FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Advice as my 16 year old son would like a moped or motorbike
Advice as my 16 year old son would like a moped or motorbike
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By *litterbabe OP Woman
over a year ago
hiding from cock pics |
Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've ridden bikes since I was 8 years old.
I've NEVER had or ridden a road bike and I won't.
Lost one of my best mates 2 months after we left school, he was smashed into about 10 pieces by a transit van.
I was speaking to him 2 hours before it happened.
Lost another mate about 6 months after that, he rode straight into a bridge and broke his neck. Instant death.
You need to do everything in your power to put him off.
I don't have kids, but when I do, I hope to god my son never wants a rode bike, because it will be a difficult conversation to have with him, considering my love for bikes. |
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
it depends if he is a good rider or not |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
Tell him he has to save up and pay for it, then yes  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Get good protective gear, spend as much as you can on that,jacket with body armour, helmet and gloves minimum... training for the road but encourage to get a full licence asap as it will make him a safer rider the quickest way 
Make sure that he maintains it and keeps everything working...
Live with the fact you gotta let them do stuff ...
xx |
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If he insists on having one encourage to do a road awareness course first, as he will soon find that many other road users are not aware of what motorcyclists are allowed to do regarding manoeuvres etc. I was involved in a serious RTA when I was 19, riding pillion and hit by a Volvo estate which came round a bend on the wrong side, which resulted in my having to have my right leg amputated above the knee. 23 years on and I'm still having problems as a result of the injuries. I'm dreading the day my son is old enough to have one! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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ps a driving safety officer told me bike riders go on to be better car drivers etc as they learn to become aware of things...
Get insurance with a tracker, its cheaper but only if they stick to speed limits...
xx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Tell him no.
Only you can't.
Tell him "no" and he will do it anyway definitely....if he's anything like me. "
My son was told no. He didn't get his own bike, but did get on the back of friends bikes now and then. He didn't want it for any reason other than to piss about around the area, like his mate. There are flowers all around our area where young men have been killed, on their bikes. Now my 16 yr old grandson wants one and I can't put him off the idea. Although, he wants his to get him to college. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
I'd tell him to save for it and get some off road training. He can wait until he's eighteen and can make his own choices. I'd probably offer to pay for training and the best helmet and jacket possible but not the bike.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"And the good weather is coming so best time to learn and get confident, sets you up for winter which is the trickiest season...
xx"
It's not if you get a bike with abs, which is the safest option. That's what I would advise as a bike rider or the protective gear and a bike with abs, but the kids shouldn't just be getting handed stuff to them that's why their rude, self entitled, little shits, mostly. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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All you can do is what we did (and still do) and tell your son about the risks of bikes. Use real stats, from a reputable source, about the greater risks for motorcycles than cars. Google 'motorcycle accidents statistics' and you'll find the Insurance Information Institute. Scary reading, though. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
He will need to get his provisional licence and also take a CBT (compulsory basic training) before being able to ride on the road legally. Will also need insurance and road tax for the vehicle. If he insists on getting a moped then my advice is to buy the best protective clothing and helmet that you can afford. These are the items that are ultimately going to contribute to keeping him alive should the worst happen and he is involved in an accident or collision.
Salty. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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He needs to pass a cbt test to ride on the road, it's a one day course and not long enough to be sure he's safe? I was crapping myself when my sons first went out on there's?
Are you 100% sure he would be sensible? If your not don't do it.
Cars and insurance etc are expensive but if you can my advice would be to do that instead. I'm much happier now mine have cars |
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
I rode a motorbike for 12 years.... I wouldn't ride one on the roads now.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A bike with abs is the best option if you want to be safe, might cost more but it's 100× safer. If your willing to buy him a bike might as well make sure it's a safe one. |
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Again, make him wear FULL protection....
