Scootering USA

September 11, 2008

New SportCity Cube 250 Scooter from Aprilia

How would you like a new Aprilia? I am not talking about a full-sized moto, but about a new scooter of course. Aprila has this new elegant model in the picture above. They like to refer to it as the SportCity Cube 250. And boy does it look good!

The design is just great. A new mudguard and grille, 15 inch aluminum wheels, a wider seat are just a few elements you will come to enjoy. The glove compartment which can be locked at all time, has a convenient outlet for letting you charge up your cell phone and other gadgets.

The SportCity has a single-cylinder 244cc liquid cooled 4-stroke engine. It has a 4-valve head and overhead camshaft. You will get 22.5 HP at 8000 rpw which is significant for the commuter in that busy city. There's a 9 liter tank to go along with your gas-saving needs.

If you want one cool-looking SportCity Cube 250, better go to the bank and make sure you have the extra $4,699 available. The scooter comes in Planet Blue and Crows Silver. I'd want mine in Pink. While you're buying your Aprilia, make sure you have checked their accessories for this SportCity.You might end up buying even more stuff for your new scooter.

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August 13, 2008

Scooters' popularity concern for some

With gas prices on the rise and no real hope of them coming down, consumers are looking for alternative modes of transportation to conserve fuel and money.

According to the Consumer Reports blog, the sale of scooters was up about 24 percent for the first few months of 2008. Yamaha scooter sales to date are up 65 percent over last year and Vespa set an all-time sales record in May, selling 2,758 scooters compared to 1,675 in June 2007.

Mike Lemmons, owner of Gas Buster Scooters on Poplar Street, said he has sold 130 scooters in the last six weeks. He has an inventory of 70 and 500 on order right now.

"(Gas) has put a crunch on all the families," he said. Buyers now pay for one gallon of gasoline, which reportedly, lasts between 100 and 125 miles depending on the size of the scooter, he said.

The scooters are categorized by the size of their engines. Scooters with an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters or less are designed for in-town use considering their speed limit is not to exceed 30 MPH.

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Police educate scooterists

A recent increase in gas prices has spurred a rise in the number of alternative vehicles on Minnesota's roadways.

International Falls Police Sgt. Willi Kostiuk said that officers are attempting to educate people about the laws regarding motorized bikes, also known as scooters, before they begin writing citations to violators of those laws.

Kostiuk said the laws are intended to help keep people safe.

"We want to work with everybody and education is the best way," he said.

The driving of scooters, which are less than 50 cubic centimeters or less, on roadways is governed by a number of state rules. Without compliance, operators can be issued citations, explained Kostiuk.

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Scooters Easy To Steal, Lock Them Up

DENVER ― One woman is warning other scooter owners to lock up their vehicles because she learned it doesn't take much for thieves to steal the small bikes that have become more popular as gas prices rise. The theft was caught on video cameras set up by her husband after previous thefts.

Janet Colfelt said her husband discovered the scooter was gone Saturday morning.

The security video showed two men walking up to the scooter, picking it up as a truck pulls up. The men throw the scooter in the back and drive off.

Colfelt thought the cameras and lights out front of their home were enough of a deterrent. Now she knows to buy a lock.

Posted by Frank at 10:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooter Polluters

As gas prices rise, so has the sale of scooters. Seattle sales of the trendy two-wheelers have risen almost 40 percent since last year. Scooters get great gas mileage and help reduce greenhouse gasses. But they may not be so good for the environment. KUOW's Joshua McNichols has more.

IF YOU WANT TO BUY A SCOOTER, YOU MIGHT GO SEE ALEX SARGEANT. HE OWNS THE SCOOTER GALLERY IN SEATTLE.

SARGEANT: "It's somewhat of a retro style, it comes with a nice color-matched trunk. It's a two-toned retro-design with lots of chrome, a chrome headlight surround."

McNICHOLS: "And it's pink. You gotta love a pink scooter."

SARGEANT: "It's actually raspberry in color. Raspberry and cream."

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August 12, 2008

Vespa scooter given added zest

Getting out of the driver's seat and on to a scooter is becoming more popular as drivers try to beat the jams and cut costs.

Vespa is at the forefront of classic looking scooters, and its new limited-edition Zafferano brings impossibly cool Italian urban chic to British streets.

It comes in exclusive hot orange paint, has plenty of retro detailing and the graphics are unique to this model.

The bike also features the signature rectangular headlight synonymous with the rest of the recently revised range. Two engine sizes are available - 50cc and 125cc. The former model comes with a sports seat, while the latter uses a more comfortable touring option.

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Revved up on scooters

PITTSTON TWP. -- Despite the stormy forecast Sunday, a group of members from the newly formed Scooter Club of NEPA took to the road for the club's fourth bi-monthly leisure run.

Scooter owner Robert Martin of Falls decided to form the club about three months ago when he started noticing how many scooters he shared the road with. "I see them everywhere," he said. "I thought it would be great if we could organize these people."

Martin said the club, which has about 25 members, mostly from Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, doesn't charge dues. Weather permitting, they usually meet every other Sunday at 1 p.m in the parking lot of the Pittston Plaza. "It's amazing to pull up in the parking lot and see all these people on scooters," he said.

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August 11, 2008

Scooter riders zoom into savings

Each weekday morning, Steve Conley leaves his home north of Wilmington, fires up his gas-powered scooter and takes off -- well, sort of takes off. His scooter only goes about 35 miles per hour.

Conley heads down Veale Road to Shipley Road, then onto Weldin. From there, he scoots to Talley Road, down Miller and turns onto Baynard Boulevard. Baynard turns into Washington Street, where he parks his scooter at a bike rack and heads into work at DuPont.

His commute is six miles each way.

His weekly gas bill? Less than $4.

Posted by Frank at 11:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooter crazy

Tom Mort is one person who is not busy checking his gas mileage this summer.

The reason? This longtime motorcycle rider doesn't have to with his Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter he owns.

"We take the scooter out when it's nice because of the mileage," he said. "It's very good if you ride (55 mph or less), you do very well. I just don't use that much to have to check it. It's not like a car."

Mort is one of many people riding a motorcycle or scooter and saving gas at a time when the rest of Michiana's motorists are thrilled to see gas prices finally drop below $3.80 after being more than $4 much of the summer.

Posted by Frank at 11:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooter Sales Rise With Gas Prices

With gas prices as high as they are, more people are ditching their SUVs and scooping up scooters.

Dave Galik bought his first Vespa this summer.

"I wanted something to save gas money, something to get good gas mileage with."

And he's done that, putting just $10 a week in the tank - blowing away the mileage on his jeep.

"I'm probably saving about 40 dollars a week in gasoline," Galik estimates.

He wasn't the only scooter owner happy to share stats at the Rockerbox Ride Saturday, where anything on two wheels was welcome. Riders took off from a Vespa dealership, where soaring gas prices have sales soaring.

Posted by Frank at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Save on your daily commute - scoot!

The rise in gas prices has me looking elsewhere. I have decided it's time to think smart. Something fun, fast, and possibly two wheels? Yes, scooters!

Scooters have been a European staple for daily commuting and even weekend getaways. Men in suits, Moms in the daily hurry, and young adults zipping to and from the places that make life great.

So why not me? I am Girl vs. Wild, and it's time to save some dinaro and start having a daily commuting scooter adventure!

Atomic Brown Scooter Shop, Oklahoma City's family-owned scooter dealer located on North Western Avenue, is where my latest adventure has taken me, and better yet I didn't have to drive far to get there.

Steve and Pam Hudson, owners' of Atomic Brown Scooter Shop have been selling and educating Oklahoma City on the fun, fast, and fuel efficient advantages of riding scooters since June of 2004.

Posted by Frank at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooping up scooters

CEDAR FALLS --- Nobody expects the world to start traveling on two wheels. But, many commuters are discovering the advantage of owning a scooter.

The draw is high gas mileage in the era of $4-per-gallon fuel, according to scooter dealers in the Cedar Valley, who say sales of little motorized two-wheelers have more than doubled in the last year.

Scooter sales increased 23.6 percent, year-on-year, in the first quarter, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a trade association.

According to published reports, Vespa USA, the U.S. arm of perhaps the world's best-known scooter manufacturer, said its sales in May were 105 percent higher than the same point in 2007.

Posted by Frank at 11:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Petition Calls for More Scooter Parking Spaces

From farming to driving, Arkansans are looking for ways to save on fuel costs and many are turning to gas saving scooters. But there could be a catch....parking

Scooter owners from across the country are complaining about the lack of parking spaces. Two-wheeled drivers are having to park farther away in parking spots intended for much larger cars.

Now, the Vespa Company, which makes a popular scooter, is demanding "parking for all".

The company's online petition challenges local governments to think small when it comes to parking.

"If we had more scooters in smaller places, more parking for everyone, and it encourages people to ride scooters and motorcycles," Vespa Scooter Dealer, Leonard Zechiedrich said.

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August 10, 2008

The Vespatition

The scooter craze is spreading throughout NWA. Fewer scooter parking spots has led to the Vespatition. It's a petition set up for users to sign up online. The company will then send a petition to the City Mayor's office in your area, asking for more Vespa-Scooter parking spots in the area. Supporters say their plan would convert a regular parking spot, into up to 6 spots for Vespas. Think of it as parking numerous scooters in the place of one car.

Owner of Vespa Ozarks, Leonard Zeichiedrich says, "People need to realize it actually gets on the Mayor's desk. They may look at it, or they may look at it, but if we have more asking for those situations, then it will be better."

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August 9, 2008

Which scooter?

This will depend on what you're planning to do with it, and what kind of licence you have or are hoping to get. Engine size is the first consideration: if you need something for a short urban commute, say five miles or less, then a 50cc scooter will cost less than a railway season ticket to buy and insure, then reward you with 100mpg or better and minimal annual servicing bills.

Its top speed will be restricted to 30mph so it's no good for faster A-roads; some people will prefer the extra power of a 125cc as a 50cc machine often can't keep up with traffic even in town, where you're consigned to the gutter like a cyclist, which can be intimidating.

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August 8, 2008

Bankers on bikes

CAMDEN -- When three local bankers scoot through downtown Camden, they encounter a flurry of reactions ranging from impressed smiles to outbursts of laughter. Admittedly a bit self-conscious at the start, these professionals are now realizing huge savings at the pump, ultimately giving them the last laugh.

Camden National Bank Vice President and Director of Marketing Gino Bona admitted he feels a bit comical, especially when he is riding along on his scooter dressed in a business suit and helmet.

"When school let out, I had a handful of occasions right away riding around town," Bona said. "I've had high school kids just bust out laughing."

Scooter rider and Camden National Bank Senior Credit Analyst Mike Clark said, "I just tap the horn a few times. You've gotta have fun with it, you can't take yourself too seriously."

For the most part, people are curious about the miniature motorized bikes.

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Scooting right past the gas station

Baker County Library Clerk Lindy Cloyd started a trend five years ago -- long before the mere mention of gas prices elicited frustrated groans and heavy sighs.

With airlines starting to charge $7 for blankets and pillows in just the past week to offset fuel costs, Americans continue to search desperately for alternatives.

When Cloyd faced some car troubles nearly a decade ago, she decided to scrap the vehicle altogether and replace it with a 49 cc Yamaha Veno scooter from Oregon Trail Yamaha in Baker City.

When she realized she'd be riding the scooter often, Cloyd upgraded to a 125 cc model she bought in Salem.

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August 7, 2008

High gas prices have people turning to scooters

Hop on a scooter and you make a bold statement: You're stylish, you care for the planet, a rebel in our SUV-loving society. Until gas started closing in on the $4 a gallon mark,though, most Americans took little note. Now, the ultra-efficient two-wheelers are swiftly catching on.

Don and Heather Chiusa, 30-somethings living in Spring Hill, Tenn., have adopted an unexpected hobby in a time of soaringgasoline prices.

Eating up Tennessee asphalt, they've discovered, is far more fun when journeying on gas-sipping scooters.

"They get you to work, but they're not like cars," Don Chiusa says. "They're more like Jet Skis -- you're investing in something fun."

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Scooters zoom out of dealer showrooms

Scooters may be the runts of the road, but high-priced gas is making them kings of the showroom.

Dealers are periodically running short, and manufacturers say they're trying, sometimes in vain, to produce more scooters.

"There's no way we could have planned for almost doubling our sales," says Kevin Foley, spokesman for maker Yamaha.

While scooters made up about 15% of all street-licensable motorcycles in 2007, their U.S. sales zoomed 66% in the first half of the year, highest of any segment in the motorcycle market, the Motorcycle Industry Council says. Some scooter makers say sales boomed when gas hit $4 a gallon: Piaggio Group Americas, which makes Vespa, saw sales rise 174% in July compared with a year ago.

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Scooter purchases climb as buyers face high gas prices

John Mihaljevic is not concerned with $4-per-gallon gas. He's been saving money at the pump all summer.

Several months ago, Mihaljevic, 45, of Collinsville decided to leave his Jeep Wrangler in park, and he purchased a 2007 Yamaha Majesty, a 400cc motor scooter, from Collinsville Yamaha.

Mihaljevic used to own a Vespa, an Italian motor scooter, and as gas prices soared toward $4 this summer, he decided it was time to purchase a scooter.Mihaljevic rides his scooter every day to his job as manager at Collinsville's Imo's Pizza, and he also takes it on longer trips to De Soto, Mo., to visit his dad.

Posted by Frank at 10:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Differences between a motor scooter and motorcycle

In Illinois, scooters of 150cc or more have the same classification as motorcycles and require a Class M driver's license to operate. Scooters of 149cc or less can be operated with a Class L license.

Although scooters of 150cc or more are included in motorcycle registration and fatality statistics in Illinois, there are some distinct differences between scooters, including high-power scooters, and motorcycles.

1. The engine for a scooter is at the rear while engines in motorcycles are up front, between a rider's legs.

2. Motorcycle riders use foot pegs while scooter riders have a floor board.

3. Most scooters have automatic transmissions, while motorcycles usually have multiple gears.

4. Scooters typically weigh less than a standard motorcyle.

Source: http://www.vespaatlanta.com/faqs.html

Posted by Frank at 10:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pininfarina CEO dies in scooter accident

TURIN -- Andrea Pininfarina, CEO of Italian design and contract manufacturer Pininfarina, died Thursday morning in a road accident near Turin.

Pininfarina, 51, died after a car collided with the Vespa motorcycle scooter he was riding to the company's design and r&d center in Cambiano.

Pininfarina's death comes at a time when the family-controlled company is in the midst of a crucial restructuring. Andrea Pininfarina has been Pininfarina's CEO since June 2001. He was also appointed chairman in May 2006.

Posted by Frank at 10:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooter fans head for the Piece Hall

VESPA and Lambretta fans revved their engines at the first Piece Hall Scooter Rally.
Organised in conjunction with the Yorkshire Scooter Alliance, the event attracted more than 35 scooter owners and bike fans.

Phoenix Radio provided sounds of the 60s for the event which Ruth Taylor, Piece Hall events officer, said they hoped would become a yearly fixture.

"We hope this will be an annual event for people to come and show off their bikes. It was a real Quadrophenia style atmosphere with the mods and so on," she said.

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Trade Minister Kim Goes to Work on Scooter

A high-ranking Korean trade negotiator Tuesday went to work on a motor scooter in his efforts to join a nationwide energy conservation campaign.

Wearing casual white cotton pants, a blue T-shirt and a helmet, Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon drove his scooter to his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade downtown from his home in eastern Seoul in the morning.

"The scooter has brought me here just in 20 minutes, less than half the 45 minutes spent in my car every morning," Kim told reporters. "I feel very good as the air was fresh and it's even money-saving."

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August 6, 2008

Around the U.S. on a scooter

LAKEWOOD -- Alix Bryan left Lakewood Tuesday morning on the homestretch of tracing a 22,000 mile Peace sign on the continental United States.

Today marks day 94 of her journey that has taken 6 months of scooter riding over the past year. From Cleveland it's on to Pittsburgh and then to Washington, D.C.

When she arrives in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 8, 2008, Bryan will have created the largest Peace sign in history.

"We must know what the word means before we can acquire it," Bryan says, "and lasting peace must always come first from the individual."

Proving that women can safely travel alone and that little scooters can do big things, a Patriot's Exhibition Advancing Community and Environmentalism (P.E.A.C.E.) on a Scooter is focused on promoting peace rather than specifically opposing war.

Posted by Frank at 10:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Colorado zipping along in scooter sales

High gas prices are leading some Coloradans to change the way they get around town.

Our state ranks 9th in the nation in scooter sales and you are sure to see more of them as you drive around town in your car. Nationally, scooter sales are up 15% in the first quarter of 2008.

At $4 a gallon, gas prices were just too much so Krista Metzler and her husband bought scooters for their "drive" to work. "I figure we've already saved close to $400 in the 7 weeks we've had the scooters, " says Metzler.

The Metzlers bought their scooters at RPM Motorsports. The 2008 models are nearly gone and the company is getting plenty of deposit money for 2009 models. Jeff Hernandez of RPM Motorsports says the increase in scooter sales is huge. "We've had a 20-percent increase in scooter sales this year alone compared to last year."

Posted by Frank at 10:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Move a scooter in Seattle, get a fine

SEATTLE - The Seattle City Council has voted to impose a $38 fine on anyone caught moving someone else's scooter on the street.

The measure passed unanimously Monday. It was proposed after scooter owners complained that motorists were moving the scooters from parking spots on Seattle streets to make room for cars, making the scooters vulnerable to damage and parking tickets.

Posted by Frank at 10:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 5, 2008

Scooter sales soaring

HACKENSACK, N.J. - Call it scooter mania.

Skyrocketing gas prices and warm weather have triggered a buying frenzy of highly fuel-efficient scooters that has emptied most dealers and increased sales of scooter insurance policies.

What's drawing customers to the two-wheel side is their high gas mileage: Small-engine scooters - those with 50 cubic centimeters - can get up to 100 miles per gallon; larger ones - 650cc - get 50 to 70 miles per gallon.

Paramus, N.J., resident Joe Tramontana, 48, drives his new Vespa to his job in Tenafly and uses it to take his 12-year-old daughter to her day camp, rather than his Nissan Armada. The Armada was costing him $120 a week to fill the tank; the Vespa, $7 every couple of weeks.

"They're a lot of fun to ride, and the gas prices are ridiculous," he said.

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Scooter use increases in Morgan County

For some, they are a statement about a way of life -- for some, they are about gas savings.

And gosh darn it, they're just plain fun. More and more scooters can be seen on the roads of Morgan County, and they're usually driven by people with big smiles on their faces.

Madisonian Ishmael Bowman bought his first scooter--a 1978 Vespa Piaggio 150--in 1982. At the time he was living in Westport, CT, a bedroom community of New York City.

"Westport was a sort of summer town, the crowds were heavy," remembers Bowman. "At night time, near the restaurants, there was no parking, but bicycles and Vespas were ideal."

After moving from New York, Bowman--a self-employed private investor--stored his Vespa for a while. But he has been riding it again recently, and he's part of a growing local trend.

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High gas prices spur local scooter sales

No, Tarrant County hasn't been invaded by scooter-driving Europeans.

These are homegrown Texans discovering the joys of getting as much as 90 miles per gallon on their daily commutes like counterparts in Italian urban centers. And if it feels like reliving La Dolce Vita, all the better.

Vespa Fort Worth, which was cleaned out for two weeks at one point this summer, had just two models left in its showroom at 1111 University Drive late last week and deposits for 40 scooters on order.

"In 25 years in the business, I've never been sold out of every piece of equipment," said general manager Robert Brock, 47, who commutes 120 miles daily on a 500cc model from Aubrey in Denton County. "I average 63 miles to the gallon."

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Southwest Floridians trading into two-wheelers

Four-wheel gas guzzler or two-wheel gas-sipper?

As some Southwest Floridians trade in their two-ton trucks for 200-pound scooters and small motorcycles to pay less at the pump, Naples shops are gearing up for fuel-frugal buyers.

