
Read More: Different types of scooters
All of this is how we categorize the engine size.
How fast is a 50cc two-stroke vs a four-stroke in mph?
Whether an engine is a two-stroke or a four-stroke matters when we are talking the speed of what a 50cc can produce. The quick answer is that four-strokes are more fuel efficient, but when we’re talking power, you’ll find more of it in the two-stroke.
A 50cc 2-stroke engine has 5-7 horsepower which translates to speeds in the 40-50 miles per hour range. A four-stroke engine has 3-5 horsepower and translates to speeds in the 35-43 miles per hour.
If a scooter is advertised with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour, it has been artificially restricted to meet the safety or regulatory requirements that has them in the lighter licensing requirements that attract some to this size.
Can You Make a 50cc Engine Faster?
Most 50cc scooters are sold with a restriction on how fast they can go. You can increase the speed by removing that throttle limiter feature and / or upgrading some components.
One such component you can upgrade is your exhaust. While it won’t have you going 60 mph, it will give you a slight bump in what your scooter will do.
The common approach is to disconnect the restriction. However, if you have a car in the driveway, it has a a governor. It does more than just restrict your speed to appease your local laws. It also protects your engine from revving too high.
If you feel froggy, you can certainly find plenty of forums and YouTube videos for your specific scooter if this is of interest to you.
Here’s a video, but also know that if you are insuring a 50cc scooter, your insurance company may make you feel hung out to dry if they are involved in pay-outs related to an accident & discover your scooter has been derestricted.
Which is faster, 50cc or 150cc?
Recall that cc represents the power an engine can produce. In this case, it is easy to compare as it is just a matter of comparing the numbers. A 150cc engine is faster than a 50cc as it produces more power through the increased displacement.
A 150cc engine is faster due to its bigger size, and top speeds are seen in the mid 60 mph range. Mopeds are good for inner-city, shorter rides, and the 150cc will be good on those rides, as well, with hills. The larger engine sizes will give more flexibility to travel further with the higher speed available to it.
Anything over the 50cc (like 125cc scooters or 150cc scooters) will go faster than a 50cc option as a good rule of thumb. The average speeds of a stock engine are higher as the cc number goes up as it is an overall more powerful scooter.
What is the top speed of a 50cc scooter in mph?
A 50cc scooter generally reaches a top speed of 35 to 40 mph unless the engine has been restricted by the manufacturer or altered to achieve maximum speed. It is not unheard of to reach 45 mph on a two-stroke in particular.
That said, the more weight the engine has to move, the less likely it will be to reach it’s top speeds. This can mean the items you’re carrying, an extra passenger or even heavier riders.
The speed restriction is due to a throttle limiter. By offering stock 49cc or 50cc scooters that have the limiter on it, many states do not require a special motorcycle license & extra requirements to operate it beyond the standard drivers license.
What is the top speed of a 50cc scooter in kph?
While the top speed of most 50cc scooters with a restricted engine is 48 kilometers per hour (kph); whereas some manufacturers have built 50cc engines that can comfortably reach a top speed of 65 kph.
What other benefits does a 50cc engine has to offer?
Easier handling
Unlike other engine sizes, a 50cc engine is lighter and easier to handle on the road. Much credit goes to its speed limit that does not exceed more than 30mph. It allows the riders to maneuver the scooter with ease. These are great options for beginners while minimizing any risks of fatal accidents or serious injuries.
Affordability
A 50cc engine is one of the most affordable means of transportation. A scooter or moped with a 50cc engine costs nothing when compared to a motorcycle and car. 50cc engines are no doubt a pocket-friendly option.
The price ranges from $1,599 to $4,099 for a reputable 50cc scooter brand with the prices starting at $2,099 for the lowest cost beyond the 50cc engine size.
Read more: Average Scooter Cost by Engine Size
Fuel efficient for more $ savings
50cc engines are the most fuel-efficient and cost-effective motor vehicles. It is one of the critical factors buyers consider when making a purchase.
Roaming around for 100 miles on a gallon is economical and relatively more environmentally friendly than any other means of transportation. Due to this reason, youngsters and especially students prefer 50cc scooters and mopeds.
It helps you skip long traffic lines faster
Due to their small size, 50cc scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles are easier to handle in traffic and long queues.
You can also take the bus lane or HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes on the road, enabling you to skim through traffic jams with greater ease and comfort, saving you an ample amount of time.
Reaching a destination on time is easier and more possible.
