Mopedding it up
By SomeCowgirl
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
United States
June 23, 2011 4:10pm CST
I have currently been thinking about investing in a moped. One that is street legal, and atleast 150cc's. I believe they go up to 250cc's. Idealy I'd like to have one that goes atleast 65 mph as I'd feel safer if I could manage to keep the speed of major roads around me. This would be more gas efficient as you can go further on them on less gas, and it'd also be more economical in that I believe their maintenance is fairly low, especially if you do not care for the body appearance.I belive a battery is only $50.00, and an engine is about the same amount for these things.
Currently I have no car, and I think that this would be a better alternative then a car as I would not need to make payments on this unless I were to decide to finance them. They are anywhere from $800 to $2000, I've been doing my research.
I believe the helmets and other protective gear are fairly cheap as well, and if I were to ride it in colder months (before snow and ice warnings) I would be using a yellow jacket that you see the road workers wear. I've put a lot of thought into it, now I just need to find the money for it.
Oh and I could actually go and look for a job a lot better if I had a moped, right now with no transportation it's harder to find a job.
So wish me luck everyone!
Do you own or have you ever owned a moped?
1 person likes this
12 responses
@13tyates (1606)
• United States
24 Jun 11
You really have got this thing researched like crazy... I know. LOL 
I really think this could be your best bet so the bank is not broke from trying to buy a new car. It can get you where you need to get without it costing an arm and a leg! Happpy Mylotting!
I really think this could be your best bet so the bank is not broke from trying to buy a new car. It can get you where you need to get without it costing an arm and a leg! Happpy Mylotting!1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Jun 11
Yeha but it's hilarious cuz there are speakers on the thing so you know anyone who had their window rolled down could listen to the music.
@celticeagle (158958)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jun 11
For looking for a job a moped would be ideal. ALthough I get on the phone or online first and get some places on my list to try before I go out. Saves. I wish you luck. I think I'd buy a new one if I wasn't sure what I was looking for otherwise. It does sound like fun. Let me know.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
23 Jun 11
I'll have to let you know in a few years because I doubt I'll be able to get it this year unless I do find a job close by! It's so frustrating I've been looking for a job forever, and now I need money for a cellphone too so it's kind of what do I do? Yeah I want to get it new or very lightly / lovingly used if I can as it'd be the best bet, even if repairs are cheap it's better in the long run for me. Thanks and I will let you know.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
23 Jun 11
Yes, I need to find a job soon I just feel like each month that passes by is less money I can save for my own retirement, I appreciate the well wishes. Atleast I have online earnings, which I am thankful for.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158958)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jun 11
Here's hoping you find a job soon. So many people without work. I feel fortunate to be retired. Don't have to worry about a job anymore. Have been embarking on my writing. GOod luck to you and I will be anxious to hear how things go for you.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
24 Jun 11
ALot of people have gone this way but here I dont see helmets on heads and was told they arent reguired well darn ya on the road just like a motorcycle .
Never owned one but son rode one for 2 days and ended up sick for riding to much lololol it was just for fun for him just going up and down the same road
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Jun 11
I would definitely get myself a helmet to wear! I believe they are required here, but even if they weren't, I would definitely be wearing one just because some of these things can go up to 65 mph, and even if the one I get only goes up to 40, I'd still be happily wearing that helmet! You'd be crazy not to, ya know?
I'm worried about getting sick off of riding them but I've heard they aren't scary and I guess we will just have to see. I'd buy myself a two seater one most likely just because it's more spacious, and I could have one passenger just in case.
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
28 Jun 11
I have not, but I am seeing more and more people on them in and around the Phoenix area since gasoline prices seem to be going up and up. I think they are very cool. My husband has talked about getting a motorcycle to go back and forth to work on. He's six foot six, so I don't think his long legs would fit on a moped. It would be rather comical I would think.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
28 Jun 11
I have seen them a lot here in North Carolina this summer. I think that a lot of people have probably saved up and gotten them for the summer months to save up on gas, because it is a lot cheaper to run and take care of a moped then it is a car in the long run. Yeah I don't think your husand would be very comfortable riding a moped, and if he did he'd have to stick his legs out which well that still wouldn't be very comfortable. They have some that have a roof on them, it's pretty neat actually but I don't think he'd be very comfy as I'd imagine he'd his head.
Motorcycles are also good and you can find some that are in good condition for around $1000 as well, atleast I've seen on craigslist.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
28 Jun 11
I think that is a great idea!
I think that gas prices are so high these days that anything that would use less would be a better alternative. Yes, it might set you back a bunch at initial purchase, but in the long run, I think it would be better.
