A motorbike is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine, designed to carry one or two people. Unlike a bicycle, which you power by pedaling, a motorbike has a motor that does the work for you. The engine burns fuel (usually gasoline) to make the wheels turn, letting riders travel much faster and farther than they could on a regular bike.

Motorbikes come in many sizes. Small ones called mopeds or scooters might be used for quick trips around town, while larger motorcycles are built for long highway rides or off-road adventures. The words “motorbike” and “motorcycle” mean essentially the same thing, though “motorcycle” is more common in American English.

Riding a motorbike requires special skills and safety gear. Most places require riders to wear helmets and get a special license before riding on public roads. Because motorbikes are smaller and offer less protection than cars, riders need to stay extra alert to traffic around them.

People ride motorbikes for different reasons: some enjoy the feeling of speed and freedom, others use them because they're cheaper than cars and easier to park in crowded cities. In many countries, motorbikes are the main form of transportation for millions of people.