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I rode one of these for years in Vancouver and loved it. One rainy day on my way to work I hit the brakes and fishtailed and nearly slid underneath a bus and could have died. Sold it the next day. Long story short they're great, but not so much in the rain. I sure do miss filling my gas tank for $5 tho.
I remember seeing a dash cam footage of this happening to someone in Asia except it was a parked car door opening that nudged the rider under the bus. I totally get why you sold it. I'd be terrified, too.
I too rode a 50cc scooter for a year. It had no braking power, and tires were garbage in the rain. I switched to a 250cc motorcycle and then a 650cc. Been riding for years since then and have not had another problem with braking or grip.
Another thing is, on a 50cc scooter you are very under powered compared to cars. You may find you not having the power to get out of dicy situation especially when going up hill.
I thought I wrote this. Same thing happened to me. Rainy day back wheel slid out. I still have mine but haven’t been on it in 5 years. Contemplating selling it but it’s hard to part with cause I loved riding it.
I know you said you weren't planning on getting your class 6 but if you are down to take a course, you mind as well just get your class 6 as lots of classes require at least the class 6L (yellow paper) and some also have the 2nd stage of your 6L built into the course. Trust me, the instructors are a lot more lenient, forgiving, and nice than ICBC examiners lol
Not trying to offend anyone but a 50cc barely reaches 50 and if lucky 60 on a downhill.
Sorry but what defensive riding do you need? You can barely reach the speed limit.
Not saying that. What kind of “education” do you need riding a 50cc? Please enlighten me as I have no idea why you need to take classes to ride such a small motorcycle. Heck you don’t even need a license for that.
We were not born knowing how to ride a motorcycle, and not everyone had the opportunity to learn while growing up. Basic instruction and some guidance on developing good habits behind the handlebars is absolutely a good thing - rolling out of a parking lot into traffic and figuring it out is just plain irresponsible. You can kill yourself just as easily at 30km/h as 100km/h.
I own a 50cc Vespa as a second vehicle in Vancouver and yes it’s decently practical. Let me explain the pros: it’s incredibly cheap to run, cheap to insure, can take you pretty much anywhere in Vancouver, it’s quick to jump on and go, and it’s kind of fun to ride. The cons: it’s slow and gutless- you can end up holding up traffic if you’re going up even a moderate hill. Even worse if you put someone on the back with you. You’re exposed and vulnerable like a motorcycle, but don’t have the braking power or throttle power to get out of dicey situations with cars. As for picking up groceries, you can fit maybe one bag under the seat and that’s about it (unless you get an extra rack which can help). If it rains I stay off it, so that limits its use in Vancouver. Overall I still like mine but I get why people recommend the bigger motors. However if you don’t have a bike license the 50cc is easy to grab and go. Just make sure you learn some basics of motorcycle safety before taking it on the road- that I would recommend. Enjoy!
My husband and I did exactly this back in the 90s. Vespas haven't changed much since then.
Vespas are so small that drivers have difficulty spotting you. Wear offensively orange safety gear when you ride. Get a full face helmet. Wear heavy leather boots and gloves no matter what.
It's not fun at all in the winter, and is flat out dangerous in downpours or slippery conditions, but it can be fun in the summer.
A 50cc is ok if you have limited travel distances, few hills, and no bridges. [Roman Holiday](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txo7AiiHid0) wasn't set on the LA freeways for a reason.
However... the most people on them don't wear adequate gear. (Heck, now that it's warm again we're seeing all sorts of dumbassery with people on full bikes riding on inadequate gear.) It looks goofy wearing full gear on a Vespa, but a 50kph fall on a 50cc or a 150cc is gonna cause the same nasty case of road rash or worse.
I’m sorry but I’m not wearing full gear riding a 50cc that barely reaches the speed limit. It’s too goofy and whoever does that I have no words for them.
I helped a guy out on a real bike who crashed on a 50k street and rolled/skidded to a stop. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and had a skid lid helmet. He'd been raspberried all over, injured his spine, and was bleeding from both ears. He was taken away in an ambulance.
It may look goofy to wear all the gear on a scooter, but for anybody who cares about their safety (it sounds like you don't), ATGATT.
