Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Mopeds??, wear eye protection, motorcycle license

Question
I was wondering that if you would have to have a motorcycle license for a moped or is that covered under the Class D drivers license? With rising gas prices expected to hit over 5 dollars per gallon in Wisconsin, I simply don't feel like dropping close to 100 dollars for a full tank of gas.

What are some things to look for in a good quality moped, and what do you want to stay away from. Also what is the maintance like on a moped?

Any info would be appreciated especiall about the licenses.

Thanks for your time and help
Nick

Answer
A moped or a motorcycle is a great idea to beat the high cost of gas. In Wisconsin a Class D license will suffice for a moped, but the definition of a moped is 50cc or less and capable of no more than 30mph.

When buying, watch out--there are lots of vehicles out there that look like mopeds but are larger and faster and don't meet the legal requirements, so for them you'd need to get a motorcycle license. If you stay at less than 50cc you'll be okay.

High mileage mopeds can be trouble as the motors are small and have to work hard, so they get old faster than other vehicles. However, they are easy to rebuild, so if a high-mile moped has been rebuilt recently and it seems to run okay, you'll probably have a good ride.

Make sure the tires are fresh (no blue color or cracks in the sidewalls) and that the suspension works properly--that it bounces and leans smoothly, without a lot of racket, and that the handlebars are straight and the bike doesn't wiggle or wobble at speeds of 20-30 mph.

Even though it's only a moped and you don't need a motorcycle license, I highly recommend you take a motorcycle class anyway, or at least read a book on motorcycle riding. "How to Ride a Motorcycle" is a great book, as is "The MSF Guide to Motorcycling Excellence."

Finally, make sure you get some decent riding gear. Mishaps happen all the time, and you want to be able to ride all summer! Wear eye protection, a good helmet, a jacket and jeans, leather gloves, and high-top shoes or boots that cover your ankles. In fact, buy the riding gear first and then buy your moped with the money you have left. Not only does the gear protect you in a fall, it also makes riding more comfortable by protecting you from sun, wind, bugs, heat, cold, rain, etc.

Cheers, and have fun.

Pat