Protective gear (helmets, gloves, jackets) is always important to wear but even more so for a beginning rider. Always wear a helmet when driving a moped. Protective clothing, such as long pants and a thick leather or denim jacket, can aid in protecting your skin from abrasions should you have a fall. Driving gloves will not only improve your grip on the handlebars, but will also save your hands from scrapes and cuts in case you take a spill.
Be alert and aware while driving your moped, particularly in new surroundings. Don't distract yourself with a cell phone or music while driving. Keep aware of all other vehicles in your surroundings, and be watchful for cars that may want to overtake you. If you're in an urban area, pay special attention to pedestrians and bicyclists. Remember that you're operating a vehicle much smaller than a car, and a collision with a pedestrian or bicycle can injure both of you.
On your first few excursions with your moped, plan your trip. Mopeds get good gas mileage, but until you have a good sense of how long your moped will go on a full tank, be cautious about driving long distances. Planning your trip in advance will also help you stick to roads you feel comfortable navigating and make it easy to avoid dense traffic situations.
