The Joys of Traveling By Moped
Before going to Greece, I had always been resistant to renting mopeds or scooters, especially in a foreign country. I had heard too many nightmare stories: they’re not safe, they’re too weak to operate on the main roads, they aren’t well maintained and you’ll be left stranded miles from civilization with a worthless piece of junk.
Issues like these always steered me away from moped rentals, favoring public transport, bicycles, or car rentals instead. But while traveling in Greece, I had a change of heart. I don’t know what inspired me more – the high cost of alternative forms of transport or the romantic vision of zipping between the olive groves and ancient ruins as I traversed the Greek country side.
By late morning on my first day on the Cycladic island of Paros, it didn’t matter. I was signing the papers and driving off on my first moped rental.
The experience blew me away. Looking back, I don’t know how I could have ever dismissed this form of transportation before, and I know I’ll be utilizing it again. Here’s why:
They’re Easy to Ride
Mopeds are surprisingly easy to ride. They’re difficult to balance at slower speeds, so once you can figure out how to get started and crank the acceleration, it’s a matter of sitting back, enjoying the ride, and leaning into the occasional turn.
For the wary rider, a five minute practice session in a parking lot can build some confidence on the bike before heading out onto the road.
Access to the Countryside
Mopeds are an excellent way to get out of urban centers and into the countryside. Speeding away from the congestion of the city to the fresh air and open spaces of the country side can provide an interesting contrast and a new point of view on a destination.
Save On Transportation Costs
Compared to other forms of transportation, moped rentals are generally pretty cheap. A sample of daily rates from around the world shows $5 in Vietnam, $15 in Greece, and up to $35 in Hawaii. Not bad for 24 hours of unlimited transportation (Okay, $35 is a little steep…but it is Hawaii after all. ). It’s certainly much less expensive than a rental car once you factor in insurance and a refill at the gas tank.
Also, since mopeds are gas sippers, your overall fuel cost will be minimal.
See More in Less Time
Public transportation is an excellent, cheap way to get around. But flexibility and efficiency generally aren’t words to describe most public transportation systems, especially outside of major cities such as New York and London.
By having the flexibility to go where you want, when you want, you can spend more time sitting on remote beaches, exploring solitary ruins, or walking through picturesque villages and less time waiting for buses and trains.
Enjoy the Freedom of the Open Road
When reliant on a taxis, busses, trains, or tour vans for transportation, you’re at the mercy of the driver who is usually interested in getting you to your final destination without concern for what lies along the way.
A moped gives a sense of freedom of the open road. See an interesting farm house off the side of the road or a stunning overlook? Being in control of your own transportation allow you to pull off, change direction, or spontaneously change your entire route on a whim.
Experience How the Rest of the World Gets Around
photo courtesy of palindrome6996
In the United States, mopeds don’t always have the best reputation. They’re not commonly seen on the road and riding one could possibly even result in some friendly teasing from your friends or fellow motorists.
But this isn’t the case in the rest of the world.
In many other countries, they are the primary form of transportation where cars are either too expensive or don’t make practical sense. Riding a moped while traveling is a great way to experience how much of the rest of the world gets from Point A to Point B.
They’re Fun
Simply put, riding a moped is a lot of fun. The open road, the cool breeze, the graceful leans and elegant turns all add to the excitement of riding. So next time you’re traveling and want to get out of the city, hop on board a moped. Rev the engine, ease off the brake, lift your feet up, and let the fun begin.
Similar posts:
22 Responses to The Joys of Traveling By Moped
Leave a reply
Fields marked with * are required
Oh that’s a cute ride.
I would also love to have those small bikes! Too bad I don’t know how to balance myself on a two wheeled vehicle.!
Ashleen Moreen recently posted..Timber Sliding Doors To Make Best Use Of The Space In Your Home
So true… Laura and I always wanted to pull over on the side of the road in NZ to check out more of the scenic areas, but since we were using bus transportation, that wasn’t exactly possible! It would be nice to go back on mopeds and just stop whenever we feel like it to explore or take in a view! We couldn’t rent a car because we’re too young/it’s too expensive, but I’m thinking the age restriction for mopeds wouldn’t be so strict.
