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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would I be crazy to get a moped?

42 replies

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 21:40

I haven't done much driving in my life, haven't needed to as I've lived in London. Passed my driving test years ago but never got round to buying a car.
I've moved to a smaller town and still don't drive but I'm applying for a new job where I will need to. It will be mostly short journeys 2-3 times a day.
I don't have lots of spare cash ATM and I'm wondering if I could get away with getting a moped instead of a car. I was thinking this because I've cycled a lot and am more comfortable on a bike than in a car.

Is this a stupid idea?

Yabu - bad idea
Yanbu - not a bad idea

OP posts:
WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:13

XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 22:10

You can get a box that will happily accommodate a helmet and gloves. Everything else you would be wearing anyway, unless you fancy getting changed out in the road 😂

I was actually imagining that I'd whip off my protective jacket and trousers by the side of the road and stuff them in the box. I'm not very ladylike 😂

OP posts:
WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:10

XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 22:08

A bicycle is also dependent on how fit you are etc. If you are feeling ill/fucking exhausted, you might struggle on a bicycle.

Good point, I'd need to do some training as I'm super unfit at the moment. And yes I'd need an alternative if I wasn't feeling up to it

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 22:10

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:08

I wonder if I can store all that gear in the moped or if I'd need to carry it with me

You can get a box that will happily accommodate a helmet and gloves. Everything else you would be wearing anyway, unless you fancy getting changed out in the road 😂

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:08

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 05/05/2025 21:44

Do a CBT and see how comfortable you are on a bike, then decide. My advice is get protective clothing, good helmet, boots, don't think a scooter requires less protection than a bigger motorcycle, the damage will be the same if you come off!

I wonder if I can store all that gear in the moped or if I'd need to carry it with me

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 22:08

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:06

Yes that's a possibility, depends on how far I need to travel, how quick I have to get there and how much I need to carry

A bicycle is also dependent on how fit you are etc. If you are feeling ill/fucking exhausted, you might struggle on a bicycle.

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:06

Redpeach · 05/05/2025 22:01

Whats wrong with a bicycle, keep u fit

Yes that's a possibility, depends on how far I need to travel, how quick I have to get there and how much I need to carry

OP posts:
WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 22:01

XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 21:58

I knew someone who wanted to get a bike... bought one in a shop and all the gear. Did CBT and hated it. Sent everything back!

It is always worth a go, and it will help you decide. I started out on a moped back in the day. The eeeeEEEEEeeee of the them was the most annoying thing 😂

Oh yeah, they do make an annoying noise.
I wonder if you stop noticing after a while 😏

OP posts:
Redpeach · 05/05/2025 22:01

Whats wrong with a bicycle, keep u fit

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 21:58

wrongthinker · 05/05/2025 21:49

Ebike?

Hmm that's an idea
Cheaper than a moped too. I think I need to find out exactly how much travelling is involved and how long it would take on an ebike.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 21:58

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 21:51

@XenoBitch and @YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME Doing a CBT course is a good idea, I just googled, apparently you can used their bikes. That would be a great way for me to have a go without making a commitment

I knew someone who wanted to get a bike... bought one in a shop and all the gear. Did CBT and hated it. Sent everything back!

It is always worth a go, and it will help you decide. I started out on a moped back in the day. The eeeeEEEEEeeee of the them was the most annoying thing 😂

WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 21:55

Ablondiebutagoody · 05/05/2025 21:46

I would get a cheap secondhand car. Mopeds are slow, can't carry much shopping, shit for long distances at the weekend, and miserable in the winter.

I wouldn't use it for long distances. I wouldn't drive long distances either though. I do online shops so that's not a problem either.
But yes in winter I imagine you need some very warm clothes

OP posts:
WhatsOnTv · 05/05/2025 21:51

@XenoBitch and @YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME Doing a CBT course is a good idea, I just googled, apparently you can used their bikes. That would be a great way for me to have a go without making a commitment

OP posts:
wrongthinker · 05/05/2025 21:49

Ebike?

Ablondiebutagoody · 05/05/2025 21:46

I would get a cheap secondhand car. Mopeds are slow, can't carry much shopping, shit for long distances at the weekend, and miserable in the winter.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 05/05/2025 21:46

XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 21:43

Not a bad idea idea. Mopeds are cheap to run. You would need to buy some appropriate clothing though, especially for wet/cold weather. I would suggest at least doing CBT first too. Is a one day course.

Snap! We cross posted.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 05/05/2025 21:44

Do a CBT and see how comfortable you are on a bike, then decide. My advice is get protective clothing, good helmet, boots, don't think a scooter requires less protection than a bigger motorcycle, the damage will be the same if you come off!

XenoBitch · 05/05/2025 21:43

Not a bad idea idea. Mopeds are cheap to run. You would need to buy some appropriate clothing though, especially for wet/cold weather. I would suggest at least doing CBT first too. Is a one day course.