Getting to Work on a Scooter - My First Experiences

Рет қаралды 47,054

7 жыл бұрын

My recent project to change from a car commute to a 50cc scooter including the costs involved and impressions of riding in a UK city for the first time. If you're looking to do the same, you might find some of this info useful.
After getting sick of Bristol traffic and delays getting out of work, I decided to invest in a moped to 'buy' myself up to 2 hours of free time per day.
I am totally new to this area of tech, bikes, accessories, clothes etc. so I had to really take some guesses with what I bought. I'd appreciate advice from any biking experts out there!
I look briefly at most aspects of the switch including...
• Peugeot Django 50cc scooter
• LS2 Rookie Helmet
• Security & locks
• Buffalo Explorer bike jacket
• Rev' It Kryptonite GTX gloves
• Sena 10S Bluetooth helmet headset
• Bike cover
• Insurance costs
• First impressions of riding to work
Thanks to Nick at Whiteladies Scooters who had a relatively easy sale with me but was very good at it. Also thanks to Downend Scooters who prioritised fixes needed on the bike. Admittedly, this was a brand new bike and should have been perfect but they sorted everything immediately and gave great service.
Thanks for watching and please give me your thoughts or comments below.
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Пікірлер: 95

@incurab1e 6 жыл бұрын

You should definitely make it a habit to wear the gloves all the time when riding and not just winter. If you fall, the first thing that's going to touch the asphalt is your hands. You'll thank me later. :)

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

Yes. I will be doing that now. I’m quite used to them and while it’s awkward to do anything other than ride with them on, I also like having my hands intact! 🙂

@vespakat7815 6 жыл бұрын

Lionel Ong totally agree!

@DougWIngate 6 жыл бұрын

it's usually the elbows/forearms to touch the asphalt first?

@stajpi 6 жыл бұрын

i am from croatia, i live in small city near adriatic sea... for 15 years i use scooter for everything, trips, city, shopping, night out, everything... in one year i do around 10.000km... best thing i ever bought! i woudn't change it for anything! if you need some questions just ask!

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

I still love riding the bike as it's so liberating in a city with so much traffic. The only limitations are... 1. Poor weather requires much more appropriate clothing for riding a scooter. 2. Other drivers are much less used to bikes so safety is more tricky. 3. Theft of scooters in Bristol is massive so you have to spend so much time locking it up even if you only leave it for a short time. I wish I could use it as freely and simply as I have when in Croatia (rode one around Brac a few years ago), Spain or Portugal.

@stajpi 6 жыл бұрын

TDCatTech we were on our honeymoon on Brac, with piaggio bev250, beautiful place... that is true, we dont have so many thieves, so it is easier for us... i just park it, lock steering, and that's it... i live in zadar, it is a small place, ideal for scooters...

@stajpi 6 жыл бұрын

TDCatTech and weather... we have like 300 sunny days in a year :) and during winter lowest temperature is like 5 celsius, in a whole winter there is like one day with -2 or -3 celsius and that is it... you can drive it whole year...

@robertodg8743 5 жыл бұрын

koji imas motor

@opengates777 4 жыл бұрын

Always wear your gloves at all times, because you may come off the bike in a smash, and your bare hands scrape on the concrete.

@simonthomas5367 6 жыл бұрын

Here in France we can go straight to 125cc after a days training. Really useful. Highly recommended. And a 125 is the minimum needed on the main ring roads around Lyon. Always wear your gloves! Knuckle protection essential.

@mrmackay8353 6 жыл бұрын

same as UK, the CBT is a one day course, after that u are valid for 2 years.

@zaibkhan5037 2 жыл бұрын

I have the new honda supercub ... omg !!! freedom , no more stuck in town traffic , I use it for everything ... shopping ,nipping around , work . £3 will get me a comfortable 80+ miles . It has been a game changer for me . great vid I hope ppl watching will switch and thank you for it

@vespakat7815 6 жыл бұрын

Very helpful advice, thanks!

@thomassrensen9423 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your video! It was fun to watch because I am in the exact same situation here in Denmark. However due to budget I bought the Peugeot Speedfight 4 4T. You are absolutely right, it is so nice to ride - no stress! Mine only do 30km/t but I can ride it on the bike pathways which means I am away from cars and traffic. So for everyone considering a scooter - buy one!

@tonyciantar6417 6 жыл бұрын

wish it was the same here in the Uk, it would be worth having a 50 but they are not allowed on cycle paths here.

@youngT13245 5 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks for sharing

@petitenoire 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy that I find this video as I live in Bristol and recently think about buying a scooter, exactly the same model as you have :) .

