Ok well this is a simple question with a complicated answer so here goes…. For transportation on freeways they are all equally unsafe. You are not protected at all except for what gear you wear. I recommend full leather, boots, full face helmet and gloves. All the time, every time, no exceptions. A scooter is easier to drive but is generally too slow for highways. They are more suitable for side streets. If you decide to go with a motorcycle please take one of the MSF courses before you get one. The style is the next next big decision. A sport bike is not a good commuter. They’re pretty much recreation only as they are not comfortable for any distance riding but serious fun on twisty mountain roads A standard cruiser or sport touring bike is good for commuting as is a dual sport. I personally commute with a dual sport and cruiser equally. Don’t go big on your first bike, go middle displacement like a 500cc as you are just learning. I have a 650 and a 750 right now and have no desire to go larger. I started on a 250 which was too small for a 175lb dude. A mid displacement sport touring is always a good choice. They look like sport bikes (crotch rockets) but are upright and nimble. A good example for a beginner is the suzuki sv650 (naked model) A dualsport is like a street legal dirt bike. They are like the swiss army knife of motorcycles. They are very nimble, upright and versatile. A good beginner example is the suzuki drz400. I ride a kawasaki klr 650 myself. If you go scooter while they make large displacement models the honda rukus is small, inexpensive and seriously fun. Really, I have done many runs on 129 AKA ” the dragon” on one like it and is was one of the best times I have ever had with a vehicle. If you get an older bike be aware that you’ll need to be mechanically inclined. If you get a new one you either need to service it regularly or learn to do it yourself. They are not like cars , they require a little more TLC.