Moped and Scooter owners know that they are a superb mode of transport for getting around in the city and urban areas. They are mainly very low powered so are an extremely cheap mode of transport. In Europe and particularly in the UK the moped and scooter is mainly owned by 16 to 20 year olds and are usually a stepping stone to a larger motorcycle.
There are also a lot of European countries such as Spain, France and Greece where you can hire a moped or scooter and need very little in the way of paperwork other than a driving license to hire it, however you tend to see the accident and emergency rooms at the local hospitals bugling with un-savvy motorcyclists who have misjudged the local roads and traffic.
Most moped's are limited to 35 mph yet it is common for teenagers to tune them so they can achieve high speeds and decibels. In the cities the noise can be deafening, especially in the tourist resorts where they pour out of the clubs at 5 in the morning and echo through the narrow streets.
If you are looking at moped and scooter brochures take your time and make a wish list of the specification and extras you would really like to have and then scour the internet and local dealers crossing off what you cant afford. You need to also bear in mind the legal moped and scooter age requirements of in the country you are living. The other option is to look at the classifieds as there are often bargains to be had as riders upgrade to larger bikes.
For any moped and scooter rider the one thing that should be considered first is insurance as there is a high chance that you will need it at some time make sure it is covered fully comprehensive for theft, damage and also for if you are involved in an accident. There are a few companies online who specialise in moped and scooter insurance.
Owning a moped or a scooter has a lot of advantages it gives you freedom from being stuck in long traffic jams, they are far more environmental friendly and they are extremely cheap to run in fact there are electric scooters now which cost as little as 0.3p per mile to run.
Safety is the biggest consideration for riders, make sure you purchase a decent helmet and don't ride in shorts and sandals in the summer as they offer no protection should you have a spill. Check your with your local police station as they will be ale to recommend a training school where you can be taught the correct way to ride and look after your moped and scooter
Scooters and Mopeds can be ridden on a Full car licence passed before 31st January 2001 up to 50cc, and on a CBT for everything up to a 125cc engine.
To ride a Moped or Scooter you will normally first need to pass the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), a simple day course teaching you all you need to know to ride your moped or scooter. You can normally obtain moped insurance to insure yourself on your own vehicle to pass this training, but normally use the test centres own scooters and mopeds.
The main problem with scooter and moped insurance, are thieves; these types of bike are the most likely to be stolen, which in turn increases the cost of insurance for everyone. Security on bikes can only do so much, but when the vehicle is lifted into a van, an alarm has no effect. In addition, a large majority of these vehicles have alternative starters, such as kick-starts, making the job for thieves even easier. This strengthens the importance of a brick built garage, and the discounts associated with your insurance.
Modifications can affect your insurance hugely due to the vehicles already being a high theft risk, a modified bike to either improve its looks or performance is only going to stand out to thieves even more than normal. A common modification is to de-restrict the bike, increasing its top speed from the manufacturers' original design; this can have large effects on your moped insurance, even causing many insurers to refuse cover.
Mopeds and scooters tend to appeal to the younger riders aged 16 and upwards, mainly as it is a cheap form of transport for them, that does not require any training and is a good road experience for when they move on to a car. However, due to their age, this increases the cost of their insurance. This is why many young riders opt for Third party only cover to reduce the cost.
Another common use for these vehicles are riders who are looking to complete the knowledge on London roads. This is due to the traffic conditions in London, using a scooter can make getting around a lot faster. Your insurance may be affected slightly due to the increased mileage on the policy but not for using the vehicle for that purpose. Moreover, these vehicles are very economical, making the cost of the miles for the knowledge a lot cheaper than in a car, even with the increasing fuel costs.
Since the London congestion charge came into force on 17th February 2003, there has been an increase in all motorcycle insurance as these types of vehicle are exempt from the congestion charge, saving you on average 40 pounds a week. These vehicles are also excellent for commuting to and from work, whether it is city or country riding, they cut out the traffic and are very easy to park.
Although insurance seems cheaper due to the engine size of the scooter or moped, the risk of theft increases the insurance enough to make the policy more expensive than a normal motorcycle that may be faster on the road. However, the appeal comes from the fact that the training to ride a scooter is so cheap, and a lot quicker than a full test.
Both Arnold Hexden & Anna Stenning are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Arnold Hexden has sinced written about articles on various topics from Scooter, Acne Treatment and Home. Arnold Hexden is known for his interesting articles on motorcycles and scooters. Find out more with There is a huge ran. Arnold Hexden's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Anna Stenning has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Management and Wedding Gifts. Anna Stenning loves to ride motorbikes and has had plenty of past experience with prices. For more information on motibike insurance click on to. Anna Stenning's top article generates over 4090000 views. to your Favourites.