MOPED ARMY

A moped is defined as having: "No more than two (2) brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged, and capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour." KRS 189.285.

You'll need to get a moped license if you don't have one. Anything above 50cc and requires shifting is legally a motorcycle/scooter and you need a motorcycle license. With your budget I cannot emphasize enough that you should instead look for an older small Japanese motorcycle, like a Honda CB125 or Honda Rebel or something. Mopeds are not a good idea for use as sole transportation as they can be finicky.

With that amount of money you could go to regular driving school and buy a janky car. I understand your situation as you've explained it but I just don't think a moped or motorcycle is the best solution.

Bikes are far more dangerous and infinity more complex to ride safely in most situations. For example, you spin the wheels in the rain. In a car you just let off the throttle and be on your way, on a bike if you don't know everything you need to do instinctively at that moment your going to the emergency room.

If you do decide to go two wheeled. Mopeds can be reliable. But your not gonna buy one that way and you will be the mechanic. Instead look for a newer japanese scooter. Honda yamaha etc.

^^^None of any that matters in the bluegrass state. You need NOTHING! Its a free for all here, scooter or moped. (edited)

Hello and thank you all for the replies,

I think the closest driving educational program is in Louisville for $100 an hour + requires an existing drivers permit, but I'm several counties away from that. I needed a solution to get to eventually get to the drivers ed, but I'll do more googling for it after I'm done here.

A few more questions before I go:

Are "small motorcycles" a specific type that have other names I search up? I don't mind going for them instead, but I can't seem to find anything on them when I google them (regular motorcycles come up). If I look up the Honda CB125 though within the state, it is over 4k used. They do seem to be lower in other states, but I can't travel to get them.

Also, if I went for a Japanese scooter (Honda/Yahama scooters) instead, which would you suggest I buy new for my purposes, since the used ones are same price as new or even over? Or am I just looking on the wrong sites?

@supercub & aaronb

I am going to save for a car (tons of used cars here for pretty cheap), but I need a solution before snow comes for my job and while I save for the money to take me to a drivers ed + the money it takes to have the lessons (only one I found was in Louisville, for $100 per hour). I don't make a lot of money (about $500) so that sort of saving will take a long time to reach.

Thank you,