Anyone rent a moped?
 

I've heard of renting a moped in Florence/Sienna and taking it tour the country side and winerys. Anyone have first-hand experience, and can make comments/recommendations? <BR> <BR>This sounds neat. But, I wonder if really is. Thanks much. <BR> <BR>Jeff

I have never rented a moped there but I can say that I know mopeds can be dangerous. Where we live is a biggest tourist spot and there are two moped companies here. Every week literally in the paper there is at least one reported injury to a person on a moped. They tip over easily on curves or if you cross gravel areas. And they go slow so can be dangerous on roads where cars are going 50 MPH and there is no shoulder. Be very careful if you rent one.

Yeah, that would suck! But then why can't I say, "But I'd be careful"? <BR> <BR>Who would say, "On my trip to Italy I plan on getting hurt"? <BR> <BR>Thanks for the input. <BR> <BR>Jeff

I rented a moped / vespa while in Rome and it was a blast. Yes - you need to have steely nerves. By the second day I was whizzing in and out of traffic - ocassionly going up on sidewalks - great way to explore and get around. I was at first a bit hesitant getting a moped considering how crazy the traffic is in Rome but I'm glad I did it. Whizzing around Rome late at night was fantastic.

I have a scar on my leg from a third-degree burn suffered when I hit a patch of leaves and the bike tipped over and landed on my leg. I guess my thigh hit the hot exhaust pipe when I went down. I didn't plan for it to happen. The ride was plenty fun until the accident. <BR> <BR>Let's just say I wouldn't recommend it.

We rented mopeds and vespas and went from Sorrento to Amalfi on the Amalfi coast. It was fun and gorgeous way to see the scenery. Just be careful and pull off to the side if you feel threatened by a car or bus.I am in my late fifties and not particularly brave but it was a blast! Julie

Jeff, Speaking as a long-term (25 years experience) at home motorcyclist (1100cc's)DO NOT rent a moped in Italy unless you know how to ride a motorcycle at home. I have and I know what I am talking about...speed, quality of roads, last minute driving decisions on unfamiliar roads could turn a great trip into an intimate exerience of the Italian medical system. You don't want to know.

ha ha, these responses are great! I rented a moped on the greek isle of Corfu and had a blast. Great way to see the countryside. I heard plenty of horrow stories about danger, and i saw some people get hurt. That's life. If you want to ride a scooter, rent one! But if you are not used to riding them, be careful. <BR> <BR>I heard stories that the scooters in Italy and Greece were so dangerous because of all of the olive trees. See, the explaination was that the olive trees are all over the place and they drop the olives in the street. And when the cars run over the olives, they are crushed and make the streets slick with "olive oil." <BR> <BR>Ha ha, that cracked me up. I love that explanation for why scooters are dangerous!

Thanks for all the input! Now I'm torn about renting. It's not in our "plans" and was kind of a back-up. So I'll have to go with my gut feeling on renting when I'm there. <BR> <BR>I'll tell you how it went when I get back. I leave in three days! <BR> <BR>Jeff