My son passed his A2 bike licence on a Thursday. He went to work on the Saturday. Left work at 6.30pm, he was driving with a car in front of him and ine behind him. A d*unk lady aged 64 pulled out on him and knocked him 20m across the road still holding his handlebars. The lady was blowing 77 at scene and 79 once in police custody.
They said if he had now swerved to go over bonnet and gone in to his door he wouldn't be here today. Also his protective clothing helped.
One thing I will say is, if its in his system and he wants a bike, let him or he will do it anyway. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
I rode a motorbike for 12 years.... I wouldn't ride one on the roads now.
"
Been riding for 34 years, 3 accidents one of which I will pay for in rhumatic old age but for just the thrill of it and thousands of miles of fun, hell yeah let him do it cos life's good doing what you really want to ...
xx |
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?
I rode a motorbike for 12 years.... I wouldn't ride one on the roads now.
"
Same. Same.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Guys you can buy the toughest helmet in the world, the most robust jacket in the universe and spend millions on courses however you can do absolutely nothing about the poor desicions that other road users make, so many biker fatalities when they're not at fault where other road users fail to look, fail to judge speed, not being aware of what's going on around them etc etc. Sure bikers can be their own downfall but to be seriously hurt or worse because of other people's mistakes and neglect is a very tough pill to swallow.
Hey no-one knows what's round the corner, we're only here once and biking to a lot of people is just something in their blood just like sport and music is to others.
A tough one for any parent.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Keep your lovely boy in one piece and scar free........It is very dangerous indeed my dad stopped his own sons as the roads were getting far too crowded and this was back in the 80s..give him money to be spent on car driving lessons lessons when he is 17.xx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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At 16 he does need a provisional and a cbt to go on the road on a 50cc vehicle as i was last aware off. I have watched friends lose their lives through motorcycles and have injuries myself even though i have been riding for 19 years. (Until i was 17 it was all off road(track or private land)) and i always warn anyone getting on a motorcycle of the risks, as no matter how good of a rider you think you are there are always more idiots out there who can knock you off without warning. If he is going to do it i always recomend the best armoured gear on the market as well as a full face helmet. There are also rider awareness courses and such that could be looked at. |
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"
I rode a motorbike for 12 years.... I wouldn't ride one on the roads now.
Been riding for 34 years, 3 accidents one of which I will pay for in rhumatic old age but for just the thrill of it and thousands of miles of fun, hell yeah let him do it cos life's good doing what you really want to ...
xx"
Friends...
1 dead
1 in a coma for 4 weeks
1 in a coma for 4 days
Myself...
3 ambulance trips ( 3 nights in hospital)
3 weeks on crutches
6 visits to A&E
3 "near misses" that would have been fatal.
My son wanted a bike.... I told him he'd have to put me in a box before I'd let him... he took one look at me and settled for a car.  |
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If you agree please ensure he has more than the compulsory basic training and the best protective gear you can afford. We are both very aware of bikers when we're driving but not all motorists are.
It's a difficult one because we can't wrap them in cotton wool. Our son had one to get to work but after three accidents and the ambulance man telling us someone was trying to tell us something we took the keys away. So I would advise weighing it up carefully and putting any limits that you think are sensible in place.
Whatever you decide good luck to you both |
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By *ady LickWoman
over a year ago
Northampton Somewhere |
My son turns 16 in August and has friends that already have bikes. I'm so relieved that he's not interested at all in getting one. The amount of shit drivers on the road I'd be a nervous wreck every time he went out!!!!
Put him off if you can but you know if he's adamant about it he'll go on and on until you say yes! We can't keep them wrapped in cotton wool forever, even though we want to x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If you think it's a peer thing and he'll be riding around in a group to impress the girls, each other then no.
If he's been interested in motors, watching racing, cycling, skateboarding etc is practically minded, has good balance, hand eye coordination and plans to ride on his own then yes.
You've got to be concentrating a lot and very aware to really stay safe, you have to ride like everyone else, and everything is trying to kill you.