Easier to find parking
With so many vehicles on the road, finding a parking spot is has become a mission impossible situation in modern times. Vehicle owners dread looking for car parking in most downtown areas.
The petite size of a 50cc scooter makes it easier to squeeze it into a tiny spot for parking.
Does it require a license for driving a 50cc engine?
Most states in the US do require a driving license for riding a 50cc engine. The law also requires that the rider of the scooter be no younger than 16 years of age.
That said, it is imperative to know that having your valid driver’s license ensures safety not only for yourself but also for others on the road. I’m talking to those that are under 16 without training here.
Eco-friendly
50cc engines emit lesser volumes of fuel combustion as compared to other types of vehicles, which makes them an excellent resource for being eco-friendly.
Check out this article if you’re curious how far you can travel on a 50cc.
Resources
It’s important to learn from your own experience, but let’s speed up the learning curve by learning from others along the way. These are sources used in this article, in addition to, our own personal research to provide you the best resource!
Nut, Scooter. (2021, January 3). 2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke. Motor Scooter Guide. https://www.motorscooterguide.net/2-stroke-or-4-stroke/.
FAQs
Whats faster 50cc or 125cc? ›
125cc e-scooters, on the other hand, have a higher engine capacity and offer more power and speed compared to 50cc e-scooters. With a top speed of around 60 mph, 125cc e-scooters are ideal for those who need to travel longer distances or for those who want a more powerful riding experience.
How fast can a 49cc engine go? ›A 49cc moped is going to be able to hit a top speed of 30 miles per hour. Given they are controlled by using an Automatic transmission, they are very quick indeed. This means you can fly up the acceleration and not have to worry about gear changes.
What is the most powerful 50cc? ›- Peugeot Speedfight.
- Yamaha Zuma 50.
- Piaggio Zip 4T.
- Gilera Runner 50.
- Aprilia SR50.
- Yamaha NMAX 125.
- Honda PCX 125.
- Kawasaki J125.
50cc Motorcycles:
Lightweight motorcycles with 50cc usually have 2-stroke engines that produce anywhere from 3 to 9 HP. However, some racing 50cc motorcycles can pack a punch, getting up to 15,000 rpm, with anywhere from 10 to 20 HP.
How fast is 50cc? Production 50cc motorbike and scooter top speeds range between 50-100 kph (about 30-60 mph).
How fast does an 80cc motor go? ›HIGH PERFORMANCE: Unlike most standard bicycle engine kits, the Mega Motors 66/80cc comes standard with high quality components designed to last. This engine puts out 5-6HP (horse power) and has a top speed of 25-35MPH (miles per hour) stock.
How long does a 50cc engine last? ›3. The engines don't last as long. The general rule of thumb is that a 2-stroke scooter engine will last beyond 30,000km assuming a normal servicing schedule is being kept up. Having said that we have customers with over 50,000km on their little 50cc scooter and they still run fine!
What is the difference between 49cc and 50cc? ›What's the difference between a 49cc and a 50cc scooter? The answer: NOTHING! All 50cc scooters are "49. something cc", so they fall within their own category for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Is 50cc worth buying? ›A 50cc scooter is ideal if you are looking for something to just ride around town. Since it is a small engine, these scooters also get the best mileage. However, an ideal scooter should be between 125cc to 150cc for most scooter riders. This engine size is perfect if you want to ride beyond city limits.
Is 50cc fast enough? ›Typically, a 50cc moped is going to have a top speed of 30 miles per hour. At 30mph, you are going to be driving more than fast enough for most local trips. Driving around a town, city, village, or local area is much easier at 30mph.
Which is better 50cc or 125cc? ›
A 50cc equivalent electric scooter may be best for city surface streets or beachside roads, whereas a 125cc equivalent scooter is a good bet for longer distance trips, suburban rides, or those who need to ride all day in a variety of urban environments.
How many mph is 50cc dirt bike? ›On flat terrain, a 50cc dirt bike may be able to reach speeds of around 25-35 mph. However, this can vary depending on the weight of the rider and the condition of the bike. If the terrain is hilly or rough, the speed may be slower.
How powerful is a 49CC engine? ›49CC mini motor air cooled racing engine capable of achieving 40mph dependant on user weight and terrain.
How many miles can a 50cc moped do on a full tank? ›That said, 50cc scooters are very fuel efficient, and you can get up to 100 miles from a single tank of petrol. That's quite a lot of riding if you're just using it for getting around town!
