Mopeds Scooters Vespas etc

[msemma]

I live on the outskirts of a city centre and I am considering getting a moped / scooter. Can anyone give me any advice about what sort of scooter to get, where to find out information, where to buy from, what additional things I need to think about (e.g. helmets, security, insurance)? I have a full car driving licence that I've held for almost 10 years but I've not actually owned a car for a while (not really needed one as I've lived in city centres). I'm wanting a scooter as it's a pretty eco-friendly option, and I seem to be paying a small fortune for bus travel that is taking me much longer than it should to get from one side of the city to the other! What are people's experiences of owning a scooter, and the practicalities of parking it and suchlike? No bad jokes please, sensible answers only. Thanks in advance!

[Toureman]

First visit this site.....................

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=106

Because of your age and having a car license you will not have to do a CBT course but it might be advisable as you have not ridden a scooter or m/bike before.

I cannot help you with what sort to get, just visit some dealers and take thier advice, I ride a Kawasaki.
Get an open face helmet.
Try ebike insurance, net based.
Security is very important a lot of scooters are stolen, good chain and alarm will help.

Good luck and welcome to the m/bike club.

[ianess]

Must take issue with Toureman about the open face helmet.
My eldest daughter crashed her Suzuki Bandit and apart from her other injuries she hit the road face down. If it hadn't been for the fact that she was wearing a full face helmet her injuries could have been so much worse than just a couple of broken bones.
That apart, being on two wheels is all about fun and freedom, even if it is just on a 50cc moped/scooter.
Enjoy......but be careful out there!

[Toureman]

Sorry about that ian but riding all kinds of motorbikes, including trials and enduros with an open face helmet I have never had any injuries by not wearing a full face helmet!

[Toureman]

I forgot to say that is 47 years of riding

[ianess]

OK......I see your point Toureman, but that's like saying you've smoked all your life and haven't caught lung cancer........yet.
She and I are both glad she was wearing a full face helmet, but in an ideal world they're a waste of money because accidents just wouldn't happen.
There's nothing quite like being a biker, but you must admit that when you come off it's gonna hurt. Personally I would never recommend an open face helmet over a full face type, but there you go, we're all different.

[Toureman]

See you point Ian, all the best, hope your daughter still enjoys her bike.