Gas prices got you down? A scooter could be in your future.
Scoot over gas hogs, and make way for Vespas, Lambrettas and Hondas. More motorists are giving up cars, trucks and SUVs for motor scooters that get up to 100mpg.
A story in Friday’s Post-Dispatch has discovered that many first-timers to any motorized two-wheeled vehicle are checking out these frugal conveyances.
The Motorcycle Industry Council trade group says sales are up across the nation 300% over the last 10 years – and that is before gasoline topped $4 a gallon.
Many SUV owners are paying $100 for a fill up, while in comparison, you can fill up a motor scooter gas tank for less than $8.
“People who would never want a motorcycle, because of the size and noise, will buy a scooter,” said Jeff Bach, owner of the Extreme Toy Store, a scooter and motorcycle shop in Webster Groves.
With no let up in sight for high fuel prices, have you considered a motor scooter for your in-town commute?
Sorry for reposting and definitely don’t want to hog the board but I did also notice folks mentioning that they are afraid of scooter/cycles and that they “materialize” out of nowhere.
I have to agree that there more riders who have not attended safety training from MSF (www.msf.org). Unfortunately, these people don’t know that it is THEIR responsibility to ensure cage drivers see them and NOT the other way around.
Just like a car driving in someone’s blind spots, and MSF, teaches and maps out ALL car and truck blind spots, there is no cure for that person and they are going to pay a very dear price.
As far the cars and SUV drivers gabbing on the phone instead of taking care of THEIR part of the responsibility, I ride to account for that to the best of my ability and lessen the risk as much as possible.
Ta and happy driving, riding, scooting to all…
and 7ded7, please cite the acceleration rates of scooters? A 500+cc scooter will most likely out accelerate whatever car you’re currently driving.
I don’t ride a scooter but I do ride a 500cc motorcycle. It gets around 58 to 62 MPG. I ride to work for $13.00 a week as opposed to $75.00 in my car. I’m 56 years old and have had a motorcycle for most of my adult life. I used to use it for pleasure only, around 2000 mile per year. Now I commute daily because of gas prices. You can’t forget you are on a motorcycle for a second. Catch yourself looking the wrong way and you will end up where your looking. I actually feel safer on hwy 70 than I do around town. People running through yellow to red lights are my biggest fear. I take a few seconds longer and make sure every intersection is clear before I make a turn. I recently purchased a new 500cc bike for $4410.00 out the door price. It will pay for it’s self pretty fast if gas continues to rise.
I had one for 4 years, when gas prices were low–sold it last summer. My friends made fun of me for riding it. I got ripped off when i sold it.
I only I had waited…
Where I lived at I see these young kids driving around here like total idiots on those junky Chinese scooters.They go way to fast,run stop signs,don’t have safety helmets,no respect to any driving rules.Look just like a diaster waiting to happened.
Considering a scooter. 80% of my driving is within 9 miles of my home (Kirkwood, Webster, Rock Hill….). Having a very fuel efficient vehicle to putter around the 2 lane roads makes a heck of a lot of sense. I have an old collector car sitting in my garage and will probably be selling it and getting a used scooter. I think it will increase me enjoyment also. I still will have my car for the 20% of trips that take me a long way and during winter.
Love my Kymco 49 cc scooter. It only goes around 40mph, but I’m just using it to get around the city and to work and back. Costs me about $20 a month to fill it. I still have my car for longer hauls or the highway, but it just makes sense to use the scooter on small trips. I find that some drivers are a**holes around me, but most drivers are courteous and just pass me if I’m not fast enough for them. As for bad weather, I have waterproof/coldproof gear, and I can ride in rain or cold. My scooter cost $1500 and has been well worth it for the savings in gas alone.
Just one more note on the safety of scooters. I notice that I am much more careful of a driver on my scooter, because I don’t have the distractions of a cell phone, radio, coffee, etc. I think what most people are seeing on the highways and some streets are the morons on the “crotch rockets,” as I call them, weaving in and out of traffic. Who knows if they have their motorcycle safety license? These guys give riders a bad rep, and it’s a shame. Most scooter riders and motorcyclists I see (and with less distractions and an open space around me, I guarantee I can see and smell and hear more than someone in a car) on the surface streets obey the traffic laws.
Steve M., stupid kids will be stupid kids regardless what they ride or drive. I feel more education one has before taking to anything two wheels the better off we all are. The MSF Basic course should be an absolute requirement!
b,
While there are a few very scooters with powerful engines, much of the buzz in this thread comes from one with a 49cc motor. That is way too small and underpowered for my comfort or taste.