<p>My dad is getting me a moped even though I am not really sure I want one. So, I was wondering if anyone could answer some of my questions about it</p>
<p>1) Is it more convenient to bring a moped? I plan on walking most of the time, but my dad is afraid I'll get attacked or something walking around at night.
2) Do i need a parking permit for a moped?
3) Do many mopeds get stolen or trashed?
4) Do moped drivers get things thrown at them often? (my friend threatened to do this to me)
5) My biology teacher said it isn't safe to drive around UCLA with a moped, is that true?
6) And, I found this page: </p>
<p>Define what type of moped you're getting - like a Vespa? or a little electric scooter with a seat? (what i'm asking is... street legal or not?)</p>
<p>Lots of people on campus have a Vespa or similar type motor scooter. They are treated like motorcycles and get free parking on campus in designated motorcycle spots, they are street legal for pretty much everything except highways (most of them will only do about 45 mph).
No they don't get trashed much, and are stolen about as much as any other vehicle on campus (not sure how much that helps). And no, I've never had anything thrown at me while on my motorcycle. If someone did, they would be getting an @$$ beating, or possibly get criminal charges pressed for assault.</p>
<p>As for safety around UCLA, I'm sure you've been told many times that the area around UCLA is a very safe one. As long as you know what you're doing as far as riding, you'll be fine. Just please, for the love of all things sacred, get at least a full face helmet!! I don't know how many people I see riding around on Vespas wearing shorts, sandals, a t-shirt, and a half-helmet. Yes, those things don't go as fast as motorcycles, but they're still out with the same cars and idiot drivers. I never go out on my bike without my full helmet, jacket, jeans, gloves and closed toe shoes. </p>
<p>Motorcycles are great ways to get around UCLA and LA in general and I would recommend them, but learn to ride competently first.</p>
<p>I can't really comment on those electric scooter things. They're not street legal and don't go very fast at all, esp. on the hills around UCLA. I think they're stupid, but hey, to each his own.</p>
<p>First off, my apologies to Icarus if I repeat any information:</p>
<ol>
<li> Convenient is, of course, relative. It offers you the opportunity to get to the market more quickly than your puny little human legs will get you there, but it will also require maintenance and gas. Maintenance will include oil changes, tire pressure adjustment, and other less-than-fun things. If safety is your sole concern, then remember a few things:</li>
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<p>a. UCLA is incredibly safe, and serious incidents are rare. However, if you want an escort, the CSOs (community service officers) offer both a shuttle and personal escort service after dark.
b. Most places on campus are well lit, well watched, and free of any trouble.
c. Good planning will oftentimes keep you out of situations where trouble may occur in the first place.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>No, you do not.</p></li>
<li><p>No, it is relatively rare. Note that I said relatively rare There is no way to reduce threats to zero, but in my time riding a motorcycle on-campus, thefts and vandalism werent common. Make sure to apply a disk brake lock or a similar deterrent, however.</p></li>
<li><p>Ive never seen it happen, and I get the feeling that your friend is just being a jerk.</p></li>
<li><p>Safety is relative. Riding a moped around UCLA isnt safe relative to what? Sitting in rubber room? As long as you obey the rules of the road, stay cautious, and ride defensively, your chances of a serious accident are relatively low. Make sure to obtain the proper licensing.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>These posts are missing the main issue. If you are a rider you know your bike can get stolen anywhere…please do not underestimate the actual risk. Riding is extremely dangerous in LA. If you have just been accepted to LA you do not have the experience to ride here. Please listen, I am a born and raised Harley Davidson rider…the very real kind, the kind that friend’s fight against helmet laws because they are insane. Listen it is not safe to drive an M1 in LA and especially in Westwood. Every year at least one student is seriously injured…I mean lost limb, half of their face taken off…it is not due to your abilities, though at our age…and I know you think you are special, we all do…you are not equipped to handle what you will be experiencing in Westwood alone…most of these people shouldn’t even be driving cars…you will not have the speed, maneuvering capability or accuracy (due to your bike alone…not even skill) that is need to avoid the drivers that will left turn in front of you unaware you are there, the ones that will side swipe you and toss you from your bike…please don’t be stupid, I love motorcycles but right place right time, it isn’t worth your life. I speak from real experience…most of you won’t listen, but if just one does.</p>