Student Speak

Spring 2008

Name: Brian Wolfe
Class/major: Freshman business management major
Hometown: West Columbia

You ride a moped on the Columbia campus. What kind of moped is it, how much did it cost, and how often do you use it? It's a Roketa moped with a 50cc engine. It was $1,500 at Palmetto Powersports in Columbia. They're available online for about $1,000, but you get a little more customer service when you purchase them locally.

Do you use the moped to get around on campus every day? Yes, I use it all the time. I live in a house down by Granby Mills about a mile and a half away and it's my only form of transportation.

How has it worked out for you in your campus routine? It's very convenient. I can park it right in front of just about any building. The fact that it gets excellent gas mileage is also a definite benefit.

How often do you have to refuel it? About once every week and a half. I put about $3 worth of premium gas in it. The tank holds about a gallon of gas.

How fast does it go? About 30 miles per hour, 35 downhill. It's good for riding within a five-mile radius of wherever you live. I wouldn't ride it where there's a 45 mile-per-hour or higher speed limit. But for riding on campus and to and from the house it's very convenient.

No insurance or registration is required for mopeds. How much of an added benefit is that? I really enjoy not having to buy insurance. That's one of the main reasons I got it. But it was also easy to buy, I've enjoyed riding it, and it's a lot of fun.

How did you get the idea of riding a moped for campus transportation? I actually looked into getting one before I came to the University. I had a parking permit for the Barnwell lot, but I didn't like dealing with the bus schedule. That's when I decided to get the moped.

What's the best thing about owning it? A combination of good gas mileage, inexpensive maintenance, and the convenience of being able to park close to class buildings.

Is there anything about it that you don't like? Not really. Sometimes I feel it's a little low in power, but that is partly why I keep it within a five-mile radius of where I live and don't take it on high-speed roads. You also can't ride it on the sidewalk or you'll get a ticket.

4/08