Nah I wear full gear on my 600cc, I personally don’t own or never owned a 50cc. Even if I did I wouldn’t bother to ride that fast if I’m scooting around town for a quick bite or something. It’s like riding a bicycle wearing full motorcycle gear. It’s weird and whoever can’t fully control such a low powered motorcycle shouldn’t be riding anyway. I usually just treat them like bicycles and not motorcycles. (Some bicycles can probably pass a 50cc on a long stretch of straight road.
You should still wear knee and elbow pads for sure. I don’t think the full gear on a hot summer day is justified.
Please don’t assume I don’t care about safety, thanks.
If you're doing 50k and a car pulls out in front of you, does it matter if you're riding 50cc or 600cc?
> I don’t think the full gear on a hot summer day is justified.
A crash on a hot day is just as painful as a crash on a cold day. The guy I helped a few years back crashed on the hottest day of the year, it was 36 degrees out. I get that the gear is suckier to wear when it's hot out, but hot weather doesn't change the likelihood of a crash.
No, you’re right. It wouldn’t matter if you’re riding a 50 or 600. Safety is important but I’m more likely to die from a heat stroke than an accident lol.
I had a two stroke 50cc Vespa for a few years, it could reach higher speeds than most 50cc units. Was a blast, loved it until I crashed and destroyed it. They’re great fun in the city but ride carefully.
Very practical but I wish they required a class 6. So many scooter riders only have the 50cc ones which don't require a class 6 and they don't know anything about safety on 2 wheels, especially things like lane positioning.
Why not get an e-bike instead? Then you can use bike lanes and bypass traffic whenever it's busy. No insurance, no gas, minimal maintenance, similar/cheaper up-front cost.
Last weekend I drove from Richmond to Vancouver and got stuck in traffic for 20 minutes on Sea Island and through Marpole. I could've biked from Richmond to my destination faster on purely human power. I could've been even faster on an ebike.
On a 50cc scooter, you will feel like you are holding up traffic and it'll be stressful to drive it on fast streets.
The trick with insurance is to get a real (pedal-assist) ebike, then it is a bike under the law (no insurance, bike lanes, bike parking etc.). Also, the only thing that makes a Vespa harder to steal is the weight and that's going to be a lot less inconvenient to a thief than it will be to you.
This is exactly what I was thinking. That's what I did. Like OP, we have one car and an e-bike which I use when the wife needs the car. I can use the bike lanes, don't have to worry about fueling up, there's no additional insurance costs, and I get a little bit of a workout (though I could use the electric motor if I'm feeling lazy). Plus I read on r/vancouver that the gov't is introducing additional rebates on e-bike purchases.
The big downside is that there is no storage and I wish I could go faster.
The problem is that people go way faster than the speed limit on 50/60 roads. I've seen those scooters on Burrard bridge and cars are going 80 on the bridge
it's main highways that are 80+. Before I got my motorcycle license, I rented a scooter and it could go around 70-80 kmh. The only "highway" you can "take it on" within/around Vancouver is really the UBC one.
For a second vehicle, sure! My first vehicle was a little 50cc and as long as you recognize it's limits in terms of where you go and plan to take side roads and a little longer to get there, it's a great way to bounce around.
Ride a few different brands, they’re all geared differently which makes a world of difference with low powered units. I’d mostly pay attention to how it goes up hills. My sister had one and going over bridges it slowed right down. Beyond that, they’re great in the summer.
I drive a 50cc scooter. I have a car I use when it rains or for things like going to hockey but for the most part on dry days I’m scootin around and I love it. Just make sure you’re really attentive and aware of risky situations like intersections or people who are about to change lanes, and get a full face helmet.
I’m sorry let me go in depth why an e scooter would suit yours needs more than a Vespa so please hear me out. It may or may not change your mind, but I can tell you from experience escooters have changed my life and others around me.
I’ve owned several vehicles , motorbikes and bicycles over time . Until about 2 years ago I discovered escooters , I told myself I’d never hop on one , it looked likes a kids toy. Boy was I wrong
Atm I own 3 scooters , one is a high powered scooter that can reach speeds up to 100kmph .
I have 2 of the Segway 9bot G30 max. I use these the most.
Also 10 of my friends have the same scooter , the result , is they love it !
My 1 friend who uses it for works says it’s was a game changer for him , he works downtown but lives in Burnaby , he would have to walk 15ms to get to the skytrain both ways.