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your scooter venture if you decide to buy. I still use it all the time. I can't even imagine how much time it has saved me commuting around Bristol.

@robertostman2075 5 жыл бұрын

if you havent got it yet, then I sugest to look at the ather 450

@RamenOnWheels 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting and insightful. Sweet vid. 😊🛵

@wakeupatnightable 5 жыл бұрын

Omg the row mobile!

@petertaranscorsese2900 7 жыл бұрын

If any of your other viewers are considering a switch from 4 wheels, also consider an eBike (Push Bike) - I'm just back from a holiday in France where we used them for a few days, up to 55 kms in a day and they are excellent! For a very good one, the price wouldn't be much lower than your scooter, but advantages are - more healthy, as you still pedal, but can select assist for slopes and to go faster / wouldn't require a lot of the additional gear, insurance etc. / The power is "free" - for commuting, most employers would allow you to charge up FOC / it doesn't run out of fuel as you can still pedal as normal if the battery is flat / we found a single charge lasted 70 Kim's + / you don't arrive at work sweaty or feeling knackered, but you do feel you've done some exercise / no pollution / quiet / ride on cycle paths and pavements where allowed / much lighter, so easier to handle. I'm fortunate and have a company car, but if I was commuting up to 8 or 10 miles a day, I'd definitely buy one - Peter

@tdcattech 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter for the detailed and reasoned review of another alternative to 4 wheels. I considered a standard push bike but there were too many reasons why it really isn't the best choice in Bristol...though it is getting better.

@lassetegenborg9567 6 жыл бұрын

I have used my Django for 2 years now to commute to and from work 30 miles a day. As long as there is no ice, there is no better way to travel. Have driven when it's minus 5 degrees without any problems. However, I recommend that you install the large windshield and purchase a TomTom Vio GPS for navigation. A topbox is also a good accessory.

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Lasse. I'm thoroughly enjoying riding it. Sure it's hard work at times due to the extra clothing and gear but I now can get home in 25 mins. Considering the traffic, that is absolutely amazing. When I've needed navigation (which I don't in the city too often), I'm used my phone connected to my helmet headset which tells me where to go. It's not as good as a visual map but is better than I imagined it would be. I'm only doing about 15 miles a day but it is a much more relaxing 15 miles despite the concentration required to ride vigilantly.

@tonyciantar6417 6 жыл бұрын

Lasse Tegenborg I think you're right about the screen. I have a medium screen on my Vespa and wouldn't like to ride without one. Also I only wear a half face helmet, the screen stops bugs impacting my face.

@Scootphoria 5 жыл бұрын

Over a year old, but I just found this video. Yeah, it's called a scooter. That isn't a moped. I've got 18 helmets. My LS2 is my favorite. BUT you need to get one that fits YOU. 2 hours avg saved per day is good return. Happy scootering.

@raycollins4540 5 жыл бұрын

I to am a new scooter commuter I hope you do a follow up to let me know how things are going

@robertvanderzwan2517 5 жыл бұрын

I just started commuting on a 200 burgman .iis26km one way and there is7 km highway .at speeds above 100 km it feels not so stable also all groves in the road surface you feel much more direct as on a bike .in the city is great only spend 10 euro a week on petrol instead of 70 with my car .

@ZanyGeek Жыл бұрын

I thought id go from ebike to moped after a few years of ebiking to work.. Bought the moped 125cc and it was the biggest mistake... Not being able to go up one way streets and not being able to use cycle lanes was a killer. i went back to the ebike tbh .. sold the moped at a loss but lesson learned. London traffic isnt fun any time of day..

@tdcattech Жыл бұрын

I've moved to an electric moped similar to this now. Great fun but I definitely can't use cycle lanes 🙂

@SweetLilyofPeace 5 жыл бұрын

I am over 60 and am not a driver. I am planning to get a 50cc scooter and yes am also going for what you called the retro look. I love the look of the vespa but also have seen a nice Peugeot Kisbee. I always call them a scooter as to me a moped is one of those skinny little things that kids ride around on without the foot plate (or whatever it is called). I have never ridden a scooter before and the 50cc is definitely more than enough for me for now. Perhaps in the future when I am more confident if I feel the need I will go up however I am not sure I would need to as speed is not something I am looking for. I did consider an ebike however I think a scooter would be more convenient. I know what you mean about scooter getting confused with the kids scooter but when I do a search I just search motor scooter :). I do think re the heavy clothing if going in heavy traffic and on big roads a good precaution. The only real limit I see to a 50cc is not being able to go on motorway however as a non driver I don't think I would want to go on a motorway anyway. Also you reminded me when talking about clothing of myself many many years ago when I was riding pillion on a Honda Goldwing or a Kawasaki 1300 in Greece wearing only a pair of shorts and a bikini top going around many hair pin bends. Now as a more mature sensible woman (well slightly) I cringe now when I think about it but at the time it was fun :)

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your thoughts!

