Did you know that in Sweden, mopeds and scooters are divided into two classes – Moped Class 1 and 2, to be exact.
But what are the differences between the two?
In this blog post, you’ll discover more about:
- The two different classes for mopeds and scooters
- Differences between Moped Class 1 and Class 2
- The license you’ll need if you want to ride both classes
- An ebook about this topic
A Brief Background Story
In Sweden, this particular classification of 50cc mopeds and scooters came into effect in November 1998 – 3 years after Sweden joined the European Union.
Before this, mopeds and scooters were divided by weight and gearbox. Confusingly enough, this system was also called “Class 1” and “Class 2.”
For example, a moped that weighed over 60 kg was classified as Class 1, one that weighed below 60 kg was classified as Class 2. 1
Either way, the top speed for both types was 30km/h (or 18 miles per hour).
However, this system is no longer in place – mopeds and scooters in Sweden are no longer separated by weight.
Instead, modern 50cc mopeds and scooters are categorized into Moped Class 1 or Class 2 by their top speed, among a few other things.
Moped Class 1
Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
Number of wheels: 2-4
Maximum engine displacement: 50 ccs or 4 kW (for electric mopeds and scooters)
Requires license plate: Yes
Requires registration in the Swedish Transport Agency’s database: Yes
Must have insurance: Yes (third-party minimum)
Where Class 1 mopeds and scooters should ride
Class 1 mopeds and scooters must ride on the carriageway by law, just like a regular motorcycle.
Because of this, if you want a great commuter or urban or even suburban cruiser, a Class 1 moped or scooter is the best option.
However, since they have a restricted top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), they are not allowed on the motorway.
Where do you park a Class 1 moped or scooter?
However, unlike a car, you can also park in a parking space reserved for motorcycles.
Moped Class 2
Class 2 mopeds have the following engine specs:
Top speed: 25 km/h (16 mph)
Number of wheels: 2-4
Maximum engine displacement: 50 ccs or 1 kW (for electric engines)
Requires license plate: No
Requires registration in the Swedish Transport Agency’s database: No
Must have insurance: Yes (third-party minimum)
Where Class 2 mopeds and scooters should ride
Because of this, there’s a particular prohibitory traffic sign that applies explicitly to Class 2 mopeds:
Where do you park a Class 2 moped or scooter?
A quick word about “Legacy Mopeds:”
In addition to Class 1 and Class 2, there’s also a third class known as “30-moped” or “Legacy Moped.”
These were built and registered before 2003 and are similar to Class 2 mopeds.
The only difference is that they have a slightly faster top speed of 30 km/h.
However, the rules and restrictions for Class II mopeds still apply to legacy mopeds.
Class 1 vs Class 2 Moped – What License Do I Need?
If you don’t have any of these, you need to take lessons at a traffic school that offers moped classes.
Class 2 mopeds don’t require a license – just a special permit, which you’ll get after you’ve taken a special written exam at the Swedish Transport Agency.
Of course, if you have an AM license, you can ride both Class 1 and Class 2 mopeds and scooters.
Since Class 1 and Class 2 have their own unique advantages, getting an AM license is therefore worth the extra “trouble.”
Get the ONLY English-language guide that shows you everything you need to know about Moped Class 1 and 2.