Claire recently posted..Inspiration of the Month: August 2012
It allows you to feel “closer” to the countryside, and is slower than whizzing by in car. It’s a great way to see rural places.
Lane recently posted..Hollywood: The Place and the Industry
Agreed, Lane. There is something about not having the physical barrier of a car that makes it easier to pull over at any whim and really take in the scenery you’re riding through.
I have never rented one as I felt like you. I guess I may need to do it as I like the ability to go places further out and off-the-beaten path than walking or public transport (or time) do not always permit. Great to read you thought it was easy to do.
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Trekking with a Purpose – the Best of Both Worlds
Definitely worth it to get off the beaten path! You should get one on your next trip!
I haven’t ridden one of these either, but I suspect when I eventually make it to Hawaii I’ll want to give it a shot. As long as they are powerful enough to make it up the hills, I’ll be satisfied!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Denver neighborhoods as seen from the seat of a bicycle
They can make it up the hills as I found in Greece, though I won’t say they do so quickly. The key is to stay to the right of the road, be aware of the cars, and always pull over to let them pass. This avoids irritated (dangerous) drivers and ensures you can make it up at the moped’s glacial pace.
Always wanted to try one of these – was on Italy over the summer and in every city I visited, the men were getting aaround on these to work in their suits and ties – very chic, not sure if it would work in every country though!:)
Fiona recently posted..The Dublin Edit: Literary Bookshops in Dublin
Wow that would be an awesome way to commute!
I’ve always wanted to give Mopeds a try, but have been too afraid I’d crash…good to know they’re easy to ride:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..PGA National Resort – Check-In Florida
A little practice goes a long way in being comfortable on these bikes. That being said, being a competent rider isn’t enough – you have to be hyper aware of everything else around you and you won’t stand much of a chance if you’re in an accident with a big tour bus.
OMG the goat! My favorite photo in this post, for sure
You make a strong case for mopeds but I don’t know… I think I’m still too scared to try.
Francesca recently posted..“What I did on my summer vacation”
You should give it a shot! After a little practice it’ll feel just like riding a bike.
A moped ride through the countryside sounds nice. And you’re right, they are fun. Except the time I almost took out an entire salon in Vietnam. Lol. Maybe chaotic no lane heavy traffic isn’t the best place, aye? I like your choice much better. Ha!
Kieu recently posted..Takayama Cuisine: mMm.. Miso Hungry!
Hahaha now I want to hear about that! I didn’t share my one close-call accident story here because it wasn’t technically on a moped. I had a quad 4×4 when I was in Santorini, came around a sharp corner and there was a car stopped in the middle of the road. I slammed on the brakes, veered right, and almost sent my companion and I flying off the quad as it tilted. Luckily I corrected quickly and sent the quad back down on all four wheels, but it was a little scary for sure.
LOVE the goat picture! I’m so glad you wrote this. I’m wanting to rent a moped while in Italy, but have been a little put off by all the things you mentioned. I’m going to give it a shot, but if I get stuck in the middle of nowhere, I’m calling you.
Leah Travels recently posted..Three Reasons Why I Love Las Vegas
Go for it! Just make sure you inspect your bikes well before you head out and you should be fine.
The goat picture is awesome! Chris and I also love mopeds. They’re so fun and such a great way to get around. The first time we rented one was in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We were able to get ourselves really lost, but found an incredible temple along the way. It’s one of my fondest memories from the trip. Mopeds for the win!.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..How to survive hiking the Grand Canyon
I love the out of the way things you can find when on a moped….temples, goats, etc.
YES! I’m so glad you got to ride! I hope I will too one day, maybe in Greece. Mopeds/scooters will forever be associated in my head with Italy though.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
There is something very italian about them…i suppose because a lot of the famous companies that make them are based there. I would love to ride one across Italy someday.