[crazynight]

With fuel prices going up running our second car for a daily commute of 10 miles (5 each way) seems daft.
Can anyone offer any advice based on experience of using a quad bike as a daily commute. I have almost ruled out a motorbike been there done that ice/snow tends to cause a problem also I have an allotment and a quad would allow me to carry extra items compared to a motorbike.


Thanks in advance

 

[RichieD76]

Oh yeah i have some advice. You WONT get cheap insurance at all. They will question everything. Its not a car and its not a bike so they class it as specialist and price accordingly! Not only that, when you do finnaly have a body bashing crash they ask you for your Agricutural licence or ATV licence... and even though a full uk motorcycle licence along with the fpk categorys of your licence covers it by law..they still try worm there way out of paying out. If your a farmer...you have no worries but everyone else beware. Had to take my insurer to court in the end. Even though i was the one that got hit. Thank god i'm not one of the total idiots that drives them on the road with no leathers or full face helmetEdited by: RichieD76

 

[Techno]

After reading the post above, it strikes me that a motorbike and a sidecar might be the best option.

 

[crazynight]

Hmm wow did not know that seems like all the info I am getting it pointing me away from a quad. Electric bike might be a good option 15mph plus can peddle to get fast so no arriving hot etc at work?

Any comment on an electric bike?

 

[M4trundler]

I think quad bikes are too dangerous. They are heavy bits of kit and very easy to roll over on top of you. These look good, they have a roll cage, but are a bit pricey...
http://www.blitzworld.co.uk/

Edited by: M4trundler

 

[drakey]

Weird - my brother in laws a Gardner and fancied a change from his 4ltr jeep and trailer to pop and get the morning paper etc.
To my surprise - this is what he came home with yesterday!!!
Had my pic took but yet to play

I'll have to enquire about costs once it's registered.

 

[davy]

Thats one smart quad Drakey

 

[BanditGT]

Quads are great fun, but take a little getting use to. I would stat well away from the Chinese ones though. Personally I would go for the Suzuki LTZ450.

 

[BanditGT]

 

[Dano]

Omg !! I've got a trouser tent [blush] I love quads but there so dangerous , I would love one but think I would kill myself

 

[ewan]

its like every thing, if driven well then no probs, though i would get japanese and lows cc i.e. 250, then spend a lot of time getting used to driving it, before getting on the rd with it, they are a cross between bike and car in riding it, but you are exposed like a bike, but easy to push etc, can get 2 & 4 wheel drive.

if your tempted make sure it is what you want, in summer for the odd play, great fun, in winter as a commute COLD wet, but then just like a bike, though many thieves want them

 

[RichieD76]

Problem i had was using them for the off road commute was all well and good but the second you got on the road the grip was just not there due to off road tires (not to mention full of mud). Plus there wore down SO fast... especially the fronts as your dragging them round slow corners not leaning them like a bike.

 

[crazynight]

Just to say since I have started this thread I have gone through all the options and have actually purchased an electric bike not a scooter with insurance etc but a electric looks like a bike...bike. costs 5p to charge the battery and should do the commute to work no problem. 5p per day!!!

Will report back in a few days time.....currently waiting for battery to charge

.

 

[ewan]

have you had to peddle?

 

[crazynight]

don't know decided to use the creed one last time. going on the bike tomorrow as it will fit in the boot of the picanto when we go to collect our new kia

Have done a few test runs tonight after fitting speedo very fact 17mph with no effort.

 

[M4trundler]

How many times can you recharge the battery pack before it dies? How much does a new one cost? Need to factor that into the daily cost as well as the 5p to recharge. But overall sounds like a good idea...should hopefully keep you fit too, save on those gym fees!Not much fun in freezing wet weather though! Make sure you wear a helmet and a yellow vest and have good lights.

 

[RichieD76]

I know it might feel cold but so does wind and rain at 30mph on a bike or quad. My brother had an electric bike for a while when he couldn't afford to get his car back on the road. Used to be creaky and charge it up at work so cost him 0p per charge! Lol

 

[crazynight]

Well the verdict is

my 5 mile commute took 17min which is about the same as in the car.

Rain this morning and was so tempting to jump in the car but with the right gear was fine. effortlessly cursing at 20+mph and the battery only used 1 bar so should do 2 days without charge, although I am sure I will turn the speed up a little more next time.

M4trundler - Believe me I have factored everything in, the battery is good for 800+ full recharges so if only doing a part recharge thats only part of the 800 (hope that makes sense) it will cost £200 to replace.

The bike has another benefit that my wife can also join me for a cycle as she has bad knees it will be a great help. Plus the benefits in the limited cycling I am still doing can not be ignored.

 

[davy]

Crazynight you take it easy out there now its a dangerous world for a cyclist

 

[M4trundler]

Got on my bike for the first time in many months yesterday. Did not feel at all comfortable in the heavy traffic.
Crazynight, best way to make the battery life as long as possible is to recharge as often as you can and avoid complete discharge. I would charge it everyday, even if it only goes down one bar.