<p>Hey all, I'm an incoming freshman to UCSC for Fall 2010. This past weekend I visited the campus and participated in Spring Spotlight. While there, I noticed it might be a bit of a hassle to bring my car up (with limited off-campus parking, bad for general commuting, etc). With that said, the thought of bringing a moped to UCSC sounds very appealing (especially since first/second year students can purchase Motorcycle Permits). </p>
<p>I was wondering how practical mopeds are for commuting from class to class. In addition, I'd like to know more about the parking situation in regards to mopeds around the campus (i.e. Are you allowed to park them near the bike racks? Where do you store them at night? etc.). Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks.</p>
<p>I really don’t think you need a moped if you are a freshman. Yes it sounds good to have your own mode of transportation, but I don’t believe it’s actually practical. For class to class, I’m not completely sure where you would park it when you get to class. From my experience, your class times are usually spread out so you don’t have to hurry to class. Although I did have a quarter where I only had 15 mins to get to a course, I always made it on time by walking or using a campus bus.</p>
<p>I know one student last year who had a small moped and he used to lock it up on the bicycle rack in front of our dorms. I think it might depend on what kind you have though. Last year we asked him how good it was to have one and he said it was nice for mileage and speed (compared to walking), but he said it a bike would probably suffice. He also joked saying that people looked at him weird cause most people don’t have mopeds, but he said he really didn’t care. </p>
<p>If you want to find out about parking with it, maybe check out <a href=“http://www2.ucsc.edu/taps/[/url]”>http://www2.ucsc.edu/taps/</a></p>
<p>Thank you very much for you help. Any more input?</p>
<p>I knew someone in College 8 who wanted to get a moped, but he ended up just getting a bike instead. I agree with MidnightGolfer, it doesn’t seem entirely necessary.</p>
<p>Screw what’s necessary! While bicycles are more than sufficient, mopeds are MOPEDS! They’re more fun by definition! Tell your buddy to get a moped if he wants one! If he’s living on campus, it’ll be easier to get to town (and MUCH easier to get back to campus than using a bike – pretty uphill).</p>
<p>My verdict: MOPED all the way! :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m leaning towards getting a moped, but I just want to make sure it’s not a big hassle (like bringing a car).</p>
<p>How about an electric bike? Can use as bike or with motor (they go up to 25 mph), can use a regular bike lock, etc. Company in San Jose has them - ELV motors. Lots of models to choose from, easy to charge (cost is about $2/month to charge).</p>
<p>I was actually looking into a Vespa, the Rally 200 model in particular. However, I’ll be sure to check out electric bikes as well - though I’m sure they won’t have the same appeal as Vespas (for various reasons).</p>
<p>Good news about the electric bike is that you don’t need license, but can ride it on city streets. Just a thought as a green alternative… (My personal choice is the A2B model -have one and love it!)</p>
<p>look carefully at CA license laws pretty much anything with a gas motor (and not pedal powered like a moped) will need registration, insurance and a motorcycle M2 license (including a 15 hour course). I initially wanted to get a 50cc scooter but when I realized it required a M2 License I just opted for a M1 and a real bike :p</p>
<p>andrewxd–one more reason I went with electric bike. None of that is required, as even though the electric bike has a “motor,” it is considered strictly a bike. Checked this out very carefully when I made my decision.</p>