Translation guide
A bicycle with a small motor, often used for short-distance transportation. In Japanese, the term can refer to mopeds, motor-assisted bicycles, or small motorcycles depending on context.
A bicycle fitted with a small engine, typically 50cc or less, often requiring a license and registration.
Legal and formal term for a motorized bicycle or moped (up to 50cc). Often abbreviated in conversation.
原動機付自転車の免許を取る必要があります。
You need to get a license for a motorized bicycle.
Common abbreviation of 原動機付自転車. Used in everyday conversation and official contexts.
原付で通学しています。
I commute to school by moped.
Loanword from English 'moped'. Refers specifically to a bicycle with pedals and a motor, but usage may vary.
このモペッドは燃費がとてもいいです。
This moped gets great gas mileage.
A bicycle with an electric motor that assists pedaling, not a full throttle vehicle. Common for commuting and shopping.
Standard term for an electrically power-assisted bicycle (pedelec). The motor only assists when pedaling.
電動アシスト自転車で坂道も楽に登れます。
With a motor-assisted bicycle, you can climb hills easily.
Loanword used in marketing and among enthusiasts. May refer to higher-speed electric bikes not classified as bicycles.
このe-Bikeは時速30キロまで出ます。
This e-bike can go up to 30 km/h.
A small motorcycle that may be legally classified as a motorized bicycle (原付) in Japan, often with pedals or scooter style.
Colloquial term combining 原付 (moped class) and バイク (motorcycle). Refers to 50cc scooters or small motorcycles.
原付バイクは二人乗りが禁止されています。
Riding double on a 50cc moped is prohibited.
Scooter, often 50cc and classified as 原付. Common for short trips.
The direct translation 'モーターバイシクル' is not used. Use 原付 or 電動アシスト自転車 depending on the type.
原付 (moped) requires a license, registration, and helmet. 電動アシスト自転車 (pedal-assist bicycle) is legally a bicycle and does not require a license (with power limits).
原付は免許が必要ですが、電動アシスト自転車は不要です。
A moped requires a license, but a motor-assisted bicycle does not.
原付で通勤しています。
I ride a motorized bicycle to work.
Assumes a 50cc moped; if electric assist, use 電動アシスト自転車.
原付は短い移動に便利です。
Motorized bicycles are convenient for short trips.
Shorter, common term for electric bicycle, but can be ambiguous (may refer to fully electric bikes). Usually understood as pedal-assist in context.
最近、電動自転車を買いました。
I recently bought an electric bicycle.
スクーターで買い物に行きます。
I go shopping on my scooter.