Anyone ride a moped/motorbike?

[Letthebodieshitthefloor]

I failed my driving test around 10 times and don't feel that driving is for me.
I currently ride an E bike which is great, but considering a 125cc moped.

Does anyone currently ride one or a more powerful bike?

If I'm correct only a day of CBT is needed in order to be able to ride around with L plates?

Did you find it easier to get to grips with than car driving?

I'm just worried about the safety element, people see them as death traps and call bikers 'organ donors'

If you ride, have you ever had an accident of any severity?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'd say I'm fairly confident on a bicycle and can do up to 20 miles a day, but I know a moped is a different kettle of fish.
I'm too scared to tell my Mum, even though I'm 30 she's going to hit the roof lol

125cc is a motorcycle, not a moped.
You need to understand the difference as it makes a difference to what you can ride and the licensing requirements.
Riding a bike is not for everyone but as a lifetime rider from a family where everybody rode one I can see the attraction.
Riding a bike makes you a better car driver, you have to be so observant that you learn to read the road, conditions and other road users (just remember, they ARE cretins and they ARE out to get you!).
It can make your commute quicker but will you be riding all year round or just when it is warm & dry?

I rode bikes - 50cc to 400cc and I took to it easily. However, that was 20 years ago, when there were fewer stressed, uninsured, drugged up drivers on the road. Even so, I was knocked off twice in six years, thankfully without injury.

I chose a bike because I couldn't afford a car. Bikes are cold, wet & dirty (and I like them ). As soon as I could, I switched to a car.

Also, by 30, your reaction times have already started to slow down. It makes you more vulnerable.

If you can afford it, have you tried an intensive driving course, followed by a retest?

I used to ride a 125cc bike, and yes all I needed was a provisional licence and to pass a one day CBT course. You need to keep the L plates on and can't carry any passengers, and the CBT needs to be renewed every two years, unless you obtain a full motorcycle licence during that time.

You may find some time on a moped or bike helps you with your driving. I learned to drive very quickly following my time on a bike, because I'd developed a good amount of confidence and road awareness.

In my year of riding, I had a fairly serious accident due to poor weather conditions. I had to have emergency surgery to repair a very complicated break to my leg, and have need four surgeries since. I can no longer ride a bike due to the severity of my injuries. You'll find plenty of people who'll say they've never had an accident - I definitely feel there's an element of luck. You're obviously more protected in a car, but also worth factoring in the distances you're likely to be driving, and how busy and well maintained the roads are. I always felt safer driving in town than on windy and pot hole riddled country roads.

Why did you fail your driving test? If you feel driving isn't for you, is a moterbike / moped really a safe choice? Lots of road awareness is needed (potentially more so than in a car!) and it really isn't an "easy" route. If you're considering it because it's only a 1 day training and you think you'll scrape through I'd be worried if you've actually got the ability to be safe on the road.

I ride motorbikes - but I don’t do it as an alternative to driving a car, the two aren’t really comparable. A motorbike is great fun (and I now only ride mine for fun, because riding in London is pretty crap) but it can’t replace a car if what you need is a way of getting around over long distances in all weathers, carrying shopping, going to IKEA, going on holiday etc etc.

What is it about driving you don’t think is for you? It won’t be any easier on a motorbike. You have more to think about and need to add in the extra thought processes of riding defensively, shoulder checks, road positioning and so on.

Have your tried driving lessons in an automatic car? You’ll find it makes a huge huge difference.

Thanks for the replies.
Maybe it isn't for me if driving wasn't, i struggled with spatial awareness and just found it hard to do several things at once.
It could be worth looking into an automatic.

Just want a faster way of getting around, but the above points are very good, that I can't carry shopping etc with it.

I'll have to think about it..

Spatial awareness is definitely necessary no matter what vehicle you're using - but especially as a biker, you're more vulnerable.

Automatic can really take the pressure away from gear changes / clutch etc, more stop and go which is much simpler! You might find that it helps with your spatial awareness when you've got more brain space to concentrate 😊

Yes, I have ridden mopeds (they go up to 50cc... a step through bike that is bigger than that is called a scooter) and geared bikes up to 675cc.

It is true that a short CBT course will enable you to ride a bike up to 125cc with L plates. You can choose what type of bike take the CBT on. Even though it is not a requirement for the CBT, I would recommend doing the motorcycle theory test anyway, or at least study for it like you were going to take it.

Just be aware that you will need to redo your CBT every two years. If you try riding, and decide you do like it (and can put up with all weathers if you are using your bike to commute) then it would be worth applying for your full licence.

As a motorcyclist, you are a lot more vulnerable than other road users. You have to assume that everyone else is driving around with their eyes closed.
Make sure you get decent protective clothing (no riding in T-shirt and joggers, even it is sweltering out).

I rode in all weathers for nearly 20 years, and the only time I came off my bike was slipping on diesel as I was slowing down in traffic.

I've rode for years. I found learning to ride a bike easier than driving. You have nothing to loose from doing your CBT it'll give you a feel of whether or not it's for you. Definitely need heated grips in the winter.

Rode a bike on the road from around 30. I already had a car licence and did direct access (easier those days) and went straight onto a 600cc and toured Europe on it, then onto a 1000cc sports bike and enjoyed that. Not come off. Dropped one of my bikes a couple of times but that's because my foot slipped on gravel on the road.

Why do you think driving is not for you?

I have been riding motorcycles all my life. Riding a manual motorcycle is, IMHO, much much harder than driving a car, it requires lots more coordination and concentration: the left hand is the clutch, the right hand the front brake, the left foot changes gear, the right foot the back brake.

An automatic motorcycle, like a Vespa, is easier to ride than a manual motorcycle, but, still, if you don't feel comfortable in a car, what makes you think you'd be fine with a motorcycle?

I think it's important to understand why you have failed your test so many times before determining if two-wheelers can be for you: was it a phycological problem? Eg if it was anxiety it's unlikely to go away on two wheels. Do you have some physical disabilities that hinder you? Etc

I got my bike license way before I got my car license. For me I found riding a bike easier, I feel like I have more control. Do think about why you are choosing a bike over a car though, not because you think it would be easier to get a bike license! They are two completely different things! Riding a bike is safer if you know to always keep away from cars, give yourself more space. If you think you struggle with spatial awareness that could be a problem with riding a bike? especially when judging if you could overtake safely or when you start filtering in traffic.
I would suggest asking friends who ride bikes to take you out a few times to get a better feel and seek their advice.
remember being on a bike you need to be super alert on what goes on around you, so you don't get into trouble and that includes pedestrians/bicycles/animals! Good Luck and have fun x

Oh forgot to say that I personally think it is safer to be on a bigger bike, than say, a 125. You need the speed to get you out of (potential) trouble!

Yes. I ride a 650cc sports bike.

As mentioned, a days CBT training which is valid for 2 years. Ideally do it on a 125 not a ped.

Yes I've had an accident. Rear ended by a woman on her phone. I don't recommend it. You have to rude defensively, like people are out to get you. Anticipation everything. Winter riding is no fun because of the weather conditions and slippery roads. Remember to wrap up warm and ATGATT (all the gear, all the time). The right protective wear can and can save your life (and skin)

Oh for edit button. You get the gist (I hope)