Learning to ride safely, whilst being totally inexperienced with roads, conditions and other vehicles needs a level head.
I've been riding since 96, never had an accident but had too many close calls to mention.
Much better car driver for it.
I did my test and got my first one without parents permission, against their wishes or knowledge.
A few times they could have had a call to say I'd died on a bike they never knew I had.
My dad passed his test and bought my bike off me a few years later, he's had a few more since and he takes mum out regularly on it!
Biking is great, imagine you're naked and you'll be even more carefull! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
I would not take a push bike on the road let alone a motor bike .
When you are young you do not appreciate the risks involved. Insurance on a car is prohibitely expensive .
A tricky choice for you . Hopefully you might be able to talk him out of it .
No matter how much protection and safety gear you in and how good your driving is , you still have little protection . |
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By *inzi LTV/TS
over a year ago
The Garden of Eden in Beautiful North Wales |
That's a hard one, considering that I've spent my whole life with bikes, cars and engine's! But my answer would be 'no' if he wants to build his own for off road or track days fine but... for every good driver on the road at any one time, there are countless bad drivers. Some without MOT, tax, insurance or even a licence! 
|
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Right I've ridden all my life. And my advice is wait. 16 for me is too young and you absolutely need insurance and a provisional. You can't be in control of anything motorised in the U.K. Without one and the other.
Training is everything. If he absolutely has two do it, for me it would be on the agreement that he gets all the training he can. Basic and advanced. Even the police do bike safe course to ensure he knows what he's doing.
Pete x |
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
I am a biker and thoroughly enjoy being on two wheels. However, I didn't start riding until I was in my 40s and with a wealth of road experience behind me. I see youngsters every day on scooters and small bikes driving like idiots playing up to their mates. Most are a nuisance on the road and frankly slightly embarrassing. It is amusing when you have a 50cc moped revving up next to a Triumph Sprint ST 1050cc.
My advice to you mum would be to encourage him to get his car licence first then if he still wants a bike he will have developed certain Road Craft skills which may save his life.
All the very best to you and your son. |
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By *arry247Couple
over a year ago
Wakefield |
"That's a hard one, considering that I've spent my whole life with bikes, cars and engine's! But my answer would be 'no' if he wants to build his own for off road or track days fine but... for every good driver on the road at any one time, there are countless bad drivers. Some without MOT, tax, insurance or even a licence!
"
Did you let him use a pedal bike up until now.
If so he will be well aware of how car drivers behave on the road, therefore you have prepared him to ride a motor bike.
If you have not let him ride a pedal bike buy him one and tell him if he uses it daily he can have a motor bike in six months if he still wants one.
Yes most people who have ridden a motor bike can tell stories of friends who have died in the past but so can most car drivers.
The worst thing you can do is wrap your son in cotton wool he has to learn how to protect himself and hiding away from the world is setting him up for a fall in the future
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"If he insists on having one encourage to do a road awareness course first, as he will soon find that many other road users are not aware of what motorcyclists are allowed to do regarding manoeuvres etc. I was involved in a serious RTA when I was 19, riding pillion and hit by a Volvo estate which came round a bend on the wrong side, which resulted in my having to have my right leg amputated above the knee. 23 years on and I'm still having problems as a result of the injuries. I'm dreading the day my son is old enough to have one!"
Compulsory Bike Training (CBT) is mandatory anyway, no exceptions. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Guys you can buy the toughest helmet in the world, the most robust jacket in the universe and spend millions on courses however you can do absolutely nothing about the poor desicions that other road users make, so many biker fatalities when they're not at fault where other road users fail to look, fail to judge speed, not being aware of what's going on around them etc etc. Sure bikers can be their own downfall but to be seriously hurt or worse because of other people's mistakes and neglect is a very tough pill to swallow.
Hey no-one knows what's round the corner, we're only here once and biking to a lot of people is just something in their blood just like sport and music is to others.