Good luck and be safe!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
29 Jun 11
Thank you, unless I can find a job soon I doubt I'll be able to get it this season, but maybe by Winter of this year I will be able to get one and they may have gone down on the price by then. What I really want is the ones that go about 70 mph, there are some that do but they are pricier, even so I'd feel much safer being able to keep up with traffic and / or go faster then most traffic if need be.
@Memnon (2170)
•
26 Jun 11
Good luck with your moped days. I hope that you truly enjoy them- and should save a lot compared to 4 wheel motoring. I have never had a moped myself, but can say that, in the UK, life as a cyclist can be pretty dangerous on the roads. 
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
27 Jun 11
I expect it to be dangerous here as well, because well people aren't very patient, but I've already thought everything through and figured out what I need to do so that I can be safe out on the road as well.
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
23 Jun 11
It does sound like you have thought of this and researched it pretty well. I have never had one, but would consider it, even at my age. Actually, I have a bicycle and could ride it here in town. I hope you get it figured out to your best advantage.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
23 Jun 11
Thanks so much, yeah I am sure it will take awhile to save up for but I know of a few dealers around here that I would consider going to. The cheapest I know if is $800.00, there is one place I pass atleast once a month that I should stop in and ask them about, they may be able to help me by taking payments etc, fifty dollars a month or something like that until it's paid off.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
24 Jun 11
My hubby had one. He kept it maybe a year. As far as I know you cannot get a moped that exceeds 45 mph, you'd need a motorcycle and of course special license and training. Most of the main roads here are 45mph and uphill at points. He ended up giving up because it was to scarey for him not to be able to fast enough in heavy traffic, keep the speed going up hills, and feel safe on high traffic roads. He did get excellent milage I think 70 mpg.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Jun 11
They have some that go up to 65 mph which is what I would need and would feel safe with. Here in NC you do not need to have a license to operate one of these, which is good. I have my permit only still, and well one of the reasons to get a moped is to avoid having to get a license just yet, as I don't have money for car insurance and the such.
I've been looking at different models and the prices just to see which is best for me, I will probably go to one of three different dealers to get mine, but I'll have to wait and worry about that until I have enough saved up.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
25 Jun 11
They've really jazzed them up since some models I've seen, the early models I've seen look really cool, but now they've added more appeal to the body work, and I suppose it's also safer and holds more weight, you can have two people riding them, and one even looks more like a gocart type thing then anything.
@anklesmash (1412)
•
23 Jun 11
I used to have moped i got a 50cc one when i was 16 and it went just over 35 mph.I only got a 50cc one as that is the most powerful you are allowed at 16 in the UK and i sold it when i was 17 and 1/2 once i had passed my drivers test.I am not sure whether or not i would have another one it may have been cheap to run but not very practical you can't take people and many things anywhere and i came close to being knocked off by idiot drivers through no fault of my own usually people pulling out of turnings in front of me.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
23 Jun 11
They have two seater ones now though I can't think of any time I've seen two people on a moped, I know that there is a lot of danger when it comes to owning one of these but I am really desperate, I only have my permit though I could go and get my license I don't have the money to get that right now.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
23 Jun 11
I know it is hard having only one car because my husband and I have one car as well. I am guessing that you live in the country which makes it kind of hard to get around unless you have a vehicle. I think if you can afford to get a moped that would be great because you can get around and find a job. Actually from what you have said it seems like a moped is cheaper than buying a second car. good luck.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
23 Jun 11
I don't live in the country anymore but want to move back and so a moped would be good for the most part. Hopefully I can get some sort of plan working so that i can get one before the end of this summer but just not sure about that. Yeah they can be cheaper then a second car and better when it comes to repairs, plus if you're not driving too far you could probably get by without gassing it up for awhile. There is the danger factors of course, but if you drive aggressively enough it'll be alright. By aggressively I mean paying attention to the road and the stupid drivers (no offense) around you.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
24 Jun 11
What an excellent idea and thanks for the information as to the range of cost. Reason why I am pleased is that we may end up moving to Arkansas and while several out there use mopeds we were taking about selling one of our cars and perhaps me getting one too.
Though I must admit I will have to learn to use it but find that most of my boyfriends family uses them there. Hi sister is 60 and she uses her to go to work at her salon each day as she says it save a lot of gas and she does not have to use her car. Good luck to the both of us!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Jun 11
You are welcome, Hopefully you can find a good deal on one, but if you do move to Arkansas maybe your boyfriend's family can show you where the best deals to get one are. I've been looking at craigslist but I will probably buy one from a dealer instead of from a person, unless I can trust the person and they would offer me a payment plan.
Anyway good luck to us both and may we be safe when riding them, and save gas money as well! Of course we will on the latter!