While the number of registered cars and trucks has dropped a negligible 0.3 percent in Collier County since Jan. 1, registered motorcycles increased 4 percent to 9,787 by July 1, according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles statistics.

"We've had a whole year's business so far this year," said Motor Toys owner George Burt, who deals new and used gas scooters from his Naples store.

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More fuel-efficient scooters are hitting the road

Move over, Toyota Prius. There's a new mpg king in town.

As gas prices continue to weigh on people's minds and pocketbooks, many have found an alternative to their car or truck: the motor scooter.

Bigger than a moped and smaller than a motorcycle, motor scooters typically have step-through frames and full bodywork, and most get between 50 and 90 miles per gallon.

Nationally, fuel-conscious commuters have started to take notice, as sales of motor scooters, which include brands like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Piaggio, rose 66 percent in the first half of 2008 compared with the same period last year.

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Boom in sales of the frugal scooter

The weather is keeping most people in their cars, but this will be the summer of the scooter if inquiries are anything to go by, dealers here say.

"I think it will really take off just before Christmas. Although we are not selling many right now, we're getting four or five inquiries a day, says Derek Mead at Gisborne Honda."

"Gisborne is a 'five-minute town' -you can get anywhere in five minutes, and a scooter will do 60 to 70 kilometres a litre.

"One of our customers works next to us in Hammer Hardware, and lives by the hospital. She spends eight dollars a month on fuel - perhaps nine dollars with the price rises."

Over at CGM Motorcycles, Phil Summerfield is astonished they are selling scooters in winter.

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Peugeot cuts UK scooter prices

PEUGEOT reckons it has the solution for thrifty city workers bitten by the credit crunch, a price drop by up to £1,100 on its range of scooters.

With escalating fuel prices only adding to the pinch, scooter sales in the UK rocketed by nearly 10 per cent last month.

Peugeot is hoping it can direct this influx of two-wheeled interest its way with a £1,100 price slash on its big-wheeled Geopolis 250 (£2,999); a £600 cut on the Satelis 500 maxi-scooter (£3,999); and a further £300 price drop on the Satelis 125 (£2,799).

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August 4, 2008

Eager commuters hop on scooters

For commuters sick of high gas prices, the phrase "140 miles a gallon" can be quite a come-on.

Salesman Danny Hoag repeated those words over and over Saturday morning to shoppers who stopped by Scooterz Inc. in Raleigh to run their fingers over the shiny two-wheelers that are becoming a sought-after alternative to cars.

The 140 mpg stat Hoag gave is an extreme. One new scooter owner reported fuel mileage closer to 95. But with gas prices just backing away from $4 a gallon, 100 mpg and 70 mpg -- Hoag's estimates for other makes -- sound almost as sweet.

Some local dealers say scooters are such a hot ride these days that they can't keep the two-wheelers in stock.

Posted by Frank at 9:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooters an alternative to high gas prices

Lee's Summit Councilman Nick Swearngin wanted to do something about high gas prices, so he switched from driving a Hummer to something a little smaller - a scooter.

"It's a blast to drive," he said. "I have a lot of fun on it."

He said when he first started riding it, he felt a little silly.

"The first two weeks I had that scooter, I honestly would see people laugh and sneer," Swearngin said. "Now, people pull up next to me and roll down their windows and ask how much it cost and what the gas mileage is like."

Posted by Frank at 9:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Drivers 'scooting' ahead of gas prices

Rising gas prices aren't a pressing concern for Wilkes-Barre resident Joe Blizman. For years, he enjoyed the 30 miles per gallon his Dodge Neon achieved.

He also liked the convenience of guiding the small car into tight city parking spots.

Still, Blizman felt there might be something better; something that got better gas mileage and was even easier to park.

Blizman found the solution last year when he purchased a 50cc Piaggio scooter with a 1.9-gallon gas tank and 90 mpg fuel economy.

"I figured it would be great for getting me around town," he said.

More people are agreeing with Blizman, as high gas prices are forcing some to park their four-wheeled behemoths in favor of something smaller and more efficient.

Posted by Frank at 9:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Scooter drivers have rights

Sioux Falls is a great small city. We have the benefits and recreation of big city life but the charm and hospitality of country living. I believed in this wholeheartedly right up to the point when I bought a scooter. Yep, that's right, until I bought my awesome scooter.

Let me explain.

I want to do my part for the environment and save some money where I can. Plus, I enjoy the freedom of riding a scooter, so I bought one. I take myself back and fourth to work and drop my daughter off at day care in the mornings.

Posted by Frank at 9:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 3, 2008

Regulations Rattle Some Scooter Owners

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A record number of middle Tennessee residents are buying motorized scooters to save money, but some are confused by the state's scooter rules.

Some dealers are reporting back orders on scooters that will take months to fill, but should non-scooter drivers care?

Most new scooter owners are doing it to save money, but if they don't comply with the law, they could face financial ruin.

David McPeak said he loves his Vespa. He said it's a fun way to travel, plus it gets 110 miles per gallon.

"It's nice to just be able to jump on the scooter, run down to Wal-Mart, to the Kroger's, to the pharmacy or wherever you might need to go on pennies instead of dollars," he said.

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Principal making house calls on a scooter

FEDERAL WAY - Damon Hunter climbed off his scooter and rang the doorbell of Dennis Good's house.

The seventh-grader answered and looked up at the 6-foot-4-inch tall principal of Saghalie Middle School in Federal Way.

"Wow, Mr. Hunter," the 12-year-old exclaimed. "Am I in trouble?"

No, no, Hunter said, as Dennis' mom came to the door. Dennis, whether joking or not, and his mom, Colene Good, had advance warning the principal was coming.

He'd sent an automated voice message to parents, telling him he was coming to visit the homes of his students at Saghalie.

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August 2, 2008

Vespa LX150 scooter

About a month ago we promised to get our hands on some scooters for evaluation. We've just added a couple of Vespas to our test fleet, a 50cc LX50 and a 150cc LX150. The LX50 model cost us $3,299, the LX150 $4,399. After some buzzing around ("Vespa" means wasp in Italian) in the immediate vicinity, it became clear that most of us prefer the 150. Though the 50cc model doesn't require a motorcycle license, it's limited to only 30 mph and feels sluggish. In order to ride legally and confidently on highways, you'd need a 250cc scooter.

The other day I ferried the LX150 home on a trailer so I could ride it in more urban and suburban settings than the rural roads around our test track. I immediately felt very trendy. Spurred on by record high gas prices, the Vespa has become a fashion statement in my neck of the woods in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Mind you, I'm not a two-wheeler novice: I used to own a Triumph motorcycle. It took a bit of a mindset adjustment to ride the Vespa, but I'm happy to announce that my ego remained intact. Luckily, everything else also remained intact despite a few nerve-racking moments in rush-hour traffic and a sudden booming thunderstorm. Riding in the rain is very stressful and fatiguing due to the reduced grip, impaired visibility, and the already oblivious motorists around you.

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Big ol' choppers...and lil' scooters

LEWISTON - This $4 plus a gallon gas has everyone searching for the cheapest way to travel.

And that means scooters and motorcycles are becoming increasingly hard to keep in stock. One Valley business that normally sells big bikes, says it's responding to customers. Lewiston's Harley Davidson General Manager Matt Thomasson says the need for a fuel efficient ride is overwhelming, so he brought in a new product.

"We are now a Vespa dealer, and we're going to be an Aprilla dealer too," said Thomasson. "We have Vespa scooters here now, and we have a bunch more on the way. So they're coming in."

Thomasson says he's seeing more two-wheel hungry customers than ever.

"We've definitely seen an increase in motorcycle sales, as the price of gas has gone up. It's good for us but bad for everybody else."

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Britain's youngest Mod

DON'T blink or you may miss Billie Lynch whizzing through East London--just a flash of bright red zooming past.

This latter-day 'Billie Whiz' is probably Britain's youngest Mod, a 'born again' Quadrophenia fan just turned 16.

She passed her Driving Test last Wednesday (July 30) to ride a motor scooter, just a day after her 16th birthday... after a few hours getting to grips with her dad's bright red Vespa at East London's Cardrome training centre.

"I was really nervous, really shaking, and sick before the test," she admitted.

"But they were really nice and took me through it carefully and passed me."

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Vespa takes sting out of carbon

Canada's first-ever national carbon-neutral driving program is indeed creating a buzz across Canada.

Launched last month by Toronto-based Canadian Scooter Corp. (Vespa Canada), the company and its partners Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca) and the Carbon Reduction Fund (carbonreductionfund.org) have introduced a new program to offset the estimated carbon emissions created by the production and distribution of all new Vespa scooters sold in Canada.

Included are three "green-themed" EnviroVespas in the colours Sun (yellow), Sky (blue) and Grass (green).

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August 1, 2008

Buying a scooter

The case for buying a scooter is becoming compelling for more and more people. We've covered many of the reasons before: commuting times are reduced substantially in many cases; scooters are less affected by traffic conditions; you're not constrained by public transport timetables; parking is usually free and far easier than with a car; and of course there are very low running costs compared with a car.

The recent massive hikes in fuel prices have brought that last reason into sharp focus, along with the expansion of city congestion charges: two-wheelers go free, saving you £8 a day in London before any other costs are taken into consideration. In addition, a scooter will give 70-120mpg in urban riding.

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High gas prices lead to scooters in tough spot

With gas prices flirting close to $4 a gallon, many people are riding scooters that get up to 100 miles per gallon. But those who travel beyond town limits onto Route 1 in the Cape Region are finding they don't have a good place to ride.

With a top speed of about 35 mph, scooters are perfect for urban riding. When it comes to taking on Route 1, it's another story.

The busy Cape Region roadway has become a no-man's land for the popular mode of transportation. Scooters can be seen every day, zooming along in the restricted shared lane, but that's a problem: By law, scooters are prohibited from the lane.

The lane is for use by buses, bicycles and vehicles making right-hand turns only - not scooters. Yet, some dealers who sell them tell their customers to use the lane.

Scooter drivers are being told by police they must drive in the right traffic lane with vehicles. That's the current law, but that's also a problem: By law, scooters are not allowed to exceed 25 mph.

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City Mulls Scooter Parking

HARRISONBURG - An increasing number of motor scooter riders has spurred the city to look into how to meet their parking needs in downtown.

Jessica Chase, program manager for Downtown Parking Services, expects to present the findings of her study to the city's Parking Advisory Committee in a couple of months.

Chase said downtown officials have noticed a marked increase in scooter traffic around Court Square. Whether it's due to more motorists being concerned about the environment or high gas prices - or a combination of the two - isn't known. The bottom line, though, is that their growing numbers have made dedicated parking space for scooters a priority.

Scooter owners park their vehicles in different places, including on sidewalks, Chase said, which often blocks pedestrian traffic and hinders street cleaning.

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US beckons Indian scooter makers?

Given the way scooters have taken off in the US, thanks to the burgeoning price of fuel and Yankees shunning large V8 guzzlers to drive down to the supermarkets, this is an opportunity that the Indian two-wheeler industry should think about exploiting. And soon!

The answer to the question is there an opportunity therefore for our homegrown scooter makers like Bajaj Auto and Kinetic Motor Company to think about a second foray into the US is an emphatic "Yes' . Kinetic used to sell its Luna mopeds and if one recollects it also sold a consignment of its Pride scooterette but at that point in time the performance loving Yankee soccer moms preferred the huge SUVs and pick-ups making these the wrong products at that time.

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Scooter Club to host first meeting Aug. 9 in Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE -- The first meeting of a newly formed scooter club is scheduled for Aug. 9.

The Little Scooters Club will meet from 3-4 p.m. at Country Kitchen in Kirksville, according to club president Charles Cooper.

"We want to get these little scooters together, have some rides and have some fun," Cooper said.

He said all money raised from membership dues will be donated to a needy family at the end of the year.

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Corona man to ride by scooter to Texas for cancer awareness

Paul Khosrowpour sped from his Corona home Wednesday evening on his motorized scooter for a grueling 24-hour ride to Texas that he hopes will raise awareness about cancer and the need for more research.

Khosrowpour's destination is Austin, Texas, where he will meet up with family members and attend a memorial service for his brother-in-law Don Catterson, who died of the disease. He is making the 1,336-mile journey on a 550-pound Suzuki scooter covered in decals promoting his message.

For Khosrowpour, 59, the 24-hour bike trip, "ScooteRun 4 Cancer" is a way to test his physical and emotional strength, giving him a taste of some of what his brother-in-law might have gone through while he was fighting cancer.

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July 31, 2008

Seattle may move to protect parked scooters

SEATTLE -- Moving a parked scooter in Seattle may soon be against the law.

The City Council Transportation Committee approved an ordinance Tuesday to outlaw moving a parked scooter or motorcycle from a parking space.

The full council is expected to vote Monday to impose a $38 fine for scooter-moving.

Some scooter owners have complained their vehicles have been moved from parking spots to make room for cars.

Police would have to witness the illegal scooter moving to write a ticket.

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Consider the scooter

If you do a lot of city driving, buying a highly efficient scooter for warm-weather months makes a good deal of sense. Scooters can get upward of 90 mpg (sometimes well over 100), they're cheap to insure and are perfect for making short jaunts across town.

You can get your hands on a decent used model for around $1,500, and even the most expensive -- which are more like small motorcycles -- only cost around $6,000. Scooter sales are up 24% compared to this time last year, and the industry thinks that has to do mostly with high gas prices. This makes sense because sales of less fuel-efficient bikes, like those sold by Harley-Davidson, are down 23% this year after continuously hitting record sales year after year for two straight decades.

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Hop on a scooter for fun alone

Hop on a scooter and you make a bold statement: You're stylish, you care for the planet, a rebel in our SUV-loving society. Until gas started closing in on the $4 a gallon mark, though, most Americans took little note. Now, the ultra-efficient two-wheelers are swiftly catching on.

Don and Heather Chiusa, 30-somethings living in Spring Hill, Tenn., have adopted an unexpected hobby in a time of soaring gasoline prices.

Eating up Tennessee asphalt, they've discovered, is far more fun when journeying on gas-sipping scooters.

"They get you to work, but they're not like cars," Don Chiusa says. "They're more like jet skis - you're investing in something fun."

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July 30, 2008

Older consumers buy 25% of Vespas

The wealthiest demographic group in the United States is frequently bypassed by advertisers, industry experts said.

There are 100 million U.S. consumers above age 50 and the group owns $8 trillion in assets, which amounts to 70 percent of the U.S. population's disposable money, the Kansas City Star reported Tuesday.

The group buys 25 percent of the Vespa scooters sold in the United States and those over 45 purchased 19 percent of the iPods, the newspaper reported. They also buy more than half of the U.S. cars sold, the Star reported.

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Mods march on Sheffield for scooter rally

TALKING about their generation...The mods were on the march again in Sheffield this weekend when more than 800 gathered for a scooter rally at the Davy sports ground on Prince Of Wales Road.

They came from Middlesbrough, Southport, Derby and as far away as Scotland for the rally called Hammered In Sheffield that featured a celebration of scooters and mod culture with three live bands, specialist stalls and karaoke.

The faces aren't as young as they were but many the followers of the 1960s cult - some of them originals - came on immaculate scooters in their parkas and formations that scattered holiday makers in Brighton, Skegness and Scarborough in 1964.

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Motorcycle, Scooter Crashes Rise 38 Percent In Winston-Salem

WINSTON-SALEM -- Despite recent declines in fuel prices, real relief at the pump seems anything but near. And those costs for some motorists to get around town have driven many to invest in scooters.

But scooter driving isn't for the faint of heart. While most scooters top out at a maximum speed of around 35 mph, that's hardly fast enough to keep impatient motorists from whizzing by.

One local scooter driver was killed in a crash over the weekend. Billy Ray Hester, 48, of Winston-Salem had just purchased his scooter the day before. He was driving on Jonestown road Sunday afternoon when he drove off the roadway and was thrown from the vehicle. He died on Monday, police said.

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July 29, 2008

Will Scooters Make Downtown Peoria Look Like Downtown Hanoi?

On your way to work, but you don't want to get chain grease all over your Armani trousers? Time to get the new ultimate urban accessory: a scooter.

A scooter hasn't received so much media attention since the Vice President's Chief of Staff was indicted, and it's easy to see why: plunk down $1,000 to $10,000 and you'll be rolling at close to 100 miles per gallon. Heck, get an electric scooter and you'll only be paying your electric bill. Depending on where you live, you might not even need to bring (or even have) your driver's license, as some scooters are considered motorized bicycles and aren't subject to the same rules as mopeds and scooters.

Once reserved for congested and car-unfriendly European and Asian cities, American scooter owners outside of Martha's Vineyard were looked at as wacky paparazzi wannabes. Now, they're getting a second look by a more mature audience, just like how scooter-riding Finch ended up with Stifler's mom.

Scooter sales are up more than 66% this year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Plus, new electric models might even be certified for highway use, as terrifying as that sounds outside of gridlocked rush hours.

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Scooter therapy

In a famous scene from the 1950s romantic comedy "Roman Holiday," Gregory Peck, playing an American journalist, takes Audrey Hepburn, the runaway princess, on a tour of Rome on a motorscooter.

More than half a century later, scooters still hold their appeal - particularly now because gasoline prices are so high and they get great mileage.

It helps that they're fun to drive on the backroads of Nevada County.

Meanwhile, prices at the pump have slipped a bit for the first time since oil began its upward zoom, and the national average for a gallon of regular last week dropped to about $4 - the first time it's been that low in seven weeks.

Oil fell last week to about $123 a barrel for September deliveries of light, sweet crude, down from a high in early July of $147, the Associated Press reported.

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It's easy riding for the Westenders

When a tight cluster of 40 scooters whir down California Avenue on a pleasant weekend morning these quaint two-wheelers of pink, powder blue, mustard yellow and rosy red look about as menacing as a parade of grinning Golden Retrievers and just as fun to observe.

They are the Westenders Scooter Club, a practical and whimsical troupe anchored in West Seattle that operate 70-100 mile-per-gallon toys. This international fleet of Italian-made Vespas, Indian-made Stellas, Chicago-based Buddy's, and Japanese Yamaha Vino's, run lean and clean.

"My Vespa is a two-stroke (engine) but it is important to point out it has a catalytic converter and runs very clean," said Westender president, Robert Brown. He named his bright red PX 150 "Luciana."

"Luciana Paluzzi was the Italian actress in the James Bond film 'Thunderball.' Like her namesake, my Luciana is exotic, sexy, and red," he said. The actress had red hair.

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SX1 Scooter gets a Facelift

Scooters are bucking the credit crunch as people look for economical transport and Sachs have given their SX1 a facelift for Summer 2008 to make it even more attractive.

By the end of June sales on scooters in the UK had risen by 1.3% compared to the previous year, while overall motorcycle sales dipped by 3.6%. Launched in the UK in January, the SX1 from Sachs proved an agile contemporary scooter that creates sporty urban transport for riders aged 16 and over at an affordable price.

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Scoot in style

Scooter sales are soaring - and no wonder. While automobiles guzzle gasoline, scooters sip it. Most can squeeze about 75 miles from a single gallon. That's a lot of trips to and from the office for a mere $4-and-change.

But scooting to work does present fashion challenges, especially for women. Skirts and scooters don't exactly go together - unless you're Audrey Hepburn, spinning around town on a Vespa in "Roman Holiday." For the scooter scenes in that classic romantic comedy, Hepburn wears a flyaway skirt, flimsy gladiator sandals - and no helmet.

Today, smart scooter-riders do wear helmets - which means they must deal with the horrors of helmet hair. And for safety reasons, they also wear goggles, gloves, biker jackets and sensible shoes. Picture all that accessorizing a business suit or dress. And let's not forget summer's sweat-inducing heat.

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Setting the record straight about scooter regulations

Well, if you haven't bought one yet, you've certainly seen them. They're out there in force and the number is likely to increase.

I'm talking about the scooters and motorcycles that everyone seems to be buying in the battle against high gas prices. Police have seen an increase in the number and frequency of collisions involving these vehicles.

