Mopeds? Save or not...

If you follow what your mother has been telling you for years - anything that looks fun is probably dangerous - then you would never even consider getting on a moped. However, not only do mopeds look super fun, they are also super safe.Although many components of mopeds differ significantly from more traditional vehicles, they are still constructed with a sufficient number of features that help maintain a proper amount of safety for riders.

Mopeds feature bright lamp systems that provide a clear route to follow and illuminate the bike well enough to be seen by all the other nearby and approaching vehicles. Plus, they also feature sealed drum brake systems, which will not fade in wet conditions. However, this should only provide you with confidence in certain situations where you have no choice but to travel on wet roads. If you do have the option, try to wait out the wet weather before you hit the road. And most mopeds feature wide tires (if not, you can easily customize or upgrade later), shock absorbers and a low center of gravity through the weight of the engine. These factors all contribute to increase maneuverability and stability.

Another factor that is not often mentioned that you should definitely consider is your height and weight. Although purchasing a moped online will grant you the best prices possible, you may want to first visit a local moped dealership if you are under a certain height. For those of you who are vertically challenged, you'll want to make sure that you can properly reach the handle bars and that your feet can make solid contact with the running boards. If they can't, then this will put you into a precarious position while riding and will quickly put you off balance, causing you to swerve and crash. In addition, individuals with significant body weights may want to consider another mode of transportation because inertia increases with weight, making turning more difficult and potentially dangerous.

It should also be noted that just because mopeds are not ruled as a major vehicle doesn't mean you'll be exempt from certain laws. Heck, if people can get arrested driving a motorized barstool a few blocks while under the influence of alcohol, you can definitely get nailed for driving a moped under the influence. With a good amount of responsible thinking before you start drinking, you can stay safe and live to ride another day.