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

fun loving criminal · 25-09-2021 1:45pm #1

This was something I was thinking for a while now but never got around to it.

I'm thinking I should start now but it depends how quickly I can get going. The reason I'm thinking now is because I need to move out where I am after Christmas and there seems to be very little options in town. So I'm thinking of going out of town. But I need transport as well. I normally cycle everywhere but cycling might be too far. I can drive but I don't have a car and I think the cost of a car might cripple me and rent at the same time. So I'm thinking of a scooter, but not sure.

How do I get started?

naughtysmurf · 25-09-2021 2:08pm

Just buy one, won’t take long at all, couple of spins, having said that, I had one years ago when we couldn’t afford two cars and the weather from October to April was no craic, always seemed to start p1ssing down just as I was about to go to or leave work, got fed up with that & got a second car

gipi · 25-09-2021 2:15pm

Don't forget that you need to take a theory test,apply for learner permit and take IBT (compulsory training) before you can get on the road - as well as bike,gear and insurance of course!

fun loving criminal · 25-09-2021 3:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117937434#Comment_117937434

I got used to the weather while cycling. Just not sure what to do regarding accommodation. So thinking it might be best if I look out of town and public transport is usually crap out of towns.

Thargor · 25-09-2021 3:59pm

Whats the insurance like for the OP? For a scooter or small bike I mean. Im in a similar situation and want to get my learners permit and get started. I have a full drivers license for a car but don't drive at the minute.

fun loving criminal · 25-09-2021 5:15pm

Just booked the theory test. Can't be that much different to a car. Might as well get going with this. Just hoping it's not as expensive as a car.

fun loving criminal · 25-09-2021 5:41pm

Just done a bit of a Google search and there's a 6 months wait after having the learners permit before I can take a test. So that answers my question.

But, it was something I wanted, so I'll work on it.

mikeecho · 26-09-2021 12:39am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117937461#Comment_117937461

Or.. just drive on a learner permit, and never do a driving test.

Bike gear can be got in Aldi/Lidl.

The theory test isn't that hard.

If you have a full B licence, you should have M as well, which allows you to drive a 50cc moped.

26-09-2021 12:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117937922#Comment_117937922

its been awhile since I had a small 125cc scooter but from what I remember insurance on my provisional was around €350 with Carol Nash.

OP you might have a Category AM on your car license if so you can get a 50cc bike without having to do a motorbike theory test and IBT.

If you don't have the category AM on your current license or whant a bike with more power then unfortunately you are going to have to do both a new theory test and IBT training.

As far as I am aware the only place that does IBT on scooters is the Airport Driving School in Dublin.

https://airportdrivingschool.com/

fun loving criminal · 26-09-2021 1:01am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117940125#Comment_117940125

I have a full license B license but don't have M on my license.

Does that mean I have to start all over again with theory test and all that?

fun loving criminal · 26-09-2021 1:06am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117940125#Comment_117940125

I'll get a learner's permit and get a few lessons. I don't want a huge bike, just something small that will be quicker than a push bike and can take me out of town. If this is what I have to do to have a roof over my head.

Not sure if I could get insurance on a learner's permit though because of all the IBT training and all that. Would an insurance company even look at me if I don't have all that done?

fun loving criminal · 26-09-2021 1:13am

https://nationaldrivingschool.ie/can-you-drive-a-moped-on-a-car-license-in-ireland/

Just done a quick search and according to this I can add AM to my license. Is this actually true?

mikeecho · 26-09-2021 1:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117940197#Comment_117940197

All depends on whether or not you had it on your learners permit when you say your B test... And also how long ago you got your full B licence.

Best to consult with the RSA via email.

fun loving criminal · 26-09-2021 1:37am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117940217#Comment_117940217

I have my full license for over 13 years. And just looking at my old license, I didn't have any M codes. So really not sure. But came across another website saying that I can drive a 50cc moped on a category B license. It's something I need to check out with the RSA.

Capt'n Midnight · 26-09-2021 2:16am

It depends on when you got your licence.

https://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Third%20Directive/Link%203.pdf

If your first motorcycle learner permit for Category A was issued prior to 15 November 1999

(or prior to 18 December 1999 if you held a Category A1 full driving licence for a period of at

least two years in the previous 10 years or were at least age 25 on the date the Category A

permit commenced), and has not lapsed for a period of 5 or more years since, you are exempt

from IBT. If you did not hold the permit for Category A before that date, you are not exempt

from IBT in order to undergo a Category A test now.

mada999 · 26-09-2021 2:20am

i'm not an expert, but in my opinion it takes 56 days, 23 hours, 2 minutes and 5 seconds.

wotzgoingon · 26-09-2021 2:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117940253#Comment_117940253

You're right you're no expert at all it takes 56 days, 23 hours, 2 minutes and 3 seconds. You were way off the mark.

fun loving criminal · 26-09-2021 2:36am

I'm not sure what website mentioned that I could drive a moped on a B license, but came across two of them that mentioned it.

