How quickly can I learn to ride a scooter or small motorbike

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949639#Comment_117949639

From the information I have so far. I get the learners permit and complete the bike training and I can get insured on a learner's permit. So driving on a learner's permit, might get me over my problem until I pass my test.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949901#Comment_117949901

Thats what Im thinking too.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949842#Comment_117949842

The broken jaw, broken arms, broken skull and major concussion may be just bad luck, but it never inspired confidence in me. I am still trying to scratch my head and think of any person known to me who has wheels (other than an electric bike) who hasn’t had an injury severe enough to land them in hospital for more than one night. If I could specify one here and now I would… but no. Two deaths from motorised among the folk I have known. But as you suggest, it may be just coincidence that the people I know are unusually unlucky.

Allinall

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes

It's from the US, but I would have thought our statistics shouldn't be much different.

Roughly 1% of bikers are injured per year.

I have done something that carries similar risk of death or injury to two wheels motorised, and I would still be doing it were I able to hold the required medical certificate as well as money. Actually I could afford to undertake the minimum annual hours sufficient to maintain a private pilot’s license, but can no longer pass the medical and legally am required to undertake any flight supervised by a qualified instructor.

My point is that I understand the risk involved, and it is not insignificant, but when I was in the aviation circle and looking at flying insurance the risk assessment was almost identical as far as the assessing companies were concerned. I think people do not quite realise the risk is in the same league.

tobottherobot

Bikes are initially expensive mainly due to the gear and the first hit on insurance. After that, the cost drops significantly.

FWIW as a driver of a car + large bike, I can say that yes the risks are higher... A big part of this is a lack of training for the bike driver coupled with the fact that for whatever reason, motorbikes are sometimes invisible to car drivers. Still, they're a great way around and I can never understand why there is not more of an uptake of them. Coming off a ebike bike at 30km per hour will hurt the same as coming of a small bike, if not worse as you've less gear.

I just have an absolute horror of bikes from the time someone I knew well died tragically coming off one. There’s little protection, and modern technology sadly hasn’t improved safety much. However car safety spec is improving in buckets and spades, and in future should further improve road safety for all users. Motorbikes are less visible by virtue of the fact they are narrower and come up faster. Upcoming technology in cars will be taking the presence of bikes on the road and alert/moderate the car’s progress. In 10 -20 years I suspect the roads will be considerably safer for all.

When was in my early teens my mother called to Yahama in Ranelagh with a view to buying herself a small motorbike and said “nooooooo!” But then when I was 19 I started flying airplanes and she said “ooooooh!”

Personally I would always go the car route for personal motorised transport if it is at all possible.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117950200#Comment_117950200

I don't know what to do. I don't think I can afford a car. And looking at the lack of places to rent, I will probably end up out of town. But I work in town. It depends how far out I end up. But don't know what else to do but consider a moped.

tobottherobot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117950565#Comment_117950565

Honestly, I'd say cycling a bike around a city is far more dangerous than bopping around to and from the local town on a moped... yet thousands do it daily. I would say a moped carries a very limited risk in comparison to bigger bikes... if you're going to drive it like an idiot, you'll probably come off and have a few bumps and bruises. But the way people in this thread are talking, you'd swear that everytime you go out on a on two wheels you're guaranteed to get hurt or killed. I'd disagree... if you're sensible, you'll be fine.... go for it and enjoy

flashinthepan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949819#Comment_117949819

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949741#Comment_117949741

That is the greatest load of rubbish I have ever heard 😅

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117950639#Comment_117950639

Absolute nonsense and then on a rant about insurance risk. Amazing how my motorcycle carries the lowest cost out of all the vehicles in my house ... Mad that ....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117950565#Comment_117950565

Honestly, if you are careful you will make it safe. Just be extra aware of idiots around and good luck to you. make sure you are always visible.

