Is a moped worth it?

There is no doubt about it; times are tough for almost everyone.  Many families are finding it absolutely vital to cut spending in many areas of their lives, including how much they drive and other costs associated with owning a vehicle.  Sure, there are hybrids and electric cars out there to save a bit on gas, but some may not be able to foot the up front cost to purchase a brand new vehicle right now.  There has to be another way, right?  Being that warmer weather is approaching for many readers, it may be worthwhile to look at investing in a moped.

The Benefits

Being a former owner of a moped, I can vouch for the fact that mopeds will save you a fair amount of money during the warmer months of the year while you can comfortably ride it.  The most obvious benefit is the money that you will save on gas.  Depending on how big the motor is and how much the moped weighs, you can expect to see anywhere from 50 to 100mpg on average.  Granted, the fuel tank on a moped can only hold a gallon or two, but when you add up the miles, you can go a long ways before refueling, especially if you live in an urban area or small town.  Keep in mind that you will have to use premium gasoline along with two cycle oil mixed together in most cases.

The other cost saving advantage of owning a moped is that insurance is incredibly cheap, even for full coverage.  For example, the moped that I owned was worth around $600 (USD), but for full coverage, I paid exactly $1 per year (no joke).  Granted, just like a car, insurance costs are dependent on your driving record, but even for those whose record isn’t exactly spotless, I would wager that premiums on a moped wouldn’t break the bank for you.

Plus, the up front cost of purchasing a moped is quite cheap depending on the model you have your eye on.  Like all vehicles with a motor, be sure to keep up on your maintenance and you will get many years of use out of your moped.  The gas savings alone may in fact pay for the moped and then some as time goes forward.
The most obvious benefit to owning and riding a moped is that it is fun and something different, especially for those who have driven a standard auto their whole life.

Safety

Operating a moped isn’t exactly like operating a car, so extra precautions need to be taken.  If you are concerned that riding a moped is similar to riding a massive motorcycle, mopeds are lightweight and are easy to control, so have no worries there.  Just like learning to riding a bike, once you have learned to ride a moped, you’ll never forget.  But keep in mind that you are no longer protected from the various dangers of the road like you would be in a standard auto.

As I will discuss below, you should check with your province or state concerning the specifics of owning and riding a moped.  When it comes to helmets, whether you have to or not, you should always wear a helmet.  You may be confident in your riding abilities on a moped, but there are other drivers on the road that may not be paying attention to you, for example.  So save yourself the trouble and wear a helmet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a moped by definition is not exactly the fastest vehicle on the road.  In most provinces and states, it is illegal to ride a moped on a highway. 

Common sense would dictate that you avoid highways if at all possible while riding a moped.  You are putting yourself in danger, as well as other motorists.Besides staying away from highways, keep in mind that it is typically illegal to transport a passenger.  Mopeds are not motorcycles and are unable to safely accommodate two passengers in a safe manner.  Plus, you will not be able to go very fast and your gas mileage will suffer.

Legal Issues

Before investing in a moped, you should take a look at the laws governing the use of mopeds in your province or state.  Like most motor vehicles, a moped usually has to be registered, licensed and insured regardless of where you reside.  One important area to look into is the law governing whether or not you need a special license to operate a moped.  In most cases, all you need is a standard driver’s license, but depending on how many cubic centimetres (cc’s) your moped’s engine is and how much it weighs, you may need a motorcycle license to legally ride it.  If you have an old moped lying around and do not know if you would need a special license to ride it, its top speed should give you a good indication.  If your moped can hit a top speed of over 35 or 40mph, it will most likely be considered a motorcycle and therefore, you will need a special license.