My car is on its last breath, at least according mandatory safety inspection results anyway. Repairs are supposed to cost more than its worth. Though, I'm getting a second opinion from another workshop soon. I only commute about 6 km a day, get groceries and doctor visits, entirely within the city.
So I’ve considering switching to a 125 ccm motor scooter instead of getting another used car. The idea of no more parking costs, looking for parking spots, low fuel usage and low fixed costs (insurances, maintenance and taxes) are very appealing.
I'm on the fence due to the one true downside, though. Winters. At least 3 months of likely cold weather, rain and wet snow. The kind that could make you question your life choices when having to ride to work at 6 am. I'm located in Northern Europe with winters with avg +4 to -4 °C. Since I have an alright public transport connection to work and in the city as fall-back it will be best to put it in hibernation. That I can do under a cover in a courtyard, if I'm lucky half covered under a balcony. What do y'all think?
Moving larger or a bunch stuff in one go will be more complex too. Even with services like car sharing, rentals or asking a buddy here and there in exchange for gas money and take-away food.
As for specific scooter, I'm looking for high reliability, durability and at best ABS and disk breaks for both the front and rear wheel. A high permitted weight would be great too. Models that fit my criteria are Yamaha NMax, Honda PCX, Honda SH125i and Piaggio Medley. Going to Dealers for test drives soon. :)
For a new one, all in all I'm calculating 6000 to 6500 EUR initially including extra features (top case, windscreen, heated handles), taxes and insurance. There are decent used cars for comfy winter rides. Though, perhaps I can score a lucky deal for a barely used motor scooter one as season is going to an end. By the way, a 50 ccm scooter is out of question for me personally, I'd want more power under my seat. ;-)
Anyone here made the switch? Regrets? Is micromobility really a year round solution?
Hey, your detailed reply with experiences is much appreciated!
As for performance, I'm really just looking for commuting through the city. Usually 66% in 20 and 30 mph zones and 33% on country roads and motorways - 50 and 60 mph zones. Also, I just checked out the Aprilia SR GT 125 ccm and 200 ccm online, looks great imo.
As for practicality, the trunk space as well as top case (30-40l with max 10kg weight) should be plenty for grocery shopping for 1-2 people, a few times a week, as seen here on YT (in german).
As for weather, maybe it's just something I need to experience for myself. After all I've went cycling to work at 30 F before... As for safety gear and I've got one set, which I bought for driving school. Including a "urban safety" cargo pants with knee and hip protectors and a jet helmet. But yes, I'll have to factor in at least 500 Euro for a integral helmet and additional pieces for safety, against the rain and the cold.
As for "Everyone in cars is trying to kill you", yes! That's the most important piece to factor in. For that I'm loving the inspiration with the Phalanx CWIS system. A tad bit expensive but maybe I can go for some short range manual system.
Cycling is a different animal to riding. On a bicycle, you are doing athletic work, so your body is warming itself up, on a motorcycle, you are almost entirely idle. Also, top speed on a bike is low cruise on a motorcycle. In town it's probably not so bad but if you do any distance by highway it's a WHOLE other thing.