A tough one for any parent.
"
This. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Eventually he will start doing what he wants. but I'd advise strongly against getting a bike as in my view, the roads are a very dangerous place for bikers of any kind these days. I used to ride when I first got my licence and started again a few years back. In 15 years they have become deadly due to the fact no drivers have any respect for each other |
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I had a moped when I was 16, I bought as transport to and from work. My friends never had them so it was only used for commuting to and from work and to and from girls friends houses.
Get him one, there is a whole world out there for him to explore, he will be able to look for training/work a lot further away and it will give him some independence.
Road tax used to be £15 a year, safety gear isn't that dear and will last. If you buy it new, you may also get a free helmet and gloves, the shop my also do a deal on some insurance.
If you are worried about the speed, a new moped, a 50cc moped will be restricted to 30mph by law, then after a few weeks you can get the restrictions taken off and it will do 50mph, perfect if he is traveling along busy duel carriage ways in rush hour traffic. |
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By *litterbabe OP Woman
over a year ago
hiding from cock pics |
Thank you so much to everybody who has contributed to this thread. I am really nervous about it and I have much more information now thanks to you all about the various training and the anti locking brakes. He is very good on his push bike and even that makes me very nervous but it's not so much his driving, rather than the other road users that worry me and the speed a bike and go, compared to the average speed on his push bike.
Thank you sincerely for all your input, and for all the inbox messages I have had too. |
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By *arehamMan
over a year ago
handforth |
Nothing wrong with motorcycle riding,I had one on and off for thirty years,get him proper training,it's in the lap of the gods when you pop your clogs ,I had two best friends killed on a motorcycle,but never stopped me riding one,another friend got run over by crossing the street,
You just have to hope he is going to be ok,you can't wrap him in cotton wool,you have to let them live there own life. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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he's your son .... you're going to worry about whatever he does ... just like my folks did.
i had a bike when i was 16 .... i traded it in for a 100cc on my 17th birthday and my dad was really pissed off when he saw what i did ... but being a sensible bloke he got me booked in for some training and tests straight away .... i got my full licence when i was 17 years and 2 months ..... and to this day it's one of the best things i ever did .... and it has made me a far away a more superior driver of every kind of vehicle
if my folks had laid the law down and said no to me having a bike i would've just got one when i was 18 anyway |
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By *andDeeCouple
over a year ago
Ashford |
Once he has one, he will be off enjoying himself, meaning you have the house to yourself to play, especially when he puts a tent on the bike and goes on a weekend adventure. Everyone wins.
The training and tests required now are so much stricter than in my day, and a majority of us survived to a rip old age, so he will have so much more knowledge before being allowed out on his own. |
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It's a difficult one as your instinct is to protect and then his might be to rebel.
As others have said, let him know your concerns and then make sure he's as safety ready as he can be.
Try to work together on it, or promise him a car the day he turns 17  |
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Personally. I believe that riding a bike can ultimately help you be a better, safer and more considerate driver. It also will give him a cheap and efficient means of transport at a time when driving a car us ridiculously expensive for a young driver.
Also, riding a motorbike isn't necessarily dangerous. I know loads of bikers who have never been in an accident, and loads more car drivers who have.
Cal |
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By *mmmMaybeCouple
over a year ago
West Wales |
OK, I've had bikes since I was 11, Spent 12yrs as a London Despatch rider and still ride in everything but the depths of winter. Now run my own bike servicing/repair & sales place.
Tell him no, not for another year.
Lost a good few workmates including one under a truck just on front of me, lost more riding friends than I really can remember tbh.
My injuries from riding I have now mean I cannot run properly, I have a permanent dull ache in my left shoulder but sometimes it feels like someone is digging my shoulder joint out with a dagger such is the pain, a weaker right wrist after it was shatteref and a thumb on the same hand that sometimes point blank refuses to move until I spend time massaging it back to life.
