Why Is My Vehicle Losing Power. Moped Problems With Accelerating

If you are a novice moped user, here is a list of quality moped helmets that you should check out if you value your safety, and you are experiencing some issues with the speed of your vehicle, there are a couple of things that you should consider. Here is a rundown of all you need to know about this topic!

Why am I losing power?

For moped engines to run, they need a couple of things: good wiring, a spark, air delivery, and gas. While your vehicle might run as expected in the beginning, as time passes there is a chance that you will start noticing some issues. 

One of the most common problems that lead to mopeds losing power concerns the combustion chamber of the engine. This happens when the engine lacks a proper combination of gasoline and air. Some other problems that might determine similar issues are the lack of a quality spark, or sapped acceleration. 

Electrical issues

Another rather common issue that might cause your vehicle to lose power has to do with the wiring. So, if you notice that your moped is not working as expected, it is recommended that you inspect all the wiring such as the battery, the relay box, or the spark plug.  

Some experienced mechanics argue that approximately 90% of power-losing issues are caused by electrical issues. 

The gasoline

If the gasoline in your engine that is ethanol rich is left to sit for over 30 days, it can go bad, and thus, it can cause troubles. This happens because the ethanol that the gasoline contains mixes with the moisture inside the chamber and, consequently, it dilutes. As you can imagine, this often results in the moped not performing as expected. 

The simplest way to resolve this issue is to empty the tank and to fill it up with high-quality gasoline. If you notice that the power is back to what you consider normal, you can safely conclude that the problem was caused by bad gasoline. 

If you want to fix the problem and you do not want to have to wait until the tank is empty, you can, of course, empty it manually. However, it should be noted that to do this, you will have to take the moped apart so that you can access the fuel tank. As you can imagine, doing so in the comfort of your garage is not that simple, especially if you have little experience with reassembling bikes.

The oil 

Another rather common factor that you should consider is the possibility that your bike has incorrect levels of oil. In order for your motor to run as expected, the level of oil is essential. If the level is too high, air bubbles might be formed and this will affect the lubrification of the engine and, therefore, the performance of your vehicle. 

Similarly, if the oil level is too low, the lack of lubrication can also cause the engine to stop working correctly. To fix this problem, you have to check the level of the oil. 

The spark

If you have a damaged spark plug, your moped will surely fail to work as you want it to. Most of the time, these plugs are affected by fuel, oil, or dirt, and this causes them to spark inconsistently. If you believe that this might be the thing that is wrong with your vehicle, it is recommended that you start by cleaning your spark. Still, to avoid any unfortunate incidents, make sure that you remove the dirt with products that will not cause it to, well, create a spark.

From this point of view, the safest option that you have at your disposal is a specialized product that has been specially formulated to be used to clean sparks. If your problem is still there after you have cleaned the spark, it might be time for you to buy a new one.

The air intake filter

As time goes by, the intake air filter will, most likely, get clogged up. Because the purpose of an air filter is to make sure that clean air gets into the engine, it should come as no surprise that, when the filter is clogged, the engine will suffer, as no sufficient air is supplied to the carburetor. 

To clean your filter, you should start by gently removing the dirt by using clean gloves. A compressed air device is necessary to remove all the remaining dirt and dust. After you clean the filter, you should see a difference in how your engine performs right away. 

The carburetor

As you know, the carburetor is that part of your moped that mixes the air and the gasoline. However, if your carburetor gets clogged, you will, most certainly, experience some power issues with your beloved moped.

No matter if the piece of dirt that gets inside the carburetor is small, it will cause some power issues, especially if your air filter is also clogged or not in its best shape. Restoring the carburetor on your moped is a very tricky process as it implies that you have to disable it to clean it. 

If you are a novice, it is best that you leave this task to a professional. Yet, if you decide to take the matter into your hands, there are some handy guides that you can find online. 

Ask for professional help

If you have checked your moped and you cannot find any of the previously described issues, it is time that you ask for professional help. If you do not know a mechanic that has the skill and the know-how to deal with mopeds, you should look for a mechanic that specializes in repairing this type of vehicle.

By doing so, you can save yourself the trouble of having to go from one shop to another and not being able to get to the root of the problem. One thing that you can do to find the right person for the job is to ask for recommendations from other moped users in your area. 

How long will my moped last?  

Owning a moped is very convenient, especially when it comes to using it for daily commutes. However, as time passes, your vehicle is prone to start showing signs of wear. On average, a 50cc moped is said to last between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Still, the lifespan of your vehicle can be influenced by many factors and, thus, you should not take these numbers as a given.

How to extend the life of my moped?

If you love handy work and mechanics, looking after a moped can be rather simple, especially because these vehicles do not have a complicated design. So, the number one thing that you can do to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition is to learn some basic maintenance tips.

For instance, you should know how to check the oil level, the tire pressure, and you should tighten the mirrors and the handlebar of your moped monthly. Additionally, twice a year you should verify the alignment of your vehicle, lubricate the brake cables and the throttle and inspect the breaks. Doing so will help you identify any signs of wear and you will be able to repair your ride due time.

Another key tip that will extend the life of your moped is to use premium gas. However, one exception should be noted from this point of view. That is, you should use the type of gas that the manufacturer of the vehicle recommends that you do. Even though cheaper gas might seem like a good idea for your budget, in time, this will compromise how the engine works. And, as you imagine, dealing with a broken engine is both costly and time-consuming.

Ride the moped carefully. Because these vehicles are rather slow when compared to others, this does not mean that they can be forced too much. So, when you are on the road, remember that you are on a moped and not on a motorcycle and ride accordingly. 

On top of that, keep in mind that mopeds are meant to be used for the streets and, thus, they won’t perform as you might want them to do off-road. If you want a vehicle that can also be utilized off-road, you should look for an alternative!