By Wyatt Garrett
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Riding a moped, or scooter, to school comes with both convenience and risks.
For Tanner Fox, a student at the University of Arkansas, driving a moped to campus provides an easy way to reach his classes in the Walton College of Business. He’s able to park right across the street from the Harmon parking garage.
“It’s obviously really convenient being able to park here and be right next to class,” Fox said.
Students who drive a moped can purchase one of the cheapest parking permits available to students on campus. According to the University of Arkansas Transit and Parking Department, a moped permit cost $70.49, the same price as a remote permit, and nearly $35 cheaper than the student permit that’s available for $104.79.
“It’s cheaper to park here. It’s something like $70 to park here, compared to a few hundred bucks to park in the parking garages,” Fox said.
The University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) urges students to wear helmets when riding mopeds.
“It’s just like wearing your seat belt,” said UAPD Corporal Allen Porter. “You don’t know when anything is going to happen.”
UAPD encourages students to wear long pants, use eye protection, ensure that all lights are working on the moped, and to always stay alert. Cpl. Porter states that riders should follow those steps to ensure their safety.
“The average age of the individual with these scooters are within that age range where their brain is not fully developed yet,” said Cpl. Porter. “We want to protect that as much as possible.”
Some students, like Fox, already practice proper safety habits while driving.
“Just take every precaution. Stop a little longer at stop signs, and be a bit more cautious,” Fox said.
Students interested in riding a moped or scooter to class can purchase a permit from the University of Arkansas’ Transit and Parking Department webpage.