but since we have our motorcyclists here and this is related:

A close friend just bought a used Vespa. She figures to use it around town, ride to BART (train), says it'll be safe. It's not freeway rated.

I told her that's great, I'm excited for her. I asked if she's taking the class offered by the Highway Patrol or any other motorcycle course.

She says "what? That costs over $200"

She has a helmet, that's it.

If I got a Vespa I'd figure the $200 is less than extended care learning to feed myself again. I imagine some get a motorcycle and think "It's like driving, I can drive .. ." but there are very different skills. Just as new cyclists feel "it's like riding a bicycle" very easy to do but there's much to learn.