He's not fussed about what his mates think, he's more than happy to be the odd one out.
I think at least he's thinking ahead realistically, with running costs etc.
If he wanted a petrol scooter/moped I'd get him one, his mate has just got a Gilera off roady looking thing, with road tyres on it, can't understand that myself.
I never did the 50cc scene as was in germany at time, but had a Honda XL125R in 1982, loved it, till some prick hit and run DD tried to kill me, had a bike within 2 days after coming out of hospital(19 months, firsty 3 in coma), but broke my plaster on me leg on it and me mum found out(bike was kept at mates!!), so no more bikes, don't think she'd take the stress tbh.
I appreciate this input and any other input is very welcome, I think he'd like a Kreidler50, seen a feature when living in germany of these hotted up to do a fully authenticated 73mph(not K's).
I ported a few ap50, fs1e etc and regularly saw them indicate 70 mph on my xl speedo, which by now had overbored XR200 engine with better cam/head etc, used to get 80mpg no matter how it was thrashed, but would do a huge amount more mpg with care.
I've got faith in him on the road, but you all know how it is, there are many on the road that shouldn't be, and cause a danger to all.
tabetha