Can 50cc go on highway? ›50cc Moped Limitations
To elaborate, motor scooters, such as 49cc mopeds, are often unable to go faster than 35 mph, thus making them unsafe to use on the highway. That said, the above assessment somewhat implies that mopeds capable of going faster than 35 mph are safe to drive on the highway.
A 50cc moped is realistically the least powerful vehicle allowed on public roads. There are restrictions on where they're allowed to ride. For example, you can't use a moped on A-roads or motorways because of their low top speed.
How fast is 125cc in mph? ›The short answer is that the top speed of a 125cc, on average, is somewhere between 65mph and 80mph.
How fast can 100cc go? ›The top speed of 100cc bikes ranges from 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 km/h) on average, but most production models are capable of 50 to 60 mph. In contrast, the world record speed of this engine type exceeds 116 mph (around 186 km/h).
How fast is a 49CC 2 stroke engine? ›Features. Engine suitable for: For 49CC 2 Stroke Pocket Bike, Mini Dirt Bike, ATV or Scooter. 49cc mini motor air-cooled racing engine, its speed can reach 40 mph.
How fast is a 1000cc motor? ›With a 1000cc engine producing upwards of 170 hp, this bike can reach a top speed of 185 mph and complete its 0-60 mph in just under three seconds. The bike also comes with an 8-level traction system to allow riders to achieve such speeds with comfort and control.
How many miles per gallon does a 50cc? ›
For any Direct Bikes 50cc moped, you can get a minimum of 100mpg. This is great value for money and will ensure that you can pick up the pace and cover large distances economically.
How powerful is a 50cc engine? ›In something like a chainsaw, a 50cc two stroke engine produces around 2–3HP. But considering that a 2022 Yamaha YZ125 produces 34HP from 125cc, it is not hard to see that you could get lots more. With the same HP per liter as the YZ125, you could get almost 14HP from 50cc.
Why do 50cc mopeds lose power? ›There are basically three issues that can cause this problem; bad fuel, clogged fuel filters, or carburetor / fuel injector issues. The best way to solve this issue is to empty the fuel tank, inspect all fuel lines and filters, and clean the fuel system (carburetor or fuel injector).
How do you unlock a scooter speed? ›Pull the right speed adjustment lever immediately for at least 10 seconds. Release the right speed control lever and the left brake at the same time once 10 seconds elapse. Turn off the scooter. Turn on the scooter and you will have managed to unlock the speed limit.
Can you drive a 49cc scooter without a license in Florida? ›Florida law does not have specific regulations that pertain to motorized scooters. Consequently, all motorized scooters, including 49cc scooters, fall under the same category as a motorcycle. You must carry a motorcycle license and have reached at least 16 years old before driving a 49cc scooter on Florida roads.
How many horsepower is a 49cc? ›49cc Stationary Engine - 2.5HP.
Is 50cc a 2-stroke or 4-stroke? ›Almost all scooters on the market today over 100cc have 4-stroke engines. However, at small engine sizes, particularly 50cc, a 2-stroke engine will produce much more power than an equivalent sized 4-stroke, which is why most 50cc scooters on the road today are still 2-strokes.
Is a 50cc automatic? ›At Direct Bikes we have made sure that every 50cc scooter that we sell comes without a gearbox. This means that it uses what is known as CVT transmission, meaning that it is fully automatic.
Is 50cc enough for 2 people? ›So long as you gained your full car driving license before the 1st February 2001, though, you can ride a 50cc moped with a passenger on the back without needing anything else. You could ride without L-plates, too.
How much is a 50cc worth? ›Average Moped Cost Based On Engine Size
In detail, 50cc engines (cubic centimeters) range from $700-$3000, which deserves to be your pocket-friendly option.
Can a moped go 40 mph? ›
Moped vs.
What you should know Mopeds top out at 40 mph (less with increased rider weight) and may achieve triple-digit gas mileage.
The maximum engine size a 16 year old can ride is 50cc. What does this mean in real terms? 50cc is the smallest engine size legally allowed on public roads, and 50cc scooters can reach a top speed of around 28mph. This might not seem like much, but when it's your first time on the road, it's actually plenty.
What is the top speed of a 50cc Vespa? ›The limited speed Vespa's have a top speed of 27mph so they are able to be registered as a moped here in Iowa! Start your two-wheel experience in style and make Primavera your first Vespa. The air-cooled four-stroke 50cc engine, is designed to maximize quality and reliability.
How fast is a 50cc pit bike? ›Most 50cc dirt bikes can go as fast as 10 mph to 45 mph, mostly catering to kids.
