Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Scooters/Mopeds, motorcycle class, plastic bodywork

Question
Hi Pat!
I'm sick of paying so much for gas and was looking for a cost efficient way of getting around.  Since I live in California and the weather is nice year round, I was considering buying a scooter/moped.  I would still keep my car, for when it rains but I would use the scooter as a main source of transportation.  I live close enough to work that I would be able to take side streets.  

What CC should the scooter be in order to somewhat keep with traffic and not struggle up hill?  And what's the conversion of CC to speed.  In the end, would I end up saving money?  I dont' think gas will get any cheaper, it may go down a little but I think it'll be up from here.  Would I end up pretty much paying the same price adding in motorcycle insurance?  What do you think?

Answer
I think getting a moped or scooter for commuting and running errands is a terrific idea.

If you don't plan on using it on a highway or freeway, you don't need to get a very big one. The nicer 50 cc two-strokes top out at about 35 mph maximum. If you're going to be doing 35-45 mph roads you should be looking at 125-175 cc.

If you go from a 20 mpg car to a 60-90 mpg scooter, you're going to save yourself a lot of money in fuel. For example, if your work route is 20 miles round trip, you'll get back and forth to work for probably less than $6 a week. A car at 20 mpg would be more like $15 a week. If you get an inexpensive scooter without a ton of plastic bodywork, the insurance should be really cheap ($50-150 a year).

If you want to do this, my recommendation is you take a regular MSF basic motorcycle class to learn how to ride the right way. They may also let you ride your scooter in the class. I believe California also offers a scooter specific course called the "MSF ScooterSchool." No matter how easy the bike seems to ride, you should NOT start riding in traffic until you've had training--there's a lot more to know than just twisting the throttle and going!

If you can't get into a class or don't want to, at least buy and read a copy of my latest book: "How to Ride a Motorcycle: A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development." At least that will give you an idea of what you're in for in becoming a two-wheeled aficionado!

Cheers, and good luck.

Pat