Why Do People Call Both Motorcycles and Bicycles "Bikes"

Most probably due to laziness, people are confused about what “Bikes” means. The same term “bike” is used for motorcycles and bicycles in America.

Initially, the bike was the most commonly used short-term bicycle. We can see this from the past and the origin of bicycles. However, in the US, motorcyclists have also started using it for motorcycles. It came from the word motorbike, the UK's most commonly used term for motorcycles.

“Bike” is a commonly used slang term for motorcycles in the US. It doesn’t matter who started it and what the basis for it is. It has created a confusion among riders.

Talking about the term “Bikers” is widely used to refer to motorcyclists. It sounds cool as well for motorcycle riders.

According to many definitions on the internet, a “bike” is a vehicle having two wheels. So, it is valid for both bicycles and motorcycles.

The most probable reason motorcyclists started calling motorcycles bikes is that, initially, motorcycles were bicycles with engines if you remember when mopeds were a thing.

It is understandable that from where the term “motorcycle” came from. It combines two words, “motor” and “cycle.”

Before motorcycles were even produced, engineers used to attach small clipper engines to bicycles. These were known as mopeds. They had the pedaling and engine power mechanism to power the rear wheel.

It means that motorbikes and bicycles have a deep connection.

Let’s talk about those who ride a motorcycle/motorbike or a bicycle. Readers can get confused by multiple terms that we use for motorcycle riders. To clear the confusion, let’s make a rule for ourselves.

A person who rides a motorcycle can be referred to as:

• Motorcyclist

• Motorcycle rider

• Biker

Meanwhile, a person who rides a bicycle can be referred to as:

• Cyclist

• Bicyclist

People, mainly native English speakers, love making words shorter. The same they did with motorcycles and bicycles.

Ask any random person what comes to mind when hearing “Biker.” They will immediately come up with the word motorcyclist. It is widely affiliated with motorcycle club members. You must have also heard the term “Biker Gangs.” It is a common term used for motorcycle clubs.

No matter how much you try to clear the confusion, it will remain confusing. We should focus on the context to know what we are discussing. If we are talking about motorcycles previously, then it is evident that the term bike means motorcycle.

Similarly, if we were talking about cycles or bicycles, the term bike would mean a bicycle.