How to Park a Moped

Many new riders are unfamiliar with how (and where) to park their moped. Parking a scooter incorrectly can increase the risk the vehicle getting tipped over, which results in cosmetic damages like unsightly scratches. Moped riders must also abide by many of the same parking rules as cars, despite their size. Reading a primer on how to park your moped can clear up many common misconceptions and perhaps save your vehicle some wear and tear.

Instructions

1. Find a legal parking spot. Park your scooter in a parking spot designated for motorcycles, compact vehicles or regular cars. Pay all necessary meter fees and parking lot fees. Check your city regulations which outline the legality of parking multiple mopeds and motorcycles in one parking space: many cities allow this.

   Despite the small size of your scooter, do not be tempted to park on the sidewalk, in between cars or at bike racks: You would be at risk of getting a ticket.

   If you are parking on a university campus, ensure you have a motorcycle permit or pay for a parking space: Scooters are not exempt from parking laws outlined by university policies. Do not park in neighborhoods around the college campus that require parking permits, either.

2. Approach the parking lot carefully. Do not cut in between vehicles or pass in front of them if you are waiting in a long queue. Find a parking spot and flash your turn signal light to indicate your desire to park.

   Flash your turn signal immediately: Many cars do not recognize when scooters are slowing down or indicating a direction. Consider adding a hand signal for additional safety.

3. Approach the parking space and slowly apply both the front and the back brakes below the handlebars. Using the momentum of the scooter, turn and do not stop your scooter until you are in the space.

4. Align your moped into the parking spot. If you wish to put your scooter into reverse to back into the spot, stop the scooter and place your feet on the ground. Look behind you to check for cars, and carefully walk the vehicle backwards towards the rear of the parking space. If the parking area is a high-traffic, busy lot, dismount your scooter and manually walk it backward instead.

5. Put the kickstand down. As explained by Eric Dregni and Pixel Pete in their book, "Scooters: Everything you Need to Know," putting the kickstand down requires practice. Allow at least 18 inches of space behind you. Place your foot on the kickstand and with one hand rested firmly on the front of the scooter and the other on the back, rock the vehicle backward to set the U-shaped kickstand in place.

6. Park near the back of the parking space. Double-check that other drivers can see the spot is taken by walking away from your space and making sure your moped is visible from far away.

Tips & Warnings

• During the summer months, park in the shade; otherwise, riders who wear skirts will have to cool off the seat before mounting the scooter.

References

• "Scooters: Everything you Need to Know: Eric Dregni and Pixel Pete: 2006.

Resources

• "Scooter Parking Legality," Wallywonderswhy.com, 2009
• "Parking -- Tips & Advice," London Bike and Scooter, 2009.