How fast is 110cc in mph? ›In short, a 110cc dirt bike should reach a top speed anywhere between 35 mph and 45 mph, although some new and more expensive models claim to be able to get close to the 60 mph mark.
What is the fastest moped? ›The BMW C 650 GT comes in at top speeds of over 100 mph, only just barely slower than the Honda Grazia. Unlike most mopeds and smaller scooters, this moped from BMW has a ton of power, with a relatively large and urbane engine.
How many gears does a 50cc have? ›At Direct Bikes, we make sure that all of our 50cc mopeds come without gear boxes. Every 50cc moped that we sell is driven using what is known as a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. This means that you will be riding your scooter without having to worry about having to handle gears.
Can Dirtbikes go 100 mph? ›The highest speed for 125cc dirt bikes ever recorded is 100 MPH. Nevertheless, do not expect such a huge number of regular riders; very few have mastered dirt riding skills! As a result, the top speed on most 125cc models fluctuates from 55 to 60 MPH (about 57,5 MPH on average).
How fast is a 49cc 4 stroke engine? ›At approximately 2.5 HP this bicycle engine gets about 100 to 150 mpg and can hits speeds of 35 MPH or more. 4 cycle engines require little maintenance.
What is the highest CC for a moped? ›Mopeds can be driven with any class of driver license. Mopeds are classified as having an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc (3.1 cu in) and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h (31 mph). Electric mopeds must have a motor between 0.6 to 2 kilowatts (0.82 to 2.72 PS; 0.80 to 2.68 bhp).
How big is a 50cc engine? ›
A 50cc scooter, also called a 49cc scooter (same thing, they just rounded up) because the engine on a 50cc is truly a 49.6cc engine (cc stands for cubic centimeters, referring to the actual measurable size of the engine).
How much does it cost to fill a 50cc scooter? ›50cc mopeds are incredibly fuel efficient, and you should find yourself filling up the tank every few weeks, depending on your riding habits. The majority of our 50cc scooters have a fuel capacity of 5.4L, which will cost you under £10 to fill up.
What fuel does a 50cc scooter use? ›All of our scooters recommend 91 octane or better. This is readily available at all gas stations.
How big is a 50cc fuel tank? ›0.72 gallons (2.72 liters) capacity.
How fast will a 125 cc go? ›The short answer is that the top speed of a 125cc, on average, is somewhere between 65mph and 80mph. However, to answer the question properly, we need to look at the factors that affect how fast a motorcycle can go and then we will give a short round-up of some of the fastest 125s on the market.
How fast can 125cc bike go? ›The average 125cc bike will likely have a top speed of around 70mph, and should be able to cruise along at 50 to 60mph quite comfortably.
How fast does a 125cc pit bike go? ›125cc Dirt Bikes have a top speed that ranges, depending on certain factors, from 55 to 70 miles per hour. But this can be increased by the terrain you are riding on.
What is the fastest 50cc? ›What's the top speed of a 50cc moped? Most 50cc scooters come with a restricted engine, which limits the bike to a top speed of 28mph (45kph). However, a 50cc scooter can go at speeds of up to 60mph (96kph), while most will comfortably reach 40mph (65kph).
How fast can 100 cc go? ›The top speed of 100cc bikes ranges from 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 km/h) on average, but most production models are capable of 50 to 60 mph. In contrast, the world record speed of this engine type exceeds 116 mph (around 186 km/h).
How fast will 150cc go? ›For example, a 150cc scooter has a top speed of 60 mph and gets up to 70 mpg, while a 250cc scooter can reach 75 mph but will get fewer than 60 mpg.
How fast is 250cc in mph? ›
A 250cc dirt bike comes at a maximum speed of 55-70 mph (90-113 km/h) depending on a type of engine.
How fast can a 1000cc bike go? ›With a 1000cc engine producing upwards of 170 hp, this bike can reach a top speed of 185 mph and complete its 0-60 mph in just under three seconds. The bike also comes with an 8-level traction system to allow riders to achieve such speeds with comfort and control.
How fast does a 250cc bike go? ›The answer may depend on who you ask, but most experts agree that a 250cc dirt bike can reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
How fast is 500cc? ›Engine size of 500cc (Scrambler Model)
This engine will reach a maximum speed of 63 mph.
Most 50cc dirt bikes can go as fast as 10 mph to 45 mph, mostly catering to kids.
How fast is a 110 dirt bike? ›In short, a 110cc dirt bike should reach a top speed anywhere between 35 mph and 45 mph, although some new and more expensive models claim to be able to get close to the 60 mph mark.