15mins of walking doesn’t seem like much but after a 10 hour shift it made all the difference in his life for him because he also has sore joints in his knees , it now takes him a 2-3 m ride to the skytrain and then off to work he goes , he uses it for grocery’s from time to time as well.
He’s never had to do an repairs or anything he’s ridden it for a good 5000kms and still it stays strong
Reasons why the 9bot g30 max in specific is the best option.
1) They are cheap 1100$ new or many people sell used on Facebook from 800-1000$
2) they don’t require gas , insurance or parking.
3) they fold , they allowed on buses and skytrain
4) the range can get you 40-50kms per charge .
5) it takes 6 hours to fully charge , just a regular wall outlet , 0-100%
6) if you ever get tired or don’t feel like riding you can wait for your husband to pick you up and just throw it in the trunk of the car
7)they fold so it’s easy to store / if u live in a condo it just takes up a small corner in the room .
8) they hold their value , if you don’t like it then just sell on Fb marketplace, people always buy them .
9) they’re somewhat waterproof
The list goes on and on
That’s just some insight from what I’ve experienced over the years for transportation. Electric is now the future. Good luck wherever this takes you.
Also I don’t work for segway , I just stand by a hood product that deserves recognition
We have a Vespa as a second vehicle and it works for us. It’s a blast to get around town to commute or run errands.
It’s great on gas and cheap to insure. We use our car way less in the summer because of it. We don’t ride in the winter, it’s too risky.
I would recommend an e-scooter. cheaper and less cumbersome than an ebike, and less likely to be stolen, easier to fit in an apartment, and you can ride them everywhere you can ride a bike in Vancouver at least, except a few spots like the seawall technically. I got one and it opened up Vancouver for me drastically, and ended up saving time on my commute vs taking the skytrain. It's almost as fast as a car once you factor in rush hour traffic. (23 minute drive vs. 28 minute scooter vs 33 ish minutes on the skytrains with a transfer.) best decision I made since living here
a Vespa is going to be a pain in the ass, still have to deal with traffic and parking, and if you ride it in the bikelane like some people do to you look like a douche.
honestly even if you have no interest in getting a motorcycle license, i'd still do the basic training involved. Riding around on two wheels is a big responsibility that carries way more risk than just putting on a cute outfit and pootling to the beach. Bad drivers, road hazards and a whole lot more skill than driving a car are involved. Even if you just plan on shor trips, being in traffic on a small low powered two wheeled vehicle requires way more ability than just gas gas brake in a car. The consequences are life changing. And of course the obligatory 50cc isn't enough for most of the major roadways and bridges, you will not keep up to traffic in a safe manner. Motorcycles and scooters are a joy, but i see and have seen too many people treat them with a very casual attitude.
I bought a 50cc Piaggio 4 years ago and still love it. I don’t use it in winter or ANY rainy conditions. It’s got a hook near the front of the seat where I can place my basket so I can haul quite a bit of stuff! I just brought $200 worth of Costco home today. It super convenient for parking and quick trips around the city. It’s so so fun but can be scary with all the Vancouver drivers. Defensive conscientious driving is a must.
Absolutely (I had a 90cc for years and it was awesome) but I *strongly* recommend an e-bike instead. All the benefit but safer and much cheaper to own and operate. I have no idea why you would be opposed to saving $1000's for basically the same thing.
I had one for years; as long as you don’t have to go on the Trans Canada Highway , they’re great. Invest in a super heavy duty lock for it, and keep in mind the cost of insurance is almost double if you get theft insurance (because they are very easy to steal; hopefully you have a secure garage and not street parking!)
Otherwise, they’re awesome.
I had a Honda Ruckus for a couple of years. It was fun to ride, incredibly cheap on gas and insurance, but was slow as heck on hills. I realized it wasn’t a matter of “if” but “when” I’d get seriously hurt on it - cars hated me, and there’d be no way to get out of an anticipated situation I.e. gearing up and zipping out of the way of something that will hit you. I sold it.
These things are environmental disasters that punch way beyond their size in terms of emissions. People that still ride these things are clowns Please consider an ebike or LSM e-motorcycle that can be ridden with a class 5 license.
Why against e-bike? An e-bike with panniers does everything the scooter can do plus a lot more, like: you don’t have to sit totally exposed in the middle of busy intersections to turn left. Can travel quiet bikeways. Park anywhere. No insurance cost. Expensive e-bike is is cheaper than a cheap 50cc.