There is a corresponding increase in the number of people that don't seem to be aware of the laws in place regulating scooters. One mother called from Las Vegas and asked about the scooter laws for her child coming to Dixie State College. She "knew" that a scooter under 50ccs didn't need a motorcycle license and she asked about the number of crashes and the safety of these small vehicles. She was wrong about the need for a motorcycle license, by the way.

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A new way to scoot

NEWPORT - A motor scooter could become a common sight in the neighborhoods served by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative.

For the past few months, the cooperative's field service representatives have been trying out a scooter for meter reading in several residential areas, zooming from house to house with relative ease and doing so without guzzling as much gasoline.

The "meter" scooter is still in the test drive phase, but so far the field service representatives have found it has saved gas and increased efficiency.

"We're letting some of the other guys get a feel for it, see how they like it. So far it is looking positive," said CCEC Communications Director Lisa Taylor-Galizia.

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July 28, 2008

Scooter Caution Urged

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Columbus area residents have considered dealing with high gas prices by investing in a motor scooter.

The possible savings in fuel costs and the nimble little vehicles have caused a buying spurt at many retailers, including Zoot Scoots on Fifth Avenue.

But a recent serious scooter accident in Pennsylvania involving the daughter and son-in-law of Ohio State University President Gordon Gee has caused some to have second thoughts.

"We've had three people come in and cancel their orders based on Gordon's son in law," commented Rick Beam of Zoot Scoots to NBC 4's Matt Alvarez.

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Honda Elite 80 Scooter raffle tickets available

MARION - The Fraternal Order of Police Associates, Marion Lodge 49, is selling raffle tickets for a new Honda Elite 80 Scooter.
Advertisement

The Elite 80 has an automatic transmission, gets 80 miles per gallon and is capable of reaching speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

Tickets are $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20. The drawing will be held Dec. 20. Winner is responsible for sales tax, title and licensing requirements. In addition, the winner receives an option of $1,500 cash as an alternate prize.

For more information, please contact Charlie Daniels at 740-361-7795.

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Scooter craze hits Southern Utah

With gasoline selling for more than $4 a gallon, many people are looking for ways to save on transportation costs. One look at the streets of Southern Utah will show there is an apparent increase in the amount of scooters on the road.

"We got the scooter in July of last year," said St. George resident Mark Speener of his family's scooter. "We bought it to try and save money on gas. That was when gas was hitting $3 a gallon last summer. É The gas savings will pile up the more you ride it."

Now the fuel prices are even higher and the scooter has become a welcome addition to the Speener family fleet, which includes a sedan and a minivan.

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Gas prices fuel scooter sales

RALEIGH - When Johnny Edwards opened his scooter store in Raleigh a year ago, gas prices were around $2.68 per gallon. At that time, he was selling 20 to 30 of the bikes a month.

"Right now we're selling 60 to 100 scooters per month," Edwards, owner of Scooterz Inc., said.

The craze is growing coast to coast, with sales up 66 percent nationwide, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

"This has already happened all over the world, except for here in the United States," Edwards said. "We've had our big vehicles, and now people are kind of reverting back."

He said although scooters range in gas mileage from 80 to 100 miles per gallon, his biggest sellers are the bikes that get more than 100 miles per gallon.

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July 27, 2008

Cute scoot boogie

It's bigger than a breadbox. But way smaller than a Hummer. It's as stylish as a Marc Jacobs bag. But, unlike said bag, it will get you to work and back. The fastest can go up to 100 miles per hour. But the most efficient can get up to 100 miles per gallon.

Here's a hint: It's not a Prius. Or a Fit. Or a smart fortwo.

It's a scooter. And these days, it's almost as hot as a hybrid. And frankly, I'd take a Vespa over a Prius any day.

After talking with a few eastern Maine scooter dealers, it's easy to understand why they can't seem to keep them in stock.

"For a lot of people, [this summer's $4-plus gas prices are] the last straw," said Lou Fraser, who manages Friend & Friend in Orono and teaches motorcycle education classes. "They've seen the light. ... Some people who are getting into it think it's a necessity, but at the same time, they're thinking, 'What the hell? This is fun.'"

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Two wheels - better than four

With his black-and-red armored jacket and rally buttons across his chest, Bart Weitzman, 51, could be mistaken for a typical biker. He does own a vintage Honda motorcycle, but it's his white 1973 Vespa Sprint 150 that has stolen his heart.

"I get my ya-yas off going 30 to 60 miles per hour - Yee-haw!" Weitzman said by phone from his home in Rydal, Montgomery County .

Weitzman is a member of the Hostile City Scooter Club, a group of local scooter enthusiasts.

His Vespa gets 55 miles per gallon, he said. Compared to his Toyota Sienna, which takes $75 to fill up, it costs Weitzman only a few bucks to fill his scooter's 2.1-gallon gas tank, he said.

That fuel efficiency, scooter-sellers say, is bringing more people through the doors.

Larry Wang, 43, owner of Philadelphia Scooters in South Philly, said business has increased at least 150 percent this year. Wang is having trouble keeping the store's most popular brand, the Genuine Buddy, in stock, he said.

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''Scooting'' to Save Gas

Bill Tracy lives in Chattanooga. And eight months ago, he bought a scooter.

With what he's saving on gas, he hasn't looked back.

"I guess my most expensive gas bill, the other day I paid $4.10 worth of gas," he says.

He says he gets nearly 119 miles a gallon on his scooter.

Jen Obal with Scenic City Scooters says the savings on gas, and the relatively cheap prices for scooters have lead more people to their doors.

"Since gas prices have gone up, people have gone from looking at the scooter as something fun to do as something that's more necessary to do to save some money on gas," she says.

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Scooter Sales Soar

Oil prices sank to their lowest point in seven weeks Friday and the price of gas has dropped a little bit too. But with gas still hovering around four dollars a gallon, scooter sales are sky high.

If you are one of the many people feeling the pain at the pump, you may want to check out a scooter or motorcycle. Worried about safety? Take a class. And load up on protective gear like jackets, helmets, gloves, and more.

Jeremy Ayo at Honda of Lafayette says, "Always wear them no matter what time of year it is and just be safe and be careful."

Be safe and be careful, if you can buy one. Dealers are having a hard time just keeping scooters in stock.

Bill Young at First Turn says, "In the last 2 months, business is booming. We're up about 25-30% above last year. Last year was our best year in business. We sold 88 machines last month which was a record for us for the month."

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Do you know your scooter law?

FORT COLLINS - Not a motorcycle, not a car, the scooter has its own set of road rules.

With the dizzying gas prices pushing more and more people onto scooters, police think it high time to let drivers know about the law that surrounds them.

First, a scooter is not a motorcycle. You don't need a motorcycle license - just a regular driver's license - to drive one as long as it's under 50ccs and you stay under 30 miles per hour.

Many scooters are able to go over 30 mph, but if you're caught above that limit and don't have a motorcycle endorsement, you can get a ticket.

Also, scooters must have an automatic transmission to be considered a scooter. If it has a clutch, it's a motorcycle.

Second, helmets are required for any person under 18 years of age. That includes passengers. Still, police recommend them for all drivers.

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Vespa Holland is riding the wave of scooter popularity

CASCADE TOWNSHIP -- A Lakeshore area scooter dealer is riding the wave of high gas prices right into the Grand Rapids market.

Vespa Holland, which opened a full-scale showroom last year inside Lincoln-Mercury-Suzuki of Holland, plans to open a second location next month at 5771 28th St. SE.

"There's a big demand for it," said Dan Stewart, who oversees the bike business at the dealership.

He also is actively searching for more locations to expand.

"We're looking at Kalamazoo, possibly Battle Creek, Muskegon, Lansing," Stewart said. "I get so many customers from all over. I had one lady that came all the way from Okemos."

The Italian scooters are being purchased by people young and old, professional or student -- anyone interested in saving money on fuel. Some scooter models can get up to 100 mpg.

The median age of a scooter buyer rose from 26 in 1990 to 46 in 2003, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

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Dirt cheap ticket to ride

Radio programmer Murry Pretscherer swapped one of his two cars for a trendy Vespa scooter three years ago.

And the married father-of-two from Auckland's Mt Albert hasn't looked back.

"We live close to the city and we decided two cars was a bit ridiculous with the cost," said the 31-year-old co-programme director at George FM, based in Ponsonby.

"We've saved stacks. It costs me about $14 to fill up, which lasts me 10 days to two weeks. Registration is about $60 a year and insurance is dirt cheap as well. In the past nine months to a year I've noticed a stack more scooters around."

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Piaggio Accessories for Carnaby Scooter

Piaggio offers a range of accessories for the new-look Carnaby designed to enhance the carrying capacity of their big-wheel 125cc scooter.

Although the Carnaby is light and compact, space is intelligently distributed too, so that the rider and passenger benefit from a broad, comfortably shaped seat and flat platform that offers plenty of legroom. The under-seat bay is big enough to hold a jet helmet and also contains two side pockets for smaller objects and this can be supplemented by the innovative Easy Bag that attaches to the leg shield. This fully detachable bag is made from a waterproof and tear-proof synthetic fabric that blends in with the interior trim without reducing legroom, priced at £34.99.

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Scooter Owners Reccommend the Gas Saving Vehicles

With gas prices hovering near 4 bucks a gallon, many people park four wheeled gas guzzlers and turn to two wheels. If you're considering switching to a scooter, we have advice from the experts. Riders in town for the country's largest scooter rally describe the vehicles' virtues.

They're fairly fast, fun, and fuel efficient.

Craig Huard, "It tops out at about 75 miles an hour."

Bryan Howard, "It's the most fun you can have on two wheels."

Brittanie Holland, "It's less that five bucks to fill up and I can ride for weeks."

It's no wonder more drivers settle on scooters now to beat the gas crunch.

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July 26, 2008

Gas prices drive Valley scooter craze

Walk into the Scooters of Boise showroom, and you'll find a selection of the increasingly popular fuel-efficient motor bikes. But you can't have them.

They've already been sold. Well, there was one available Thursday, but it probably won't be there on Friday.

"I can't keep up," said co-owner Kitty Smith. "We got 20 scooters on Monday and sold out Tuesday morning."

The supply of the little gas-sippers is dwindling at other Treasure Valley stores, too, because of a booming U.S. demand amid $4-plus gasoline and manufacturers' desire to satisfy their longtime customers in Europe and Asia, Smith said.

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July 25, 2008

Scooters Are In High Demand

It seems just about everyone is trying to figure out ways to save money on gas. More and more North Dakotans are discovering a mode of transportation that`s been popular in Europe and Asia for decades. Not a single car in America can achieve the kind of mileage of the average scooter. That`s why their scooting off of dealer lots quicker than you can say Vespa.

They come in all sorts of styles. Some are small and cute. Others are a bit brawnier. Either way, high gas prices are boosting the popularity of the motorcycle`s little brother, the scooter.

Jesse Auday of Open Road Honda notes, "Scooter inventory is nonexistent. Basically, at this point, we are pre-sold into our 2009 models already now. We`re still continuing to get lists, get them in as fast as we can, and get them back into the customers` hands."

At a cost of about $2,000-$8,000 depending on the model, scooters won`t break the bank, and many of discovering that the savings don`t end there.

Talk about economical, a 49 c.c. scooter like this one gets over 100 miles to the gallon. And with only a 1.2 gallon fuel tank, you can pay for your fill up with a five and still get change back. That little scooter is strictly for around town, and only requires a motorized bicycle permit. Beefier models require a motorcycle permit.

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Better for commuters - car or scooter?

As rising petrol prices take grip, what is quicker in the rush hour - a scooter or a car?

Central Scooters in Lye have noticed a change in clientele lately as more and more business people purchase scooters and mopeds.

As petrol prices continue to soar, it appears the nippy vehicles, which cost just £7 to fill up for 140 miles of scooting, are back in fashion.

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As gas prices soar, so do scooter sales

Chris Crawford has a problem that any business owner would love to have.

As soaring gas prices drain drivers' wallets, Crawford can't keep up with demand for the electric bikes and scooters he sells at his St. Catharines Daymak dealership.

"We've been backlogged since March," he said Tuesday. "Customers are waiting six to eight weeks for delivery because they're selling like hot cakes."

Other shops in the area also say they're seeing a big spike in interest from customers.

Those customers are keen on letting their gas-guzzling cars sit in the driveway in favour of cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

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Commission gives early nod to allow scooter business

A store that will sell motorcycle-type scooters got a preliminary nod of approval Tuesday from Clinton's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Billy Lancaster of Edwards asked the panel for a conditional use permit to operate his new business in the storefront at 313 Clinton Blvd. formerly occupied by Tobacco Town. The building is owned by James Crawford.

Lancaster plans to sell small scooters with engines ranging from 50cc to 250cc and weights from about 160 pounds to up to 225 pounds. They're designed generally for a single rider, and will be priced ranging from $1,400 to $3,200, Lancaster said.

He hasn't decided yet on a vendor or vendors, but "most of them come from China," he told commissioners.

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Chattanooga: Scooter lovers from across nation gather here this week

Scooter popularity is soaring. But scooters are not kid stuff, local enthusiasts said.

With engines up to 800 cubic centimeters and top speeds greater than 100 mph, today's scooters are serious machines that demand real safety precautions.

"A lot of people make the mistake of thinking scooters are toys, but other than your seating position, they're no different than a motorcycle," said Noelle Omer, a 30-year-old magazine editor and member of the Hill City United Scooter Club.

This weekend, as many as 450 Vespa scooter riders from around the country will be attending the Amerivespa 2008 rally in Chattanooga. Events include a ride from Scenic City Scooters in Red Bank to Deals Gap on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, famous for more than 300 turns in 11 miles.

A scooter show from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at First Tennessee Pavilion downtown is open to the public. Scooters and games can be viewed for free. Registration is required ($70 for today-Sunday, meals included) to try out demo scooters or to participate in games, Ms. Omer said.

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Sydney offers free scooter parking

MOTORCYCLE and scooter riders will be able to park for free on streets controlled by the Sydney City Council in its proposal to encourage smaller, more environmentally-friendly modes of travel.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore today launched a draft of the City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy, which also proposes cheaper road tolls for those travelling on two wheels, and the installation of public charging points for electric motorcycles.

"The city is committed to sustainable transport options and supports the gradual shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller, more efficient vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport," Cr Moore said.

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July 24, 2008

Amerivespa rolls into Chattanooga

More than 450 scooter riders from across the country and beyond will be taking to the streets this Thursday through Sunday for Vespa Club of America's Amerivespa 2008. Amerivespa is the country's largest scooter rally; it travels to a new city each year.

This year VCOA teamed with Hill City United Scooter Club to organize and host this event. After a year of planning and with support of local and national sponsors, organizers expect this to be an event that brings quite a bit of attention to Chattanooga.

"I have visited Chattanooga several times in the past few years, and through those trips I knew this was a city I wanted to bring Amerivespa to," said J.D. Merryweather, president of Vespa Club of America. "We have an amazing schedule planned, and I encourage anyone interested in riding a scooter, no matter what brand it is, to join us this weekend."

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Happy 50th, Super Cub

While 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of Ford's Model T, a machine that mobilized America, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the Honda Super Cub, the scooter that accomplished a similar task across Asia.

Introduced in 1958 as the C100, the Cub was Honda's attempt at an affordable means of urban transportation - and with a 4-hp, four-stroke 50cc one cylinder, often coupled to a semi-automatic gear box, it quickly developed a cult following.

Over the past fifty years, Honda has built over 60 million examples of the Super Cub and its derivatives (in contrast, Volkswagen manufactured only 21.5 million copies of the original Beetle across sixty-five years) and continues to sell the bike today.

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Scooter Riders Urged To Use Caution, Follow Laws

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. -- Hot weather and high gas prices are causing drivers to turn to more fuel-friendly modes of transportation, but police are warning motorists to be careful with their new rides.

Fairfax police said more drivers with different experience levels are traveling by moped, scooter and motorcycle, creating safety concerns as small vehicles share the road with larger cars.

The Fairfax Police Department released a new educational brochure for operators of small vehicles. Click here to view the brochure.

According to a law that went into effect July 1, a moped is considered a motorcycle if it is driven at speeds of more than 35 mph, meaning operators need to have additional driver's certifications and a motorcycle license.

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July 23, 2008

Scooter sales booming as gas prices skyrocket

With gas prices entrenched around the $4 mark, consumers are turning to two-wheeled transportation alternatives in greater numbers than ever. Retailers are seeing big boosts in scooter sales.

Sales figures for the first half of 2008 released Monday by the Motorcycle Industry Council show scooter sales nationwide are exploding.

"The percentage on scooters is up 56 percent compared to last year," said Mike Mount, director of communication for the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Perry Coon, a sales representative at Noblesville Honda said his store has seen big sales gains primarily from first-time buyers looking to trim their commuting costs.

"Scooter sales are up probably by about 35 percent this year," Coon said. "I would say that's probably a conservative number."

Some models like the popular Honda Elite have sold out completely.

"I believe the Elite right now is probably done for the year," he said. "I don't believe I'm going to have any additional stock on that unit period. I think it's just sold out nationwide."

The trend has carried over to smaller motorcycles as well, Coon added. The store has sold out of several models which he said is unusual.

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Soaring gas prices drive U.S. scooter sales

Record gasoline prices are fuelling a boom in sales of fuel-efficient scooters across the United States, as commuters ditch their gas-guzzlers and don helmets and goggles to beat high prices at the pump.

U.S. scooter sales have risen 65.7 percent in the first half of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, making the industry one of the biggest beneficiaries of a more than 30 percent spike in oil prices this year.

"They are just flying out of here," said Steve Travers, who manages a scooter and motorcycle dealership in midtown Manhattan. "Consumers want to escape gas prices, they can't afford to drive their cars and they want an inexpensive way to get around."

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Piaggio sees big gains in U.S.

The US is demanding smaller cars and more scooters. High oil prices are driving up scooter sales, with the italian Vespa leading the way, just like it did in 'Roman holiday'.

Piaggio, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki on average increased their sales by 24% in May. Piaggio sold more than 2,600 Vespas, doubling sales figures in a single year. Overall sales of Piaggio scooters increased by 105% in May. A growth rate that should be confirmed in June as well, according to Piaggio CEO Roberto Colaninno.

In the US Piaggio has been growing for at least 3 years and in 2005 it had already sold 17,000 Vespas, 36% more than in 2004. But Piaggio believes that the real winner is going to be their hybrid engine that will be marketed as of next year, capable of covering 60 km with a single litre of fuel.

The new models will be able to work on electric power alone, adding normal power above a certain speed. Batteries can be recharged simply by plugging into a home electric socket for 3 hours. The new engine on the 3-wheel Mp3 scooter has already been marketed in the US in the 'thermal' version.

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July 22, 2008

Scooters making sense as gas prices rise

PANAMA CITY -- People are scooting around more often these days.

One only needs to ride down Front Beach Road on a bright sunny day to see the small-scale motorcycles cruising up and down the strip. And as gas prices have shot up, sales of scooters have skyrocketed, too, according to a salesman at Yamaha Seedoo of Panama.

"I'm down to three from 30," said Chris Williams.

Gas mileage definitely is a factor in the scooter's appeal, he said.

"They can get over 100 miles per gallon," Williams said.

On its Web site, Yamaha has seven different 2008 models of scooters available. At the top end is the TMAX, a super sport line, which retails for around $8,000. For bargain hunters is the Vino Classic, a Euro-style scooter that goes for around $2,100.

Williams said the majority of buyers "live in town."

"People that don't have to get above 45 mph," he said.

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Dealers Keep up with Scooter Demand

High gas prices are driving demand for a smaller set of wheels.

Hybrid cars and smaller vehicles are getting harder to come by, and now, you can add scooters to the list.

Cutting back on gas this summer has been tough and many people are trying to figure out ways to get the best bang for their buck.

That includes Dwayne Olson.

"My pickup gets about 15 miles a gallon and this here I get 100," he says of his scooter.

Olson says scooters are economical and are worth the investment.

Shops are trying to get their hands on as many scooters as they can to keep up with the demand.

