Car Vs Bike: Which Should Be Your First Vehicle?
Vroom-vroom, vroom-vroom!
Cover image via It is practically a rite of passage for all of us to start driving our first vehicle
Basically, it's a mark of independence.
To be able to freely choose where you want to go, when you want to go, to meet up with whoever you want, wherever you want…
But between the car and the motorbike, which would be the most suited for someone just starting out?
And of course, not having to pay increasingly exorbitant fees for hired cars!
Let's talk about cars first
Image via Shukhrat Umarov/Pexels
Now, there are a few good pros to picking a car as your first vehicle. To dive in:
- Cars can travel long distances much more easily.
- They can transport passengers and goods in bulk.
- You have much more protection in case of accidents.
- They are more comfortable in general, with plenty of amenities like air-conditioning and music players.
And onto the cons:
- Make no mistake, cars are expensive. It's not just the cost of the car itself, but also the insurance fees, and the fuel.
- You'll be stuck in traffic jams much longer than if you had a bike.
- The larger size of cars also means finding parking would be much more challenging.
- And finally, the maintenance costs are higher.
All in all, a lot of it comes down to costs, costs, costs.
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So now, let's compare that with the humble motorbike
Image via Orhan Pergel/Pexels
If you're like me, you may have had parents who spoke out really firmly against the idea of owning a motorbike, let alone as your first vehicle. Mostly because you're fully exposed, without the protective shell that a car provides.
But motorbikes do offer distinct pros against cars. To wit:
- They are cheaper to purchase than cars.
- They are nimble and easy to weave through traffic with. In a traffic jam, this could be a time-saving lifesaver.
- Bikes are also more fuel-efficient than cars, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. They are also cheaper in general to maintain.
- It's much easier to find parking when you're on a bike.
- And finally, the feeling of the wind rushing past you when you ride is so much fun!
Image via Dapur Melodi/Pexels
And now the cons:
- Obviously, bikes are less safe than cars, since your body wouldn't be surrounded by a car's protective shell.
- Related to the above, in bad weather, you'd be fully exposed to the elements.
- Bikes can't carry more than two people.
- And finally, they are not as suitable as cars for long-distance driving.
So, which one is better for you?
It all depends on what your priorities are as a first-time driver! Ask yourself the following questions:
- What's your daily travel routine?
- What's your budget?
- What are the road conditions and weather usually like?
- Are others relying on you for transportation or to carry cargo?
- Are you comfortable riding a bike?
Basically, here's the bottom line — if you've got short commutes in the city and you're looking to cut costs, start with a bike.
And if you're looking for something more long-term and with an expectation of longer commutes? Maybe you (or your parents: we don't judge!) can think about investing in a car.
