Buying a Moped

[fender]

I am thinking of buying one. Either a petrol (under 50cc) or electric one.

Can I drive one on a car license?

What brands are good/bad, what kind of fuel economy can I get.

What should I look out for when buying?

Thanks.

[vansboy]

If you're looking for used, have a word with Nick, at http://www.forcemotorcycles.com
He sells mostly Police & MoD machines & sometimes has some mopeds from traffic warden type use. At least they'll have been maintained pretty well.

VB

[Keith]

Personally, buy a 125 Gilera. A 50cc will be very slow, and can actually put you in danger from impatient road users, the 125 will have enough power to keep up with traffic.

You need to do a CBT course with a local motorcycle school, this should be around £70.

I did 20,000 miles on a Gilera Runner, and it was a fantastic 125 scooter.

[suffolkb]

If you passed your car test before 2001, then you can ride a moped. If not, then you will have to go down the CBT route. Google `moped licence` for full details. I must learn how to do links.

[jonuk7]

i used to have an Aprilia RS 125 and it was brilliant, had plenty of power and easily sat at 80mph, then i wrote it off but would still reccomend it everytime

[dounome]

ive got a gilera runner 50cc but derestricted so does 50mph, its great, i got it through the autotrader
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/BIKES/bikes.jsp

[fender]

Which brands are good/bad?

[tommie1shunt]

Agree with Keith, mopeds can be quite scary in busy traffic, especially in 40mph areas, the commuters go in death race mode if you hold them up. Used to run a Honda cg 125, cheap and indestructible, and has no street cred so the boy racers wont touch it.