Now you may say "But your 54" but I've had most of these for 30yrs or more!!
I bypassed 50cc bikes in my youth, they were deadly then & more deadly now imo as drivers now are 10 times more impatient and imo they are either just too slow or if a fast Italian two-stroke it'll be rebuilt more times than a Lego house (I have a GPR50R here that hits 85mph but as said is always in bits so expensive to own).
Make him wait till next year, then at 17 he at least has a choice.
BUT...If he still chooses bikes let him, as despite all that I've said my life would be emptier without them..
S |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I wouldn't entertain the idea of my son having a moped. I can't fully explain my reasoning behind it if I'm honest, my gut instinct was to say no.
I felt he was safer on his pushbike & then when his ready & more responsible I'll arrange driving lessons for him.
Maybe it comes down to what your son is like as an individual. I feel mine errs on the irresponsible side. |
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By *mmmMaybeCouple
over a year ago
West Wales |
"Personally. I believe that riding a bike can ultimately help you be a better, safer and more considerate driver. It also will give him a cheap and efficient means of transport at a time when driving a car us ridiculously expensive for a young driver.
Also, riding a motorbike isn't necessarily dangerous. I know loads of bikers who have never been in an accident, and loads more car drivers who have.
Cal"
I've always said if everyone had to spend six months riding a bike before being allowed a car provisional the standard of car drivers would improve dramatically.
Also the real young idiots who currently kill themselves & others in car crashes would in all likihood kill just themselves.
Win win maybe??
S |
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"Thank you so much to everybody who has contributed to this thread. I am really nervous about it and I have much more information now thanks to you all about the various training and the anti locking brakes. He is very good on his push bike and even that makes me very nervous but it's not so much his driving, rather than the other road users that worry me and the speed a bike and go, compared to the average speed on his push bike.
Thank you sincerely for all your input, and for all the inbox messages I have had too."
In my opinion...
If he rides safely, a motorbike is safer than a bicycle. For all users of 2 wheels, unless they ride badly, other road users are the biggest danger and motorcycle clothing / helmet offers greater protection than cycling gear does.
Apart from anything else, suggesting he waits until 17 and gets a car, assumes he/you can afford for him to do so.
Our eldest passed his driving test at least 2 years ago, but continued using his motorbike until he could afford to buy and run a ca himself.
Nita |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Does he ride a push-bike?
Does he cross the road?
Statistically more pedestrians get injured on the roads than motorcyclists.
To ride on the road on any combustion engine powered vehicle he will need to have a provisional license and pass a CBT test which includes off and on road assessment and testing.
Also consider on a moped he will have a compulsory crash helmet, the bike will be limited to 30mph, and have brakes that work, and need training, far better than skateboards, pushbikes etc. |
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my son asked me to take him to see a motorbike he wanted to buy .. i refused .. not because it was a 30 mile drive and i was tired but i just dont want him to have one ..he thought i was being really mean but i dont want him to have one ...hes 33
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By *mmmMaybeCouple
over a year ago
West Wales |
"my son asked me to take him to see a motorbike he wanted to buy .. i refused .. not because it was a 30 mile drive and i was tired but i just dont want him to have one ..he thought i was being really mean but i dont want him to have one ...hes 33
"
And at the other end of the scale our five year old daughter already has a mini-moto but she's got to wait till she's six as she's small
S |
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By *andDeeCouple
over a year ago
Ashford |
Support him and show enthusiasm in whatever he wants to do. That way you keep him on your side and wanting to show how good he is at riding safely.
He will have to do lots of training and tests along the way to get bigger quicker bikes, unlike a car where you have one theory and one practical test to pass. Then he can buy any car and give lifts to friends where they may spur him on to go faster than he feels comfortable which in worse case scenario could kill anyone he hits when loses control and possibly his friends, relatives in the car. Sadly it happens way too often and the reason why car insurance for young drivers is so high.
