Scooters are becoming very popular in New Zealand. Photo / Steven McNicholl
Whether it's because of the fine weather or because they are sick of high petrol prices, or the fact that trying to find (and pay for) parking each work day is driving them crazy, more New Zealanders are hitting the roads on scooters.
Scooters are popular because they are comparatively cheap to buy, rider-friendly (you can sit with your legs together instead of straddling a bike), and if you own a moped (a scooter under 50cc), you don't need a motorbike licence and the moped doesn't need a Warrant of Fitness.
But the ease of owning one doesn't mean buying one should be an impulse decision - instead, it pays to do your homework before you get your wallet out (see top tips on page 11).
Mopeds are also the highest-selling category of motorcycles, according to the Motor Industry Association's sales data for the past nine months, based on registrations and off-road (unregistered) retail.
Sales of the 50cc class increased by 12 per cent (255 bikes) compared with last year, and that segment was dominated by moped bikes.
Even though you don't need a motorcycle licence to own a moped, I recommend you attend a training course before you buy one. As well, read the road code so you know the rules when it comes to bikes.
There are also a variety of riding schools - check the NZ Transport Agency's website - that teach novices the skills they need.
One of New Zealand's top motorcycle trainers is Philip McDaid from RiderSkills, a school that teaches everyone from novices to police officers how to ride safely.
McDaid has tips for beginners:
*Get some training - his course costs only $80. Many motorbike dealers say people who have never ridden before buy a moped and immediately have a crash.
*If you own a 50cc moped (with a top speed of 50km/h), never ride on the left-hand side of the lane because you are in a vulnerable position as cars will try to overtake you and there usually isn't enough room to do so. Instead, ride just to the right of the middle of the lane so you are visible to drivers ahead and behind you.
*Wearing a helmet decreases visibility, so use the side mirrors often and look over your shoulder to see what the traffic behind you is doing.
*Wear protective gear - don't wear jandals on bikes, and cover yourself up well.
Consumer NZ has great advice for beginners who want to buy a scooter:
Reputation: When in doubt, go with a known brand that's been around for many years - it's more likely to have spare parts and servicing.
Backyard operators: Steer clear of new scooters sold by private individuals using auction websites. You're unlikely to get spare parts or service backup.
Online dangers: If you really must buy a new scooter on Trade Me, click on the "Buy Now" price. Don't place a bid. If you bid, you lose your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Ride it: Make sure the scooter has enough power to climb hills and carry a typical load without difficulty. Does the construction feel cheap or well-made?
Research: Look online for the scooter's specifications and check out blogs to see what riders say about the machines they've ridden and owned.
Price: Don't go for the cheapest option. Being able to buy a cheap scooter on Trade Me for $500-$1000 less than a known brand from a dealership is often an illusion: you can end up paying much more than that to continually fix a poorly made scooter - that's if you can find a mechanic to fix it.
Buying second-hand: Mopeds don't require regular WoF checks, so buying second-hand can be riskier than buying new. You also have few protections in a private sale, making it almost impossible to get your money back. Paying for a pre-purchase inspection is worthwhile. Most motorcycle shops will conduct a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified motorcycle mechanic for about $50 to $60.
Vehicle Testing NZ and the AA don't do pre-purchase inspections for motorcycles and scooters.
Your initial check: You can do some checking of your own before you get a full inspection. Check for: a service record - it's a sign that the scooter has been maintained; wheels and tyres (no dents or buckling, good tread); front and rear suspension (smooth movement, no fluid leaks); brakes (pad thickness, no scouring on rotors, no fluid leaks); controls and lights are in working order; any signs a crash may have damaged parts of the scooter - particularly the frame and steering; whether the engine has oil (run it until it gets hot: a four-stroke engine shouldn't smoke from the exhaust, but a two-stroke should).
Scooting along
Leigh Beckhaus, chairwoman of the Motorcycle Group for the Motor Industry Association, is a scooter rider and would like to see more people riding bikes - for a variety of reasons: fuel efficiency, low cost, ease of parking, less congestion and the expense of public transport.
"We should be encouraging people to get into two-wheel travel," she said.
Here are her tips on buying a scooter:
Buy from an authorised dealer, or if buying second-hand privately, make sure the make and model are supported by a legitimate dealer network to ensure you can get your scooter serviced. You can find authorised dealers on brand websites.
Get a motorbike licence, even if you are only intending to ride a 50cc. The skills you will obtain from the basic handling course will be invaluable and could be life-saving.
Get the right scooter for the job - 50cc scooters are ideal for short commutes, but if you are travelling longer distances on the motorway or open road, buy a 125cc or bigger.
Buy the best safety apparel you can afford. A helmet is the only legal requirement, but ACC recommends you leave no skin exposed. Gloves, jacket, pants and appropriate footwear should be worn.
When sitting on the bike, check your feet can reach the ground and that you feel comfortable when reaching the controls.
Make sure the bike is the right weight for you and you can pick it up.
Make sure you are seen and consider wearing a fluoro vest.