@Kibrael 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Honda NSC50R and commute 14 miles to work everyday. I live in London zone 3 and I get to Hyde Park in 40 minutes. Filter all traffic easily. I chose a 50CC exclusively because I need to take my GF in the back a lot and CBT + Car license limits me to 50 CC if I want to take a pillion. 50CC not bad, but would definitely go for a 125CC if it wasn't the case as it is much more convenient.

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

Same with me. If my licence covered it, I would definitely use a 125cc. Everything is so much more effortless but I do still love my 50cc despite it sounding a bit like a chainsaw. :-)

@scotts395 5 жыл бұрын

get it derestricted or buy one (insurance too) , then you can do 45/50 mph. (50cc) some can go alittle faster past derestricted too, though 45 is best for bike

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, I did that a few months after this video was made. You’re dead right with the speed. 45/50mph on a level gradient, just over 50mph downhill 😃 but down to 30mph on steep inclines. Works perfectly for my commute.

@scotts395 5 жыл бұрын

@@tdcattech Thanks for reply, yes sounds good and I agree great for commute 😁👍🛵

@bostjanerjavec4146 10 ай бұрын

I think few really comprihend how much money u can save via comuting to work by scooter or moped. What everyone see first is price of gas and time spent in traffic jams. The two of that is already a massive saving. 2 L/100km compared to 7-10l/100km, or 15 minutes compared to 1,5 hours standing in traffic jam. But how about parking fees in citycenter? 8 hours of parking is at least 8€ or more. And it's a nightmare to get a parking place too. And viceversa when you return to home (if you don't own your own parking) Let's go on. An averige car costs around 30K€ and is mostly used for comuting. Comuting turns your car slowly but surely to shit. After 5 - 8 years it would be worthless - and all that money could be saved by comuting via moped. This same car could all that time mostly siting in garage and would not require replacement at all. In fact, it would be like new. And when you count all that together, it's big money. Because beside housing, car is the second biggest expense in your life. And the idea that your lifestyle includes comuting to work in a car that tells everyone "who you are" is the most idiotic aproch to that mater.

@Mr71paul71 5 жыл бұрын

I use my 50cc for a 40 mile round trip commute to work, and I find it great, I normally get home faster than in the car most evenings. 50cc is more than capable for most trips and in town it bests my car hands down

@RandalLovelace 6 жыл бұрын

Please do not call a Scooter a Moped, they are really different beast. Mopeds can be peddled around to get them going (and to start them), scooter either kick start or (most) electric start. Glad you've joined the lighter side and riding a scooter.

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

I never really knew the distinction. Thanks for clarifying. I tend to use the term moped to make the distinction between my bike and the scooter that my 4 year old uses. :-)

@ianbrown5924 3 жыл бұрын

up to 50cc is still a moped

@RandalLovelace 3 жыл бұрын

@@ianbrown5924 Scooters do no have PEDALS, mopeds HAVE PEDALS. duh.

@all-four-inches 6 жыл бұрын

where the hell do you put a chain though? i have a django 150 and all my previous chains are now useless, can t get it through the wheels.... only using an alarm disc lock atm...

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

Well, that's a very good question. Bloody annoying, isn't it! I used a chain as a deterrent though it wasn't technically doing anything apart from making it awkward to ride away. I now use a d-lock on the rear, an alarmed disc lock on the front and a hefty padlock on the front. It had an attempted theft caught on CCTV 3 weeks ago and they walked away so I assume it must be enough for amateurs.

@all-four-inches 6 жыл бұрын

what the hell?! you had an attempt on your 50cc scooter?! I've stepped down coming from a Yamaha Tmax 530 only because people wanna nick it so bad i cant take it anywhere. I figure i move onto something cheaper and less desireable! stayed away from the vespas cuz they hot for the nicking too, now i find they are even after djangos?! and a 50cc to boot! lord theres no hope.... i give up, it gets nicked, it gets nicked, not much i can do about it ;_ ; BTW i've been thinking of replacing the front wheel with something else, maybe a five spoke or something but i dont know how easy that would be, still researching...