And if he doesn't lose interest with all the learning and tests and does pass, encourage him to da an advanced rider course. Even I learned stuff when I done a taster ride out with an IAM observer. Also the police riders handbook is a great source of being an even more informed safe rider.
Either that or don't support him and he will may still do it himself without your approval and support and wishing to impress you how good a rider he is. |
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First of get him a CBT, he doesn't need one as he is only allowed a 50cc (as I recall), but it will teach him how to ride and his observations & life savers.
Second get him the best helmet you/he can afford, ensure it has either the gold/silver star on the helmet.
Get him some decent clothes (That includes gloves & footwear), no need for leather as there are some good textile clothing out there. Make sure he wears it, as gravel rash from coming off the bike is painfull.
Find a half decent bike for him to ride, he will need insurance, not sure if you can ride a 50cc still on a car license with 'L' plates still. |
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Being a mother you will never stop worrying
My son is 30 and had two recent accidents
Luckily he wasn't badly hurt but still doesn't stop me thinking how bad the next one might be
I hate the bloody things and I think they are to vulnerable and open on a bike
Telling him no will only make him get his own eventually but why would you help him at such a young age
Xx |
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If he really wants one I would insist he waits until he's old enough to ride a 125cc.
I have relied on public transport my whole life, until I moved in with shaggy. The bus service here is terrible!
After a few months of it taking two hours on two buses for a 9 mile journey to work I decided that I would get a scooter.
Shaggy was worse to convince than my parents which is surprising considering that my uncle was killed riding his motorbike!
Eventually I persuaded him that it was a good idea but he insisted that I have a 125cc rather than a 50cc. His reasoning was that with a 125 I would have more power to be able to accelerate out of trouble. We also have an agreement that I always message him to say I arrived safely, stops him worrying too much.
Three years on I use it for my daily commute but only in daylight, never when the clocks change. Why? My first year riding I was in an accident coming home from work. As I was coming around a roundabout I saw a car pull out onto the island just as I went past, I knew it was going to hit me. I accelerated to try to avoid it and was lucky it was just a glancing blow, I avoided serious injury. She claimed she didn't see me despite it being well lit and me wearing hi viz. I now never ride at night as it shot my confidence to pieces.
On the plus side, now I'm learning to drive I am much more aware of bikers. Oh and I have my no claims from the scooter which will slash my insurance premiums on my car when I pass my test |
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I wanted a bike at 16 and my parents simply insisted I went on the full RACACU training course over several weeks which taught me to be a very safe driver and get my full bike licence as soon as eligible. That course may not exist any more but there must be an equivalent.
But of course the lure of a car is the best disuasion!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thank you so much everybody this is really giving me so much more information. Thank you for the private messages also."
One extra bit of advice, buy some worry beads, this will not be the first cause of fear and concern, but if your boy is 16, I can tell you the next 4 years or so, while he finds and masters his wings are going to be a bumpy ride in the worry stakes.
Good luck, try to keep on top of the grey hair it will cause x |
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By *mmmMaybeCouple
over a year ago
West Wales |
"Thank you so much everybody this is really giving me so much more information. Thank you for the private messages also.
One extra bit of advice, buy some worry beads, this will not be the first cause of fear and concern, but if your boy is 16, I can tell you the next 4 years or so, while he finds and masters his wings are going to be a bumpy ride in the worry stakes.
Good luck, try to keep on top of the grey hair it will cause x"
My mum used to worry in the early days, "ring if you are going to be later than 11:30" so your riding back with your mates from Chelsea bridge, Brighton wherever and your going to keep stopping to try & find a working phone (i'm old remember) also remembering dad's a shift worker. Sometimes you did sometimes you didn't. After numerous arguments on the common sense in making me keep stopping I blurted out
"Mum, the time to worry is when the phone or doorbell rings, not when they don't. So if I don't call i'm fine, i'm always with my mates anyway, never alone.."