"They seem to be a little short in supply but we try to get as many as we can but they never seem to have enough," says Owner of Northstar Powersports, Brian Berhow.

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Mopeds selling like hotcakes

Don't be surprised if you see more mopeds and scooters on the road. Amy Swanoski reports sales of these energy efficient rides are off the charts.

Kids, parents, even grandparents love them, and they get great gas mileage. Moped and scooter dealers say sales are definitely up this year. Sue Pisa is the owner of Full Throttle Sports in Rice Lake.

"People can buy a 50cc and get a hundred plus miles to the gallon versus taking their car or their truck to work so that's what a lot of people are opting to do."

Pisa says with such high gas prices scooter popularity is gaining momentum.

"Looking not only because of the gas they are looking at the entertainment part of it, people are forming scooter clubs in this area because it is an inexpensive thing for them to get together and do. They get together, their scooters get over a hundred miles to the gallon and they go riding."

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Gas prices spark sales in 2-wheeled rides

Local retailers that can provide people with a more fuel-efficient way to get to work are poised to be the sales winners through the balance of this year.

As gas prices remain firmly fixed above $4 a gallon, buyers for new vehicles like the Penske Automotive Group Inc.'s Smart Car still face long waiting lists, retro-chic scooters such as the iconic Vespa have seen a renewed boost in sales, and that old standby, the bicycle, is selling briskly.

At Continental Bike Shop in Hazel Park, sales have doubled from this time last year, said Randy Martin, president.

The shop sold between 30 and 40 bikes in June, compared with 15 to 20 in the same month last year.

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July 21, 2008

Mopeds' uncharted ground

Nichole Burton's new $2,800 Piaggio Fly 50 moped - the economy version of a Vespa - is saving her hundreds on gasoline, exactly as advertised. But owning a moped comes with its share of problems - foremost being, where the heck are you supposed to park it?

At first Burton left it on the sidewalk, chained like a bicycle to a street sign. But her landlady warned her that it was illegal to park mopeds on the sidewalk in Somerville, and if she did it again, the police said they'd tow it away.

The street was the next likely option, but Somerville doesn't issue residential parking stickers to moped owners. Without a residential sticker, Burton figured she'd get ticketed.

"If I can't legally park it on the sidewalk and I can't park it on my street, what does that mean?" she asked. "It should be one or the other."

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Drivers hop on scooters to save on fuel costs

John Smith of Putnam is proud to say he burned nearly a full tank of gas on a recent trip from his hometown of Putnam to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield and back.

"It cost me less than $8," Smith boasted.

With his Vespa GTS 250, a scooter that gets between 60 and 70 miles per gallon, Smith is among a growing number of people who are finding the fun and practicality of riding a scooter.

Smith, 38, is a longtime scooter rider, motorcyclist and the founder of the Sun and Fun Scooter Club.

"Because of the gas crisis, people are turning to scooters," Smith said. "I see so many more out there now."

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Scooters cheap on gas, but watch out for costly repairs

DAYTONA BEACH -- Like more than 100,000 other consumers across the country, Rick Kane bought a motor scooter last year to save on gas costs for short shopping trips and jaunts to the beach.

In fact, he bought three off-brand scooters about a year ago, he said.

But all three have mechanical problems.

"It took the salesman a long time to tell me they were Chinese because otherwise no one would buy them. China makes crap. I know that. I figured for the price, I could get rid of them later for Japanese ones," the appliance repairman said. "I did some research afterwards that I should have done first. If you are going to buy one, spend a little more for a brand name. You are better off in the long run."

Kane could serve as a dealer spokesman. They too stress that new scooter buyers should do their scooter research, buy brand names and work with a full-service dealer who can repair what they sell.

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2 bucks take scooter-riding intern 100 miles

When Brent Hardie sidles up to the pump for a fill-up, there's no credit-card sweat.

A couple of singles do just fine.

"Actually, I think it was like $1.98; I got a full tank and I was on empty," said Hardie, a Sioux Falls native who is spending the summer as a public relations intern for Sanford Health System. "The tank doesn't even hold a gallon."

Hardie, a fifth-year senior at South Dakota State University, bought a scooter in June, specifically to ride it to and from work.

"I got it on eBay for $500 from a guy," he said of the scooter, which he thinks was manufactured in China.

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Gas prices popularize scooters in Nevada County

In a famous scene from the 1950s romantic comedy "Roman Holiday," Gregory Peck, playing an American journalist, takes Audrey Hepburn, the runaway princess, on a tour of Rome on a scooter.

More than half a century later, scooters still hold their appeal-particularly now because they give great mileage and are fun to drive on the backroads of Nevada County.

Recently, a group of local scooter enthusiasts formed a club in Grass Valley called Sierra Scootz.

Members convene once a month at the First Baptist Church on Ridge Road for a club meeting and once a week at the parking lot of Sierra Motor Sports on Nevada City Highway for a group ride, said club member Bill Braden.

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Scooters, mopeds surge in popularity as gas prices rise

With soaring gas prices leading car dealers to roll out promotion after promotion, sellers of lighter vehicles, such as scooters and mopeds, are finding their businesses rolling along nicely.

Throughout Northern Nevada, scooter and moped dealerships are seeing a significant increase in customers and sometimes waiting lists to buy a bike.

"Our business has doubled in the last few months since gas went over $4," Mark Yuill, owner of Freedom Cycle in Reno.

Vespa scooters cost $3,800 to $7,500 at Freedom Cycle, Yuill said. Other Piaggio brand bikes are $2,600 to $10,000 for a three-wheel model.

What attracts customers is that the scooters average 65 to 80 miles a gallon, Yuill said.

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Scooters gain fans as gas remains high

Sisters Judith DiObilda, 57, and Patricia Lombel, 55, both of Pottsville, are decreasing their carbon footprints by riding a national trend -- scooters.

The sisters purchased their 150cc Diamo scooters about a month ago from Smith Motor Company Inc. on Route 61 in Orwigsburg.

"It really has to do with gas ... My sister started it. She was really committed to the environment and had been thinking about this, and that was kind of the incentive that helped me make the decision a little bit better," DiObilda said.

Tom Smith, owner of the Orwigburg dealership, said his Diamo Scooters are in high demand.

"I go to Europe a lot and I was in Rome in early 2006 and I saw the scooter craze there and gas prices were really high ... So I brought them back here," Smith said.

He said he's already sold 50 this year.

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I'm the one laughing on the scooter

Before you laugh at the tall, bearded, middle-age guy braving Houma's streets on a little red motor scooter, consider this. He's getting upward of 80 miles per gallon of regular gas.

And a week into his commuting experiment, weather has not yet been a problem.

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July 20, 2008

Scooters hit the road in record numbers

Tower School Headmaster Peter Philip started riding a scooter to work last month to cut down on gas costs, enjoy the outdoors and make a small contribution to the environment.

He used to live in Marblehead and would ride his bicycle to the West Shore Drive private school. That proved impractical for his 13-mile commute from his new home in Manchester.

"I'm certainly saving on gas mileage," he said. "It cost me a whopping $4.25 to fill up the other day."

With gas over $4 a gallon, scooters have become a more common sight on North Shore roads. Some models get 100 miles to the gallon.

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Scooter drivers need to keep it legal

In a society influenced by high gas prices many are turning to scooters as a new means of travel.

Scooters, like all other vehicles, come with a set of laws. But the St. Joseph Police Department says those laws aren't being recognized by scooter riders.

Along with national and state regulations, the city of St. Joseph has several sections of laws written specifically for scooters and mopeds.

Officer Wayne Byrom said there are three major laws that the department usually sees being broken.

"The driver has to have a valid driver's license, meaning be at least 16 years old. The scooter or moped can not travel more than 30 mph on flat ground and the scooter has to be under 50cc," Mr. Byrom said.

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Scooter sellers get close

Two Raleigh entrepreneurs are making a change to capitalize on the rising popularity of scooters.

Rich Sathoff, owner of Electric Scooter City, is moving from the old Royal Bakery at 3801 Hillsborough St. to 2010 Hillsborough St., across from the bell tower.

His new shop is right next door to Scooterz Inc., another scooter shop specializing in gas-driven scooters, rather than electric ones.

"We want to create a kind of scooter mall," Sathoff said.

Scooterz Inc. is owned by Johnny Edwards.

The two business owners did not know each other before opening but over time began referring customers to each other.

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Scooter club stresses helmet rule

MARION -- The number one rule of the Big M Scooter Club of Marion is that you must ride with a helmet.

"That is a must," said Bob Saltzman, president and founder of the club. "Scooter and motorcycle riders have to be cautious on the road. The best driver is a defensive driver."

Helmet safety, Saltzman said, is a given by their members.

"We just tell them that's the way it is," he said. "We never talk about it too much. Our members know it's for their own good to wear one. The state law doesn't require a helmet except for the first year."

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July 19, 2008

Scooting around

The world is quickly changing. Whereas most of us grew up in families where two cars were the norm and every 15 year old dreamed of "wheels" for his next birthday, we've about priced ourselves out of our lifestyle.

Back in the day when a good Rambler could be bought for $600, insured for $50 a year and filled up for $6, my parents thought popping for me a set of wheels was a good idea. I actually only got my wheels when I was a senior in college, but I thought I deserved them ... and I wore them out.

The next generation may find out that "wheels" doesn't mean "four wheels" any more. Although I'm pretty sure that some of us will make our way to the nursing home in an electric vehicle the size of a trash dumpster, I think the next generation of teenagers will be riding motor scooters to high school. I can just see it now, a parking lot full of Vespas and 30-year-old Harleys.

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Two-Wheel Savings

Kevin Montanaro's work day ends at 3:30 p.m. and it's time to head home.

He hits the road on two wheels-- a commuter on a scooter.

"It turns your commute into recreation," he says.

Montanaro saves money riding his scooter to and from work each day. That's because he get's 70 miles per gallon of gas-- compared to his car which gets about half that.

He fills up about once a month. Since his scooter is vintage-- a 1963 VESPA-- he mixes motor oil at the same... Not necessary with newer scooters.

Montanaro's not alone on the road. More people are parking their gas guzzlers in favor of fuel efficient scooters. Sales have skyrocketed. Membership in the Vermont Scooter Club has nearly tripled this year.

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July 18, 2008

Scooters make the grade

Three-dollar gas made them look. Four-dollar gas made them buy.

Scooter dealers report a run on the cycles this summer as motorists move beyond grumbling about soaring fuel costs to buying vehicles that stretch a gallon of gas for 60 to 100 miles.

"Last year, we had a few buyers, but a lot more lookers," said Dan Albertsmeier, a salesman with Dave Mungenast Motorsports, a Honda dealership in south St. Louis County. "But when gas got up around $4, the scooters started disappearing. The Honda warehouses nationwide are empty. And we're taking deposits now on '09 models."

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Rising Gas Prices Drive Up Scooter Sales

More and more people are discovering these days that two wheels are better than four.

Motorists in the Wiregrass have been switching to scooters and motorcycles.

"I think I've filled up once and it was about $12 dollars and you know, when you're spending $60-$70 bucks to fill up your car, it makes a big difference," says Jessica Chavers-Hill.

She is one of many motorists in the Wiregrass switching to scooters and motorcycles as an alternative way of transportation, and she's not the only one benefiting from the switch.

Chris Horton said, "Sales are up without a doubt; they're doing well and I can't complain at all."

Horton is the owner of Cell Mart in Dothan and has been selling scooters for the past year. He says with the rising gas prices, filling up a scooter is not as painful.

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Drive scooters, save gas

Walking, biking, taking public transit and driving less are all possible ways to save money on transportation. Now another option is on the rise -- scooters.

With their relatively low cost (less than half the price of a cheap new car) and great mileage (more than 60 mpg on average), they offer an excellent alternative to the car, at least on city streets in fair weather.

People have responded to $4 a gallon gas by purchasing scooters that cost a bit more than $4 to fill up. The Star recently reported that scooter sales were already up 25 percent for the year.

Scooters are helping to fill the demand for significantly more fuel-efficient vehicles that many automakers have neglected.

As more scooters hit the road, safety concerns will increase, too. Drivers of cars and trucks must be more aware of the smaller machines and safely share the road with them.

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July 17, 2008

Scooter sales increase in Franklin County

As gas prices continue to climb, people are becoming more open-minded to gas-saving strategies -- from buying motorized scooters to being more mindful of driving habits, as well as believing myths and misconceptions.

Buying a new scooter may seem like an unusual option for saving gas money, but recently more customers have been choosing them for their high gas mileage, according to Amy Mahon, co-owner of Keystone Auto Sales, Chambersburg. Their 100-mile-per-gallon fuel economy has been moving the scooters off the lot faster than expected, she said. Since the beginning of June, Keystone has sold 26 scooters, with another shipment of a dozen due next week.

Mahon and her father, Gary, stumbled upon the idea of selling at the end of last summer and didn't have any trouble moving them off the lot. Their first shipment this year sold out in less than two weeks.

"They're everywhere," Gary Mahon said.

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Getting out of the car and onto a scooter

During my morning commute, I don't listen to the radio or talk on the phone.

I mostly play a little game I call "Do you see me?"

Here's how it works: I see someone in a car or SUV waiting to turn left. Often they're talking to their passengers or on the phone. I make eye contact -- death-stare, stink-eye style -- until I'm sure they've seen me. Thusly satisfied, I smile. Sometimes, and this is the shocker, they even smile back.

You see, for the past month, I've been riding a scooter to work.

Like many people, I was looking for an alternative to rising gas prices. I've wanted a scooter for a couple of years, but before, I was considering it more as a toy. Now I'm looking at it as a more serious (if you can call it that without laughing) form of transportation.

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Moped, scooter sales on the rise

BEAUFORT, SC -- With gas prices are on the rise, many drivers are downsizing, buying mopeds, scooters and motorcycles to save on gas.

As gas prices keep soaring, sales at the Yamaha dealer in Beaufort are rising as well.

"Most of my smaller cc motorcycles are flying out the door basically," said salesman, Jack Goodridge. "I'm out of mopeds, we're completely sold out of our stock. We have two brands and we're out of both. I'm down to about two scooters left and I usually have 30 units in stock per season."

Over the past three weeks, sales on mopeds and scooters have nearly tripled and with such high demand, getting one these days isn't so easy.

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Scooter Allure

BOSTON, Mass. -- You've probably seen them, heard them, or noticed them parked on sidewalks. I'm talking about motor scooters. There are a lot more of them on the roads these days.

High gas prices are the obvious reason sales have increased 25 percent nationwide, compared with a year ago.

But there are other reasons as well, as WBUR's Sacha Pfeiffer reports.

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Gas-sipping scooters and mopeds eyed by Vt. commuters

They're not exactly flying out of showrooms in central Vermont, but scooters and mopeds are drawing more interest these days.

One Barre resident who ditched his pickup truck in favor of a scooter for the daily commute to Montpelier had no hesitation endorsing the radical change.

Doug Hull of Barre had been commuting from Barre to Montpelier, a round trip of 20 miles, in his 2007 GMC pickup, getting about 17 miles per gallon on average. About six weeks ago, he started looking into the possibility of getting a scooter to make the daily roundtrip and save some money. Hull already had a motorcycle endorsement on his Vermont driver's license, which is required for any motorized conveyance not pedal-powered, so all he had to do was buy and drive.

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Springfield scooter sales soar

As gas prices continue to soar, many Americans are doing whatever they can to save on gas, including finding other ways of getting around.

There's one mode of transportation that's flying out of stores this summer.

"They're smaller, they're quieter, they're not as loud," said Buck Douglas, sales manager at Elmwood Scooter and Cylce in Agawam

At a price of only four dollars to fill an entire tank of gas, scooters are selling so fast this summer that manufacturers can't handle the demand.

"As soon as gas prices spikes, sales on the scooters spiked," said Douglas, "to the point where every manufacturer that brings them to this country are sold out."

Richard Giusto, sales manager at Springfield Motorsports said, "due to the gas of course they've been very busy selling these things, they can't keep up with it."

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Downtown Columbus gets scooter parking

Mary Martineau's 1963 Vespa scooter gets about 60 miles to the gallon, and she loves to ride it from her Harrison West neighborhood home to her job at the North Market.

High gas prices have made the two-wheeler more popular. So much so, the City of Columbus is making room Downtown, in the Short North and Brewery District for new parking areas.

The first signs went up Wednesday morning along Gay Street between Third and High.

"You're going to fit about 10 scooters or six motorcycles in a space that was designated for one car," Martineau said.

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Scooting Your Way to Better Gas Mileage

Go ahead! Hop on, rev it up and get going... This green ride won't break the bank.

"It takes me from my apartment about 20 minutes to get here; it's maybe about 5 minutes longer than it took me in my car. And I just stick to city streets so it's a bit easier and a lot more fun!" Austin commuter Elizabeth Brammer said.

As the demand for oil surges, so does this two-wheeled trend that averages 60 to 80 miles per gallon, depending on the model you choose.

Vespa Manager Thovas Brown talked to us about his sales, "We started to see a major increase in Apri,l and May was just phenomenal, June it didn't stop."

Another Austinite that loves his moto is Bob Whitford, who fills up his commuter with a lawnmower gas can, verses his old gas guzzler....

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July 16, 2008

100 m.p.g. softens blow of gas prices

With a family and children involved in sports and other activities, Ken Watson just couldn't justify trading his SUV on a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

"But the rising gas cost really got me thinking there's got to be a way around these high prices," he said.

Last week he opened the doors of Jax City Scooters on Ocean Street between Bay and Forsyth streets. He has about a dozen scooters in stock and said the first time he opened the dealership and let customers in to see the Chinese-made motor scooters, his suspicion that a lot of people are looking for a way to save money on gas was confirmed.

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Rising fuel prices boost scooter sales

When Jeri Elder drove her 15 mile round-trip route to work in her 3/4-ton diesel engine pickup, she spent $60 per week on gas.

About a year ago Elder purchased a scooter, and her fuel costs plummeted to $6 per week. Her $1,400 investment was recouped in about six months.

Like Elder, other motorists are parking their gas-guzzling cars in favor of fuel-stingy motor scooters as oil prices continue to hit record highs.

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Duo rides scooters for a cause

Nevada was just one stop on the Scootin for a Cure campaign, in which two women riding Vespa scooters across the country are raising money and awareness for breast cancer.

The 6,000-mile journey began on July 9 in Southern California with friends Linda Quinn and Karen Schneider and will conclude on July 24 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Money raised from the trip will go to the pair's team in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk later this year in San Diego to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust.

"The trip is completely self-funded," said Quinn. "All the money raised will go to our walking team. Teams need to raise money to participate. We raised money with donations from family, friends and businesses."

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Motorists think small as gas prices climb

Margaret Keegan used to commute to work in an enormous Ford Excursion, getting just 16 miles per gallon.

But now the SUV sits in the driveway while Keegan zips around town in a metallic blue Vespa scooter. She figures the scooter, which gets up to 65 mpg, will save her $100 a month at the gas pump.

"I love it," Keegan said. "My only regret is that I didn't get it last year."

Keegan, who lives in Cinnaminson, is one of many county residents who are leaving their gas-guzzlers in the garage and turning to scooters for more economical transportation.

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July 15, 2008

Gas prices rise, so does scooter sales

FAIRBANKS -- Lew Wolf likes the convenience of his two-seat Honda scooter. That's why the Minnesota resident hitched it to his motor home before traveling to Fairbanks this summer, as he does on other family trips.

An added bonus, he said, is spending less on gas than if he had chosen to haul a car or truck.

"It's just a lot easier, more economical than dragging a car behind us," Wolf said Sunday.

With gasoline prices continuing to rise, scooters could become an increasingly popular option for people looking to substitute time with their gas-guzzlers with something more energy efficient.

Doug Chambers said interest in scooters has already spiked in Fairbanks. Chambers, a sales manager at the Farthest North Outpost, which sells Honda scooters, Harley-Davidson bikes and Polaris recreational vehicles, said customers have been buying scooters too fast for the store to keep up.

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Scooter sales up; safety a concern

Debbie Schick maneuvered a motorcycle through cones and around a circular course in the parking lot at 19th Street and Haskell Avenue on Sunday.

