<p>I was wondering if it'd be worth it for me to get a scooter for freshman year. I'm going to be living in Broward but I want to lift at the SW Rec Center and it seems too far to bike. I could use RTS, but I'd prefer the freedom of being able to go when I want without having to work around the bus schedule. What do you think?</p>
<p>Or, Should I get a bike? I saw that its only 2 miles to get to SW Rec and 3 miles to get to walmart/Publix. Do you think its safe to bike on the roads?</p>
<p>If I were you, I would absolutely get a scooter. I tried the whole Biking-from-Broward-To-Publix thing, and trust me when I say that does NOT work out. 3 miles doesn’t seem far, but on University (which is a scary road to bike on) it usually took me at least an hour and a half to two hours to bike there, shop, and then awkwardly bike back carrying only very light groceries (no soda, no bottled water, no meats because it was nasty and hot out, no awkwardly shaped boxes). It’s way better to just scoot there, which takes all of two minutes, and then put the groceries in a basket on your scoot and head back. :)</p>
<p>@alovestori: thanks I think I’ll get a scooter. When you have a scooter, where do you put your helmet and protective jacket (if you use one)?</p>
<p>I didnt see many of either, in use, when i was on campus the last 2 times. too bad the univ (or publix for that matter) doesnt offer a once ot twice a week shuttle run to publix.</p>
<p>Honestly, most people don’t use either of those! A jacket can usually be stored in the under-seat compartment, and if you want a helmet you can buy a bike lock, thread the chain through the little visor hole and then lock it to the habdlebars of the scooter :)</p>
<p>P.s. If you’re really from jersey (im not sure if that’s just your name or if you’re moving for school!) its good to note that Florida does not have a helmet law. They’re not required down here 
also, unless its winter, its quite hot for a jacket!</p>
<p>Yeah I am moving for school…and okay then I guess I won’t really need those. Are there a lot of places to park mopeds near classes? or would I have to park and then walk far anyway.</p>
<p>While helmets are not required, do you really want to find out what happens when a bare skull impacts pavement at 45 mph? </p>
<p>One of my best friends was really, really badly hurt in a scooter accident a few years ago. They look like toys, but are functionally motorcycles when you are driving in town. Be smart.</p>
<p>From what I’ve seen this summer so the scooter parking spaces have been mostly full so in the fall the parking would be even worse. Keep that in mind when you’re thinking about getting one.</p>
<p>If your scooter is over 49cc you had to have insurance, a motorcycle license, and wear a helmet. Make sure the scoote is 49cc or else you’ll be paying a lot of extra things.</p>
<p>Okay thanks for the info</p>
<p>finding parking has never been an issue for me, my classes were always during the peak times and as i pulled up there were 10 scooters leaving</p>
<p>What brand scooters do you guys have? Thanks.</p>
<p>I have a scooter, I heard it’s far better to use than a car. I have two actually, but I’m bringing up my kymco people. Awesome brand.</p>
<p>The shuttles are very convenient. You really never have to wait more than a few minutes at most to get on, and they take you everywhere. Don’t knock it before you try it. And remember you need to buy a decal for the scooter which is like almost $200, in order to park on campus.</p>
<p>In addition to fuel, insurance and the cost of the scooter, your going to be paying at LEAST 150 dollars a year just for a stupid parking decal. Also if you are a newbie to scooters, I would stay away as drivers in gainesville are pretty much your typical teen drivers. A friend of mine was injured pretty badly in a scooter accident and racked up some big bills to have his hand reconstructed! </p>
<p>I would suggest a bike and as well the proper equipment as UFPD is SUPER BORED and will ticket you if your bike doesn’t have a light on it and it’s daytime.</p>