QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I am about to get my first driving license ever. I am 21 but had previously lived in transit-friendly cities and hadn't had the need for it.
I know all my local rules about licensing and other legal issues with getting a small scooter, but what I don't know is how to choose one for my needs. I am looking at gas-powered ones to extend my range farther than the electrical ones can go, but I cannot test drive a scooter at a store unless I have my license and I cannot get my license unless I - you guessed it - have a scooter for the skills test!
I was planning on buying new with some savings, some time in the next few months probably. I am a bit lost in terms of where to look and how to get one! I did some research a while ago, but winter was starting so I did not start looking in earnest since I didn't want to ride one in the snow anyways.
What would you say is required in a scooter/moped for a new young driver (planning on using it in town only)? Clearly I need the vehicle and a helmet, but are there specific features I should be looking for? Extras I might not have thought of?
I was hoping to find one within the $2-3000 range, any specific suggestions?
ANSWER: Justine, hi. I'll have lots of advice for you but first, in what country or state do you live?The laws and vehicles available vary, I need to know literally where you're coming from to properly answer your questions.
At a glance, my recommendation will be a 125cc four-stroke.
Pat
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I live in Canada (BC more specifically)
thanks
AnswerAny big-name (Honda, Vespa, Piaggio, etc.) 125cc 4-stroke scooter will be a good starter bike: look at the Zuma, Vino, Buddy, Ruckus, and pick the one that really makes your heart skip. The smaller name ones and the cheap southeast Asian import bikes are functional but not all that nice for the long term, which sounds like what you're after.
What's going to make the experience wonderful and give you a good start in riding is getting good textile (waterproof) riding gear to start with. Buy the riding gear first (waterproof sturdy boots, gloves, armored layered jacket, riding pants, goggles, waterproof rainsuit, courier bag, etc.) then buy the bike with what you have leftover.
It will really help you to take a motorcycle class, like that of Action Motorcycle School in BC or something similar. Even though you don't plan to ride a motorcycle, what you learn will give you the skills to go practice on your scooter then pass the road test.
As a new driver, what's most important to you is to control your speed. Stick to the slowest roads and give yourself lots of space to learn and practice. Pick times and places where there's little traffic or distraction. In time, you'll figure out how to position yourself to see down the road and to be seen by others, and how to communicate with your signals, position, etc.
In the meantime, while it's cold and winter and you're waiting, find an online version of the videogame Tetris and learn how to play that well. It's very similar to dealing with traffic -- you need to be looking/thinking ahead ten steps to be ready for the hazards when they reach you.
I hope that's what you were looking for. Cheers, and best of luck. And if you want to come take training down in my neck of the woods, TEAM OREGON not only will give you a good start in the realm of two-wheeled travel but we also have Buddy 125 training bikes to loan out! Can't beat that! Plan a trip down to Portland for a weekend and if I'm available I'll swing up to cheer you on in your class.
P
