Being involved in the Hawaii moped industry I have created a few guidelines that you should take into consideration before purchasing a moped in Hawaii.
1. The Moped Parts Supply – Heaven forbid you get into an accident, but if you do, can they help get you and your moped back on the road.
Note: You should also take into consideration how much parts cost and where they get them from. If they are out of stock and they have to order them from the manufacturer, which is most likely overseas, then you will be waiting a long time and should probably invest in a bus pass.
2. The Moped Manufacturer – I have yet to come across a moped worth buying from China. Taiwan, Japan and Europe made mopeds are pretty solid though.
3. Warranty – A manufacturer warranty means that the problems with your moped are between you and the manufacturer, not who you bought it from. Don’t count on any help. Look for companies who offer in-house warranties on their mopeds.
4. Due your due diligence – Shop around and make an educated decision. Research the possibilities and remember price should not be the main factor.
5. Don’t judge a book by its cover – Just because it looks pretty does not mean it is the best on the market.
6. Invest in a Lock and Use it Every Time – People do steal mopeds in Hawaii. Every time you leave the moped lock it! Please save yourself some grief and a lot of stress.
The Moped market in Hawaii is not really big. Unlike a bicycle company where they sell 30 bikes a day, a moped dealer might average 3 or 4 sales a day, if they are lucky. Which means that this is a small business probably ran by the owner and a few employees. So you can’t just trust any one you find. Follow step 4 and you will be allright. Good luck!