For the Olathe resident, safety comes first before hitting the open road.

"I think you're really doing other people a disservice if you don't take a class, regardless of what kind of vehicle you end up buying, a mo-ped or a motorcycle," said Schick, who was completing a motorcycle and scooter safety course from the NEET Motorcycle Institute, 1910 Haskell Ave.

A 66-year-old Lawrence man died Saturday afternoon after his scooter collided with a city T bus in the 1200 block of West Sixth Street. Lawrence Police released no new information Sunday, but are expected to today.

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Sales scooting right along

Motor scooter and motorcycle sales in York County and across the nation are booming as drivers look for ways to trim the cost of soaring gas prices.

But safety advocates worry that means a potentially dangerous rush of inexperienced riders is hitting the road.

Scooter sales jumped 24 percent nationwide in the year's first quarter, according to the trade group Motorcycle Industry Council.

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Scooters: Right on the money

Firefighting is a line of work synonymous with really big trucks - massive red engines with ladders that can scale buildings and pumpers that carry enough hose to stretch a city block.

But with the price of gas sky high, it turns out the profession's image has room for an electric blue scooter and small black motorbike as sleek as a Vespa.

The smaller vehicles are common sights at Ashland's firehouses, where Lt. Lyn Moraghan and firefighter Dave Retalic have given up their pickup trucks in favor of scooters to ease the cost of their commutes to work.

"You're going to take some ribbing from the guys. You're a firefighter and you're driving a scooter," Retalic said. "But the thing is great."

Retalic said he had considered buying a scooter for some time.

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Scooter Sales Skyrocketing

As gas prices soar higher many people in the panhandle are looking to alternative, gas saving options.

At the end of april scooter sales in amarillo were reaching a two year low.

"I dont think gas prices are high enough yet, but it'll reach a point where people will have to change," said Danny Phillips back on April 27th.

That change has happened.

"I think the magic line was going to be about four dollars a gallon and when i got close to four business started picking up," Phillips said today.

Sales have quadrupled since April.

And the show room that used to be packed with scooters is now looking barren.

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Dealers having trouble keeping scooters in stock

Many Iowa City residents are opting for two wheels instead of four to get around town.

"I see them all over the place, especially where I live," said UI student Scott Stanford, 21, who recently purchased a blue Yamaha Zuma.

Motorcycle sales are steadily increasing while scooter (and moped) sales have grown tremendously, said Iowa City Motorsports owner Rod Holst.

That establishment, 155 Escort Lane, expects to sell around 300 scooters this year, which is a 30 percent increase from last year's sales, Holst said.

Mike Zeman, a sales manager for Don's Honda, 537 Highway 1 W., said the business saw an increase in its scooter and motorcycle sales as early as 2004. Last year, the business's scooter orders alone increased two- to threefold over previous years.

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Rising prices boost scooter sales

The image of the burly, tattooed biker cruising down the freeway on a motorcycle may become a thing of the past as Americans from all walks of life embrace two-wheeled transportation.

With constantly increasing gas prices, modern day drivers are being forced to think harder about where and what they're driving. Motorcycle and scooter sales are up across the board and it's apparent that consumers are thinking with their wallets, opting for smaller, more fuel-efficient choices.

In fact, it might not be too long before the next biker seen on the freeway is your neighbor, a co-worker or even you.

Bonnie Shows, a friendly, middle-aged woman from Lufkin, had never ridden a scooter before she and her and her husband bought two new ones a week ago, but she says that it was one of the best decisions they ever made.

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July 13, 2008

Prices fuel shift to non-guzzling vehicles

Travis Sheridan was fed up.

The director of member services at the Central Valley Business Incubator in Fresno drives eight miles each way to work. He got frustrated with the cost of fueling his Jeep, which gets 15 miles per gallon.

So three months ago he bought a used scooter, which gets 65 mpg. Sheridan, 34, spends $7.50 a week to fill up the tank, which holds less than 2 gallons. The $3,000 Vespa will pay for itself with gas savings in about a year, he said.

He still drives the Jeep when he needs to haul groceries or dry cleaning, but said he only allows himself one tank of gasoline -- about $90 worth -- in the Jeep per month.

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Cruising without the gas-guzzling

A weekly Thursday night event shows that scooters aren't just frugal, they're fun

From the back seat of a shiny orange scooter, I waved at cars waiting for red lights to turn green and a happy kid on a yellow bike in Brady Heights. Then there was the kindly pregnant lady and her beau strolling through their midtown neighborhood.

Actually, I waved to just about everyone as my scooter gang eased on by -- and the folks waved back.

That's really not my style, waving to strangers and all, but it was hard not to smile and wave as I tagged along with almost two dozen scooter lovers during their regular Thursday night ride through Tulsa.

Heck, you try not to grin like a finger-painting toddler as you cruise with a swarm of scooter riders, who greet passersby with chipper, bee-beeping horns. It's like frowning at a puppy dog.

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Gasoline drives many to take to the road on scooters

With gas prices nipping at $4 a gallon, some Baton Rougeans are joining a national trend by adding a scooter to their stable of cars -- or in some cases ridding themselves of four-wheeled vehicles entirely.

And while scooters and small bikes have their limitations -- some people aren't comfortable riding them on interstate highways or in rainy conditions -- the math is difficult to dispute.

Paul Dupré, a restaurant manager at Chimes East, bought a Piaggio Fly 150 from Vespa Baton Rouge last month after realizing he could get better mileage with his routine driving.

"I figure the bike will pay for itself in less than a year with the gas that I save," he said, noting the $3,000 bike gets 65 miles per gallon. "It was a fairly easy decision when you do the math on it."

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Police Fear Scooter Accidents will Rise

As gas hovers around four bucks a gallon and scooter sales increase local police expect accidents to rise too which is why they're warning all drivers.

When it comes to two wheels right of way is a risky investment.

Choosing two wheels instead of four may save at the pump but it drives up danger on the road.

Brown County Sheriff's Department Captain Randy Schultz says, "You have to drive those from the mindset of who's going to do what in front of me next or eventually sooner or later your gonna get it."

Captain Randy Schultz fears accidents involving scooters are going to spike since more of them are on the streets.

That's why he's urging all drivers to rev up their awareness.

Keeping an eye on the road for moped driver is especially important most accidents happen when car or truck drivers make left turns or change lanes.

Schultz says, "How often do cars turn left in front of semi trucks? Doesn't happen because the subconscious goes whoa you don't want to do that you're going to get hurt."

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Stay safe and save gas on your scooter

Scooter sales are soaring -- and no wonder. While automobiles guzzle gas, scooters sip it. Most can squeeze about 75 miles from a single gallon. That's a lot of trips to and from the office for a mere $4-and-change.

But scooting to work does present fashion challenges, especially for women. Skirts and scooters don't exactly go together -- unless you're Audrey Hepburn, spinning around town on a Vespa in "Roman Holiday." For the scooter scenes in that classic romantic comedy, Hepburn wears a flyaway skirt, flimsy gladiator sandals -- and no helmet.

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Vespa Sales Gain Speed In South Bay

With her blond hair blowing behind her helmet, Anna Teeples rolls the throttle on her Vespa and leans into the turn.

During short rides from her Palo Alto home to work on her two-wheeler, Teeples said she feels a little European.

The Italian bike has foreign allure and a zippy motor. But like a growing number of South Bay Vespa owners, Teeples was drawn to this scooter for its fuel efficiency.

"One of the most compelling reasons is gas prices," she said. "They keep going up and up and this made so much more sense to me."

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Nationwide, scooter sales are up 24%

Gas prices are higher than ever still. The statewide average now is $4.15 a gallon. That's 81 cents more than we were paying at the same time last year. As gas prices continue to rise, more Mid-Michigan residents are parking their gas guzzlers and starting the engine to more fuel effient options, like motorized scooters, or mopeds.

"It's a lot easier to drive a scooter where I fill up once a week at a gallon and a half compared to a 20 gallon trail blazer tank," Derral Hecht of Frankenmuth says.

Hecht drives his scooter back and fourth to work. It operates at around 40 mph, gets about 90 miles a gallon and saves Hecht a lot of money at the pump.

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Protect your head in a moped crash

Almost a year ago, Blacksburg town attorney Larry Spencer wrecked his 1983 Yamaha motorcycle. He broke his leg in the accident, but it could have been worse. At least he did not break his face.

"I ended up being pitched into some gravel, and I landed with my head down," he described. "I was wearing a full-face helmet, and it took the full force of that. It was badly scratched up."

These days, his body has healed and the bike is almost completely repaired. He is still riding, though maybe not quite as much as he used to.

But his brush with brain splatter got him thinking about helmets. He noticed that many people around Blacksburg do not wear them when they ride mopeds and those who do often choose inadequate bicycle helmets.

So he asked the council to pass a law requiring moped riders to wear eye protection -- if they do not have a windshield -- and a real helmet. Violators would face up to a $50 fine.

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July 12, 2008

Scooters have taken on new roles

When gasoline prices began surging to about $4 a gallon, Robert Bonnaffons knew he had to rethink his daily commute.

"I have to buy gas for two vehicles - my car and my daughter's car - and it costs between $400 to $600 a month," he said.

On Wednesday, Bonnaffons joined a growing number of savings-minded motorists: He is keeping his cars, but adding a scooter.

Bonnaffons, an attorney who works at the firm of Adam and Reese, thinks his purchase of a new Piaggio BV250 scooter will make his commute from Metairie to downtown New Orleans more economical.

"My rationale is - if my calculations are right - this thing will save me between $200 to $300 a month. And to be honest, I don't think the gas prices are going down anytime soon," he said.

Across the city, scooter dealerships are reporting a sharp increase in sales as commuters convert to the two-wheeled motor vehicles, which can boast gas mileage ranging from 60 to 80 miles per gallon.

Mike Bowler of Big Easy Scooters in New Orleans said sales began soaring in March. Now, he hardly has enough scooters to sell on the showroom floor.

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Hopping aboard scooters to beat gas prices

ASHLAND -- Firefighting is a line of work synonymous with really big trucks - massive red engines with ladders that can scale buildings and pumpers that carry enough hose to stretch a city block.

But with the price of gas, it turns out the profession's image has room for an electric blue scooter and small black motorbike as sleek as a Vespa.

Both vehicles are common sights at Ashland's firehouses, where both Lt. Lyn Moraghan and firefighter Dave Retalic have given up their pickup trucks in favor of scooters to ease the cost of their commutes to work.

"You're going to take some ribbing from the guys. You're a firefighter and you're driving a scooter,'' Retalic said. "But the thing is great.''

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New riders need to consider scooter safety

Buying scooters three years ago, the Lowe family rode in at the forefront of a growing trend to reduce gas usage.

In spring 2005, a gallon of gas cost about $2.25. But Harry Lowe, a retiree living on Eau Claire's west side, said he could see prices creeping higher.

Family members said their mopeds can go more than 100 miles per gallon of gasoline.

All four adult members bought mopeds, allowing the Lowes to take leisurely rides as a family through Eau Claire. "They just seemed like a fun thing to have," Harry Lowe said.

"We sell them just about as fast as they come off the truck," said Joel Mikelson, owner of Joel's Water Street Auto. "We've had trouble keeping them in inventory."

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Two-Wheeled Gas Savers

Interest in scooters has been increasing as the pain at the pump has been intensifying, dealers report, as people looking to save on gas in turn cut down on the number of wheels under them!

And on The Early Show Saturday, Men's Health magazine's Matt Bean showcased several of the latest and coolest ones.

They're all ultra-fuel efficient. Two don't even use gas at all!

Vespa S:
The vehicle gets a maximum speed of 59 miles per hour and can get 72 miles per gallon. The tank holds 2.3 gallons, so this equals out to about 165 miles per tank. With gas currently at an average of $4.10 per gallon, you can fill up the gas tank for only $9.43.The Vespa S features a single-cylinder engine, front-disk brakes, and weighs 243 pounds. It comes in three colors: red, white, and black. The suggested retail price for the Vespa S is $4,199.

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July 11, 2008

Some in Vail Valley switch to scooters

BEAVER CREEK, Colorado -- Robin Behrstock ticked off the reasons why she loves her scooter.

The fresh breeze. The cool helmet. The easy parking. And the low gas bill -- especially in these days of high gas prices.

"I think everybody should have a scooter," Behrstock said.

The Edwards resident rides her red-and-white Honda Metropolitan to her job in Beaver Creek about three or four times a week, from May through October. (The scooter stays in storage during the winter.)

She'll even take it out to bars in Edwards, riding tandem with a friend.

While motor scooters might seem most ideal for a warm-weather European city, they work well in the summer in the Vail Valley, Behrstock said, adding that she is seeing more and more here.

"I think they're kind of coming back," she said.

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More scooter commuters

Ric and Joanna Shewell of Kansas City own three vehicles, and the gas guzzler in the bunch is a Toyota Corolla that gets 31 miles per gallon.

She drives a hybrid car that gets 45 mpg, and he rides a Honda Metropolitan scooter that will go about 100 miles on a single gallon of gas.

"I have to fill up about every three weeks," Ric Shewell, 24, said this week as he strapped on his helmet for the ride back to the couple's Waldo home. "And it costs like ... $5."

Probably more like $6 now -- a 1½-gallon tank at $4 a gallon -- but Shewell gets a pass on the math. After all, he hasn't been to the gas station since June.

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People Clamor for Scooters

LAKELAND - The motorcycle has been a staple in transportation for some time, but its less powerful cousin, the motorized scooter, is becoming more popular by the day.

Some models of the scooter get up to 100 miles per gallon, and most are reasonably priced - ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 - and usually inexpensive to insure, making it easy to see why some would be willing to make the switch.

The demand is so high that Charlie Dyches Power Sports in Lakeland has sold out of many models, and manufactures are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. "Everyone wants these scooters," said Charlie Dyches, owner of the power sports shop.

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Scooter sales hit high gear

The rising popularity of scooters is providing fuel-conscious motorists with a stylish and economical way to get from Point A to Point B, area dealerships say.

From the lanes and boulevards of Paris and Rome to the streets and rural routes of Fredericton and Oromocto, an increasing number of people can be seen scooting around town.

"It's all about the gas," said Jennifer Connors, general manager of Phil's Auto and Recreation in Lincoln.

"I've been driving my 250 cc Vespa, which is fairly high-performance and does highway speeds, back and forth to work for the past two weeks and it has only cost me $12 in gas," she said.

"When gas costs more than your mortgage, there's a problem."

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Florida scooter laws

There are more and more scooters on the road today and the University of Florida Police Department says scooters are much like a motorcycle when it comes to the rules of the road.

UPD Lieutenant Robert Wagner says if the scooter can't get up to the speed limit, the same rules apply for passing a motor vehicle. Wagner says scooters must have lights, including taillights and headlights, and helmet laws are in place for some riders.

The Lieutenant says scooters have a right to a whole lane of traffic, much like a car, and they are not permitted to ride in the bike lane.

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July 10, 2008

Pain at the Pump? Not a Problem for Piaggio Adventurers

Native New Yorker Buddy Rosenbaum (71) and fellow adventurer Bob Chase (72) are proving that age, the price at the pump and America's thirst for adventure aren't mutually exclusive.

Four weeks ago the two seniors set out on scooters from San Francisco at the western end of America's first transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway.

After more than 3400 miles, just $300 in gas, and a new appreciation for our nation's forgotten past, Buddy and Bob are ending their journey where the Lincoln Highway begins -- in Times Square.

Their message? Don't let age keep you from doing the things you love -- and don't let high fuel prices derail your adventures this summer.

Scores of scooter commuters, members of the New York Scooter Club and scooter enthusiasts from around the Tri-state area will be there to welcome them.

For complete details visit www.noagelimitpiaggio.us

When/Where:
Monday, July 14
9:00 a.m. Breakfast stop at Vespa Jersey City
10:00 a.m. Ride via Lincoln Tunnel to Times Square

10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Welcome at official end of Lincoln Highway, 42nd and Broadway

Why Scooters are Hot:

-- Fuel-efficient scooter sales are soaring -- up 146% for Vespa scooter manufacturer Piaggio during June alone (an all-time U.S. sales record)

-- Press scooters available for media interested in accompanying Buddy and Bob for the ride into Times Square (ride along or join as a passenger)

Source: Piaggio Group Americas

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Scooter cool factor on the up

They might not be quite as popular as they were in the 1960s, but booming membership at a vintage scooter club has shown the hobby still has mileage amongst Norwich motor enthusiasts.

The Splinters meet every Monday at the Duke of Norfolk pub in Sprowston to share tips on scooter maintenance, discuss rallies and go on rides.

Since it was set up just 18 months ago it has attracted 30 members since it was started just 18 months ago.

And the range of members shows the club has united people from all walks of life, as lorry drivers, solicitors, brick layers and policemen all gather to share their hobby.

John Frary, 42, is one of the fans of Lambretta and Vespa scooters, and helped to set up the club.

He said: "The atmosphere is very good, there's never a cross word between anyone, everyone is there to talk about the scooters.

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Gas prices fueling interest in scooters

Out-of-control gas prices are causing increased numbers of local residents to decide that two wheels are better than four.

Interest in transportation alternatives such as scooters, motorcycles and bicycles has grown over the past couple of months as fuel costs have ballooned to the $4-per-gallon range, say officials of Mount Airy businesses.

"I started in 2001 and this is the best season that I've ever had as far as scooter sales," said Wesley Flippin, the owner of Papa's Scooters at the corner of Newsome Street and U.S. 52. "People are coming in that probably never considered a scooter before.

"I guess this is probably the most demand that we've had at one time," Flippin said.

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Gas prices fuel scooter sales

While Bob and Linda Lyons initially bought scooters for fun, better gas mileage has prompted the couple to use them more.

"We just love them," said Linda Lyons, 61, of Mountain Home, who was getting ready to ride her scooter to the Van Matre Senior Center on Wednesday, if the weather stayed clear. "They're so easy to ride."

The scooters have a typical step-through frame and get about 60 miles to the gallon, they said. With a 400cc engine, the vehicles reach highway speeds, they said.

"We now use them almost exclusively in good weather," said Bob Lyons, 63.

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Gas pushes scooter popularity

Fifteen years ago, Fred Ketcham had a motorcycle. His wife urged him to give it up because she was concerned about his safety. He did, but now Ketcham is hitting the road on two wheels again.

This time he's on a moped, a two-wheeler that most people would call a scooter.

Ketcham rode away Monday from Elite Sales and Off Road on a new SYM moped that he expects will take him about 200 miles on a gallon and a half of gas.

He said rising gasoline prices were his main reason for buying a moped.

"Last time I filled up my car (with gas), it cost me $96," he said.

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Genuine Scooter's Buddy is a cute crowd-pleaser

The Buddy may be the best Vespa knockoff on the market. That's saying something because so many scooters these days are attempting to emulate the famed Italian marque and style.

The brand making the scooter: Genuine, which is funny for a bike that is so shamelessly trying to be something else. But genuine also describes the appreciation I have for this small company's "new vintage" model and the cult following its scooters have generated in the six years it's been in business.

Genuine Scooter Co., whose two-wheelers are made in Taiwan, is based in Chicago. The company was founded in 2002 by self-described scooter dork Philip McCaleb, who saw a market for old-looking bikes with modern technology, though what's happening right now his crystal ball could not possibly have foreseen.

Genuine's sales are up 122% this year, according to McCaleb, and that's on the heels of five successive years of 45% annual growth. With anticipated North American sales of 11,000 for 2008, Genuine will be selling more scooters in the U.S. than Ducati sells motorcycles.

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Gas prices send scooter and motorcycle sales up

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Almost everyone is complaining about prices at the pump, so some people are downsizing in order to save.

Nikki Hodge has a new way to get around.

"I just needed something that got better gas mileage to get me to and from work," she said.

So instead of driving her SUV, she got a scooter.

"I was paying $300 a month in gas and this isn't even gonna cost me $36," she said.

High gas prices have some looking into different ways to get around. And with so many people looking to save, it's really fueling sales of motorcycles and scooters.