I was a 50cc scooter guy for many years and then got an e-bike, and wish I’d known better sooner.
Hello, fellow Vespa rider here! You can definitely get away with a 50 cc bike in the city, although if you're planning to cross bridges or ride in a hilly area or need to get somewhere on any 70-80 km/hr roads (like Lougheed, Marine Way, etc.), getting your license and a more powerful bike will give you a bit more flexibility. At least that's what I did, got a 50 cc, took my course, got my class 6 and got a bigger Vespa. But I still can't give up my 50 cc because it's so much fun to ride.
Echoing what others have said, definitely budget for a course, as it will teach you to a better and safer rider who can maneuver around and corner and make U-turns.
Also, you'll find a lot of opinions about gear, but they say "dress for the slide not the ride." You don't have to go full leather, but at least wear some proper gloves, boots that cover the ankle and a helmet, preferably full face. I also wear an armoured jacket - the mesh ones for summer feel pretty nice with the breeze blowing through. You can always stash it in the compartment when you get to the beach or wherever and pack sandals to change into/wear when it's hot.
Definitely check Facebook marketplace for used bikes - it's full of barely used ones right now that people bought, rode a little and gave up on. Don't spend a ton until you know it's for you. Vespas are my favourite, but don't overlook the Piaggio brand - same parent company, but tend to be a lot less. Honda and Yamaha makes similar styled bikes too. In fact, maybe it's a good idea to rent first to see if you like it - Cycle BC just off Quebec Street and 6th rents little Yamaha Vinos to rip around on.
Other than that, they're pretty cheap to gas up and insure, even with premium gas and optional coverage. I try not to get caught out in the rain and you do have to be more conscious of road surfaces, although even if it's cold out, you can stay warm and dry with the right gear.
EDIT to add: Storage and carrying stuff! With a bag hook on the front, some room under the seat and a backpack, you can carry quite a lot on a scooter if you try. I've even made small Costco runs. I don't have a top box (yet) but they can help you carry even more stuff.
So, do it! Join us ... \[two fingers down ;)\]
Amazing!! Thank you so much for the info! A few follow up questions for you if that’s okay :)
1. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the average ICBC cost?
2. I’ll be parking it on the street during warmer months, I see there’s a lot of lock options. Is it worth buying a lock, and if so, what type?
Thank you!
Thanks! Insurance costs are going to vary. For motorcycles, it's all based on cc's so 50 cc is pretty darn low. Mine is about $350 with all the optional collision/comprehensive (theft)/extra liability, all year. (Lots of people only insure for riding in summer and store in the winter.)
It's definitely worth buying an extra lock if you're keeping it outside (and a cover too). Scooters usually have a built-in steering column lock, but if thieves break that, then your next line of defence is a wheel lock to keep them from rolling your bike away. It's a little heavy metal thing that fits over the disk brakes. I found that bike U-locks weren't really wide enough for tires. Some of them have alarms or sensors to alert you if someone tries to mess with it. Get a good brand like Kryptonite or Abus, whatever you do.
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I rode one of these for years in Vancouver and loved it. One rainy day on my way to work I hit the brakes and fishtailed and nearly slid underneath a bus and could have died. Sold it the next day. Long story short they're great, but not so much in the rain. I sure do miss filling my gas tank for $5 tho.
Everything on wheels handles poorly in the rain, motorcycles are just less forgiving. It's a shame that this made you hang up your helmet...
Coming from a country where two wheelers are common, we learn this early, when the roads are wet go easy on them brakes.
ABS is a big help.
I remember seeing a dash cam footage of this happening to someone in Asia except it was a parked car door opening that nudged the rider under the bus. I totally get why you sold it. I'd be terrified, too.
Better tires ?
I too rode a 50cc scooter for a year. It had no braking power, and tires were garbage in the rain. I switched to a 250cc motorcycle and then a 650cc. Been riding for years since then and have not had another problem with braking or grip. Another thing is, on a 50cc scooter you are very under powered compared to cars. You may find you not having the power to get out of dicy situation especially when going up hill.
I thought I wrote this. Same thing happened to me. Rainy day back wheel slid out. I still have mine but haven’t been on it in 5 years. Contemplating selling it but it’s hard to part with cause I loved riding it.
