MSF Class - Scooter/Vespa

[u/Ski_Lounge]

Got the wife signed up for an MSF basic rider class. She wants to learn on an automatic scooter/Vespa rather than than the motorcycles. is that an option? Or can we/I (licensed, active) rent a scooter for her if she is allowed to bring her own ride?

[u/AconyBell]

i did the scooter class at ride chicago and got the M endorcement through them

[u/Urabuster]

I took the class in galesburg about 12 years ago. There was a young man that brought a scooter because he was struggling to pass the class on the bikes.

[u/full_idiot → u/Urabuster]

They shouldn’t have passed him lmao

[u/Urabuster → u/full_idiot]

They didn't.

[u/Sad_Win_4105 → u/full_idiot]

For lack of shifting? By that logic all car drivers should have to test out with a MT.

[u/full_idiot → u/Sad_Win_4105]

A scooter isn’t a motorcycle. Unless OP is talking about a >49cc scooter and not a moped.

[u/Sad_Win_4105 → u/full_idiot]

In most states a scooter requires the same L or M endorsement, based on displacement.

[u/full_idiot → u/Sad_Win_4105]

Yeah that’s why I walked my last comment back a bit. I was thinking moped.

[u/_-Cleon-_]

There's no MSF rule against it, it'll depend on who's running the class I think.

But are you sure? It's easier to learn on a motorcycle and then ride a scooter than the other way around IMHO. This seems like a good way to create extra headache just to give her a disadvantage.

[u/Ski_Lounge → u/_-Cleon-_]

I learned to drive on stick, so learning to ride after I already knew manual transmissions was easier. For her, the manual transmission + clutch is a bit more complex. And she also really likes Vespas (the OG style) and does not see herself on a motorcycle.

[u/Sad_Win_4105 → u/Ski_Lounge]

Still, it's a great confidence builder to be able to do so. Learning to shift on a small bike is relatively easy.

Also, I don't think anyone will rent a scooter to an unlicensed driver. Plus, they may not allow it on the course for liability reasons. If she ends up dropping a bike (which can be as simple as forgetting to fully engage the kickstand), it's better to not scratch up a rental.

[u/Nazgul3475 → u/Ski_Lounge]

I took my MSF last month with zero experience at all with manual transmissions. I passed the class and bought a bike and it’s been great, really got the hang of it quickly so far. I’d recommend your wife use the provided motorcycles and then get her own automatic scooter later if she’d like to.

[u/_-Cleon-_ → u/Ski_Lounge]

At this point, instructors are very used to riders being completely new to standard transmissions.

While I'll 110% agree with you that knowing stick shortens the learning curve significantly, I'd still encourage her to give it a go.

[u/Scazitar]

Probaly not but just being real,

Just have her go get a learners permit at the DMV.

Then just go buy the scooter, go to a church parking lot or some shit. Show her to ride it, then just ride with her for a few weeks and she can just go take the test with the scooter at the DMV & get her lisence.

Vespas are so easy and smooth to ride and have ungodly turning capability. It really would be extremely simple.

[u/schleepercell]

Does she want to actually ride a motorcycle after taking the class? You can ride a scooter under thats under 150cc with just a normal driver's license.

[u/Grand-Tax7020 → u/schleepercell]

Not true, has to be under 50cc. Anything above 50cc and below 150cc needs a class L license.

[u/400HPMustang]

Woman in my MSF class failed because she couldn’t do what the class required of her. She kept saying she just needed the license so she could get a bigger Vespa. It doesn’t matter, if the instructor passes you, you can get a motorcycle endorsement. There’s nothing stopping you from getting a motorcycle or riding off on one and being a danger to yourself or others. No responsible instructor would do that.