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

Maybe that's the reason they left it. Took the cover off and realised that it was a 50cc and thought sod it! :) I'm afraid scooter crime is massive in Bristol, particularly where we live. Everything nice will get stolen. Simple. Don't get me started :-D

@all-four-inches 6 жыл бұрын

Hah! you think Bristol is bad?! come on into London! i already had an attempt on my tmax 530, it included bats, chains and i was present! (i was the bat), if only heavier sentences were passed down instead of "slap-on-the-wrists" this problem may get sorted. I'm due in court soon as they actually caught the guys involved, but im not holding out much hopes for any sort of appropriate sentence, probably a suspended sentence at best...

@iamchannelll 4 жыл бұрын

I want a scooter but I’m not sure as I am a massage therapist and I’m not sure if it’s possible to carry a massage bed on a scooter :/

@rjc0234 4 жыл бұрын

Insurance is way more expensive than i expected, I'm paying £310 despite having CBT and a secure place to keep the bike!

@tdcattech 4 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean! It’s a 50cc bike worth a twentieth of the value of my car but the insurance is a few hundred a year. I understand if you’re in your teens but I am most certainly not!

@lordracula2461 2 жыл бұрын

@@tdcattech It's area and ncd dependant, my insurance is £75 and I live in a rural town in Scotland. Lucky me haha

@hughjones3163 2 жыл бұрын

Insurance first time in the Irish Republic was €590 on a 125cc tax is rough €75 per year. Car tax is way worse again than in the UK

@phillipnunya6793 5 жыл бұрын

It would have been better if you had got the licence and got a 100 or 150. Would have no problems on the city, and you could drive it outside the city without struggling to keep up.

@tasaheel131 3 жыл бұрын

How about now after 3 years? Still have the same feelings?

@tdcattech 3 жыл бұрын

100% - I love it. Unfortunately, I haven’t commuted since March so the bike isn’t getting much use at the moment 😕

@luis815tx 3 жыл бұрын

Any update on scooter riding 3 years after?

@tdcattech 3 жыл бұрын

I've been working from home since March 2020 so the bike hasn't had much use but it's still going strong. I went out today for a ride because I love just riding it around for fun. It has served my purposes of a commuter bike perfectly.

@Matowix 4 жыл бұрын

Are u still riding it ?

@tdcattech 4 жыл бұрын

I am. I can't even imagine how much time I have saved.

@ludditeneaderthal 6 жыл бұрын

had to mention goretex... lol

@searcy95 5 жыл бұрын

Been riding for 45+ years. Never had a motorcycle licenses. Screw the establishment !

@DrArku 4 жыл бұрын

Motorcycles were invented for free men to get away from the establishment. Keep riding, brother!

@bobuk5722 4 жыл бұрын

Hmm, no insurance cover then. Could get VERY expensive.

@tonyciantar6417 6 жыл бұрын

Don't see why you would go for a 50 over a 125 just because you have to do a CBT. I did the CBT then passed my A1 test without any lessons. Had my Vespa primavera for over 2 years now. Still have a Honda 50 sfx it's only good for around town, I rode this to work for 8 years, risking life and limb taking it on any road over 30 mph, as car drivers really don't care and see you as being in their way! Like you, I don't want a big bike but I still see 125 as a minimum. In any case today, to get a big bike licence cost a lot of money as you have to do a course with a school.

@tdcattech 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, I am a little torn now that I have a little more experience (though only a few thousand miles since I bought this). The speed issue is not really an issue on the commute that I do. Cars are lucky to get over 10mph on a lot of it! I may trade in at some point and go with the 125. I still love the bike though. It does exactly what I wanted it to when I bought it and has saved me countless hours on my commute. Whenever I drive to work now, I realise within minutes why I turned my back on it! I'd love a Vespa BTW. :-)

@tonyciantar6417 6 жыл бұрын

I have to confess, I came very close to buying the Django. What changed my mind? I came across a Django that had been left out in the rain too often and not looked after, it didn't look so good, wheels were in a bad way. Vespa's still look good even with a bit of rust. As you have a 50, you could always trade to a Vespa 125, if you had bought the 125 Django, it would not be worth the effort as, if looked after, both are very nice looking scooters and no doubt very well matched bikes. Mine tops out at a little over 65 mph due to a rev limiter. The Primavera also has the longest service intervals I think of any bike, including other Vespas. once you switch to a 125 you will not regret it, then just watch as many videos as you can re the bike tests, lots of very helpful videos on youtube. I passed my car test in 1981 so had to do the theory, used software on google store, 50 out of 50 and 60 out of 75. The off road test on a 125 twist and go, can be a bit of a challenge, I failed first time, only made it to 48kph during the avoidance, not so easy to speed up from 19 mph through the bend to 30 mph the cone, without being able to drop a gear. minimum is 50kph yep he failed me for 2 kph. on my return, bearing in mind I had never seen a test centre before my test, I just went around the curve faster than 19 mph, it was a little faster than I was comfortable with, but it was a dry day. Managed 54kph 125 twist and go are very fast off the mark, 20 to 30 takes a lot longer.

