Wonderful World of Scooters
For those of you who prefer retro style, but are looking for modern technology, then the Lance Vintage 150cc gas scooter is for you. Shaped to look like those original Italian designs such as the Vespas, it is compact and elegant. The Vintage features Anti-Lock Disc Brakes (ABS) on the front wheel and an upgraded suspension system with dual telescopic forks on the front.
The added comfort will make your commute feel a lot less like a drag and much more like a dream. These mopeds also come with a chrome engine cover, headlights, rear view mirrors, an aluminum alloy footboard, and even polished rims. Available in black, pink, red. silver, white peach copper and blue. Retails for around $1799.00
Texas has a handful of fun scooter rallies coming up soon so if you plan to be in the Lonestar State, check these out:
- May 1-3 Austin TX is having the 1st annual Riff Raff SC Rally called ” A Fistful of Scooters”. This rally will be open to any and all scooters.
- If you are the proud owner of a classic scooter, it looks like the West Alabama Ice House in Houstin TX will be THE place to be on May 17. Their theme is “Classic Not Plastic”. Looks like a good time will be had by all with music, food and beer (for those not driving, of course !).
- June 12-14 is the North Texas Lakes Rally at Lake Waxahachie sponsered by the Cabana Boys & DFW Scooterist. This is a 3 day camping rally for old and new scooters alike.
If you have wondered if folding bikes would to be a great commuting option, then to take a look at the Pacific Cycles’ iF Mode folding bike that won a gold award at CeBIT, the world’s largest trade fair in Hanover, Germany. Designed by Mark Sanders, the impressive bike lacks the mess of traditional bicycle features such as oily chains.
The iF Mode sports the company’s iF (Integrated Folding) technology that offers a single-action, automatic fold, without the need for tools or the removal of any parts.The bike performs like any other full-size bike on the streets.
Designer Ben Lai has designed a futuristic bike called E.H.I.T.S. or “Energy Harvesting Intermode Transport System” that could be a portable powerhouse for future commuters. It has an integrated RFID card reader to activate the bicycle lock and incorporated GPS for better security plus, the high-tech bike is able to produce renewable electricity in two different forms.
This bike runs on hub-less wheels with a built-in wind turbine that generates electricity in both moving and stationary modes. Furthermore, the bike comes with embedded solar panels that draw in solar power to be stored in a battery pack situated near to the pedals. The E.H.I.T.S just gives a hint of what commuting in the future may look like.
Mitac Japan has revealed its Mio C523 V2 Portable Navigation Device (PND) for scooter and motorcycle riders. It has a 2GB flash memory, a 4.3 inch touch panel LCD and a 1seg digital TV receiver. What makes this device biker friendly is the screen shows indicators for turns and intersections using arrows on a single screen thus ensuring that the driver’s eyes don’t stay off from the road for very long.
Mio will have Windows CE operating system running on Samsung’s “2440″ processor while the GPS module has been sourced from SiRF Technology Holdings. This device will be on sale starting April 15 and will cost ¥44,800 or $448.00
Revealed at the New York Auto Show, the B120 Wraith, by Confederate Motors appears to be sort-of stripped down motorcycle, but at the same time looks savage and powerful. Confederate Motors has constructed the bike out of carbon fiber and unpolished aluminum which gives it the raw feel. A pipe-like three and a half gallon fuel tank frames the backbone of the bike, and headlights appear as a row of LEDs.
The carbon fiber wheels are equipped with Brembo brakes. Its power comes from a “V-style” engine that pushes out 125 hp of power and 130 lb-ft of torque. Confederate Motors are keeping the bike as a “limited edition” and plan to build only 250 units
The Zappy 3 EZ Three-Wheel Scooter is a great electric vehicle for anyone wanting a little extra stability while scooting. This scooter is suited for many uses such as zipping around the neighborhood or as an handy step-saver in work settings, and it’s also very maneuverable for indoors at home, as well.
The newly-redesigned Zappy 3 EZ has an easily removable seat, so you have your choice of standing or sitting, with just the turn of a screw. Speeds up to 12.5 mph with up to 15 miles on a single charge. Unit comes with front basket, horn, headlight, tool kit and charger. Retails for $637.99
The Exmovere Chariot moves on two wheels, using what looks like Segway-like technology to stay upright, allowing the “rider” to have their hands free and can go about the usual business without much incumbrance. Sensors keep the chariot moving where the user wishes it to go.
This device could be especially helpful to the physically disabled, providing easier mobility. Exmovere can move at a top speed of 12mph. Makers of the prototype are hopeful for mass production which may be in collaboration with an automaker. This chariot definitely looks like something straight out of a science fiction novel.
The Wonderful world of scooters, continues to grow in popularity amoung consumers, its expected to outsell motorbikes in China and developing nations by 2010.
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