Mopeds Motor Scooters Southeast Florida? (Delray Beach, Jupiter: neighborhoods, buy, live)

[Etana]

We are a year away from relocating/retiring in/around Delray Beach....

We have been thinking we would buy mopeds; I am curious why I have seen so few motor scooter riders in SE FL in my visits? Any clues?

I had heard that driving is dangerous, but seemed much less congested than Maryland and Washington DC, or NYC, so it didn't seem that bad to me.

So true, I've never owned a motor scooter, and I know it would be for local driving, along the beach road, or to the store, not to get us to Ft Lauderdale or up to Jupiter parks, I suppose...

[klaucka]

I live fairly close to downtown and see quite a few scooters. I don't know that I would go far but you should be ok in the beach and downtown areas. The crazy driver factor is definitely less than NYC but for a smaller town it is definitely on the crazier side. I think it seems crazier when people expect small town driving and forget that this is kind of like one long sprawling metro area, with an extra sprinkle of crazy driving with the tourists. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people driving in the wrong direction on the Federal Hwy. But you'll be fine if you drive with some awareness.

[thunderkat59]

Originally Posted by Etana

We are a year away from relocating/retiring in/around Delray Beach....

We have been thinking we would buy mopeds; I am curious why I have seen so few motor scooter riders in SE FL in my visits? Any clues?

I had heard that driving is dangerous, but seemed much less congested than Maryland and Washington DC, or NYC, so it didn't seem that bad to me.

So true, I've never owned a motor scooter, and I know it would be for local driving, along the beach road, or to the store, not to get us to Ft Lauderdale or up to Jupiter parks, I suppose...

I scootered in the South Florida area, and Ill be brief . . . I dont know if day to day traffic on US1/Dixie Highway type main roads would a be good idea if you have never ridden before. There is a reason why you dont see too many scooter/moped riders. Florida driving is sort of like reenacting Ben Hur. Ive ridden for 40 years and was very nervous in traffic there. I think if you stick to A1A and neighborhood roads, you will be OK. I would sincerely suggest you take a course at a local scooter or motorcycle shop, too
When You say 'moped', Im sure you mean a 50cc scooter type bike, but I might also suggest bumping up to a 125cc Kymco Agilty or something like that. Riding a 50 in traffic might be a very scary experience for a new rider. A 125 is just about right for anything but I-95 in that area. If you are daring, you can get away with no tag on most 125's
Get a helmet and and make "Never trust anyone in a car" your mantra, and you should become comfortable with it. Good luck, be safe!

[SXN]

Bike lanes in a lot of areas and streets are almost non-existent. Save for the beach and some smaller roads, I think New York and DC streets are actually more biker friendly. Makes sense though considering how few people use them. Down here everything is very spread out so people usually buy a car or truck, moped wouldn't make much sense unless it's for leisure.

[Etana]

moped wouldn't make much sense unless it's for leisure.

Yes, for leisure, short rides along the beach or neighborhoods.

125cc Kymco Agilty or something like that..... suggest you take a course at a local scooter or motorcycle shop, too

Thanks for the tips. I will be totally new to motorbikes (dont' even know diff between moped and small motorbike, see!, but it's one of few things still on my 'bucket list!'