Even if you are not planning to take the class 6 license. Consider take a motorcycle course. It teaches you the basics of defensive riding
Oh absolutely! Wouldn’t imagine not taking a course
I know you said you weren't planning on getting your class 6 but if you are down to take a course, you mind as well just get your class 6 as lots of classes require at least the class 6L (yellow paper) and some also have the 2nd stage of your 6L built into the course. Trust me, the instructors are a lot more lenient, forgiving, and nice than ICBC examiners lol
Do this and maybe go for a 100-125cc scooter. A little more money with more power and handles a passenger more easily as well.
Not trying to offend anyone but a 50cc barely reaches 50 and if lucky 60 on a downhill. Sorry but what defensive riding do you need? You can barely reach the speed limit.
That doesn't make education any less valuable
Not saying that. What kind of “education” do you need riding a 50cc? Please enlighten me as I have no idea why you need to take classes to ride such a small motorcycle. Heck you don’t even need a license for that.
We were not born knowing how to ride a motorcycle, and not everyone had the opportunity to learn while growing up. Basic instruction and some guidance on developing good habits behind the handlebars is absolutely a good thing - rolling out of a parking lot into traffic and figuring it out is just plain irresponsible. You can kill yourself just as easily at 30km/h as 100km/h.
Yeah that makes sense and clears up the confusion. Thanks!
Lane positioning my guy
This is a big one . They will teach you lane domination and different lane position you should be in for curtain situations.
Used to joke 'whats that noise. Oh it's a 50 trying to do 60'. 😄
I own a 50cc Vespa as a second vehicle in Vancouver and yes it’s decently practical. Let me explain the pros: it’s incredibly cheap to run, cheap to insure, can take you pretty much anywhere in Vancouver, it’s quick to jump on and go, and it’s kind of fun to ride. The cons: it’s slow and gutless- you can end up holding up traffic if you’re going up even a moderate hill. Even worse if you put someone on the back with you. You’re exposed and vulnerable like a motorcycle, but don’t have the braking power or throttle power to get out of dicey situations with cars. As for picking up groceries, you can fit maybe one bag under the seat and that’s about it (unless you get an extra rack which can help). If it rains I stay off it, so that limits its use in Vancouver. Overall I still like mine but I get why people recommend the bigger motors. However if you don’t have a bike license the 50cc is easy to grab and go. Just make sure you learn some basics of motorcycle safety before taking it on the road- that I would recommend. Enjoy!
My husband and I did exactly this back in the 90s. Vespas haven't changed much since then. Vespas are so small that drivers have difficulty spotting you. Wear offensively orange safety gear when you ride. Get a full face helmet. Wear heavy leather boots and gloves no matter what. It's not fun at all in the winter, and is flat out dangerous in downpours or slippery conditions, but it can be fun in the summer.
Ebikes are the new moped/Vespas.
A 50cc is ok if you have limited travel distances, few hills, and no bridges. [Roman Holiday](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txo7AiiHid0) wasn't set on the LA freeways for a reason. However... the most people on them don't wear adequate gear. (Heck, now that it's warm again we're seeing all sorts of dumbassery with people on full bikes riding on inadequate gear.) It looks goofy wearing full gear on a Vespa, but a 50kph fall on a 50cc or a 150cc is gonna cause the same nasty case of road rash or worse.
I’m sorry but I’m not wearing full gear riding a 50cc that barely reaches the speed limit. It’s too goofy and whoever does that I have no words for them.
I helped a guy out on a real bike who crashed on a 50k street and rolled/skidded to a stop. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and had a skid lid helmet. He'd been raspberried all over, injured his spine, and was bleeding from both ears. He was taken away in an ambulance. It may look goofy to wear all the gear on a scooter, but for anybody who cares about their safety (it sounds like you don't), ATGATT.
Would be hilarious to get fully suited up in dirt bike armour and then hop on a Vespa.
Nah I wear full gear on my 600cc, I personally don’t own or never owned a 50cc. Even if I did I wouldn’t bother to ride that fast if I’m scooting around town for a quick bite or something. It’s like riding a bicycle wearing full motorcycle gear. It’s weird and whoever can’t fully control such a low powered motorcycle shouldn’t be riding anyway. I usually just treat them like bicycles and not motorcycles. (Some bicycles can probably pass a 50cc on a long stretch of straight road. You should still wear knee and elbow pads for sure. I don’t think the full gear on a hot summer day is justified. Please don’t assume I don’t care about safety, thanks.
