How popular are scooters/vespas in Miami and surrounding areas?? (South Beach: insurance, neighborhood)

[jessiegirl123456]

Hi all,
Im moving to the Miami area (haven't figured out where yet) and Im thinking about buying a used scooter (150cc). Can anyone tell me if there are any special laws or regulations regarding scooters at or over 150cc? Also, I'd like to know how popular and practical they are to use in Miami. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!

[rogerbacon]

Originally Posted by jessiegirl123456

Hi all,
Im moving to the Miami area (haven't figured out where yet) and Im thinking about buying a used scooter (150cc). Can anyone tell me if there are any special laws or regulations regarding scooters at or over 150cc? Also, I'd like to know how popular and practical they are to use in Miami. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!

I had to Google "vespas" so that should tell you something.
Even driving a full sized motercycle you are taking your life in your hands in Miami. Driving anything smaller is extremely dangerous. Drivers down here don't look when they change lanes. They can barely see cars so forget about anything smaller. In short-- don't do it.

[Think (Freedom)]

I think they're pretty popular on the beach, but I havent really seen any on the mainland. So I guess it'll depend on where you'll live/work.

[Wild Style]

I see them every so often in Broward.

[scottyplayfast]

I would advise purchasing a Bajaj Chetak scooter. They're tanks. You could get hit by every Florida driver in the state and it would still scoot about with no worries.

exaggeration

scott

[gbugmiami]

If you value your life, i would not recommend riding a scooter in Miami. Miami beach, sure. If you never plan to leave the beach. I have had them and really like them (i love things with engines), but they are just for the neighborhood. Major roads here are a little too crazy for scooters. Full size motorccles are the same, but have the power and brakes to get you out of at least some problems, scooters, you are on your own.

[nicsma2002]

I see them on South Beach (they are rented mainly to tourists for sightseeing and getting around, and have become part of the lifestyle there), but anyplace else, no way, too dangerous, don't do it!!! Get a car.

[doom1001]

There's no way I would EVER get a scooter or even a motorcycle living in south Florida!!!You might see some tourists riding rented ones on the beach,but daily driving on main streets,I wouldn't even think about it.

1.The driving here is beyond ridiculous,it is very bad and aggressive,if you value your life and want to be around in say 5 years don't do it.It's dangerous enough in a car.

2.Once June comes around and it's raining 2 out of 3 days until early October,you would be treasuring a car with a roof.

I remember one time I was driving and my brother was talking about getting a motorcycle,I tell you it wasn't more than 20 seconds that we drove by an accident with a motorcyclist on the ground,I think that was the end of the motorcycle talk!!!

[Alice!]

When you say that the traffic is very very dangerous do you mean the urban traffic?

[rogerbacon]

Originally Posted by Alice!

When you say that the traffic is very very dangerous do you mean the urban traffic?

There is no real 'urban' in Dade county; it's all spread out and the traffic is bad almost everywhere. About 10 years ago the statistic was that one out of every three drivers either had no insurance, was driving without a license, or had a suspended license. None of those people will stick around for the police after they hit you. In a car it is irritating. On a schooter it could mean you bleed to death.