mopeds??

Of the three virgins, I think STX is the only one even remotely suited to a moped. But I didn't see very many last time I was there.

Brooke,

Also seen many mopeds on other islands, however this is not the case on any of the USVI islands. Cars are the majority and the favored mode of transportation. Don't think I have ever seen a moped on St. John. St. Thomas I have seen a handfull for locals riding them - there is a rental moped company - you'll see visitors on them often around town area, and St. Croix not seen more then a handfull there either and the ones I saw there were a while back - rentals for visitors - that business isn't open anymore. So overall although St. Croix has more flat roads for easy moped usage it is large and a car is the best bet. St. Thomas definately a car - the roads are hilly, steep, curvy, people drive relatively fast for mopeds or bikes to be on the road with them and there are lots of blind corners. In fact there are not too many motorcycles here either.

--Islander

There are also some dangerous storm grates. Wide spacing of the bars with the slots parallel to the direction of travel. Any mode of two wheel transportation would be risky!

Peter

I had also heard that quite a few mopeds, scooters, etc. do not have requisite horse power to get up a number of the hills in the USVI. Any thoughts from anyone on this point?

I am curious because I'm not really too keen at this point on relocating my car down yet (i am just purchasing for vacation usage). But the idea of an open-air motorcycle or scooter experience is kind of appealing (smile). But it would make a difference to me if a full-fledged motorcycle would be the only bike capabale of negotiating most hills on island.

You really need to take to heart what's been posted here regarding moped's bicycles and even motorcycles on STT. The hills are steep, there are numerous switchbacks and hairpins. The roads are narrow and there are virtually no shoulders in many areas. It's just not safe for this type of vehicle. STT is not like Aruba or Grand Cayman or Paradise Island or Bermuda. These places are suited to mopeds, St Thomas just isn't.
And beyond that just consider what happens to the roads when it rains, going up a 45 degree hill that's as slick as if it was covered with ice.
Please just think about it and be safe.

St.John has a moped rental now, so I see em all the time.
on St. John there is even an old lady who drives a golf cart.
STJ is the smallest of the islands and it depends on where you live as to what you drive.
Cars are a joke on the island because they usualy wouldnt have four wheel drive and that is the only way to go up hills like Jacob's Ladder and up Bordeaux mountain. Obviously, it depends where you live in STJ, if you live in Cruz Bay, you dont need anything but your legs. The vehicles of choice are 4 wheel drive jeeps and SUVs.
There are some places cars just cant go on STJ with the lack of clearance and lack of power.

ClE2,

Would have to agree that a moped might have difficulty navigating the likes of some of the really steep hills, and then be scary riding down some of the hills. Mopeds just aren't the ideal mode of transportation for a few reasons in my opinion.... the islands are too hilly and steep, the roads aren't freindly to non-4 wheeled transport (curvy, pot-holes, no side guards in some areas, blind curves) and third drivers aren't used to having mopeds around the streets - so it is possiable for a car to come flying around a corner to have a slow moving moped in front of it..... and crash.... and a 4th -not very good for getting around long term, grocery stores, going out at night, raining....

A motorcycle is more feasiable for the hills... however just as dangerous. But I know far more people with motorcycles then with mopeds. Several of the motorcycle owners have cars as their primary transportation and the bike as a "toy".

If you don't want to bring your car down.... you can buy a used car here. Or if you have the money - buy a less expensive car in the states and ship it, keep your car back home.

--Islander

Hi all,
I did a search on on mopeds/scooters/motorcycles and wanted to bring up the topic again. I am a girl determined to get a vespa or honda sccooter!
Islander- you wrote that some locals have mopeds. Everyone keeps talking about hte hills. What neighborhoods have the worst hills?
DOes anyone have a have a scooter? Please write in? How big should the engine be?
Help!
Thanks Sarah