Moped? Segway?

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

I live about five miles from where I work, and seeing as the bus schedule is a bit crappy sometimes and I only have access to a car every other day, my commute can vary from 10mins to 45mins or more. So I thought about alternative methods of getting to work quickly. Walking? A little too far. Bicycle? I have an irrational fear of them. How much do mopeds cost? Are they fun? Can you listen to your iPod while riding them? Or should I get a Segway? Or one of those motorized scooter things that the cool kids ride?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:25 (twenty-two years ago)

Why are you afraid of bike but not motorbikes?

― 0r4l R0b3rt5 (ex machina), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:27 (twenty-two years ago)

He was bitten by a wild bike once when he was six.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:28 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.lovine.com/hobbes/comics/bike1.gif
http://www.lovine.com/hobbes/comics/bike2.gif
http://www.lovine.com/hobbes/comics/bike3.gif
http://www.lovine.com/hobbes/comics/bike4.gif

― 0r4l R0b3rt5 (ex machina), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Bill Watterson, I love you.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

I'd advise against listening to an iPod while riding a moped so you can hear traffic, sirens, etc. For that matter, it's not the best idea to be wearing headphones in traffic regardless of what you're driving or riding.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Why are you afraid of bike but not motorbikes?

Yeah, this really doesn't make sense does it? But that's the way it is.

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Very true. I think I have wanted a bike ever since I got Vice City.

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Weren't Segways recalled or something?

I am not afraid of bikes, but I have an intense fear of motorcycles.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:34 (twenty-two years ago)

martin otm. When you're riding a moped you need every sense on full alert. Seriously.

They're fucking great fun, and in the Califronian climate I bet they'd be fantastic. But you are risking your life every single time you drive. Take a while to consider your options.

p.s. if you can get over your bike phobia it's the best option - what a great way to get and stay fit!

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:34 (twenty-two years ago)

One other thing I didn't mention - part of my commute takes me through WEST OAKLAND! Can I ride through the ghetto like this?

http://www.uncoolcentral.com/images/davelog/segway.jpg

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:34 (twenty-two years ago)

I feel like JW or dean! for posting that pic!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:35 (twenty-two years ago)

If you do get a moped, don't get a 50cc - start off with a 125cc (though I don't know what US regulations are with regards to small motorbikes). 50cc bikes are too slow to be safe, basically.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:35 (twenty-two years ago)

My email address clearly expresses my opinion on these matters.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:35 (twenty-two years ago)

Mark, why are mopeds more of a risk than bikes?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Also - are mopeds cooler in Europe than they are in Northern California?

WOULD GYGAX RIDE ONE????

I could see AKM on one.

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:36 (twenty-two years ago)

my friend has a segway. i tried to ride it once. it takes some getting used to, way moreso than a moped or whatever.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I would never buy a real Vespa

― 0r4l R0b3rt5 (ex machina), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Gygax strikes me as more of a Harley rider!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Why? And what exactly is a 'fake' Vespa?

x-post

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:41 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.sinera.org/anna/page/index/socrates/socrates3/fotos/wasp.jpg

― VengaDan Perry (Dan Perry), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:41 (twenty-two years ago)

a fake vespa is a vespa-like thing that is not a vespa

― 0r4l R0b3rt5 (ex machina), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Mopeds go faster and are part of "traffic" in a way bikes aren't - (sensibly ridden) bikes don't go in and out of traffic in the same way. If you fall off you're less likely to be seriously injured; you're less likely to end up in the path of incoming traffic.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:47 (twenty-two years ago)

I forgot to mention the whole stigma about the East Bay and bicycles. But maybe that's just me.

It's enough that I wear flipflops and eat granola, I need to assert the gas-guzzling, meat-eating BASTARD side of my personality with something that makes noise and smoke!!!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:48 (twenty-two years ago)

A fake Vespa is just wrong. Real ones pre-1981 are best.

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:51 (twenty-two years ago)

Ditch the flip-flops and buy a bike. That is all.

― NickB (NickB), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:51 (twenty-two years ago)

Nooooooooooooo!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:52 (twenty-two years ago)

My brother is at Sussex! Say hi!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:52 (twenty-two years ago)

What do metrosexuals take to work???

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:52 (twenty-two years ago)

You may need to be more creative, Adam. Like this, for example:
http://www.friesiansusa.com/Friesians_driving.htm

Though you may want to pimp that ride slightly, à la...
http://www.highonadventure.com/Hoa02apr/Stockholm/Coach2.jpg

For a more modest budget:
http://www.escoutz.com/donkeypunchers/images/donkey.jpg

If, however, the smell of equine waste disagrees with you:
http://www.theruperts.net/cannon2.jpg
Be prepared to like the smell of gunpowder and burning hair.

On days when it's not raining, why not meander to work in one of these?
http://www.heidelberg-ballon.de/bilder/Sonderformen/montgolfiere.jpg

Think about it.

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:55 (twenty-two years ago)

The idea of riding a donkey down San Pablo each morning excites me!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Can you rent them?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 15:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Rent-an-ass didn't turn up the *ahem* right result. I'll keep looking though I might be a little distracted here for a minute.

