Look I know safety is b-o-r-i-n-g. But so is HOSPITAL FOOD, you know. So read these basic tips for staying safe on 50cc mopeds, OK?
Clothing
You really do need to wear some or you’re going to get COLD and WET. Oh, and it’s also a very good idea to think about protecting your head and body against fast-moving tarmac and vehicles, because they can sting a little if you collide with them. The best thing is to wear a helmet (the law say so too) and as for clothes, bike gear is the best. These days it need not make you look huge and ugly (unless you are before you put it on of course). At the very LEAST, wear thick trousers like jeans. Boots that protect your ankles are also a very good idea.
Riding
Riders of 50cc mopeds tend to be younger and newer to riding, it’s just a fact, and experience does count for something. So, if you are less experienced on the road, like so many 50cc moped riders, you need to take extra care when you decide how fast you can go and how to ride based on the current road conditions. Accept that as a newer rider, you are going to make mistakes, and leave yourself a safety margin in case you do. One of the best ways of doing this is to go a little bit slower than you think you are capable of allowing for the local road conditions like rain, darkness, traffic and people. It gives you time to find a way out of danger. Another good idea is to leave an extra bit of stopping distance – more than you think you need.
Rules
Know the road rules that apply to you. Don’t be riding along the pavement, don’t go razzing around frightening the old folk, and be careful not to go down that unfamiliar slip road and find yourself on the big scary motorway. It may come as a surprise to some to learn that traffic lights & one-way streets do indeed apply to ALL 50cc mopeds, scooters and even big motorbikes. It’s also not a good idea to flaunt the rules about carrying your mates home – knowing your luck, you will be caught. All of these rules are about SAFETY, other people’s as well as yours. It’s safer to play by the rules.
There is a LOT MORE to safety and 50cc mopeds than I can explain here – this is just for starters.
Check out these other websites for more detailed official advice:
- Department for Transport, Mopeds Info (pdf)
- Safetravel Safety Tips
- Transport for London Moped Safety
Oh, and if you’ve yet to buy a bike, and you’re short of cash, you may want to consider one of these: 50cc Mopeds