@mrmackay8353 6 жыл бұрын

125cc bikes are perfect, I don't want a big motorbike so got myself a Vespa LX, nice to ride and can easily keep up with traffic, I just need to do my A1 test and I will be happy, I'm a scooter guy though so will do it on automatic, don't need manual for scooters, lol.

@tonyciantar6417 6 жыл бұрын

M Mackay I watched lots of KZfaq videos before I did my test. I failed my first off road test, as I only managed 48 kph and the minimum is 50 kph. This was during the avoidance, after coming around the curve at the recommended speed, a twist and go 125 takes too long to get to 50 kph. On my first go, I did not have the balls to go through the curve faster, also there had been short shower. The second time it was dry and I just went for it and opened the throttle when I was less than half way through and held it open through the swerve, not as easy as you may think as your brain is saying reduce speed. I managed 52 kph. On a bike with gears this would be easier, even better if you had a bigger bike. My vespa is very fast off the mark, if its already doing 35 kph acceleration is slow and you can't drop down a gear. On my theory I got 50/50 and 60/75 used an android app to cram. Oh I forgot to mention and instructor was there with a young chap who had failed 3 times already, he gave me one piece of advice, during the avoidance aim for the gate not the examiner. The young lad failed again, he was so nervous! Its important not to think your life depends on this test.

@mrmackay8353 6 жыл бұрын

I've had a look at the module 1 test they make u do, it seems interesting. I have been riding on L plates for 2 years on the roads and I am now on 2nd CBT, hopefully the experience of riding will make the test less complicated. it will be nice to not ride with L plates, people kind of bully you when they see your a learner, lol, but I have learnt that U got to own the roads and not be scared, lol.

@colinbowman8046 3 жыл бұрын

Hi always wear your gloves cobo

@straightupoldies1991 5 жыл бұрын

White Ladies Scooters 😂🤣😂 Lmao

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

Whiteladies Road is the name of a very well known street in Bristol. I’ve never even thought twice about how it might sound without knowing that piece of information. 🙂

@jonathanpintor6715 5 жыл бұрын

50cc? dont you think its underpowered. here in manila the lowest is 110cc. most scooters here are made in japan.

@tdcattech 5 жыл бұрын

It is a bit, but it's enough for the journey I need it for. I wouldn't like to be climbing mountain passes with a passenger on 50cc, but for my 6-mile commute through city traffic, it's perfect.

@robertvanderzwan2517 5 жыл бұрын

In the city it will ride the same as 110.cc most people in asian countries dont go over 50 km an hour .they are more conserned about safety .coz most people ar not insured and dont get paid when they end up in hospital

@Pandzikizlasu80 4 жыл бұрын

50 ccm or an electric equivalent is more then enough in European crowded city centres, where you mostly pass cars stuck in endless traffic jams, you have 50 kph speed limit and 30 or 20 kph zones everywhere, moreover in my city (Lodz, Poland) electric scooters are allowed in restricted traffic zones and this makes them faster then anything except planes. Nevertheless outside the city centres even 125 ccm* is a pice of slow junk, so it's wise to change the vehicle to a car. Scooters are mostly Chinese with a Japanese known brand or dead old Polish like Romet or Junak on them, or some Chinese "non brand" if someone figured that some stickers are expensive and some not LOL

@winslowpippleton7157 Жыл бұрын

damn, 2600 for a 50cc is a bad deal. also 110 for gloves and 160 for a jacket is robbery. kinda spun yourself there.

@tdcattech Жыл бұрын

Which shop should I use for a better deal? This seemed like the going rate for the items bought.

@roberthickman4092 6 жыл бұрын

crashed yet?

@mrmackay8353 6 жыл бұрын

it happens lol. I crashed 2 times on my first year, first was because a pedestrian walked out into the road and my bike hit into them, we were both fine. the 2nd a lady pulled out in front of me as didn't see me, again no major injuries just aches and pains, I was lucky, that is why I will stick with a 125CC only, lol.

@justice7788 4 жыл бұрын

White Ladies Scooter Gang represent lol they talked you out of a cool looking scooter and got you to buy a wimpy one... didn't know they had that much pull.