Using a go-ped as island transportation?

[Ocean Roads]

I have been kicking the idea of getting a go-ped, aka a skateboard w/ a weed waker engine.

The price is the same or less then a folding bike, and they take up less space.

May not be 100% "legal" some islands, but doubt anyone will say much.

Can put a 5 gal bucket on the deck to carry my goods from town.

Any thoughts on using one vs a folding bike in the islands?

[GaryMayo]

Even the manual kick the ground with one foot, versions are pretty handy. I have owned both, and we decided the battery versions are soft on power sometimes. The manual versions only get tired, if you do. They are pretty helpful getting around. The larger wheels glide over bumps better.

This one has a huge front wheel, but it increases the safety factor, and reduces fatIgue to the driver.

http://www.kickbike.com/easydata/cus...ree.bk.600.jpg

[vientoman]

go peds are really unpleasant for others to hear. In making a decision, noise pollution is a real thing to consider.......at least for the islanders. Health reasons are another consideration. Exercise is a good thing for cruisers.

[frank_f]

Originally Posted by GaryMayo

Even the manual kick the ground with one foot, versions are pretty handy. I have owned both, and we decided the battery versions are soft on power sometimes. The manual versions only get tired, if you do. They are pretty helpful getting around. The larger wheels glide over bumps better.

This one has a huge front wheel, but it increases the safety factor, and reduces fatIgue to the driver.

http://www.kickbike.com/easydata/cus...ree.bk.600.jpg

But they don't seem to foldup for storage and have very limited carrying space. How would this be better than a standard folding bike?

[Hud3]

Whatever you decide to get needs to be able to handle rough roads--asphalt patches, potholes and loose gravel.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Ocean Roads

May not be 100% "legal" some islands, but doubt anyone will say much.

They are either illegal or regulated like automobiles (requiring registration, license, etc) in many Eastern Caribbean islands. I have a friend who was arrested in Grenada riding one without license. He spent the day in jail and the goped was confiscated.

They are unusual enough in these places that they attract attention from authorities, even while hundreds of unregistrated and unlicensed mopeds zip by them unnoticed and unbothered.

Mark

[Greenhand]

In China they had bikes with battery motors that were recharged when you pedaled. Perhaps there is an similar scooter somewhere?

[capngeo]

I've seen islands that prohibit use of bicycles that weren't imported (duty paid).. couldn't imagine a gas powered machine

[GaryMayo]

Originally Posted by frank_f

But they don't seem to foldup for storage and have very limited carrying space. How would this be better than a standard folding bike?

It is not better, just another alternative to a bicycle. It is in some ways, more exercise, it is in some ways, more fun. A person can peddle 100 miles or more on a bicycle, doubt you could do that comfortably on a kick cycle. But for shopping, tooling around malls, shops, stops, the kick cycle is a blast.

A three wheel version is available where you slither like a snake, and you keep both feet up.

[svrevelations]

We have 2 off road versions on board and really enjoy them. They are not only fun but also handy scooting about doing minor shopping. Most of the people we encounter are intrigued by them and seem to enjoy looking at them. However, we are careful where we use them as they are not street legal.

[Ocean Roads]

I was talking about the ones that are basically a skateboard w/ a folding handlebar and a weed-waker engine.

While yes I agree they can be annoyingly loud, I think that is mostly at higher RPMs and with a modified pipe.

In a lot of Bahamian islands I go to, there are plenty of locals on very loud dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by Ocean Roads

I was talking about the ones that are basically a skateboard w/ a folding handlebar and a weed-waker engine.

While yes I agree they can be annoyingly loud, I think that is mostly at higher RPMs and with a modified pipe.

In a lot of Bahamian islands I go to, there are plenty of locals on very loud dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.

"Locals" being the operative word. As I said, it is more an issue of taxes being paid than noise HYMMV