You can have a lot of fun on a scooter, there’s no doubt about that. They are cheaper to buy, more economical, nimbler in heavy urban traffic and pretty stylish too. However, as with any travel in inner city areas, there are dangers and hazards that bike riders are perhaps more susceptible to than those sitting in their cars. Let’s look at some of the positives and negatives of scooter riding in the capital.
The Joys
Great pleasure and satisfaction comes from the fact that scooter ownership means you can get about town with fantastic mpg. Scooters offer incredible fuel economy that simply laughs in the face of anyone stuck on four wheels. Travelling around the capital in a daily commute or even a pleasure ride on a nice day, soon eats into your fuel so the better mpg you’re getting, the more money in your pocket. Even if saving the planet is not your primary reason for wanting a scooter, the knowledge that you’re not chugging through quite as much of the Earth’s natural resources is an added bonus.
They say that size matters and, in this case, the best things come in smaller packages. While it’s possible to feel somewhat intimidated riding next to a SUV or lorry, when it comes to finding somewhere to park in the city – you’re laughing! You also don’t need to pay the congestion charge in London when riding a scooter.
Insurance premiums are another area where you’ll be saving a significant wad. Insurance costs for scooters are much lower than owning a car in the city. As they are much simpler machines, you’ll also be smiling when it comes to servicing, maintenance and repair costs with a motorbike mechanic London.
Getting about is easier too, with a smaller, lighter vehicle to negotiate heavy congestion during rush hour, you can nip through traffic straight to the front of the queue. You’ll free more freedom, have fun and see the city in ways you’ve never seen it before thanks to your less restricted view.
The Perils
It’s not always such a picture of sublime happiness, where the sun shines and birds sing as you pass by. Motoring of any kind in the capital can be a nightmare at times and with a scooter you don’t have the added protection of an outer shell as with a car. Often you will find yourself in a driver’s blind spot, so safety is paramount, and you should always position yourself where you can be seen easily.
Bad weather is also the scooter rider’s nemesis, although with the correct gear this can be accounted for unless there’s snow and ice on the roads.
The extreme congestion in the capital also means that drivers and buses will be pulling out regularly and scooters are less easy to see. The main cause of accidents is not speed but a vehicle that turns in front of a bike.
Speed is not the scooter’s strong point, so it will take longer to get yourself out of a sticky situation on the road. However, with the correct training and protective gear, the benefits of cheaper running costs and manoeuvrability often outweigh the negatives, particularly for inner city travel.