There are no mopeds in Montreal. There are, however, many in Europe.
In Paris, we were watching this on-the-street breakdancing show. This sporty little moped drives up, and the person driving it gets off in a fluid motion, taking the helmet off… and it was a girl about my age. I totally didn’t expect it, as I’m used to only seeing motorcycles driven by older men.
She was just the coolest person alive right then. I wanted to be her.
I have decided, therefore, that I, too, would be really cool if I drove a moped. But I know nothing about them!
So, tell me, those of you who know:
Most importantly, what are the safety issues? Are they relatively safe? Does it mostly depend upon the driver?
What kind should I look into?
What are the price ranges?
Am I crazy for this?
With a moped you can go not particularly far, rather slowly, with no comfort. It’s just a supped up Vacuum cleaner.
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What speed are mopeds in Canada governed to? Over here they are limited to 30-35 mph, which is just about enough for in town, but pretty useless for anything else.
Safety-wise, I never really felt in any danger. The only difficulty I ever had was with the small wheels not dealing terribly well with drains at the side of the road. Best to avoid those!
Most importantly, what are the safety issues? Are they relatively safe? Does it mostly depend upon the driver?
Mostly, perhaps. But since you’re going to be riding (not driving, you silly goose ;)) in a city where they are unfamiliar, the danger may actually be greater than in a European city.
Over here, most mopeds are used by completely irresponsible 16 year old gits that think they’re the next Mick Doohan. They regularly get into accidents (some of them quite serious), a lot which they cause themselves. I’ve had to avoid many a moped by car, and God forbid I’m on my motorbike. Seems the coolest thing on a moped is to outrun a 600cc motorbike. Of course, the bike isn’t eve trying, but having all these kids with more guts than brains buzz around you like little mosquitos really gets old. Sometimes, I just hit them on the top of the helmet with my hand if they get too close. Not too hard, mind you - I don’t want them to crash. But enough to get the point across.
The moral of the story: mopeds can be dangerous, and this is a city that’s USED to them. You’re gonna be invisible on a moped in Montreal, if they’re indeed as rare as you say they are.
What kind should I look into? What are the price ranges?
The scooter models seem to be rather popular. Brands you see a lot are Peugeot, Yamaha, Honda, Benelli, Vespa, and Aprilia. I really don’t know what you’re looking for, not do I know a whole lot about today’s mopeds. I used to ride a Vespa Scooter when I was 16, but this model is no longer produced. They do make a retro-looking scooter now, though… can’t find a pic, sorry. The main Vespa line in the US at least seems to be these two models. So, about $3,000 US for a 50cc version.
*Am I crazy for this? *
Yeah, maybe a bit. Can’t say it enough: you may think they’re cool, but the city around you may not be the best place to ride one.
check out —> www.mopedarmy.com and www.mopedguru.com
They have some good info and may give you a good feel for the way of the moped.
lots of them in vegas… evidently no helmet required and im not even so sure about a drivers license. Many people ride them to work if they dont live too far. I’ve checked em out though and they seem pretty damn pricey for what they are… you could get a slightly older used car.
With the brutal Canadian winters, won’t you be able to ride it only a few months out of the year?
Well, yes. But I’d be DARN COOL those three months!
I didn’t think about that Coldie, 
There is a special license here you need, but you can get it by a written test, no driving (riding) required.
Alright, that was me. Why, oh WHY, must everyone stay logged in on my computer?