Oddly she said she didn't stop worrying until I started being a London courier, go figure..
OP if he goes ahead & has any medical conditions I'd recommend an SOS Talisman, a bit "Old Skool" but they hold all your medical details within & usually come with stickers to go on the side of your crash helmet to show you are wearing one.
I wear mine when riding as unfortunately for me i'm a rare blood group.
S |
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Personally I found that when I was younger and desperate to get a moped, as at that age most of my friends had one, I think they are a great option depending on the driver and how safe they are on one as I found that when I done my my test it was no where near as advanced as my car licence and after I had the bike I still didn't have a clue about the rules of the road. So I would advise he does a lot of mock driving theory tests on a phone app first just to get a bit more knowledge on the rules of the road a bit better. Especially for a small 50cc moped with little power, as on the test all you do is have a head set on and follow a instructor on the roads so very hard to fail really, different ball game when you are out on your own...If that helps in anyway |
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Been riding for thirty years, never owned a car. Have plates and screws holding me together and would do it all again. Have had so much fun.
as for your son, wait till he is 18 and a bit more sensible. He saves up and buys it so he will look after it and let him do it. You can fall down the stairs coming down for breakfast, does that mean you stay in bed all your life? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?"
You're being a mum and wanting to protect your child.
I've had bikes since 14, yeah I've come off and had a few scrapes and scratches but it's been my own fault.
The main thing is, being that much more vulnerable it will teach him alot more road sense than if he where to jump in a car.
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I've known more peope be killed or seriously injured in cars than on bikes*. Don't let him get a car! They're dangerous! He'll only get in and want to show off to his mates, probably with them in the back. Hundreds of cars crash every day and it's just as likely to be other road users at fault.
*i'm fully aware of how the statistics work so don't bother trying to explain. Just showing how skewed the argument against bikes is. Horse riding and rugby have more accidents.
Bikes are like aeroplanes. Statistically they have far fewer accidents, it's just that if you do, the consequences are tougher. There are lots of bikers on fab that haven't been killed. Bad news shouts loudest.
I agree with the previous posts - test his desire by making him pay for the bike and insurance but then offer to pay for good safety gear and training, training, training. He'll have his sights set on getting the bike and will skimp in the rest unless you help out |
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How about getting him involved in biking as a sport, rather than as a means of transport? The discipline needed for that can only be positive.
Once he's on the road, show him some de-gloving injuries and insist that safety gear is not optional and he has to be geared up every time he's on the bike, even if it's 28° and he's cooking in it.
Nothing can prepare you for the 'mum, I've had an accident' call though, they have to take their own responsibilities but you know that.
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By *mmmMaybeCouple
over a year ago
West Wales |
"How about getting him involved in biking as a sport, rather than as a means of transport? The discipline needed for that can only be positive.
Once he's on the road, show him some de-gloving injuries and insist that safety gear is not optional and he has to be geared up every time he's on the bike, even if it's 28° and he's cooking in it.
Nothing can prepare you for the 'mum, I've had an accident' call though, they have to take their own responsibilities but you know that.
"
Good shout, we used to live near some empty marshland on the Thames estuary & I had my first dirtbike at twelve, my dad still didn't really want me to get a roadbike & tbh I wasntt that bothered either then the RD250LC came out, we both went to look & one was in the garage a week later
S |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Buy him a car and there are places that do driving lessons off road. Hopefully he will see how much better it is and will wait until 17.
Loads of my mates got the yampeds and the little Suzuki 50s as soon as they could. I waited till 17 and had a little fiat (an original 500 that my aunt had).
Guess who got to take the girls home from parties...especially if raining!