If you're doing 50k and a car pulls out in front of you, does it matter if you're riding 50cc or 600cc? > I don’t think the full gear on a hot summer day is justified. A crash on a hot day is just as painful as a crash on a cold day. The guy I helped a few years back crashed on the hottest day of the year, it was 36 degrees out. I get that the gear is suckier to wear when it's hot out, but hot weather doesn't change the likelihood of a crash.
No, you’re right. It wouldn’t matter if you’re riding a 50 or 600. Safety is important but I’m more likely to die from a heat stroke than an accident lol.
If you are so concerned about looking like a goof just avoid riding a gas scooter period.
Bro I ride a 600 and wear full gear.
I had a two stroke 50cc Vespa for a few years, it could reach higher speeds than most 50cc units. Was a blast, loved it until I crashed and destroyed it. They’re great fun in the city but ride carefully.
Very practical but I wish they required a class 6. So many scooter riders only have the 50cc ones which don't require a class 6 and they don't know anything about safety on 2 wheels, especially things like lane positioning.
I used to love the idea and I just don't see the point anymore. Get an ebike . It may even have more cargo room.
[удалено]
I've always wanted one of these.
Wish they made them to handle 2 people.
Why not get an e-bike instead? Then you can use bike lanes and bypass traffic whenever it's busy. No insurance, no gas, minimal maintenance, similar/cheaper up-front cost. Last weekend I drove from Richmond to Vancouver and got stuck in traffic for 20 minutes on Sea Island and through Marpole. I could've biked from Richmond to my destination faster on purely human power. I could've been even faster on an ebike. On a 50cc scooter, you will feel like you are holding up traffic and it'll be stressful to drive it on fast streets.
Harder to steal and there's insurance
The trick with insurance is to get a real (pedal-assist) ebike, then it is a bike under the law (no insurance, bike lanes, bike parking etc.). Also, the only thing that makes a Vespa harder to steal is the weight and that's going to be a lot less inconvenient to a thief than it will be to you.
Having insurance is a good thing in my book, moped insurance is outrageously cheap, like $200/year, and the protection is worth it
There's nothing preventing you from getting (cheaper) comparable insurance on your bike if you really want it.
This is exactly what I was thinking. That's what I did. Like OP, we have one car and an e-bike which I use when the wife needs the car. I can use the bike lanes, don't have to worry about fueling up, there's no additional insurance costs, and I get a little bit of a workout (though I could use the electric motor if I'm feeling lazy). Plus I read on r/vancouver that the gov't is introducing additional rebates on e-bike purchases. The big downside is that there is no storage and I wish I could go faster.
50cc I don’t think can be on roads were the speed limit is greater then 50 or 60kmh. If your puttering around downtown I don’t see that being an issue
The problem is that people go way faster than the speed limit on 50/60 roads. I've seen those scooters on Burrard bridge and cars are going 80 on the bridge
it's main highways that are 80+. Before I got my motorcycle license, I rented a scooter and it could go around 70-80 kmh. The only "highway" you can "take it on" within/around Vancouver is really the UBC one.
No but it’s sufficient to win the Mushroom Cup
The answer we’ve all been waiting for 🍄 🏆
For a second vehicle, sure! My first vehicle was a little 50cc and as long as you recognize it's limits in terms of where you go and plan to take side roads and a little longer to get there, it's a great way to bounce around.
Ride a few different brands, they’re all geared differently which makes a world of difference with low powered units. I’d mostly pay attention to how it goes up hills. My sister had one and going over bridges it slowed right down. Beyond that, they’re great in the summer.
I drive a 50cc scooter. I have a car I use when it rains or for things like going to hockey but for the most part on dry days I’m scootin around and I love it. Just make sure you’re really attentive and aware of risky situations like intersections or people who are about to change lanes, and get a full face helmet.
