Is there a point in buying a moped?

Question

I turn 16 in 4 months which is the legal age to ride a moped in the UK. However my Dad said he would only let me get the CBT once I had completely finished my exams which would probably be around August time( He says I can't learn how ride a moped and revise for exams at the same time. He generally thinks this... It isn't just an excuse to get me away from the idea.) Basically my question is is there any point spending money on a 50CC Moped for April only to be able to to ride it legally in August/September? Or would purchasing a moped serve to be a waste of money as my Dad said he would buy me a car for when I'm 17 if I succeeded in my exams? And if you say I should go for the moped please could you list some good reasonably priced makes I could look at... Thanks

Answer 1

Serious thought. I really enjoy motorcyles. Or, for that matter, anything on two wheels. Owning a car that appears to be free and outright sounds like a good deal. However, you are almost 16 and you are facing someone else trying to manipulate you. I have many friends that are homeless. They are often times offered a job but turn it down because they think it has too many stipulations and they feel that their prospective boss is trying to manipulate them. So, they live a life of having nothing. In looking at what your dad has offered if you take his route and do well on the exams, not only would you have a car at 17 but, would be in a better position to make more decisions on your own latter. If you chose the moped route and still do well on the exams you would have proven your father to be a manipulator and seeking to take something of joy away from you. The latter, you would cherish as you age because you stood up to an authority figure and in the process would have cherished memories. As a youngster when I was 15 years old I used paper route money to buy my first motorcycle. Now, 30 years later and no accidents I have many fond memories. Including countless girls that have ridden on the back and I even rode on the back with a girl at the helm once. But, also, one bad accident can end it all. You ride, you decide. Whatever the end result you need to be able to say that you were the one that made the decision.

Answer 2

Having a moped has its ups and downs. I personally have never had one, but I am an owner of a motorcycle, and only a year older than you. That said, why I am answering you is much because last year I faced a similar decision, an I chose the motorcycle. I worked at a restaurant while I was fifteen and, in April when I turned 16,I bought a used motorcycle. Why I chose that is because, although I could only ride it during august and September, as you stated, there was always next year. Also, as you may hear others your age complaining, gas is very expensive. However, small motorcycles and mopeds get about 90-100 mIles to a gallon. So, the decision is yours, but if you do decide to get a moped, I advise you to get one used and local, as a brand new one is always more expensive, and there is a lot of annoying paperwork from the dealership to fill out.

Answer 3

First disclose your grade point average, class standing. IF you're at top of class and have extra time to read the operations manuals and pass test, then tell your father that you can do the extra study easily- see my top of class standing. BUT, if you're barely in middle of class standings and your father has to give you incentives to get basic done, stay off the 2 wheels until you pass finals- and better be in top 10% then. Subtle hint- straight A students can get tolerance from teachers and parents for a few little silly incidents - vehicle uses, exploding matches in the chem lab, leaving school bullies laying in hall unconscious but not bleeding--- blood seems to be the breaking point and father offer of car after tests passed seems to be a simple keep the blood off the road a year idea. What is your class standing again???.

Answer 4

I bought a moped when I didn't know that you could ride a 125 at 17. I honestly would just wait. I constantly wished I'd known and waited to buy a 125cc/

Answer 5

If it does not have pedal cranks for physical locomotion, it is not a moped, it is a scooter.

Answer 6

Go for the car as long as your dad pays for the insurance in your name, in his name on your car is illegal if caught