Miscreant

I have been on motorcycles in one form or another since 1996 and have not come off even once. I started on a 50cc moped at the time and just rode it in traffic like I should according to the rules of the road. When I graduated to larger and larger bikes (up to the 1100cc I have now), I always made sure to be visible. I even commuted across the city on an 1100cc touring bike for 7 years without incident. Anticipating the other drivers' actions is a skill you build up over time but it is something I also got from riding bicycles around the city for years before my first motorised two wheeler. I don't ride down the wrong side of the road to avoid traffic in the city, undertake traffic on 2 lane carriageways (or motorways with 3 lanes), speed around like a mad thing and always assume that others are unable to see me. Riding defensively is key!

In short, don't act the maggot on any two wheeler (powered or not) and the chances are that you will be fine.

@fun loving criminal Depending on how far you are commuting (I can't see if it was mentioned in this thread), you could do it with an electric bike, moped of 50cc or a scooter of 125cc or more. With an electric bike, there are no insurance or licence implications that I know of. For the petrol driven moped or scooter, you will need both a licence and insurance but I imagine either will still be cheaper than trying to run a car on a limited budget. Most of the costs for a moped or scooter are higher in the first year of ownership in any case so should get cheaper the longer you stay on that mode of transport. It all boils down to your location, funds and your own risk assessment at the end of the day as to which option would be best for you.

loyatemu

this may be prejudice on my part but I suspect the death/injury rates for bikes are inflated by the number of headcases riding around on them. I'm not saying all or even most bikers are like that, but it's a hobby that certainly attracts people who want to go super fast and take risks, and obviously there's a lot less margin for error compared with being a same type of person in a souped-up Golf.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117954892#Comment_117954892

Great point!

fun loving criminal

So I got an online insurance quote for a small car. Just to see how much it can can cost me. Full license, TPFT is €1956.

Vs an online quote for a 125cc moped, learner's permit, comprehensive insurance for €466 for the year.

The cost of a car just depresses me.

spurious

They will always give you a lower price if you ring and whinge a bit.

Re the bike - if you are getting one, get one powerful enough to get you out of trouble if needed - of course that also means powerful enough to get you into trouble but that is where between the ears comes in. Doesn't have to be 1100cc, but something bigger than 50cc. Get a quality helmet (worth spending on) and good gear. Especially gloves. When I first started on a bike, I met a guy who had come off his without gloves. It had healed as well as it was ever going to but it was frightening enough to even now still occasionally come into my mind.

Henry Ford III

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949819#Comment_117949819

Glad I've never met you.

p.s. I have a Suzuki 650.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117962514#Comment_117962514

I’m identifiable as I wear a black cloak outfit and carry a scythe 😅

knucklehead6

Probably get answers a lot quicker in the motorbike forum

Sleepy

As an alternative suggestion and as you mentioned you already cycle, might an eBike be an option? I'd have thought they'd be usable on any journey where a scooter was a realistic option.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963206#Comment_117963206

Yes, that is also an option. Can a 20km trip be made on an ebike though?

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963879#Comment_117963879

I've never cycled one but as far as I know they have several power options. If used on full power, the battery will obviously drain more quickly but you can assist it somewhat, it will last considerably longer. BTW - 20kms one way is a pretty standard commute for those of us on ordinary bicycles.

Henry Ford III

Mods please move this to the motorbike forum.

Happydays2020

Perhaps get an electric bike? No insurance needed.

Cdemess

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963094#Comment_117963094

I have to admit the original poster got quite a few good responses in here.

Go safe, OP, wish you well!

jbv

I wouldn't get a 50cc scooter. No power on those things.

Why not getting the Piaggio MP3 three-wheel scooter.

They can be ridden with a B licence and have plenty of power.

They come in 300cc, 400cc and 500cc.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117978553#Comment_117978553

I like your suggestion but so pricey. Would a 125cc be any better?

I think I'll get the learners permit anyways and have it. Because I can get insured on a bike once I complete the bike training. So don't have to wait for that 6 month rule.

jbv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117978694#Comment_117978694

The 125cc it would be better, definitely . Between a scooter and a bike, I'll pick the bike without hesitation. Before getting a bike check the insurance also. Good luck!