College students that need to commute or have a convenient mode of transportation might assume that they need to invest in a car, but that isn’t necessarily true! Motorcycles have become a popular choice for college students. Some even say that motorcycles are a better choice than cars.
Is a motorcycle better than a car for a college student like you? Check how the pros and cons fit with your needs to find out.
Pros
What are the biggest pros of driving a motorcycle rather than a car? Let’s take a look.
Affordable
Most motorcycles are not nearly as expensive as a car, so saving money is possible when you drive one. Not only will you save on the cost of the bike, you are likely to save on insurance and gas costs as well. Saving money is important for students, so this is a big pro.
Insurance, in particular, is one area where you are likely to save a lot. Car insurance can cost up to $3,000 a year depending on the type of coverage that you get while motorcycle insurance typically caps out far lower than that.
Look at your current financial situation and plans. Will saving money by driving a motorcycle help you accelerate how fast you reach your savings goals? If so, it might be time to consider switching to a bike rather than a car to get a move on things.
Fuel Efficient
Motorcycles get better gas mileage than cars do, which means that you will spend less money filling your bike. Additionally, this also means that you are going to be burning less fuel. This benefit means that you are doing a small part to help the environment, and many students will enjoy that.
Convenience
Motorcycles can be very convenient when you attend school in a city area or somewhere that parking can be restrictive.
Finding spots for motorcycles is often easier to do than finding a place for a car since they do not take up as much space. Most schools will even have defined areas where motorcycles can safely park, which can be a big time saver.
Cons
As with all things, there are always cons alongside where there are pros. Here are some of the drawbacks of switching to a motorcycle as a college student.
Safety
For some people, the risks of driving a motorcycle might outweigh the benefits. Motorcycles are known to be a dangerous mode of transportation. However, ensuring that you follow the rules of the road and wear the correct safety gear can help to keep you safe. The team at Motorcycle Safety Lawyers told us, “Though helmets are not legally required in every state, they have been shown to be extremely effective in preventing deaths and reducing injuries in motorcycle riders.”
Investing time into learning the right driving techniques and getting this gear is important if you decide to ride a motorcycle.
Limited Carrying Capacity
Another potential con for some students is that you cannot carry much with you on a bicycle. While it might not be an issue to get your groceries home, hauling anything larger will quickly become problematic.
Consider if you often need to haul things. Do you have a friend with a car that can help out sometimes? Do you need more space more than once a month? Asking yourself these questions will help make the decision easier.
Remember that you can always get the occasional rideshare when you do need to haul more than makes sense on a bike.
Passengers
Another potential negative of having a bike rather than a car is that you cannot easily bring more than one passenger anywhere. If you like to drive your friends around or anticipate needing space for more passengers, it might be a good idea to look at cars rather than motorcycles.
The Verdict
There is no clear answer to whether a motorcycle or a car will be the best mode of transportation for a college student. The best way to decide is to look at your personal situation and consider the pros and cons presented today. With that information, you can determine whether or not a motorcycle makes sense for your lifestyle.