But ndls website says if I had my license before October 2006, I could have a moped added to my license. I passed my driving test three months after this.

27-09-2021 8:59am

depending on the distance from town, you could also consider a decent electric bike?

no insurance or tests or licence required. Like if it’s 10km from your workplace it would work out cheaper in the long run than a moped.

fun loving criminal · 27-09-2021 9:26am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944047#Comment_117944047

Absolutely, this is something I'm also considering. It's depends where I end up finding accommodation.

Looking on daft, it scares me. Alot of places are 20-30km out of town. Would I be nuts to use a moped or scooter for distances like this? Just trying to keep my options open at the minute but really not sure if I can afford a car either.

27-09-2021 10:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944146#Comment_117944146

Depends on the roads you’ll be on, but in general scooters are for shorter journeys- you’ll feel the lumps and bumps on the road more on a scooter so a motorbike is more appropriate as they would have better suspension etc

fast moving traffic on a busy road won’t be a pleasant experience on a moped either - just something to keep in mind.

you could also look into a car share? I’m sure others might be in a similar situation

fun loving criminal · 27-09-2021 10:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944454#Comment_117944454

I guess I'll get a feel for things with bike training.

Whatwicklow · 28-09-2021 6:55am

You will learn to how to get your bike or scooter to drive in no time, learning to use one safely takes years, the level of feel needed between clutch brakes throttle grip and anticipation of other traffic can only be picked up from experience.

Best of luck, take your time,

loyatemu · 28-09-2021 9:24am

is public transport an option - eBike to the nearest station (obviously buy an extremely good lock). Or folding eBike and take it on the train.

Mbike or big scooter definitely a better option than a car for commuting IMO - the idea of driving 30km into town every day sounds like misery, but I really hate driving/sitting in traffic.

fun loving criminal · 28-09-2021 10:35am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117948416#Comment_117948416

Public transport may be an option. It depends on where I end up getting a place. But public transport out of town is usually rubbish. And I want another option than a push bike but I don't want a car either. A car is ideal but don't think I can afford the cost of a car at the moment.

fun loving criminal · 28-09-2021 11:40am

Or should I consider getting a small car. I get 2000 per month in wages. 800-1000 of that could go on rent out of town. That leaves me with 1000-1200 after rent. The cost of electricity and gas will be going up. Refuse, internet, TV licence has to be paid as well.

I spend 70 euro a week on food. So that's 280 a month. I'll round that up to 300.

So after bills and food is paid, I could be left with 300 per month. 300 for the cost of a car and running it. Insurance, tax, petrol. Can it be done?

28-09-2021 2:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117948995#Comment_117948995

I dont drive but have been considering going the small motorbike option myself for small trips. I need to travel between my house and my dads house twice a week, a distance of about 15 kilometres. I'll be very interested to know how you get on.

In terms of running a car, over the years Ive worked along side many people who ran cars on low pay and honestly wonder how they do it. Your sums might cover the cost of running it, but leaves no room for savings, so what do you do when the fan belt breaks, or the exhaust pipe falls off. I'm not being negative, just something else to think about.

28-09-2021 2:20pm

A small bike is a great idea for anyone who enjoys hospital food. It’s not a matter of if, but when you get to eat it, if you come out lucky.

Allinall · 28-09-2021 2:22pm

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

Not true at all.

Why post bs?

28-09-2021 2:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117949747#Comment_117949747

I have 5 friends who got small motorbikes. I have no friends who got small motorbikes and didn’t end up with a significant injury from using the bike.

I have many more friends/relatives who have driven large bikes. I have no friends/relatives who have driven large bikes who aren’t either killed or moderately injured from using bike.

The statistical risk of injury is significant from two wheels motorised. Fine if one doesn’t mind the odd few weeks laid up over it, but it is reality. Ask any risk assessor.

Allinall · 28-09-2021 2:40pm

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

What about the thousands upon thousands of people who use small bikes and don't end up in hospital?

Your 5 friends don't really cut it against all those.

fun loving criminal · 28-09-2021 2:50pm

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.

28-09-2021 2:53pm

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

Thats what Im thinking too.

28-09-2021 3:07pm

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 · 28-09-2021 3:12pm

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.

28-09-2021 3:27pm

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 · 28-09-2021 3:31pm

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.

28-09-2021 3:48pm

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 · 28-09-2021 5:07pm

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 · 28-09-2021 5:21pm

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 · 28-09-2021 5:23pm

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 · 28-09-2021 5:27pm

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 ....

28-09-2021 10:12pm

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 · 29-09-2021 12:31pm

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 · 29-09-2021 4:11pm

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.

29-09-2021 4:28pm

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

Great point!

fun loving criminal · 30-09-2021 10:14am

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 · 30-09-2021 10:28am

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.