should i get a moped???

apparently theres not going to be enough for a car. So, since i still need a ride...should i get a moped? I can get one for a good price brand new (unlike a car) and maybe even have enough for a pair for the both of us. Ive never driven one, though, and i so rarely see them that it makes me wonder if theres something i should know about it that might sway me against it. What do you guys think? I am kinda scared of how hot its gonna be this summer, but if i can do it for the bus Im sure I can handle it on a scooter...

 

Been in Houston my whole life, never seen a moped here before.

 

It could be a good idea. Gas will cost next to nothing. But please stay off those big freeways! Maybe you could go to the dealership and take one for a test ride, see how you like it.

 

Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped over there?

 

Hang out with college kids, you'll see them. lol My first experience was at school. There's a baby pink one with a sidecar parked out front on occasion. I want -that- one, but it's too expensive lol

I've just never seen them ridden an awful lot...but I also don't see many motorcycles, either. All I see are cars everywhere.



Jabl, don't worry, love, I'd be waaay too scared to go anywhere near I-10. lol

 

It varies from state to state. From what I'm reading if it's a certain power level or under all you need is a regular driver's license..anything above that requires the separate motorcyle license.

 

Why not get one. Very easy to 'drive'. I rented and loved them when I was island hoping in Greece. Its how the locals get around. I think you'd get much use, and regret not getting one every time you are waiting for the bus.

 

Suzuki GS500

A lot of people are afraid of motorcycles, and it does take a bit of skill to ride one. The same skill needed to ride a scoooter. The problem with a scooter is that it is very small...and it does not travel at the speed of traffic. I've seen scooter bumped because traffic is moving at 45 - 50mph and the scooter is screaming in at 35.

Get a nice commuter bike like th Ex500 or the GS500 and you can't go wrong.

 

I drove a scooter for 4 years while I was at uni. It was seriously cheap.. I'm talkin' $5 to fill the tank with petrol and that would last me like 10 days..

Heat - don't worry. I had mine in Brisbane which is a pretty hot city, and the air flowing past you as you ride acts as air-conditioning The cold was more of a worry, but if you've got a good jacket, a scarf and some gloves you'll be fine. (and I'm not talking very cold, Brisbane's winter's average in the 70s, but the wind-chill factor on the bike makes it freezing)

I never had any major problems in traffic. A semi-trailer almost side swiped me once, but I survived haha. You've just got to be careful and very aware of other drivers. Cars won't have much patience for you and will always dangerously overtake you, but you should be fine. And obviously, you've got to stay off the roads that have a higher speed limit than your bike will go!

The best part of it is that you can park anywhere and skip through traffic

The biggest cost you'll come up against is servicing, and you just can't avoid it (I missed a service once and my bike went to shit, cost me $1000 to get it repaired)

I'd drive one again, they're heaps of fun! I say go for it.

 

OMG! LoL, I was just talking about getting a moped yesterday. My boss suggested I get one when summer comes because he's tired of my availability not being so...well, available, and everyone pitching in to give me rides to and from work and not being able to call me in on short notice. So last night just out of curiousity, I was trying to find a place I might be able to buy one locally (none, heh). But during my search I found this site http://www.scooterdepot.us/Moped-Scooters-p-1-c-31.html?gclid=CM6q07eu46YCFQNrKgodfxKi2Q THEY HAVE PINK ONES! :smt050

 

There are certain laws for just scooters. You're not allowed to drive on highways and such because they can't go beyond 35 or so. Also, certain rules like you have to keep your scooter towards the right of the lane. Things like that. It's different for each state. But I think she's just gotta do her research and follow the guidelines for driving a moped and she'd be okay.
I think (I know my state does) you do have to attend a motorcycle class.

 

Here, if it's 50cc, we don't need any kind of license, motorcycle or otherwise.

 

I just saw that, LoL! That site I gave you has pink ones!! I want a pink one too!!!

(I didn't read the whole thread before I replied the first time because I got excited, heh.)

 

A 250 will give her what she needs. A moped only works if you live and work within a few blocks. If you are going to be commuting more than inside the city say D.c. New York, and the like and live more than 5 miles from your office a scooter is a waste...........

 

But do they have pink ones? LoL
Anyhoo, whatever she chooses, I hope it works out for the best. I know it really sucks not having your own ride! Good luck Nikki!

 

I'd say go for it, you need a mode of transportation and if thats what you have the cams for buy it.

I would say though, that if you get a lot of rain where you are, maybe you shoudn't.

Other than that I think they are kind of cool, i've seen a Vespa Rally roll past once or twice, my 2nd cousin was pretty into it for awhile and they take it very serious, you could find yourself a moped lover for life if you get one.

 

Kawasaki Ninja 250R


Honda CBR 600

 

:smt119 I like the top one. :smt080

 

I'd like to see Sarah Palin on a pink one of those, just to see what would happen.

 

They are made by Japanese companies, you would more than likey see her yamping it up on a Harley