"My sales are up about 30 percent over last year," said Tom Clancy, who owns motorcycle store Augusta Triumph/Ducati.

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July 9, 2008

Green transit on campus

Simon Baek saves some green by going green -- when the weather permits it, at least.

The Seoul, South Korea, senior, rides his moped the four miles from his off-campus apartment to the University as often as possible because the scooter goes nearly 60 miles on one gallon of gasoline.

"It's good to take to campus because it's so much cheaper," Baek said. "When it's cold or bad weather, and I have to take my car, I end up going to get gas twice a week."

Baek's hesitance to drive to school every day isn't unusual. Popular alternative modes of transportation for students include bicycles and mopeds, while on-campus organizations are turning to electric cars and Segways.

With gas at $3.82 per gallon, a four mile commute costs about 25 cents on a scooter like Baek's. In a car that goes 20 miles per gallon of gas, the same commute costs about 75 cents per trip.

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2-wheel mileage attracts riders

Record-high gasoline prices are sending an increasing number of New Yorkers off on two wheels, and Capital Region motorcycle and scooter businesses report boom times despite the stagnant economy.

Justin Edmonson, sales manager for Scooter Central on Central Avenue in Schenectady, said scooter sales are up 50 percent from a year ago.

"With the gas prices being what they are and these [scooters] getting 101 miles to the gallon, you can't beat it," Edmonson said.

Scooter Central sells scooters built by the Texas-based SunL Group. Scooters differ from motorcycles in that they have automatic transmissions and don't require a special driver's license unless they can reach top speeds of more than 30 mph.

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July 8, 2008

Two wheels better than four

AUSTRALIANS are turning to scooters to combat escalating petrol prices.

After a slump in the March quarter this year, demand for scooters bounced back to be up by more than 7 per cent in the first half of 2008, according to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

The FCAI said total motorcycle sales also were running at record levels as more Australians turned to two wheels for transport and recreation.

The chamber said 64,186 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of June 2008, a 6.6 per cent increase on the same period in 2007.

"It's encouraging the motorcycle marke t continues to show resilience in the face of higher interest rates and general economic turbulence," said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.

"The increase of over 6 per cent for the first half of 2008 demonstrates that the demand for bikes, scooters and ATVs has remained quite strong."

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Scooter sales on the rise in New Brunswick

The popularity of motorized scooters is rising along with the price of gas, according to some New Brunswick retailers.

More than 15 scooters were sold at Cruisers Custom Cycle in Grand Bay-Westfield over the last three weeks, said co-owner Mark Anderson.

"The price of gas is bringing people to these," Anderson said. "On a tank full of gas you're getting 250 kilometres and it costs you about $6 to fill it up."

Jennifer Connors, general manager at Phil's Auto & Recreation in Lincoln, said Vespa sales have jumped at the shop over the last 18 months.

"This year we've noted about a quadruple number of sales," Connors said.

Scooters aren't just being used in big cities, Connors said. "In our area most are commuting for 15 minutes to half an hour."

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Scooter numbers, risks on the rise

They're small. They're fun. And they seemingly travel forever on just a couple bucks worth of gas.

But there's one thing that scooters aren't, injury prevention nurse Kari Austin said.

They're not toys.

"People say, 'They only go 30 mph,'" said Austin, who works in the trauma center at Neenah's Theda Clark Medical Center. "But you can be significantly injured in a car at 30 mph. On a mo-ped, there's nothing surrounding you."

Scooter use on Wisconsin roads has grown significantly in recent years, and record-breaking gasoline prices continued that trend. While there's plenty of praise for scooter fuel economy, some, including Austin, are concerned that too many riders fail to give them the respect they deserve.

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Gas prices send scooter sales skyrocketing

OCALA - Howard Lawson was getting decent mileage with his Hyundai sport utility vehicle, about 28 miles per gallon of gas.

But soaring gas prices have prompted him to switch to two wheels instead of four. A new motor scooter gets him where he wants to go, and gives him about triple the gas mileage of the SUV.

"This thing has worked out perfect for me," he said.

Lawson, 70, isn't exactly born to be wild. The Schwinn scooter's 49.9-cc engine gives him enough power to move on down the highway at 35 mph.

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Scooters attract more female riders

GREENWICH - Angelina Capalbo gets a rush when she rides her new Yamaha Vino 125 scooter.

"It feels very empowering," said Capalbo, 28. "I feel like people have more respect when they see a woman on a bike."

In a roomy baby doll dress, flip-flops and helmet, Capalbo navigates her scooter along back roads in and around Greenwich at 30 mph to run errands. She also rides it to her job in Cos Cob. But setting a trend didn't influence her decision to turn in her Nissan Murano for a two-wheel motorscooter.

With gas at more than $4 per gallon, Capalbo has joined others in parking their automobiles to give their pockets a break. Capalbo, a personal assistant to investment manager and state Senate candidate Scott Frantz, said the $3,000 investment was worth it.

The Vino gets 110 miles to the gallon, and she goes seven to 10 days until its 2.5-gallon tank needs to be refilled. The Murano, a midsize sport utility vehicle, cost Capalbo more than $80 to fill.

"It's my only vehicle, and it's very cost-effective," Capalbo said. "Next year, I want to graduate to a sports bike."

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Scooters get mileage out of high fuel prices

Roz Regan enjoys her commute, and not just because it's fun.

On nice days, she sticks a key in the ignition of her Piaggio scooter and she's off, cruising down local roads and highways. It's about a 20-mile ride from her house in Piscataway to her job as sales coordinator at a pipe manufacturer in Whitehouse Station, and Regan loves every minute of it.

"I get on the highway, and it's wide open," said Regan, 47. "You can see all kinds of things. It's great to be out there by yourself -- and sometimes riding with friends, too. That's what makes it great to be on a scooter ... I can save money and gas and have fun doing it."

With gas at $4 a gallon and more, the money she's saving isn't pocket change. Regan said she hung onto $40 in a recent week, using the scooter to commute every day. The scooter gets much better gas mileage than her Volkswagen Jetta, she said -- about 65 miles to the gallon, compared with roughly 30. And her scooter can keep up with the other vehicles on the road -- traveling up to 75 mph. Some scooters can go even faster.

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Scooters' cool factor rising

When I pull up beside you on my scooter, you might think I'm cute, with my black and pink helmet and my tiny little motorcycle.

But when I peel away from you on the green light, you know one thing for certain -- I was born to scoot.

I came about my love affair with scooters honestly, and ahead of the trend.

I was looking for something cool and fuel-efficient, preferably in black and chrome. The Yamaha Vino fit the bill.

And I got more than I bargained for. This baby is loaded. With a 50 cc, four-stroke engine, she'll do zero to 60 kilometres an hour in less than a minute. And trust me, that's plenty fast enough on a bike that only weighs 17 pounds more than I do.

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Scooters racing out of local cycle shops

LEWISTON - At least someone is benefiting from the rising cost of gas - businesses that sell scooters.

Scooter sales are higher than ever and dealers are finding it difficult to keep them in their inventories.

Guy's Outdoor Equipment Owner Guy Johnson said they are flying out his door.

"This year they kind of went through the roof," said Johnson. "As soon as the warm weather hit, we sold out. We've ordered four different shipments and every shipment has sold within three days."

Johnson cites extreme heat and fuel costs for the surge, and said bike owners are likely the only motorists not sweating over the price of a gallon.

"Most of them get between 70 and 100 miles to the gallon," he said. "So, for four or five dollars, you can run for a week, or sometimes if you're close, two weeks."

Johnson's scooters run between $2,000 - $4,000. The price is easily made up when gas is factored in. And, Valley scooter owners can typically ride nine months out of the year.

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Cycle, scooter sales going up along with fuel

Area consumers seek alternatives that offer more bang for the buck With fuel prices continuing to rise, an increasing number of people are turning to motorcycles and scooters as cheaper alternatives.

Dale Windsor, owner of Outdoors Inc. in Benton, said he has sold more motorcycles and scooters in the past six months than the business normally sells in a 12-month period.
"Our increase in sales has come from people needing transportation to work," Windsor said.

He has already sold out of scooters for the year, he said, and won't receive any more until the 2009 models come out in October.

The popularity, he said, is obvious: Motorcycles and scooters get many more miles per gallon than cars, trucks and SUVs.

"They get from about 50-80 miles per gallon," Windsor said of scooters.

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Drivers scoot away from $100 fill-ups

OCEANSIDE ---- Record-high gasoline prices have made motor scooters more hip than ever, and the newest riders are more likely to wear neckties than Che Guevara T-shirts, according to dealers, buyers and safety instructors.

Economists have blamed rising costs of gasoline and food for limiting consumer purchases and dragging the U.S. economy closer to recession, particularly in California and other states where expensive houses and rising mortgage obligations have already brought many people to the financial edge.

But scooter dealers along a one-mile stretch of Highway 101 in Oceanside said business has never been better.

While filling the tank of a large truck easily can suck away $100, more drivers see a new $4,000 scooter that costs $12 to fill as a smart investment, dealers said.

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July 7, 2008

Gas is cheap on a Vespa

So I sold my Porsche and bought a Vespa.

I didn't think it was a big deal. All I was doing was replacing $2,000 brake jobs, $268-a-month insurance, fading leather seats and any shred of "cool" I thought I had with a 2008 Vespa 250 GTSie. Now I roll on a scooter that gets nearly 70 miles per gallon and can hit 85 miles per hour, all while sitting on a suede leather seat hand-stitched in Modena, Italy.

A lot of people are changing their lifestyle because of high gas prices. I didn't do it to go "green" or save some polar bear for Al Gore to videotape on a piece of ice. I've got a Jeep Rubicon Unlimited sitting in the garage, which, by the way, has a little button you can push to display the terrible mileage you're getting. Nope, I did it because I thought it would be fun. And fun it is.

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2 wheels to save

For three months, Eraldo Ferracci traded in his Mercedes for something a little less glamorous: a Vespa scooter.

So, instead of spending $85 a week to fill up his car, Ferracci put three gallons in the Vespa and drove 200 miles before the gas was gone.

Ferracci has long known about the fuel efficiency of the Italian scooter. And now, more Americans are catching on, as gas prices reach record highs on an almost daily basis.

"This is no more play," said Ferracci, owner of Fast by Ferracci Inc., a motorcycle dealership in Abington. "This will save a lot of money."

Sales of scooters have climbed steadily, from 12,000 in 1997 to 131,000 units last year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a California-based nonprofit industry group. Total motorcycle sales, which include scooters, grew from 356,000 to more than 1.1 million during the same time.

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Two-wheelers on the rise in Oregon

Portland-area residents aren't the only ones finding ways to beat the rising cost of travel.

A spot check of motorcycle dealers in rural areas and small cities indicates a boom in sales of motorcycles, motor scooters and mo-peds.

Scooter Wholesalers of Albany sold at least triple the number of scooters, mo-peds and small, 150 cubic centimeter engine motorcycles in the past two months than it sold during all of 2007, manager Abbie Stidham said.

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Man On Scooter Provides Sober Ride

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A Nashville man on a scooter wants your keys and your car. Zingo provides sober rides to those who may have had too much to drink.

Carlton Stewart is the President and Owner of ZINGO Nashville. He wants not only your keys, but also your car. Diblasi is the formal name for the portable, pop-up bike Stewart rides around on to get to his customers. Stewart says it's supposed to be called a folding motor bike. His revolutionary idea offers a sober ride that's just a phone call away.

When a customer calls, one of Stewart's six drivers will show up in about 15 to 20 minutes on a scooter. The driver will fold down the bike, put it in the customer's trunk, and then drive the intoxicated person home.

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Women are safer drivers than men

Data released recently by the National Road Safety Authority have verified the claim that women are safer drivers than men.

According to the figures, men who drive cars or ride motorbikes or bicycles have a better chance of getting killed or injured in a road accident than female drivers.

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July 6, 2008

Bank CEO commutes on a scooter

Motor scooters are becoming more common around D.C. than black SUVs. But if you see a guy in a bespoke suit riding one down MacArthur Boulevard in the morning, chances are it's Barry Watkins, chief executive officer of Fidelity Trust & Bank.

Watkins commutes from his non-Metro accessible Potomac home to his office on Eye Street NW on the Vespa he bought three years ago. He says the commute takes him about half the time it does when he drives, and, at 75 miles per gallon, uses half the gas.

"It's fun to go to the pump and fill up on $8, compared to $85. The problem is municipalities haven't embraced the concept," says Watkins, referring to the lack of sanctioned scooter parking spots in D.C. He parks his on a sidewalk and chains it to a meter.

Scooters are no longer just the ride of choice for gamine students and hipsters. Overall scooter sales were up 24 percent across the nation in 2007, with the Washington area ranking ninth out of 1,000 markets, according to the Irvine, Calif.-based Motorcycle Industry Council. Sales are up 25 percent from last year at the Washington Vespa dealership at 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

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Scooter shop on a roll

Epiphanies at the gas pump are few and far between these days. If you're not mumbling under your breath about oil prices or how bad the mileage is on that bulky SUV you can't sell, you probably just avert your eyes from that glaring total and do your best to deal with it.

For Chris Neely, his enlightenment came after he discovered he could fill up his tank for $6 dollars. That's because Neely drives a scooter with a tank that holds less than 2 gallons of fuel. The retired jeweler became a "scooter commuter" after returning from six months in Europe.

Neely and his wife spent some time in Nice, France, where he noticed scooters flourishing. The town's seaside climate was very similar to that of Santa Barbara's. "I thought, 'We can do that here,'" he said.

Thus, Ooty's Scooters was born. An Old Town gem, Ooty's is a bit hidden, nestled behind Spa Tropics since last January. Follow the driveway to the back parking lot, and you'll most likely find Chris or his son, Ryan, working on scooters lined up for service outside the store, keeping them busy between customers.

The store keeps about 25 bikes in their inventory, all within a price range of $1,749-$1,949 -- reasonable compared to the chic and trendy Vespa, which can cost up to $5,000. The store also has a full supply of parts, which are of concern for many savvy buyers.

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Scooters, motorcycles moving fast

On her lunch break from the salon, Cathelene Chavez and her co-worker took a drive to the motorcycle shop Wednesday and climbed onto a pair of motor scooters they'd researched on the Internet.

"Vroom vroom!" the 30-year-old hairstylist and mother of two said from atop a bright red Piaggio with a sticker price of $1,899 and a sign that read, "More than 72 MPG."

She'd already done the math: Driving 10 miles a day to work and back means Chavez would have to fill up only once every two months or so. That's a lot better than the small blue car she left parked outside -- or almost any car.

"Hybrids are nice and all, but they still use a lot more gas than these things," she said.

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Scooter riders: Stay alert and stay safe

As an avid scooter rider for years, and owning one of the largest 650cc scooters available, I am a huge fan of this mode of transportation.

However, what can save you enormously in gasoline costs can cost you thousands in lost wages and injuries when you aren't prepared for the issues that occur on local roads every day.

Just the other day, I witnessed four new 50cc scooter riders zoom excitedly past my home on their shiny new machines. It was so much fun to see them enjoying their new rides. However, not one of them had a helmet on or wore the appropriate hand or footwear for protection in the event of a mishap.

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July 5, 2008

Cross-country scooter trip makes stop in DeKalb

This trip is not about the distance. Bernie "Buddy" Rosenbaum, 71, of New York and Bob Chase, 72, of Fremont, Calif., have ridden motorcycles across the United States before. They've traveled through Europe.

But the trip they're on now - a cross-country journey along Lincoln Highway that started June 13 in San Francisco and is expected to wrap up July 14 in New York City - is about finding the roots of America, the men said.

The two men - who are riding Piaggio MP3 500 scooters for the trip and plan to blog online daily - stopped Thursday afternoon in DeKalb.

After learning that the 71- and 72-year-old bikers would be cruising down Lincoln Highway on Thursday, DeKalb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Coordinator Debbie Armstrong said she knew she had to get them to stop.

"It's very exciting to have somebody who's out on the free and open road," Armstrong said. "There's nothing better than a pair of older men riding through the country and having the time of their lives."

Local politicians greeted the two at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Best Western DeKalb Inn & Suites. The men received gifts of DeKalb Agriculture flying ear T-shirts, hats as well as Illinois road maps and copies of the Illinois Constitution.

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Booming scooter sales call for driver education

The in basket: When Steve Stewart of the state Department of Licensing called me the other day to seek my help in letting the growing number of scooter and motorcycle owners know what they must do to be legal, I was reminded of an old inquiry to the Road Warrior from Jerry Maurer of North Kitsap.

"My wife acquired a 49cc scooter not too long ago," he wrote in July 2006. "Our understanding of the legality of this scooter is that it is considered a moped and no motorcycle license is required.

"(But) we are confused as to where she can drive on Viking Way heading north into Poulsbo. She was riding to the right of the fog line (white line on the right-hand side of the road). That area is designated a bicycle route. We understand that bicycle trails are off-limits to all motorized vehicles, including mopeds.

"But are bike routes the same as bike trails?"

"She has quit driving it altogether because she was stopped by the police and told to drive to the left of the white line, in traffic. The speed limit is 40 mph and her scooter only goes 25 on a good day, downhill, with a wind on her back."

The out basket: Steve at DOL said this is just one of the confusions that arise as people react to $4 gas by getting motorcycles or scooters for the first time.

"Scooter sales are off the charts" he said, "and people don't understand that some of them require motorcycle endorsements. Those that don't should know it's a risky endeavor in that it is the same as riding any other motorcycle."

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Virginia scooter law

With soaring gas prices, many are looking into new ways to get around including scooters which have been flying out of showrooms.

As of July 1st, scooter drivers have to follow the same laws as motorcycle drivers do depending on the size of the engine and how fast it goes.

According to Andy Postel with All Sports Cycles in Roanoke, "If you go above 49 cc or if it goes over 35 miles per hour you have to have a motorcycle license and it has to be tagged and registered as a motorcycle" you're also required to wear a helmet. Scooters range in size and cc's but all of them get similar gas mileage from 70 to 120 miles per gallon.

The rules for riding around in a smaller scooter are less stringent; you must be at least 16 years old, have a valid state I.D and wear a helmet depending on what city or county you live in.

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Kevin Ash tries a Vespa scooter with added oomph

Vespa hasn't used the Super suffix lightly in its 62-year history, attaching the label only to its most sporting scooters, so the GTS 300 Super really needs to be special to maintain the tradition.

Cosmetically it's similar to the GTS 250ie, which we reported on and liked two and a half years ago. The chrome trim on the front panel is different and there are grilles in the side panels, implying a hotter engine. The seat has a fastback shape and the 250's luggage rack has been dropped to boost the sporty image; the wheels are two-tone black and silver. Not a lot of justification for that, but the clue was in the name, wasn't it?

In fact, the 300 is fitted with the biggest engine ever to power a Vespa, Piaggio's Quasar four-stroke single with bore and stroke increased to 278cc, against the 250's 244cc. A mere 34cc might not sound much, but it's a 14 per cent increase: the performance is appropriately boosted. The motor has been enhanced well, the extra cubes used to boost torque at low and medium revs rather than to give it a harder top-end kick, and if anything the hike feels stronger than the figures suggest. Off the line, the 300 is brisk and confident, while for nipping past cars and patrolling A-roads as well as in urban use it's rarely overwhelmed by the speed of other traffic. You could even venture out onto a motorway: it'll top out at just over 80mph and hold 70mph under most conditions.

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Climbing gasoline prices put zing in scooter sales

Scooter sales appear to be climbing faster than the price of gasoline. At least that's what Stephen Smith, owner of Scootersmith in the Heights, has noticed.

Smith said his business has grown 200 percent in the last few months. It's been so good that he's now collecting deposits on the gas-sippers until he can catch up with the backlog.

Chronicle reporter Rachael Gleason recently talked with Smith. What follows are excerpts of that conversation.

Q: How have high gas prices affected your sales?

A: It's gone off the charts -- there is a back order for several months. The demand is blown out of the water. It didn't surprise me that I'd sell a lot of scooters. We were surprised at how fast gas went from $3 to $4.

