Dangers of the scooter and importance of moped insurance

With sales of cars declining, many people are looking into alternative transportation. Although motorcycles are common, scooters have become increasingly popular because they are cheaper and very convenient to get from one place to another especially for commuting in busy cities.

How scooters can be dangerous

There are many risks associated with owning a scooter, these include:

• Safety while driving - just like motorcycles, car drivers are less likely to see a scooter so accidents are more likely to happen.
• Some scooters only have small engine which means they have a maximum speed limit. For example, a 50cc scooter will only have a maximum speed of 30mph; impatient drivers might want to overtake you resulting in your scooter being clipped or dented which will result in the scooter having to be repaired.
• Scooters are more prone to suspension problems due to Britain's dangerous roads. Scooters have smaller wheels so you will easily feel the effect of driving into a hole that can't be avoided.
• Handling of a scooter is also said to be more difficult compared to a motorcycle or a car. Avoiding an obstacle can save your life but scooters are well known to have terrible braking and acceleration.
• If you are involved in an accident and was not wearing suitable footwear, eyewear and gloves, this can have severe repercussions such as disability.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your safety while out on your moped:

• Always overtake on the right side as cars will not see you if they decide to turn left.
• Always ride in the middle of your lane - there's no law to say that you have to drive at the very left side of the lane, if you ride at the very end of the lane you may not see pedestrians trying to cross the road or drivers opening the door to leave their cars.
• If a vehicle tries to overtake but you think they may not have seen you, don't be afraid to use your horn because if you can't be seen, you can be heard.

Difference between scooter and moped

Moped comes from the 2 words 'motor' and 'pedal'. For something to be labelled as a moped, it needs to allow the rider with a pedaling mechanism as well as a motorised system. However some states have classified mopeds depending on their engine size or maximum speed they are able to go even if there's no support for pedals and others have named this mode of transport as such for convenience more than anything really as people are more familiar with this term rather than scooters.

What's the secret to getting cheap scooter insurance?

Like with anything vehicle insurance, the factors remain unchanged. You can opt for a third party policy for your scooter instead of comprehensive cover to reduce your quote. Your age, riding experience, where you'll be keeping the moped, how often you'll be using it and for what purpose (eg commuting or pleasure) will all affect how much you'll end up paying for the premiums. If you want to save more, you need to get it to its original specification and not make any modifications of any kind.

There are 3 main types of scooters on the market. The electric one is more economic but is restricted by speed and takes a lot of time to recharge (from 4 to 8 hours). The petrol one is the preferred choice because it has a smaller frame and provides more power while the chinese scooter is cheaper than the Japanese models.

It is important that you realise that thefts regarding mopeds are very common nowadays. Therefore you need to take every reasonable measure to ensure the safety of your vehicle when it's parked. Always take personal items with you to avoid attracting the 'wrong eyes'. And don't forget to buy an scooter insurance policy which provides adequate level of cover in case it is stolen or if you have an accident and need medical treatments.