car vs. motor scooter

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

The only issue that comes to mind is having to carry a lot of things with you at times. My instructors tend to like us to have our books with us in class and they are HUGE. We also had a lab kit we used our first semester that was in addition to everything else. As long as you have reliable transportation, I can't imagine the type being the issue, more the ability to carry everything you need. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Jul 16, 2012

There are scooters that have a basket on the back, or saddle bags. I carry all of my stuff in my backpack when I ride (actually when I drive the car too...), but then as the instructor I don't have to bring anything I don't want to :lol2: .

The biggest problem I've had is finding a safe place for my helmet, as most lockers are not wide enough for them. Look for a scooter with a big enough under the seat hatch to stash your helmet or get one that locks onto your bike. I keep a jacket and gloves in my hatch, for rainy weather; you might consider getting some chaps or a rainsuit (they don't take up much space) to cover your uniform.

Parking is usually easier, there tends to be an area for bikes to share in most lots. Mileage is good. I would get a bigger scooter, mine only gets up to 32 mph, if you have far to go. The one I have my eye on is highway capable and gets better mileage than my little toy.

OKNurse2be · Jul 17, 2012

My husband rides a motorcycle back and forth to work every day, rain or shine, and even sometimes when it snows. It saves us a ton of money in gas. He has a scooter as well, but it's in for repairs at the moment, however the gas mileage on it is even better than the motorcycle. I would think that saddlebags would hold most of what you would need, and if you need to bring books you could perhaps wear a backpack or bungee cord the books somehow. Where there is a will, there is a way as they say. Motorcycles/Scooters are easier to find parking for, especially where parking might be hard to come by.

I think the main thing to research is if for some reason you can't use the scooter, what other alternatives are readily available, such as the bus or getting a ride. I would want to make sure that I won't be stranded if I couldn't ride the scooter. Maybe check into how much the cab fare would be in the case of emergency. I think that the scooter would be great for you, depending on where you live (weather consideration, distance to school, public transportation), because they are easy to get around on. If you have a longer way to school I would consider getting a scooter that is highway legal just to save time. Sorry if this was disjointed. I just wanted to share a little bit from our experience, which has been awesome.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2012

We just bought my niece a little scooter about 3 weeks ago. She goes to cosmetology school and has been driving it back and forth since. If you get one that's a 50cc you don't have to have insurance or a helmet (in our NV anyway). The 50cc only gets up to about 40 mph, so has to be driven on the streets, no freeways. She has room under the seat for stuff, and we were going to put a box thing on the back to hold more stuff. we think it's a pretty good investment. It also gets about 150/tank of gas and the tank is like 1.3 gallons. We got it new for $2500!

Purkinje · Jul 17, 2012

I rode a scooter when I was doing my pre-reqs, but sold it before I started NS. My campus and several clinical sites were highway accessible, and my 50cc scoot wasn't about to go on I-35. And I would've had trouble getting my big rolling bag and lab pack on the scoot, but it's not like I needed that every day. If you can ride comfortably with a heavy bag, and you don't need to go on highways, go for it!

My husband has a 400cc Yamaha that's great on highways with a HUGE hatch (big enough for two full face helmets). I would've loved to take it to school/clinicals, but my legs are too short for me to ride it!

Which reminds me, I told myself that after I graduated, I'd get myself a nice pink Stella scoot to celebrate ...

ImKosher · Jul 17, 2012

As many MVAs I see around here at work, car vs moped, you are better off getting a car for safety. It only takes one trip to the emergency room from a car hitting you or slipping while it rains.

lucyc66 · Jul 21, 2012

Thanks for the replies everyone! I've enjoyed reading them.

As for the scooter, I think the general thumbs up that I seem to be getting just made the ultimate decision for me. I go to school about 5 miles from my house, and the clinical sites are all within a similar distance. I am well acquainted with the public transportation system here, which is pretty reliable, so when the weather gets bad I have a few alternatives.

I have my eye on the lance cali classic 125, which I believe cannot be used on the freeway, but even if i could i don't think i would :/

I've been wanting a scooter for about 2 years now, and I think it's time I finally get one. Not to mention, it'll save me a lot of money!

Thanks again you guys.

@ImKosher Thanks for the advice. I know, have seen, and am well aware of the dangers that come with riding a 2wheeler. Aside from taking all of the necessary precautions and being careful, there's only so much a person can do to avoid accidents. I'm not a reckless person, and safety is very important to me. However, this is something i've been wanting for a long time-not for the fuel economy or the cheap insurance (thought that is a plus), but because they look like a lot of fun and like something I would want to have/do. I guess I'm not explaining myself well, but as a person who really likes scooters, the thought of never owning one simply because they're dangerous is a little depressing.

ImKosher · Jul 21, 2012

I want to get a motorcycle...so bad. A Ducati monster to be specific. As I've said I work in the ER. Every time I start getting ready to save up for one something like this happens

"code trauma red, again code trauma red, car vs motorcycle, pt has visible deformities to both arms and legs, open fracture to the ankle."

It's not about you being safe, but other drivers not seeing you. Scooters are the worst because if you get hit, your on your own, your scooter isn't covered. Just saying.

allnurses Guide · Jul 22, 2012

Isn't covered by what? Mine is licensed and insured. Have to have insurance for street legal scooters (in my state, if it can go over 30mph it has to be registered, even if less than 50 cc engine.

ImKosher · Jul 22, 2012

I'm in NC. So disregard that last part.

Wrench Party · Jul 23, 2012

I ride a bicycle to school and to most clinicals; you'll be fine on a motor scooter. Just make sure you

have a decent lock as scooters get stolen a lot, a game plan for inclement weather (I take the bus or have rain gear),

and figure out a way to carry stuff (I use high quality waterproof saddlebags to protect all of my crap).

Our uniforms this past year were white, and I figured out a way to get to the hospitals without getting

dirt on myself. It is indeed possible.

One final caveat: using public or other means of transportation only works if you live a reasonable distance away.