If you are happy riding a scooter then go for it we have had scooters for the last 15 years all over greece and so far never had any problem (except breaking down) the local drivers are normally not to bad as they are used to tourists wobbling around the place , but give way to everything on the road and take it easy and you should be o.k just go at a speed you are happy with and enjoy yourself.

While I'm sure some people will disagree, I wouldn't touch a motor bike or scooter with a barge pole. Can you imagine the sort of injury if you slip on some loose gravel on the road and slide across the road wearing not protective leather gear but just your summer clothes - you could be scarred for life if not killed. Sorry to be so dramatic, perhaps it the mother in me ,but most travel reps will not recommend them and your travel insurance will almost certainly not cover you if you are injured while on one.

We hired a car on Kos which was relatively cheap and much safer. In Greece you drive on the right.

Have to agree with MariaH, been to Greece over the past 10 years and have seen lots of injuries due to moped accidents. The roads on some of the Islands are not great, some of the driving leaves alot to be desired as well. Stick to the car if your budget will allow.

as an ex instructor and BMF examiner.. i would not even consider 2 wheels i may be old but still value my life

wizard

Thanks everyone,

Will give the moped a miss for sure, bit worried about driving on the opposite side of the road tho.

Cheers,
Janet

Jinty,

I too would say that a moped is a no no - I've heard some awful stories over the years of people hurting themselves.

We hired a car and I drove in on the 'wrong' side (in Kefalonia) for the first time a couple of years ago and found it really easy. Also the car was so handy for throwing stuff in the back, you'd struggle with space on a moped.

Okay I am for the scooters - sorry
We have travelled extensively over Greece and her islands for the past twenty five years and always used and still use scooters (we are now in our 50's). We have never had any problems, it is all down to how you take care, we go nowhere fast, give way to everything within reason and do not use them at night. We tend to use ours for getting to and from the beaches and up to the villages etc. However, I can understand where the caution is coming from, we too have seen some bad injuries but I can honestly say they have been on 'young uns' without a clue as to the correct way to drive, they go far too fast, often with beer inside them too and cannot anticipate danger even when they see it.

However, on saying that, I would personally not recommend a scooter to anyone without a lot of experience riding one and riding one abroad at that.
Heather

I would have to agree with you blueheather totally, i've seen people bluffing there way onto scooters and have got no experience of ever riding a scooter or motorcycle crashing and then complaining about the safety of the machine the roads etc. they wouldn't atempt to ride one at home but are quite willing to have a go abroad. i've toured all over europe and the greek islands on my motorcycle ( which was ideally suited for touring) and found just as many countries with bad road conditions.
I would only recommend a scooter if you are totally confident with riding one.

i would agree the fact you should be an able rider before hiring a scooter you wouldnt hire a car if you could drive would you ? basic common sense it would seem

hi

Well i would have to say as a holiday rep for 6 years now i would only use one if you are use to driving on the other side of the road baring in mind that the road are not built the same as in the Uk.
I have seen some teribale accidents and deaths through my job it would be easier to drive in a car but stay alert and 'grow eyes in the back of you head aswell' only joking!!!
Whatever you decide have a great holiday!

Louise

Think I'll give car and moped a miss!

I'm not the most confident of drivers in places I don't know, and the more I read the less confident I get.

Thanks for all your info, June 8th coming up fast!!!!!!

Cheers,
Janet

Personally i feel safer driving in greece than here in the uk. unless your driving in a city the roads over there tend to be quieter

As for the moped i have done hundreds of miles on other twenty islands plus many more on the mainland and had no problems.

As the others have said it tends to be the younger end who are the worst through a combination of drink. sun. inexperience and showing off.

As for the condition of the roads being bad in greece i think that can depend were you live in the UK. and were in greece you go

Dave

Having been to Kos a few times I would say scooters are as safe as the drivers...but the roads do get dry and even the locals have accidents...cars are just as cheap to rent so I would rather be on 4 wheels....

we went to zante last year ( lovely place and people) just watch your holiday insurance it may not cover you if you have an accident on a scooter/moped and the greeks fly around on them like loonatics sometimes with a whole family on one scooter