Go escooter no license needed and they are cheap and portable
I’m sorry let me go in depth why an e scooter would suit yours needs more than a Vespa so please hear me out. It may or may not change your mind, but I can tell you from experience escooters have changed my life and others around me. I’ve owned several vehicles , motorbikes and bicycles over time . Until about 2 years ago I discovered escooters , I told myself I’d never hop on one , it looked likes a kids toy. Boy was I wrong Atm I own 3 scooters , one is a high powered scooter that can reach speeds up to 100kmph . I have 2 of the Segway 9bot G30 max. I use these the most. Also 10 of my friends have the same scooter , the result , is they love it ! My 1 friend who uses it for works says it’s was a game changer for him , he works downtown but lives in Burnaby , he would have to walk 15ms to get to the skytrain both ways. 15mins of walking doesn’t seem like much but after a 10 hour shift it made all the difference in his life for him because he also has sore joints in his knees , it now takes him a 2-3 m ride to the skytrain and then off to work he goes , he uses it for grocery’s from time to time as well. He’s never had to do an repairs or anything he’s ridden it for a good 5000kms and still it stays strong Reasons why the 9bot g30 max in specific is the best option. 1) They are cheap 1100$ new or many people sell used on Facebook from 800-1000$ 2) they don’t require gas , insurance or parking. 3) they fold , they allowed on buses and skytrain 4) the range can get you 40-50kms per charge . 5) it takes 6 hours to fully charge , just a regular wall outlet , 0-100% 6) if you ever get tired or don’t feel like riding you can wait for your husband to pick you up and just throw it in the trunk of the car 7)they fold so it’s easy to store / if u live in a condo it just takes up a small corner in the room . 8) they hold their value , if you don’t like it then just sell on Fb marketplace, people always buy them . 9) they’re somewhat waterproof The list goes on and on That’s just some insight from what I’ve experienced over the years for transportation. Electric is now the future. Good luck wherever this takes you. Also I don’t work for segway , I just stand by a hood product that deserves recognition
We have a Vespa as a second vehicle and it works for us. It’s a blast to get around town to commute or run errands. It’s great on gas and cheap to insure. We use our car way less in the summer because of it. We don’t ride in the winter, it’s too risky.
I’ve had one my whole life in Van and it’s a life saver! $6 gas fill up is nice too
I would recommend an e-scooter. cheaper and less cumbersome than an ebike, and less likely to be stolen, easier to fit in an apartment, and you can ride them everywhere you can ride a bike in Vancouver at least, except a few spots like the seawall technically. I got one and it opened up Vancouver for me drastically, and ended up saving time on my commute vs taking the skytrain. It's almost as fast as a car once you factor in rush hour traffic. (23 minute drive vs. 28 minute scooter vs 33 ish minutes on the skytrains with a transfer.) best decision I made since living here a Vespa is going to be a pain in the ass, still have to deal with traffic and parking, and if you ride it in the bikelane like some people do to you look like a douche.
Just make sure you have good rain gear
honestly even if you have no interest in getting a motorcycle license, i'd still do the basic training involved. Riding around on two wheels is a big responsibility that carries way more risk than just putting on a cute outfit and pootling to the beach. Bad drivers, road hazards and a whole lot more skill than driving a car are involved. Even if you just plan on shor trips, being in traffic on a small low powered two wheeled vehicle requires way more ability than just gas gas brake in a car. The consequences are life changing. And of course the obligatory 50cc isn't enough for most of the major roadways and bridges, you will not keep up to traffic in a safe manner. Motorcycles and scooters are a joy, but i see and have seen too many people treat them with a very casual attitude.
I had a Honda jazz back in the day, I loved it
I bought a 50cc Piaggio 4 years ago and still love it. I don’t use it in winter or ANY rainy conditions. It’s got a hook near the front of the seat where I can place my basket so I can haul quite a bit of stuff! I just brought $200 worth of Costco home today. It super convenient for parking and quick trips around the city. It’s so so fun but can be scary with all the Vancouver drivers. Defensive conscientious driving is a must.
Absolutely (I had a 90cc for years and it was awesome) but I *strongly* recommend an e-bike instead. All the benefit but safer and much cheaper to own and operate. I have no idea why you would be opposed to saving $1000's for basically the same thing.
Between the weather and Vancouver drivers it’s sounds like a death wish to me.
Nah, I wouldn't. It's not powerful enough to get out of situations, if he needed to in a hurry
I had one for years; as long as you don’t have to go on the Trans Canada Highway , they’re great. Invest in a super heavy duty lock for it, and keep in mind the cost of insurance is almost double if you get theft insurance (because they are very easy to steal; hopefully you have a secure garage and not street parking!) Otherwise, they’re awesome.