That caught all the dealerships off-guard.

They ordered for an average month or little better than average month, and they were caught off guard.

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Greenville couple scoots around the Carolinas

When Alison, 29, and Tim Lowry, 24, were discussing the idea of buying a Vespa, neither one of them foresaw what would soon develop from just a simple desire for some gas pump relief.

"Yeah, it'd be cool to get a scooter and do a road trip," recalls Tim of their thought process.

"Well, we could do a fund-raising road trip, and from there it spiraled to 'Oh, well we could help Hydromissions.' It started as a road trip and grew from there."

They learned about Hydromissions (see box) when they met founders Steve and Jennifer Lorch at a church service. "Ever since that meeting, which was about a year ago, they've just been on my heart," Alison says. "I couldn't get them out of my mind."

So now, the Lowrys have mapped out a 1,200-mile tour of the Carolinas that will take place over Aug. 1-6 days, covering about 250 miles a day.

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There Are Perks To $4 Gas

While the price of gas costs at least $4 a gallon in most places, a recent article in Time Magazine shows that there are plenty of perks to such high prices.

The price of gas per gallon is $4. Of course the rising price of gas is excruciatingly painful for the most part. It is one of the two factors that cause the increase in food costs. I had a talk with a friend of mine about the price of gas. He had said that the price of gas is much higher in Europe. While he is right on that part, I had to explain to him, that more people use public transport.

In a nutshell, $4 for a gallon of gas sucks big time. This has really brought the talks of fighting alternative fuel sources. However, despite the severity of the situation, there are silver lines behind those dark clouds.

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Tips on buying and driving a motorcycle or scooter

Anxious to reduce your fuel costs and looking to a motorcycle or scooter? If you can accept the significant safety risks, but are not sure where to start, here are some tips to aid your purchase and use.

Do I need a license? Motorcyclists usually require a special license. Check with your local DMV to determine operator age or engine size restrictions. In some states, a scooter that displaces less than 50cc requires only a vehicle license to operate, not a motorcycle license. New York State for example, requires a special license when the top speed of the scooter or motorcycle goes above 30 mph. Below that, you don't need a special license, but there are limitations on where it can be operated. Vehicles that go below 30 mph need to stay in the right lane or shoulder. Other states require completion of a motorcycle training course. Check with your local DMV as the laws vary based on the state in which you live.

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July 3, 2008

Vespa Schenectady opens

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Brand new shiny Vespas are on sale now in the electric city. A new shop opened on Erie Boulevard and it's called "Vespa Schenectady."

Mayor Brian Stratton and Assemblyman James Tedisco were both on hand for the ribbon cutting. The owners of the shop are hoping the high price of gas will help boost their scooter business. They said Vespas are a great way to take the sting out of how much people are paying to drive around today.

"Vespas get 80 miles per gallon, and it's hard to beat 80 miles per gallon. They're fuel efficient, made in Italy a lot of passion goes behind these scooters here. And besides that, they're just beautiful machines. And they're fun to ride," said Peter Caschera, Vespa Schenectady.

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July 2, 2008

Economy Fueling Increase In Scooter Sales

MADISON, Wis. -- Cars sales may be down right now due to gas prices and a poor economy, but scooters are in big demand.

Engelhart Center in Madison said scooter sales are up 50 percent.

A typical gas-powered scooter retails for around $2,000 and can get 100 miles a gallon.

Store manager Robert Hintz said scooter buyers are also buying all of the accessories including rain gear, because they plan on using them as a main mode of transportation, WISC-TV reported.

"A few years ago it was just students buying them (scooters); now it's adults," Hintz. "We've got retired people buying them and using them to get back and forth to the grocery store."

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High Gas Prices Boosting Scooter Sales

BOSTON -- Americans who are turning to other modes of transportation are creating a business boom for Vespa dealers.

Scooters are becoming a more familiar sight on the roads around Boston and the popular motor bikes are also catching on in the suburbs.

Bill Keith and his wife ride their scooter in Duxbury, Mass.

"It is about a 10-mile round-trip -- something where you don't want to have to use a big car," he said.

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Lovin his scooter

A Mid-Michigan man has made an investment that could pay for itself in a year. He expects it to cut his fuel bills by up to 90 percent.

Marion Mumford says scooters are a great way to get around town and save on gas. "The looks and the styling. I just fell in love with it, so I decided to buy it."

It's street legal, requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license and gets great mileage.

"If I drive between 30 and 40, I'll get 120 mpg. If I drive between 40 and 50, I'll get 80-90 mpg."

Three months ago, Mumford went to Ohio and bought a Chinese-made Xingyue (shin-yee) scooter. It has a 150cc engine and a top speed of 50 miles an hour.

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Scooters pick up speed in the city

Many inner-city commuters are moving to scooters as a cost-effective alternative to big gas guzzlers. Andrea Mustain reports from New York City, where sales of scooters are up dramatically over the past year.

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Store responds to demand for Italian scooters

Sanders Motor Sports owner John Sanders was having a hard time finding the Aprilia-brand Italian motor scooter last winter. So he decided to open his own dealership and sell them himself.

"Italian brands are the most durable, reliable and fuel efficient bikes available today," said Sanders, 49, a lifelong resident of Pensacola and an avid rider since childhood.

The recently opened 5,000-square-foot facility at 8945 Pensacola Blvd. sells and services the Vespa, Piaggio and Aprilia brands.

"My wife, Mikki, and the kids fell in love with the Vespa scooters the first time they saw them. She loves the fact that the Vespas are lightweight and easy for her to control," he said.

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July 1, 2008

Gas-savers love scooting to work

Jon Wilson can't help but grin as he zips up Independence Boulevard on his scooter.

Most days, car drivers flash him thumbs-up signals along his commute from Matthews into uptown Charlotte.

He says he laughs when he catches the surprised stares from folks who can't believe his green Genuine Buddy easily keeps up with traffic.

Savvy folks across southern Mecklenburg like Wilson are snapping up scooters to stretch their gas budgets.

Wilson, 35, bought the scooter last year for about $2,500. He says using it instead of one of his two Mini Cooper cars has reduced his weekly gas bill to just $8.

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Metro commuters turn to scooters

Sales of scooters are on the rise this summer, and most likely not because people like to feel the wind in their hair as they cruise down the road.

Depending on engine size, scooters can squeeze out 50 to 100 miles per gallon. And with today's gas prices, every mile counts.

Scooter sales were up 24% in the first quarter of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a national trade group.

Vespa USA, the American branch of the best-known scooter maker, said its sales in May were 105% higher than in the same month last year.

"They've been really going out as fast as they are coming in," said LeAnn Shea, who works at TT Motorcycle Sales.

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June 30, 2008

Making A Turn To Motor Scooters

Doug Day is one of the few people in Connecticut not griping about escalating gas prices. Hey, even the station owners claim they're hurting.

Day is president and owner of Scooter Centrale in Plainville, where sales at his 6-year-old business have doubled in the last year. It seems that his customers are enamored of filling their one-gallon gas tanks and having the gas last for 60 to 100 miles. Insurance on the two-wheelers is about $125 a year, and many of them go up to 45 mph -- the bigger ones can hit over 50 mph.

Dr. Matthew Carley, 49, of Simsbury, was picking up his $2,000 Buddy 50cc model when I visited Day this week. Weather permitting, the doc says, he'll be making the daily 28-mile round-trip commute to his Hartford office on his new wheels.

Sean Gregor spent about $2,000 to buy his 125cc Kymco Agility a week ago. The 34-year-old plans to use it for the 13-mile round-trip trek from his Southington house to the Plymouth group home where he works as a residential program staff member.

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Get On That Scooter And Ride

BROOKSVILLE - Paul Weaver parked his motor scooter outside a local bar frequented by a clan of burly bikers.

They crowded around him seconds after he strolled through the door.

The Harley Davidson owners were not about to hassle him or taunt him for his choice of ride. They had questions - namely, "What kind of gas mileage do you get on that thing?"

"They'll inquire about my scooter," said Weaver. "I'd say that old stigma is gone."

Weaver is a manager at Adventure Cycle Center, which sells motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters and other motorized hobby vehicles. Since mid-May the store's scooter sales have noticeably spiked.

That trend is being seen across the country.

People have been more creative lately in their efforts to avoid paying high gas prices. While they might not be going as far as selling a car and buying a scooter, they are willing to add a $2,000 high-powered two-wheeler in their garage. They think the more use they get out of it, the more money they will save in the long run.

As a result, some secondary cars are staying in the garage whenever the owner goes to work or the local store.

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Scooters become the new hot wheels

Deanna Zeek of Atlantic Beach has a short commute between her home and job as a personal trainer in Jacksonville Beach.

Even so, she is tired of paying $75 every time she fills her sport-utility vehicle at the gas pump.

Now she's shopping for a scooter so she can zip up and down the Beaches for far less money.

"I would spend about $8 every two weeks on gas," Zeek said one recent day when she stopped by Roadpower USA in Jacksonville Beach to test drive a sporty blue-and-white model.

"A lot of my friends and clients have them," she said. "They absolutely love them."

More and more people around the Beaches are driving scooters, two-wheeled automatic transition gasoline-powered vehicles that feature step-through frames and an engine below the rider.

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Scooter scarcity

HICKORY -- With fuel prices at an all-time high, savvy commuters are taking a look at some two-wheeled fuel-sipping alternatives - scooters.

Scooter prices start below $1,000 and with prices like that, it doesn't take some commuters too long to recoup their investment with the money they save on gas. According to the New York Times, scooter sales jumped 24 percent across the nation in the first three months of 2008.

"We had five of them in the showroom the other day and now we're down to two, so yeah - they're selling like crazy," said Derek Ramsey of Kawasaki Suzuki Yamaha of Hickory. He added that men and women of all ages are making their way to the showroom in search of a way to save money on their commutes.

Dave Stansell of Import Motor Sports agrees that scooter sales are robust and says a depleted inventory is his only impediment to sales. "If I had more scooters I'd be able to move more product," he said.

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Scooters moving fast

Consumers looking to shell out less cash for gas are hopping on motorcycles and scooters for the first time, keeping motorcycle training courses busy and scooter dealers waiting for new shipments.

"Scooter sales are just non-stop," said Keith Johnson, assistant sales manager at Nault's Honda Powerhouse in Manchester.

The dealership has a list of around 45 people who have pre-bought scooters weeks before they arrive from the factory.

"We're having a hard time keeping them in stock," Johnson said. "We could have easily sold in the hundreds."

With gas prices soaring, drivers are looking for ways to save on gas.

And,with mileage rates ranging from 60 miles per gallon to 90 miles per gallon and beyond, scooters are becoming an increasingly attractive option.

If you want to drive 100 miles, you can spend $4 on gas and ride a 2008 Honda Ruckus scooter ($2,049 manufacturer's suggested retail price) or nearly $24 and drive a 2008 Ford Explorer ($26,495 MSRP).

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Do scooter drivers catch break on insurance?

While it's true that drivers save gas money driving scooters and motorcycles, do they really save money in the end?

Besides the price of a scooter or motorcycle and the fuel costs that come with it, auto insurance is another thing that drivers should consider.

"By and large motorcycle rates are real competitive now," says Mike Flowers, the owner of a local Allstate agency.

Motorcycle insurance is the usual blanket term given to insurance covering those who ride motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. Insurance companies consider a variety of factors when determining rates. Age, driving record, size of motorcycle or scooter, marital status and time with a motorcycle license are among variables considered by insurance companies.

Under Texas law, a driver is required to have liability insurance. The minimum liability that a driver of an automobile must carry is $25,000 in bodily injury for one person, $50,000 in bodily injury for all injuries in one accident and $25,000 for property damage liability. Both motorcycles and cars have the same liability requirements.

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Scooter's pleasures require proper attire

Whether it's a 50cc engine or not, an accident or mishap at any speed will leave riders scraped, battered, and bruised if they are fortunate. With less luck, the potential outcome is far worse.

I learned this through my own inexperience and with the "help" of a wet manhole cover. I hit the ground at roughly 15 miles per hour, and still managed to place a solid dent in the helmet and scrape my right arm. The minor arm injury was sobering, as I was wearing protective gloves and a riding jacket with a ballistic nylon outer layer and plastic armor inserts for joint and spine areas. Without that material, I'm not sure what my knuckles and arm would look like today.

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More People Buying Scooters, Mopeds

EL PASO, Texas -- Tracy Baeza never thought she would be buying a moped.

"It's economical. I have a Mustang which eats the gas, so we were thinking that having a little moped would help out with gas and everything."

Baeza bought her Ford Mustang just two years ago, but now she finds herself wanting a scooter to save on gas.

"Cruising around during the weekend and hopefully trying to go to work, using it for work, and for school purposes," said Baeza.

She's not alone. The employees at Mr. Motorcycle in East El Paso said they have seen a 300 percent increase in Honda scooter sales, 600 percent for the popular Vespa.

"In '06 when gas prices kind of spiked we had a run on scooters. And we actually ran out, and so this year we stocked up heavily," said Tracy McIntyre with Mr. Motorcycle.

The big selling point for the scooters is the miles per gallon.

"I think it's the triple threat, it's fun. It's fun and exciting. It's inexpensive. And they get to up to 110 miles per gallon of gasoline," said McIntyre.

As far as miles per gallon is concerned, that's 10 times better than a Ford F-150, four and a half times better than a Honda Accord, and nearly two and a half times better than a Toyota Prius hybrid.

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June 29, 2008

Filling up is easy for Vespa owners

PHILADELPHIA -- When Bill Schwab stops at a traffic light on his Vespa, car drivers chuckle and motorcycle riders snicker.

"They just laugh at me," the Peco Energy Co. lineman said of his daily work commute. "I'm a big guy. ... When people see me on my little scooter, they smirk."

But Schwab, 46, has the last laugh. "I get 70 miles per gallon," Schwab said. "I tell them and they shut up real fast."

Schwab owns a Harley-Davidson, a Corvette and a pickup. But they've remained locked in his South Jersey garage since he bought his scooter.

Gas prices -- now above $4 -- have been very, very good to scooter manufacturers, with the Italian-made Vespa leading the pack.

Sales of Vespas more than doubled nationwide as the price of oil rose above $100 a barrel. Americans bought 1,300 in May 2007. Last month, sales topped 2,700.

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Fuel-efficient scooters growing more popular

If it seems like more motor scooters are zipping past you in traffic, it's true: Scooter sales have skyrocketed this year as consumers cope with ever-rising gas prices.

Inventory at some scooter dealerships is gone. "We're actually completely sold out," said Mark Kite, general manager of Sun Enterprises Inc., a Honda scooter dealer in Littleton.

Colorado ranked ninth in the nation for scooter sales in 2007, up from 10th in 2006, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), based in Irvine, Calif.

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Triad residents turn to scooters, motorcycles

It used to be that those looking for a small motor scooter at Mid Carolina Powersports didn't have a license, but needed a quick way to get around town.

Not anymore. Sales manager and part-owner Mark Christopher said these days, everyone is coming in, with one goal in mind -- saving gas.

"Today, you're seeing all walks of life," he said.

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Vespismo's mod-friendly scooter helmets

Petrol prices are on the up - which means more people are opting for two wheels to get around town. Which is good news for the scooter accessory companies, the latest of which is Vespismo.

Based in Holland (but shipping worldwide), the company offers mod-friendly scooter clothing and the helmets above. All are approved for safety, clad in weatherproof sky leather and made in Italy.

Link.

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June 28, 2008

Gas-busting scooters offer alternative

SAINT JOHN - For her 70th birthday, Sharon O'Brien bought herself a present.

"I saw one and I fell in love with it," O'Brien says of her brand-new, fire-engine red Honda Jazz scooter. "It's like you see the red shoes, and you want them - I wanted the red Honda."

O'Brien picked up the $2,500 gas scooter in Fredericton a few weeks ago, after her bike became too difficult to take everywhere and her car became to too expensive to fill. She taught herself to ride by practising in a parking garage at 5:30 a.m., and takes it around the city when weather permits.

"It only holds five litres. I can go just as far on my five litres as I can in my car, and it costs me $42 to fill that," she said.

"And how many people can fill their cars for $5?"

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Scoot over, cars

As Adam Gross watched the news during the past year, it became clear to him what lay ahead. Gas prices were on the rise and would likely continue to climb well into the future.

To combat the prices, he spent just more than $3,000 on a scooter last year and rides it to his work at Crone's Gas & Goodies in Dover.

"Everyone laughed at me when I bought it," he said.

But now, people are beginning to see the benefits of the gas-saving ride.

Gross' commute from his West Manchester Township home to work is about two and half miles, which means he puts less than $4 of gas in the Yamaha Vino 125cc scooter every two weeks.

He admitted he's a little nervous about taking the bike out on the freeway, even though it can hit speeds of 65 mph, because of the added traffic and drivers not paying attention.

"If I'm getting the extra miles, I'll take the back roads instead," Gross said.

Scooters sales have "gone through the roof" lately, said Jim Tufarolo, owner of Market Motors in Springettsbury Township.

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Scooter shop opening in Avon

AVON -- Dan Kourafas, 50, has owned dozens of motorcycles in his lifetime.

But one by one, the Randolph man traded in his Harley, Ducati, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda sport and cruiser motorcycles for motorized scooters.

Kourafas said the world passes by at a slower, more comfortable pace at about 30 mph.

"When a bug hits you in the face, it doesn't go through your cheek," he said.

His girlfriend, Diane Park, said riding a scooter opens a panoramic world where she can smell everything and feel the climate change as she climbs a hill or descends into a valley.

"I always equate it to being like a dog with his head out the window," said Park, 48, of Randolph.

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High Gas Prices Raise Scooter Popularity

As gas prices soar, consumers are looking to two wheels to get around.

That's exactly why so many people are suddenly looking at certain motor scooters and small motorcycles -- because of the unbelievable gas mileage they offer.

More people are zipping around on scooters for their commute, increasing their demand and causing classes covering motorcycle safety to fill up fast.

"I get 220 miles on $12 to $15 in gas," one scooter rider said.

"I understand I can get 70 to 80 miles to the gallon. That's what I need right now," another rider said.

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Scooter sales take off

With gas prices at more than $4 a gallon, motorized scooters are are no longer just for intellectuals and environmentalists.

Inland Valley motorized scooter dealerships have seen a significant uptick in sales over the past two months as gas prices hit record highs.

"We're not able to keep up with the demand," said Randy Jackson, sales manager for Excalibur Motor Cars in Chino, which formerly sold mostly all-terrain vehicles. Now scooters - two-wheeled vehicles with a floorboard the rider can stand on - are their most popular item.

"A scooter is more upright (than a motorcycle) and usually completely encased so you don't see the motor," said Brian Hoogeveen, owner of Power Toys in Chino.

Hoogeveen said there has been an increase in sales and also an increase in people asking questions about lightweight motorcycles and scooters. He also has noticed an increase in the number of women customers.

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Scooter Makes Comeback

KENNEBUNK, Maine -- Scooters are making a comeback.

So much so, one southern Maine dealer can't keep them on his lot.

Sandy Boardman bought her Chinese-made "Roketa" scooter about two months ago after realizing she was wasting too much money on gas driving her Volvo station wagon.

"That's where you really burn the gas. The stop-and-start stuff. I would get that on the Volvo, just buzzing around looking for a place to park to do errands," said Boardman.

Boardman said her scooter is getting 80 to 100 miles a gallon rather than the 25 her Volvo gets.

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June 27, 2008

Touring Rome on a Vespa

ROME -- When it comes to looking classy on a Vespa in Rome, no one did it better than Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday." The classic film helped put Vespa on the map (for Americans) and gave the little scooters a romantic and stylish air, as well as permanent place in popular culture.

Sergio Caggia, founder of Nerone Tours came up with the idea of organizing Vespa tours of Rome after spending nearly a decade giving private walking tours of the city (called "Rome Made to Measure").

Mr. Caggia explained it was a conversation with a friend, who rented scooters to tourists that led him to the idea of incorporating classic Vespas and vintage cars into his own tour operations. A fan of classic cars and scooters himself, Mr. Caggia used his connections with local enthusiast clubs to find owners willing to use their vehicles to tote tourists throughout Rome.

