Would riding a scooter/motorcycle aggravate back problems

[Rayan77]

I was thinking of getting a scooter to increase my mobility and allow me to be able to get out and about more however one concern Is how likely would it affect my back problems.

Would riding likely aggravate such problems?

[airsafari87]

I’m not sure how it would?

They are light and easy to manoeuvre.
Step through and easy to get on and off.
Usually big squidgy seats so comfortable to ride.
Upright riding position with a short reach to the handlebars.

I’m a big fan of scooters and have a Vespa 250 GTS to run around on when taking the big bikes out doesn’t make sense, and I find them utterly comfortable.

Obviously though it would depend on how bad and sensitive your back is as to wether it would aggravate it or not.

[Rubin215]

Try it!

If you have no experience you will need to do Compulsory Basic Training anyway; many training schools will offer a 'taster' for a minimum charge to see if you get on with the concept, the investment will be worth your while.

[MrGman]

I love a scooter but I do think I’d be cautious if I was you, scooters you sit bolt up right and you can’t support any of your weight on your feet, so any bumps in the road impact your back directly, if you do give one a try I’d get a maxi scooter with the softest seat.

[hiccy18]

Book a CBT and see how you get on would be the best answer.

[tight fart]

I would say it depends on your back problem, when my back went I couldn’t get in or out of my car but found the riding position of my bike very comfortable.

[Speed addicted]

Totally depends on the riding position and how you’ve injured yourself.
I damaged my lower back and find that more upright bikes make things worse, the shocks get transmitted directly to the area that hurts and it makes it worse. Cruisers are no use for instance.

My Ducati (an otherwise less comfortable bike) is fine as you support yourself differently and there’s less pressure on the damaged area.

[rodericb]

It depends on the back problem. They do put a bit of weight through your spine, especially those which have your legs out forward and the handlebars come back to you, like a Majesty or Burgman (maxiscoots). Smaller/more "sporting" scooters give you more flexibility to move around carry some weight through your legs by leaning forward a bit.

Edited by rodericb on Monday 17th July 09:16

[MDUBZ]

I suffer with back problems: I have 2 bulging discs in my lower back which put me out of action for a long time. I'm back to exercising now but it can still ache even just sitting on the sofa. I have absolutely no issues on a bike (commute was 65 miles each way), the seats on the train however used to aggrevate it as do some bumps in a car.

As others have said it will very much depend on your injury/problem and the bike you ride. The only way to know is to do it and see.

[Moulder]

In addition to the riding I'd also be considering getting it on and off its stand. Bigger scooters require quite an effort (if you're light) to get on their centrestand, so I'd be looking for one with a sidestand as well.

[tinhead]

tight fart said:

I would say it depends on your back problem, when my back went I couldn’t get in or out of my car but found the riding position of my bike very comfortable.

Same here when I was recovering from really bad sciatica, couldn't sit on the sofa and driving was painful, but was fine on the bike, even on my Thruxton R which many people assume wrongly is a bike to give you a bad back, in fact the opposite was true.

[KTMsm]

Very much depends on your issue

I find adventure / supermotos fine but Sports, Cruisers and Scooters hurt mine

[Donbot]

KTMsm said:

Very much depends on your issue

I find adventure / supermotos fine but Sports, Cruisers and Scooters hurt mine

Yep, you need to find what the problem is and try and find a bike that works for you.

I find being tipped over on a sport bike or road racing bicycle fine, but bumps on upright stuff can be painful.

[stu67]

Lower back issues myself and have ridden a bike for 30+ years, all I can say is that it is quite bike dependant. I have parted company with a few bikes that have just been plain uncomfortable on the back, almost all for me "sit on" bikes. By this I mean scooter types and I'm convinced its also to do with leg position. Personally I find a bike that I can lay a little forward on and take the pressure off the lower discs helps me. What I'd say don't be afraid to get shot of a bike if after a few months it doesn't fit right, it's not something you will know after a 30 mins test ride.

[Bikerjon]

Also depends on the state of the roads you plan on riding. My maxi scooter is great on smooth roads but hit an unavoidable bump or pot-hole with those tiny little wheels and the jarring pain can be immense! I'd be very nervous using it if I had constant back issues. The 3 wheeler scooters are supposed to be better for this, but I haven't tried one yet.

[hunt123]

Rayan77 said:

I was thinking of getting a scooter to increase my mobility and allow me to be able to get out and about more however one concern Is how likely would it affect my back problems.

Would riding likely aggravate such problems?

My back isn't great, i have no problems on a honda pcx 125 scooter.

[Trevor555]

I have lower back issues from time to time.

I have a maxi scooter, ADV350, and I'm fine once on it, just pulls at my back when getting on and off it when the back's not 100%

[Bob_Defly]

stu67 said:

Lower back issues myself and have ridden a bike for 30+ years, all I can say is that it is quite bike dependant. I have parted company with a few bikes that have just been plain uncomfortable on the back, almost all for me "sit on" bikes. By this I mean scooter types and I'm convinced its also to do with leg position.

Same. I'm finding the Speed Twin a tad jarring due to the upright position. I'm going to fit some lower bars to see if that helps.

[Onelastattempt]

Bob_Defly said:

stu67 said:

Lower back issues myself and have ridden a bike for 30+ years, all I can say is that it is quite bike dependant. I have parted company with a few bikes that have just been plain uncomfortable on the back, almost all for me "sit on" bikes. By this I mean scooter types and I'm convinced its also to do with leg position.

Same. I'm finding the Speed Twin a tad jarring due to the upright position. I'm going to fit some lower bars to see if that helps.

I had lower back pain when I rode a friends Street Twin, but because I really did want one I went ahead last week and bought one. It is now sat in the garage waiting for its reworked seat to be finished. A friend used to have his own business making bespoke chairs/ sofas etc. He is putting firmer foam in it as I found the stock seat too soft. I have also rotated the handlebars a little bit in the clamps to try and make the seating position a little less upright. If these mods don't work then I might try some flatter bars also.

[ClipperTri]

Another "depends on the problem" here.

I have sciatica quite often but I find a ride on the bike eases my sciatica if anything and I'll sometimes go out on a ride to relieve it.

I have a Street Twin and the stock seat is a definite issue if you have back problems. I got the option bench seat and found it way better seating position for me.

But I'd afraid all of it comes down to trying it and seeing.