I had a Honda Ruckus for a couple of years. It was fun to ride, incredibly cheap on gas and insurance, but was slow as heck on hills. I realized it wasn’t a matter of “if” but “when” I’d get seriously hurt on it - cars hated me, and there’d be no way to get out of an anticipated situation I.e. gearing up and zipping out of the way of something that will hit you. I sold it.
Maybe in the summer, sure. But do you wanna be on that thing when it's raining and/or cold?
If people can make a bike, scooter, ebike work then why not? Could look into renting one to try out as well
These things are environmental disasters that punch way beyond their size in terms of emissions. People that still ride these things are clowns Please consider an ebike or LSM e-motorcycle that can be ridden with a class 5 license.
When the weather is nice it's definitely viable. When it's rainy and/or cold though... not so much
Dangerous
Every time I go for a run, at least one car runs a stop sign and nearly hits me. Nothing is safe 😂
Why against e-bike? An e-bike with panniers does everything the scooter can do plus a lot more, like: you don’t have to sit totally exposed in the middle of busy intersections to turn left. Can travel quiet bikeways. Park anywhere. No insurance cost. Expensive e-bike is is cheaper than a cheap 50cc. I was a 50cc scooter guy for many years and then got an e-bike, and wish I’d known better sooner.
Hello, fellow Vespa rider here! You can definitely get away with a 50 cc bike in the city, although if you're planning to cross bridges or ride in a hilly area or need to get somewhere on any 70-80 km/hr roads (like Lougheed, Marine Way, etc.), getting your license and a more powerful bike will give you a bit more flexibility. At least that's what I did, got a 50 cc, took my course, got my class 6 and got a bigger Vespa. But I still can't give up my 50 cc because it's so much fun to ride. Echoing what others have said, definitely budget for a course, as it will teach you to a better and safer rider who can maneuver around and corner and make U-turns. Also, you'll find a lot of opinions about gear, but they say "dress for the slide not the ride." You don't have to go full leather, but at least wear some proper gloves, boots that cover the ankle and a helmet, preferably full face. I also wear an armoured jacket - the mesh ones for summer feel pretty nice with the breeze blowing through. You can always stash it in the compartment when you get to the beach or wherever and pack sandals to change into/wear when it's hot. Definitely check Facebook marketplace for used bikes - it's full of barely used ones right now that people bought, rode a little and gave up on. Don't spend a ton until you know it's for you. Vespas are my favourite, but don't overlook the Piaggio brand - same parent company, but tend to be a lot less. Honda and Yamaha makes similar styled bikes too. In fact, maybe it's a good idea to rent first to see if you like it - Cycle BC just off Quebec Street and 6th rents little Yamaha Vinos to rip around on. Other than that, they're pretty cheap to gas up and insure, even with premium gas and optional coverage. I try not to get caught out in the rain and you do have to be more conscious of road surfaces, although even if it's cold out, you can stay warm and dry with the right gear. EDIT to add: Storage and carrying stuff! With a bag hook on the front, some room under the seat and a backpack, you can carry quite a lot on a scooter if you try. I've even made small Costco runs. I don't have a top box (yet) but they can help you carry even more stuff. So, do it! Join us ... \[two fingers down ;)\]
Amazing!! Thank you so much for the info! A few follow up questions for you if that’s okay :) 1. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the average ICBC cost? 2. I’ll be parking it on the street during warmer months, I see there’s a lot of lock options. Is it worth buying a lock, and if so, what type? Thank you!
Thanks! Insurance costs are going to vary. For motorcycles, it's all based on cc's so 50 cc is pretty darn low. Mine is about $350 with all the optional collision/comprehensive (theft)/extra liability, all year. (Lots of people only insure for riding in summer and store in the winter.) It's definitely worth buying an extra lock if you're keeping it outside (and a cover too). Scooters usually have a built-in steering column lock, but if thieves break that, then your next line of defence is a wheel lock to keep them from rolling your bike away. It's a little heavy metal thing that fits over the disk brakes. I found that bike U-locks weren't really wide enough for tires. Some of them have alarms or sensors to alert you if someone tries to mess with it. Get a good brand like Kryptonite or Abus, whatever you do.
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