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Be really careful if you buy a new moped or scooter in California... many unscrupulous sellers on the web are selling scooters to California that will never pass smog due to stringent emissions regulations - but if you buy it from a scooter shop (there's one on College), you should be okay.

― andy, Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:01 (twenty-two years ago)

How much do they cost, andy?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:01 (twenty-two years ago)

DUNE BUGGY.

HOVERCRAFT (preferably one that you make from a kit).

― Comment dits-on...eh... le NA? (Nick A.), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:01 (twenty-two years ago)

dudes, fuck the moped, FUCK the segway!!!

you want a GO-PED!

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:06 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.jazzmotorsports.com/images/catalog/bigfoot.jpg

http://www.motodemons.com/images/pedjumpcarg.jpg

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Ken, the first picture is actually the type of thing I want!!!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:09 (twenty-two years ago)

You want a scooter with a lawnmower engine on it?

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Do you need a driver's license to drive a moped in the U.S.? Maybe this is a silly question. They don't have license plates, do they?

― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:13 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.flygyro.com/dingbat/images/dingbat1.jpg

They'll be tripping on San Pablo when you hover over in your new Gyropcopter, Road Warrior styley! Build from a kit!

― andy, Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:13 (twenty-two years ago)

get a bike you pussy! at least you'll get exercise. don't be lazy.

― cutty (mcutt), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:14 (twenty-two years ago)

I exercise enough already!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:17 (twenty-two years ago)

adaml i had one they really are great... fast (i mean like about 15mph - it feels faster than that just because you're balancing pretty much on a plank of wood!!), and so light and small you can fold it up and carry it into work (i.e. no need to chain it on the road!!!), and just plain cool.

the electric versions are more practical for going to work purposes (slightly slower at 9mph cruise speed, but no need for petrol fuel and is quiet!)

the only problem with these things is that i don't think they're strictly legal to be ridden on the road.. the electric ones should be ok though.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:18 (twenty-two years ago)

how much? what are they called?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:19 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.goped.com

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:20 (twenty-two years ago)

I heard on the radio the other morning that they want to make San Pablo a "world class boulevard," with public art, benches and I guess trees. That way you can buy Cisco on a world-class boulevard...

― andy, Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:21 (twenty-two years ago)

I am curious about the "Rhythm and Blues Hall of fame" on San Pablo that is NEVER open. It sticks out like a sore thumb. San Pablo is a totally fucking weird street.

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I love me some East Bay chatter.

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Skipping 19 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

they look great, ken c. And only just over $500! (though I couldn't find electric ones!)

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:40 (twenty-two years ago)

What happened to yours?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:40 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.magni.it/mvagusta/images/mini.jpg

― cutty (mcutt), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:41 (twenty-two years ago)

the only bad thing about mopeds/scooters is you can't take them on the freeway. I would get a scooter if I ever actually did anything in the same town we live in.

― kyle (akmonday), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:42 (twenty-two years ago)

you should!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:42 (twenty-two years ago)

If you get a 125cc moped you can go fast enough to go on the freeway.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:43 (twenty-two years ago)

FUCK THE STREETS THE SKY IS OURS
http://www.flying-contraptions.com/rocketman.gif

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Maybe when San Pablo becomes a world-class "boulevard", you will!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:44 (twenty-two years ago)

electric ones are on the "personal transport" bit when you click on the products page (it's embedded with the pictures so it's not as easy to find).. look for "Stealth II" and "Hoverboard".

I lent it to the 10 yr old son of a friend of my dad's for a few months and he rode it around and some youths robbed it from him. :(

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I hate youths!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:44 (twenty-two years ago)

have you considered a shriner car? you would look SO HOT in a fez omg.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:45 (twenty-two years ago)

omg i want those rockets!!

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:46 (twenty-two years ago)

you would look SO HOT in a fez omg.

!!!!!!!!!!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:53 (twenty-two years ago)

http://maddox.xmission.com/c.cgi?u=segway_more_complicated_than_it_needs_to_be

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Wednesday, 16 June 2004 16:55 (twenty-two years ago)

haha

the eunicycle

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 17:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Errrr....how do you fill up the gas gopeds? I know nothing about engines!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 17:57 (twenty-two years ago)

I love how ILX consistently, magically knows my thoughts and just brings a thread to the top that addresses what I am considering. It's getting fucking freaky.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Why, were you planning to scrap club culture?

― Comment dits-on...eh... le NA? (Nick A.), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:10 (twenty-two years ago)

This is pretty cheap, d00ds!!!:

http://www.creativerides.com/Scooters-XTRLite.html

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:19 (twenty-two years ago)

What is the law concerning riding these things?

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:21 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.powersource.org/powersource/files/cascooterlaw.html

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:24 (twenty-two years ago)

I just found out they are illegal to drive ON ROADS in Tennessee!? WTF!

