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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a 29 year old female would not get laughed at

53 replies

MadamePeacock · 30/09/2016 11:41

My friend is 29 and can't drive. She struggles with spacial awareness and is never likely to learn to drive yet she lives on her own in a small town with rubbish public transport. I've suggested to her that she gets a moped/scooter but she thinks she'll get laughed at as they are for 16 year old boys not 29 year old women.

What do you think? SIBU isn't she?

OP posts:
Helmetbymidnight · 30/09/2016 11:42

Of course she is.

She's going to find life very hard if she lets what she thinks other people think stand in the way of doing what she wants.

BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington · 30/09/2016 11:43

She should nip over to Rome and take a look at all the ultra cool guys and gals (of all ages) nipping about on their scooters.

SpeckledyBanana · 30/09/2016 11:43

SIBU.

I loved my scooter. I plan to get another one when the DCs don't need me to drive them around anymore.

Justaboy · 30/09/2016 11:43

She's probably quite sensible as I'd not use a scooter or moped these days having a need for several feet of crushable metal around me;!.

More sensibly has she tried seeking out the right sort of instructor to asses her driving capabilities at all?.

Lweji · 30/09/2016 11:43

Yes, she is.

But it might be dangerous for her.

Batteriesallgone · 30/09/2016 11:44

If she struggles with spatial awareness won't she be quite vulnerable on a moped?

I don't think she'd be laughed at. Round here scooters are mostly ridden by middle aged women, so she'd be considered a bit young if anything.

Ausernotanumber · 30/09/2016 11:44

Spatial awareness she will be much worse on a moped

crayfish · 30/09/2016 11:45

Of course she won't get laughed at. I've got loads of scootery friends (mods) who are in their 50s and they are some of the coolest people I know. I am a driving phobic so know how she feels and if I could scooter then I totally would (I can't because I've got a baby, but I cycled most places before that), tell he to ignore other people and remember that most other people are always too worried about their own lives to bother with what anyone else is doing.

PrincessOG16 · 30/09/2016 11:48

If she can't judge she shouldn't be on the road.

PatMullins · 30/09/2016 11:51

Wouldn't recommend a moped for someone with no spatial awareness

FlyingElbows · 30/09/2016 11:52

Tbh I think if she genuinely has problems with spatial awareness then she could be a real risk to herself and other drivers if she were on a scooter. Positioning yourself safely on the road is a very important part of bike riding.

passingthrough1 · 30/09/2016 11:52

I find driving terrifying so don't do it at all (I do have s licence though) but I'd rather drive a car than a moped.

Thejubremonyatthelibrary · 30/09/2016 11:52

No way! I have a v. stylish scooter and get a lot of compliments, not piss-taking www.lexmoto.co.uk/models/WY125T-41/colour/Blue.png It's a cheap and nippy way to get around. I love it. Plus, if you are over a certain age (24 I think) you can ride a 125 so she won't end up on those shit mopeds that seem to go on 5mph. I go around on mine on an average of 30-50mph, but it could go at 60. To be honest, I've never ridden it as fast as it could go because I'd probably just freak out and end up in intensive care. But it's capable of really moving.

Thejubremonyatthelibrary · 30/09/2016 11:57

Btw - if her spacial awareness is too dangerous for her to on the road, she won't pass her CBT - the compulsory basic training certificate that you need to be road legal. It's not a test, it's training but instructors can and do refuse to give people certificates at the end of the training day if they don't think they are up to it.

With mine, I bought my scooter two months before I did my CBT and then practiced on private country tracks until I knew how to use it properly. Then I went for the CBT. She can focus on her spacial awareness more if she's not trying to remember where the brake is etc.

MetalMidget · 30/09/2016 11:58

I had a 110cc scooter, despite also having a driving license and a car. I've been driving since I was 18, got the scooter when I was 33! It was awesome for getting to and from work, brilliant for popping into town - parking was much easier.

Sadly it was nicked, and I didn't replace it because by the time the insurance came through I was pregnant.

Olddear · 30/09/2016 11:59

No spatial awareness is no spatial awareness whatever you drive surely?

EveOnline2016 · 30/09/2016 12:02

I have been a cat driver for 12 years, I still wouldn't get on a moped or motorbike.

EveOnline2016 · 30/09/2016 12:03

Cat driver is car driver lol

Purplebluebird · 30/09/2016 12:03

I think with no spatial awareness it's probably safer to not drive. Nobody will laugh at her on a scooter/moped etc, but she will be less safe than in a car.

Purplebluebird · 30/09/2016 12:04

Spatial? Spacial even.

PatriciaHolm · 30/09/2016 12:05

She'll be far more vulnerable on a scooter. I have a motorbike license and really wouldn't recommend a bike or moped for someone with spacial awareness issues.

seven201 · 30/09/2016 12:08

I don't see how a moped will solve the spatial awareness issue. But she wouldn't look silly.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 30/09/2016 12:09

Purple you were right first time

Justaboy · 30/09/2016 12:11

EveOnline2016 ! visions of you i a chariot on a mammoth tiger there;!

I think best bet is a good driving instructor on an off road circuit, they do exist and some capability assesments!

tiggytape · 30/09/2016 12:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.