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Vespa dealership opens in Schenectady

Peter Caschera's lifetime love of Vespa scooters was the family's impetus to open a dealership in Schenectady.

Vespa Schenectady sold eight of the Italian bikes since opening three weeks ago. The scooter store is Vespa's first in the region since 2005.

Prices for the scooters, which get 70-80 miles per gallon, run from $3,300 to $6,000.

One caveat catches potential buyers off-guard when they visit the shop at 1401 Erie Boulevard: The bikes require a motorcycle license.

"That's the little hump we need to get over," manager Caschera, 22, said of the family-owned business.

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Scooters Rise In Popularity As Gas Climbs

Gas is threatening on a daily basis to set records -- the national average has been more than $4 per gallon for more than an month.

For Bob Hedstrom, however, filling his tank for $6.50 seems like an inconvenience.

Hedstrom, who drives a Vespa -- the iconic Italian scooter -- is also the owner of Scooterville, the Minneapolis store that has been doing record business this year.

"It's been busy beyond what we've ever seen," said Hedstrom, who opened his shop in May 2002. "I think it's pretty clear that a lot of it is attributable to gas prices."

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Scooting Around New York

I'VE always thought that driving in New York City is a bit like a game of touch football between the Jets and the Giants -- you're always seconds away from a painful collision, but for the most part you don't get clobbered. Getting through a traffic jam on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is a game of inches.

So even though I'm a fan of almost anything with a motor and two wheels, I was a bit skeptical about venturing onto city streets aboard a Vespa. After touring through Manhattan and Brooklyn on a group ride for journalists on a recent Saturday, though, I discovered that scooters are extremely useful for basic city transport.

The S, which is related to Vespa's LX, is powered by a 150 cc air-cooled four-stroke motor. Indeed, the two scooters share many of the same specs. The significant differences between the S and the LX are stylistic. The S is leaner, intended to recall 1960s models such as the Vespa Special and the Vespa Primavera.

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June 26, 2008

Scooter sales take off

With gas prices at more than $4 a gallon, motorized scooters are are no longer just for intellectuals and environmentalists.

Inland Valley motorized scooter dealerships have seen a significant uptick in sales over the past two months as gas prices hit record highs.

"We're not able to keep up with the demand," said Randy Jackson, sales manager for Excalibur Motor Cars in Chino, which formerly sold mostly all-terrain vehicles. Now scooters - two-wheeled vehicles with a floorboard the rider can stand on - are their most popular item.

"A scooter is more upright (than a motorcycle) and usually completely encased so you don't see the motor," said Brian Hoogeveen, owner of Power Toys in Chino.

Hoogeveen said there has been an increase in sales and also an increase in people asking questions about lightweight motorcycles and scooters. He also has noticed an increase in the number of women customers.

"For some reason, people who would not normally ride a motorcycle are not intimidated by scooters," Hoogeveen said.

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Scooter helps county officials save big at the pump

Gas prices have caused a Four State county assessor to park his four wheel drive truck at home and drive a scooter to work. Now he's laughing at those big trucks when he thinks of what he's saving at the pump.

Anyone driving these days is feeling the pinch at the pump, but some are turning to two wheels to save cash.

"I've got a four wheel drive pickup that gets terrible gas mileage in town, so there's no comparison, I just smile all the time I go buy filling stations with all those SUV's and pickups whatever filling up," says Jasper County Assessor Don Davis.

With high gas prices, Isaac Sowersby says scooters are all about saving cash.

"Just gas prices - it holds a gallon, you pay four bucks, get a gallon of gas can go like 80 miles on a gallon," Sowersby says.

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Scooter sales fueled by pain at the pump

Tired of paying almost $60 to fill up the tank of his Ford Taurus, Kentuckian J.D. Riddle found a $12 alternative.

After returning to Shelbyville in February from China, where he noticed many more scooters on the roads, he bought one for himself.

Now that gasoline has crossed the $4-a-gallon mark, Riddle and others are part of a trend that is turning motorbikes, mopeds and scooters from a weekend amusement into a primary transportation choice.

Scooter dealers in the Louisville area said they've seen an increase in customers looking for something efficient to drive while they keep their car in the garage. And some aren't keeping their cars at all.

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Scooter Popularity Fuels Need For Safety

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Because of the increased demand for fuel-efficient scooters and motorcycles, the Central Florida Safety Council is offering more safety classes to new riders.

"Our phones have been ringing off the hook," Safety Council representative Glenn Victor said.

The Safety Council has added a new location where students can practice.

"It's all about the gas prices. Everyone wants to save gas," Victor said.

The classes have become as important as ever because all two-wheelers can be hard to see.

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June 25, 2008

Scooter Buyers Don't Ignore Safety

As the costs of fuel continues to set new records more people are turning to two wheeled options to save a few pennies at the pump.

Scooter sales are up across the state as well as concerns about safety.

Adult riders in Idaho are not required to wear a helmet while on the road, but scooter dealers in east Idaho say that isn't slowing helmet sales.

Workers at Power Sports in pocatello says they sell a helmet with almost every new scooter that leaves their showroom.

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High gas prices drive surge in scooter use

More Idahoans are turning to scooters to help ease the pinch of high fuel prices.

The Idaho Department of Transportation reports that sales of motorized scooters increased 24 percent during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

With gas prices soaring above the $4 per gallon mark, scooter dealers say it's no surprise that more people are looking for cheaper alternatives to getting around town. Some of the models now being sold get between 75 and 100 miles per gallon.

With more scooters on the road, state transportation officials are stressing safety and education.

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Utah motorcycle, scooter laws changing

Every nine hours in Utah, there's a motorcycle crash, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. That statistic is illustrated by a number of dangerous and deadly motorcycle crashes in the past few weeks.

While there are a number of motorcyclists on the road wearing the right gear and following the law, there seem to be more cases coming to light with riders putting themselves and others in serious danger.

Three-year-old Dylan Stroud is slowly getting settled back at home. His mom, Carrie, said, "I guarantee you he could have been killed. It was very dangerous, very scary."

Sunday night, two motorcycles were speeding down the family's Herriman street when they lost control, hitting Dylan and a crowd of people at a block party. Today, Dylan's dad spoke with investigators about the teenage drivers. He said, "They've told us they were intoxicated."

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Rising fuel costs have some trading cars for scooters

Rising gas prices are forcing many drivers to trade in their wheels, but not for more fuel-efficient cars. Instead they're trading their cars for a motorcycle or scooter. Some motorcycles average 55 miles per gallon of gasoline, and scooters can average over 130 miles per. As fuel prices keep rising, some drivers are re-thinking their choice of vehicle.

Lawton Deputy Fire Chief Juan Rodriguez parks his truck as much as possible lately. "[With a] 32 mile round trip, it's costing me $4.50 just to go to work for one day." Now, he drives his scooter to work instead - all the way from Cache to the Central Fire Station in Lawton. "I can drive that scooter three times to work and back before I fill it up," he says. His scooter gets 68 miles per gallon.

Rodriguez was thinking ahead. He bought it when gas prices reached $3 per gallon. "People laughed at me because I'm kind of big to be riding a scooter," he says. But, he has had the last laugh now that gas prices have reached nearly $4 per gallon.

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Scooters everywhere!

Ok! It's definitely a new thing this summer. I'm seeing a 10 fold increase in the number of scooters rolling around PB. Let's be careful on our roads! Cagers (people in cars, as we call them) are not always on the lookout for these vehicles. Even though they more noticeable than a bicycle they are still not always ready to see them in the middle of traffic.

Thankfully, in PB, traffic is rather slow moving most of the time and gives the scooter rider ample time to avoid 'situations'. There's three obvious camps about scooters... love them, hate them, and the "Oh My God I Think I Might Kill Them" camp. For the later group, no worries... scooter riders (and all two-wheeled riders) are taught to pretend nobody else can see them when they are on the road and it is their own job to avoid YOU. So long as YOU follow the rules of the road (signal lane changes, stop at red lights ... etc.)

For the haters... get used to it - they are here to stay. Have you seen the size of that scooter store on Garnet and Gresham? Don't get mad when they zip by you between traffic when you are in gridlock. Don't get mad when there are 4 of them in front of you going the speed limit. -Get mad- when they fill up for the week costing a grand total of $5.

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High fuel prices drive Kodiak scooter sales

KODIAK, Alaska -- Gas prices are nearing $5 a gallon, prompting Kodiak residents to look for relief at scooter sales lots.

Taylor Humphreys with Warner Tire and Yamaha says the dealership is selling more fuel-efficient scooters and motorcycles at a pace not previously been seen at the shop.

Humphreys orders scooters every two weeks and is typically sold out by the time the next shipment arrives.

Kodiak resident Doug Letch recently purchased a scooter, saying he can get 123 miles per gallon.

Letch says scooters are very practical for Kodiak because it's not very far between places.

The upsurge in scooter and motorcycle sales has not yet taken a bite out of the large vehicle market in Kodiak, though. Debbie Refior, the owner of Kodiak Motors, says the sales of trucks at her Ford dealership have not decreased.

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Motor scooter sales up

"Gas is definitely the driving factor. It hasn't gotten to the point where they are selling their main vehicles, but many are replacing their second one [with a scooter]," said Warren Bolc, with the Vespa Shop on Third Street in Jacksonville Beach.

Bolc said sales are 100 percent better than this time last year. Beach people seem to be looking for ways to save gasoline. There are now four scooter shops in Jacksonville Beach. All are clustered within about a half-mile of each other. Three are on Third Street North. The fourth is just off Third on First Avenue North at Fourth Street.

One cannot just walk in and test ride a scooter. You must plan ahead. To legally ride one rated at 150 cc's or higher, you must have a "motorcycle endorsement" on your license. In the near future, an expensive motorcycle safety course may be required for nearly all scooters.

Two of the three shops have limited test rides on Saturdays. Recent visits to the four scooter shops left me surprised at the differences in available models and sales styles. Only one model with manual transmission is left. All the rest have automatic transmissions.

In 1965, I bought a used Vespa for $150 from a shop in Long Beach, Calif. During my yearlong working visit there, that ugly green machine and I had many adventures on the Pacific Coast Highway.

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Piaggio's CEO sees "good" order book in June

PONTEDERA, Italy - Italy's Piaggio & C had a "good" book of orders for its scooters in June as higher oil prices push consumers towards lighter consumption vehicles, Chief Executive Roberto Colaninno said on Tuesday.

"Paradoxically the oil crisis is helping Piaggio," Colaninno said on the sidelines of a shareholders' meeting. "In June we are seeing a good order book."

Piaggio cut forecasts in its business plan in May blaming the slower economy for a weaker sales trend. The Vespa scooter maker posted a 21 percent drop in core profit in the first quarter.

"We hope that the second half of the year is in line with the recovery we witnessed in June," Colaninno added.

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June 24, 2008

The scooter: Once a toy, now a top seller

In May, Carol Somers bought herself a white and chrome Vespa Piaggio as a birthday present. She's zipped around Bend throughout the past two months, getting thumbs up from drivers and walkers alike. And since the price of gas has risen well past $4 a gallon, she's kept busy converting her friends to the way of the scooter.

On Friday, she took a friend to Bend Euro Moto to purchase a new scooter. Last week, another friend joined her to get a look at the small vehicles, which sometimes get as many as 100 miles to the gallon. Right now, scooter and motorcycle dealerships are seeing a jump in the number of vehicles they're selling. Scooters in particular, which can range in price from less than $1,000 to well over $5,000, are catching the eyes of gas price-weary Central Oregonians.

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Scooter sales soar with high gas prices

SAVANNAH, GA - Russ Moore would like to sell you a scooter. It's what he does. He just might not be able to, depending when you see him.

"Right now we have basically one scooter left in the shop,'' said Moore, who has rented and sold scooters in downtown Savannah for four year. "And that's pretty good, because last week we brought in seven scooters. Four of those were prepaid and we sold the other three over the weekend.''

And while that's a good problem to have for the owner of Coastal Scooters, struggling to meet the rising demand for scooters actually has become a problem as individuals and businesses turn to the two-wheelers as a way to fight today's gas prices.

"People are buying them in record numbers,'' says Moore, who sees a correspondence between the sales increase and the latest bump in gas prices.

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High gas prices drive surge in scooter use

TWIN FALLS, Idaho - More Idahohans are turning to scooters to help ease the pinch of high fuel prices.

The Idaho Department of Transportation reports that sales of motorized scooters increased 24% during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

With gas prices soaring above the $4 per gallon mark, scooter dealers say it's no surprise that more people are looking for cheaper alternatives to getting around town. Some of the models now being sold get between 75 and 100 miles per gallon.

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Scooter sales rise on price of gas

Scooters appear to be riding the crest of a sales wave that's pushed by rising gas prices, which should surprise no one. But the rising popularity of the little vehicles became evident long before Canadians started paying $1.40 for a litre of gas.

As far back as 1999 - 2000, sales of scooters were on the rise, according to a Yamaha Canada document. From 1999 to 2006, scooter sales quadrupled, says Yamaha.

Recently, however, the surge in scooter popularity has strengthened, with sales increasing month by month and year over year.

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Genuine Vespa Accessories For The GTS300

At 300cc, the sporty GTS 300 Super is the largest capacity Vespa ever, with performance and acceleration to match. Summer is just around the corner and the versatility of the GTS means that for commuting across town, making a scene at a scooter rally or eating up the miles on a cross continent grand tour, this stylish and powerful scooter will make every journey - however short - a riding pleasure.

For the Vespa rider wanting to make the most of the GTS 300 Super's touring capability or who just wants to personalise their Vespa, there is a range of genuine Vespa accessories to complement the GTS. As with the Vespa itself, Italian design and style blend seamlessly with practicality and quality, so the roomy 42-litre rear top case, harmonising with the unique shape of the GTS 300 Super, is ideal for carrying luggage, belongings or just everyday shopping. Available in matching Black or Montebianco White, the top case has an integral padded backrest, is supplied with a mounting kit and costs £219.99.

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Rising gas cost sets creativity in motion

COLUMBUS -- Gas prices nudging up to $4 a gallon have driven some people to consider alternate means of transportation, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and golf carts, to reduce fuel consumption.

Although some modes of transportation are street legal, such as mopeds and Vespa scooters, others such as those previously mentioned are permitted only under certain conditions according to local ordinances and state statutes. Fuel conservation is not a qualification.

Police Chief William Gumm said Columbus follows the laws and regulations established by state statute, which limits the use of ATVs on roadways but prohibits street use by vehicles such as minibikes, golf carts, go-carts, riding lawnmowers, garden tractors and snowmobiles.

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Suzuki Launch The Sixteen Scooter

Suzuki has launched an all-new big-wheeled scooter - the 125cc Sixteen.

Already renowned as the manufacturer behind the luxury 'Burgman' scooter range, the new Suzuki Sixteen is a first for the Japanese manufacturer, boasting true flat footboard step-thru practicalities with great manoeuvrability and ride quality thanks to its 16-inch wheels.

Talking about the new scooter, marketing manager George Cheeseman commented, "It's great to add the Sixteen to our already comprehensive learner legal range. Naturally the larger wheels aid stability, and of course help with ride quality on poorer road surfaces. The flat footboard area, automatic transmission and dual linked disc brakes make the Sixteen one of the best all-round and versatile scooters available on the market."

Available at authorised dealers now and with a recommended retail price of £2,499 on the road, the Sixteen offers great value for money too, and with the continuation of Free third party Insurance on any new 125cc Suzuki, it really does tick all of the boxes for many.

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June 23, 2008

Ciao car, hello Vespa

It was an all-too-familiar situation: Ahead, a red light glared, and bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched as far as the eye could see.

Taxis honked. Drivers sighed. Nobody was happy - except the reporter on the white Vespa who slipped into the space between the lanes and nimbly passed among the cars. Pedestrians stopped to watch, and drivers' eyes gleamed with irritation and envy as the reporter made her way to the front of the line, turned right, and zipped off on her way.

She would giddily repeat the move all day. And people would notice, often wistfully.

"That's what I need, a Vespa," said one of them, Garry Rizzuto, as he watched from a sidewalk in the North End.

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Growing number of commuters on scooters

BLOOMINGTON -- State Farm Insurance Cos. worker Darren Fischer is part of a growing trend in this town: Scooter commuters.

As gas prices climb, some Central Illinois drivers turn to bicycles, city buses or carpools to adapt. Others, like the 38-year-old Bloomington man hop on the two-wheeled driving machines for getting around, saving money and living greener.

"Our scooter customers are getting some looks at the gas pump when their tank is full at $7.50, while next to them an SUV needs close to $80 to fill up," said Robin Juhler, a co-owner of Bloomington-based Sportland, a motorcycle dealership that carries Yamaha, Honda and Polaris scooters.

Fischer laughed a little as he talked of savings since buying his scooter in May. Like most scooter owners, he also has a car.

Gas savings also led Ryan Wilson, 21, of Bloomington to his purchase a few weeks ago. Now, Wilson said, friends and family are inquiring. "I get about 100 miles to a gallon on this. ... Now, some of them are thinking about buying one," said the Maguire's Pub worker.

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Utah laws changing for scooter riders

If you're a new college student looking to save gas money freshman year by trading in your car keys for a scooter, there are some changes in Utah law you may need to know.

Starting July 1, the state is implementing some minor changes to the rules for getting licenses to drive scooters, a mode of transportation whose popularity has soared in the past few years due to rising gas prices. The new rule, however, only applies to riders who are under 19.

Currently, all riders either need a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license or a motorcycle-only license. But under the new law, anyone who is under 19 will have to get a two-month learner's permit before they can get the endorsement. Under state law, scooters qualify as motorcycles.

Nanette Rolfe, the director of the state driver's license division, said the new law will bring only minor changes and that the process for getting a motorcycle endorsement will not be much different than what it is today.

"[It's] similar to when a 16-year-old gets their license, they have that period to practice before they actually get the license," Rolfe said.

Rolfe said the state is abolishing its motorcycle-only licenses. Only 15 people in Utah currently have that type of driver's license, she said.

Another, more widespread change is that when people get motorcycle endorsements on the driver's licenses, they will be bound to the type of vehicle they test on at the DMV. For example, if someone takes their motorcycle test on a scooter with a 200 cc engine, they will not be able to use their motorcycle endorsement to ride a big Harley Davidson.

The engine categories will be for 90 cc or less, 249 cc or less, or 649 cc or less. Anyone who tests on a motorcycle with an engine bigger than 649 will not have any restrictions on the kind of bike they can ride.

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Scooter sales are having a great ride

Lee Quandt says he has always been a scooter and motorcycle fanatic at heart. He received his motorcycle license in the early 1970s as a police officer in Hampton, but gave up his bike-riding ways when he had children.

"I was yearning to get back out on the open road," said Quandt, a state representative from Exeter.
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Like so many scooter owners, Quandt loves the economic advantages of the smaller mode of transportation. He commented that most of them now are made in China, and that's what makes them inexpensive.

Quandt recently bought a new ride, and changed from the old-style scooter to one technically classified as a motorcycle.

"I stepped up to the motorcycle-looking one," said Quandt.

Quandt's motorcycle gets about 70 miles per gallon of gasoline and can travel up to speeds of 45 to 55 mph. His old scooter, though it could not travel at such high speeds, averaged anywhere from 85 to 110 miles per gallon, depending on how many hills it had to climb.

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A good week for scooter sellers

It's no surprise, with gas prices near $4.59 a gallon in San Jose, that drivers are looking for more fuel-efficient alternatives. In Hindsight is happy enough with his bike and the VTA's convenient (if somewhat flawed) light-rail system.

But a new Vespa - at 70 to 80 mpg - would be a very stylish and economical way of getting around San Jose's compact (if somewhat flawed) urban core. Unfortunately, "we are just about sold out," Jeff "Bosco" Biafore of San Jose BMW and Vespa told a Merc reporter. In fact, Vespa USA says its May sales were up 105 percent from a year earlier.

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New scooter club caters to mature riders

If the thought o