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:27 (twenty-two years ago)

illegal ... in Tennessee

Yep. Just like anal sex.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 18:41 (twenty-two years ago)

ummm...10 miles an hour isn't very fast!!!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 20:22 (twenty-two years ago)

ummm...10 miles an hour isn't very fast!!!

It is for anal sex.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:25 (twenty-two years ago)

You can't even drive them on the SHOULDER of the road. Poop.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:27 (twenty-two years ago)

So basically you can drive around in circles in your backyard is what it sounds like.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:31 (twenty-two years ago)

I can't tell you how psyched I am about this goped thing!!!!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:31 (twenty-two years ago)

AdamL, do you know about folding bikes?

― Sébastien Chikara (Sébastien Chikara), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:48 (twenty-two years ago)

no!

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Adam, I still like my carriage idea best. Get about six goats and teach them how to pull a dog cart. Later you milk them and make goat cheese. Efficient, fun, and educational!

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 16 June 2004 21:52 (twenty-two years ago)

i had a honda spree when i was a kid, for my paper route. back then you needed a license but you only had to be 15. i was 12. i painted the muffler purple and got into a fight with a kid who stole my battery, he didn't know i had kick start and i was riding home and saw a kid carrying a battery and thought it looked peculiar. i was also hit by a car and the moped went flying about 40 feet but i escaped unharmed.

― keith m (keithmcl), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:22 (twenty-two years ago)

What do y'all think of this?

http://www.motorscootersusa.com/images/Electric/blackscooter.jpg

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:31 (twenty-two years ago)

bah

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:32 (twenty-two years ago)

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Scooters are too expensive for what they are. For the money, why not buy an beginner-level motorcycle?

At least then you've got some real power between your legs.

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:40 (twenty-two years ago)

aw adam is excited about my suggestion"

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 June 2004 01:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I went to a job interview a couple of weeks ago, and they had a Segway in the office. After the interview I asked if I could ride it - yeah! took it back & forth in the corridor a few times, LOVED it. Sadly, I did not get the job. I'm considering asking if I could come ride their Segway once in a while anyway.

― Layna Andersen (Layna Andersen), Thursday, 17 June 2004 02:57 (twenty-two years ago)

This is my scooter.

http://img.autos.yahoo.co.jp/bphoto/0101sucub50s200202.jpg.

― Debito (Debito), Thursday, 17 June 2004 03:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Here in Japan, motorists are very aware of two-wheeled vehicles (there are a lot of them), so I feel a bit safer. But in the States, nobody thinks about bikes or looks for them, so I would hesitate to ride there.

― Debito (Debito), Thursday, 17 June 2004 03:11 (twenty-two years ago)

Why do I always see Vespas parked outside of NY establishments, but I never see anyone riding one on the streets of our town?

― Mary (Mary), Thursday, 17 June 2004 09:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Last summer, Montreal: While watching a middle-aged man walking his pet pig (who really did prove the truism about pet/owner look-a-likes), 'round the corner comes a Segway and whizzes past. A sublime urban moment.

― Guymauve (Guymauve), Thursday, 17 June 2004 10:32 (twenty-two years ago)

i witnessed a bike being hit full on by a cab in NY last saturday :(((

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 June 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

debito your bike is beautiful!!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 17 June 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

but I never see anyone riding one on the streets of our town

Yeah, I've never seen one in NYC either. I suspect the parked ones you see are owned by part-time-wannabe-mods who wouldn't dream of riding them regularly, but dust them off for brit-pop nights or to look cool or whatever. This happened in Toronto a lot. I, on the other hand, rode my Vespa everywhere because it's a damn fine mode of transport. Except for streetcar tracks - they are the deathtrap for all small-wheeled-transport-riders everywhere!

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 17 June 2004 12:23 (twenty-two years ago)

one month passes...

THIS MORNING, MY GOPED ENGINE ATE MY TROUSERS. THANKS KEN C.

Adam

― AdamL :') (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 27 July 2004 19:42 (twenty-one years ago)

one year passes...

i just bought a TOMOS SPRINT moped this afternoon. it's a 2-speed automatic with a 2-stroke single cylinder engine, gets 100 miles per gallon (1-gallon tank) and maxes out at a BLAZING 30 miles per hour. though the lady at the dealership said if we brought it back in her husband could tweak it out and get it up to 45.

they're delivering it in a few hours!!!

http://www.tomosusa.com/images/showroom/photo_sprint_black_side.jpg

― ath (ath), Saturday, 25 March 2006 18:44 (twenty years ago)

That's kickass! Too bad that you can no longer purchase new two-strokes in California...

― naus (Robert T), Saturday, 25 March 2006 20:02 (twenty years ago)

Seriously - if anyone in London wants a 45mph 50cc Aprilia moped, about 3000 miles, broken speedo and starter motor but otherwise working fine, get in touch off board - I'd be happy to sell it for way below market price.

― Markelby (Mark C), Saturday, 25 March 2006 20:56 (twenty years ago)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/mattsinopoli/AD_GOB.jpg

― AaronK (AaronK), Saturday, 25 March 2006 21:22 (twenty years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.