I also lost three friends between the ages of 16 and 19 due to bike accidents. |
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My brother and i both had bikes at 14/15 years old. We used to go round the park and bmx track. I never passed my test but my brother did. To be honest he's had more accidents on his pushbike than his motorbike. In fact i was thinking about everyone i know who's had a motorbike. They've all had the most accidents on pushbikes. Apart from one friend who died on a motorbike sadly. |
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My daughters boyfriend had a bad motorbike accident in his early 20's left him damaged in the groin area and leg. No longer able to father children as a result.
Guess you cant stop him, but mine would pay every penny himself, top insurance top clothing and full lessons and no HP before he was allowed out on the roads.
don't know where you got the idea he doesn't need license insurance etc from pretty sure he does and tax also.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Iv been riding bikes since I was 6 year old off road motorbikes and quads,when I was 16 I got a scooter for a year didn't have one accident or near miss or mess about on it,I then upgraded to a rm450 off road bike converted to a road bike,spent a lot of money having it upgraded ect and only use it in summer,I haven't had any near misses on it as well,make sure he has a LOUD exhaust and like myself put extra lights on,iv spent well over a 1000 pounds in a good helmet,leg guards,chest guard ect,also a very good instructor that will go beyond just the average bike lesson get advance lessons,,I wouldn't put any one off riding as long as there safe and they drive pretty much constantly looking out for the foolish drivers in cars ect,,good luck young man |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good evening foremixes...
I wonder if some of you might be able to advise me. I have a 16 year old son, who would very much like a moped or motorbike.
I know that he can drive the smaller engine ones without a provisional and of course, insurance and safety equipment.
I am very scared about even considering it, I haven't said anything to him at the moment.
It's not particularly his road skills I would be worried about but rather other road users and his own experience.
Is it as unsafe as it feels to me or am I just being a protective mother?
He will need to get his provisional licence and also take a CBT (compulsory basic training) before being able to ride on the road legally. Will also need insurance and road tax for the vehicle. If he insists on getting a moped then my advice is to buy the best protective clothing and helmet that you can afford. These are the items that are ultimately going to contribute to keeping him alive should the worst happen and he is involved in an accident or collision.
Salty. "
This information is correct as my brother rang DVLA the other day as he is wanting a motorbike and this was the information they gave him, also the CBT only lasts a year then they have to sit their test and they also need to display learner plates xx |
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Cbt lasts for 2 years. If you don't pass your bike test in that time you have to re take it. If you're prepared to take the CBT every two years then you can ride up to 125cc on L plates indefinitely. I've had my Vespa for 3 years now and not taken my bike test. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Cbt lasts for 2 years. If you don't pass your bike test in that time you have to re take it. If you're prepared to take the CBT every two years then you can ride up to 125cc on L plates indefinitely. I've had my Vespa for 3 years now and not taken my bike test. "
Spot on even though I only had mine a year lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Cbt lasts for 2 years. If you don't pass your bike test in that time you have to re take it. If you're prepared to take the CBT every two years then you can ride up to 125cc on L plates indefinitely. I've had my Vespa for 3 years now and not taken my bike test. "
This might be correct also but I'm just saying what the DVLA told my brother the other day xxx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Cbt lasts for 2 years. If you don't pass your bike test in that time you have to re take it. If you're prepared to take the CBT every two years then you can ride up to 125cc on L plates indefinitely. I've had my Vespa for 3 years now and not taken my bike test.
This might be correct also but I'm just saying what the DVLA told my brother the other day xxx"
No worrys mate,was just a correction from a rider,your advice was near enough though and I'm sure helped her out |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I have had bikes ever since my 17th Birthday. My first was a Honda v varadero 125cc.
In my experiace as a bike rider you become a lot more aware of your surroundings and a lot better rider/driver
Another thing I found was, all of my friends who started at 16 on a 50cc moped never moved onto bigger bikes, they ended up in fiat punto's or citroen saxo's. They haTed being restricted to 30mph, especially when it rained or was cold.
There is a good chance if you let your son have a 50cc moped, he won't catch the bikers itch as they're boring and slow
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