Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Mopeds, license endorsement, motorcycle companies

Question
Hello Bob:

I have never wanted a motorcycle or been interested in them so I know nothing about them.  However, we live in a communityin the South that allows golf carts on all roads except highways.  Since I work from home, almost all of my driving is around town, to the grocery store, bank, etc.  With the price of gas, I have been thinking that using my big SUV to run around town is not the most cost effective method.  I was thinking about getting a Moped.  From what I have read, in Georgia if the moped doesn't go above 30 mph, I don't have to have a special license to drive it.  I do have to wear a helmet which seems stupid to me though.  They get like 80 miles to the gallon and I think it would be fun.  My question is, do they make electric mopeds that are reliable and can go far enough and fast enough to make it even more economical?  Also, where should I start looking to buy one?  I see them online for $800 - $1500 but it looks like they are just online companies and don't offer any warranty with them.  Do any of the major motorcycle companies make mopeds that I could get from a dealer with a warranty?  Any other thoughts about mopeds that you think would be helpful?
My wife thinks I will look like a dork on one but I don't care!  Let me know if you can help... Thanks.  Mike

Answer
Mike,

Thanks for the question.

I'll be very honest with you: since you are uninterested in getting training or a license endorsement for riding a motorcycle and think helmets are stupid, I must for your safety recommend you do not get a motorcycle of any kind.

Even in a protected, low-speed traffic community that you describe, riding a powered two-wheeled vehicle takes a certain measure of skill, commitment and an attitude towards safety.

The physics involved when riding a motorcycle (which includes anything motorized with two wheels) are the same in your community as they are for me when I'm out on my sportbike riding 160mph at the racetrack.

If you make a mistake while riding ANYTHING, whatever you end up hitting - the ground, a tree, another vehicle- is just as fatal as if you were riding a Harley at the same speed. No difference.

There is a belief that if you ride a small bike at low speed, the danger of getting hurt is lower. This is just not the case. Most fatal motocycle accidents happen at speeds near 20mph, and are usually the fault of the rider.

Training, correct safety gear and defensive driving skills are what keep veteran riders alive on the roads today.

Yes, riding is fun, no matter what kind of bike it is. But make no mistake, it is a lot more dangerous that driving a car- any car. That's the chance we take on every ride.

If you are not prepared to take measures to learn the correct skills and use the right equipment, I strongly urge you with all respect to either ride a bicycle (which I often do myself) or purchase another vehicle that will save you the gas, such as a hybrid car, or a golfcart-type vehicle.

At this time I have not seen any purely electric-powered scooter or moped I would recommend to anyone who plans to ride in any sort of real-worl traffic. However, more powerful electric-powered cycles are coming to market in Asia, and it's only a matter time before they end up here.

Regards,

Bill Roberson