what's the deal with scooters

[Jon Miller]

ok

this is a continuation of my car thread

basically I want a means of transportation

it only needs to be for myself

it was pointed out that motorcycles or scooters are cheaper and have good miles per gallon

now I have not ever had a motorcycle license

and I don't know anything about scooters (except that Vespa's are sort of cool)

so any information on these?

otherwise I am thinking of holding off for a bit and getting a new car

Jon Miller

[Sarxis]

Do you have winter weather in your area? That's the primary downfall of scooters and motorcycles.

[Jon Miller]

yah

but I don't find it much of an issue

I rarely need a coat for example

Jon Miller

[Kropotkin]

Ie, you do not have any winter weather.

[Jon Miller]

I do

and you are right, it would probably be unusable for a couple of months

but I have never had a vehicle, would it be much of an issue?

Jon Miller

[Japher]

Motorcycle liscenses, whatever class they are, are for bikes (scooters included) with over so many CC (many scooters don't meet this requirement that I know of), and require a liscense to ride them on freeways and require a permit to ride on city streets...

Also, if you get your liscense before you turn 21 your insurace will be cheaper. The Ins goes up after 21 unless you take the safety course offered by the Highway Patrol, which is a good course (from what I hear) for beginners to learn to ride. I have a friend who has been riding since he was 16, he took the course when he was 22 and said it was really helpful. He takes the course every 2 years or so just as a refresher now...

[Jon Miller]

I am 22

I have been on my mom's auto insurance since I was 18

Jon Miller

[Japher]

When you hit 24 you will not be able to do that anymore.

[Jon Miller]

I do not plan on doing that anymore as soon as I get my own vehicle

I have only driven my mom's vehicles like once or twice a year (I don't drive much, the rest of the time when I drive it is because I am the Designated Driver)

Jon Mliler

[Wraith]

--"and I don't know anything about scooters (except that Vespa's are sort of cool)"

You've seen FLCL recently, right?
Well. Scooters do not fly. Nor are robot models normal scooter parts.

Other than that... some Vespas require you to mix the oil and gasoline, just like a lawnmower. I'd check the regs for your area before thinking too much about one. They aren't very common in the US, but there is a reason for it. Take a look at the traffic on the routes you're expecting to use before deciding.

As far as winter goes... do they make snow-tires for scooters? The thing about other vehicles is they can be made to work in snow and ice without too much hassle. Not sure about scooters.

Wraith
My toys! My toys! I can't do this job without my toys!

[Dis]

I didn't realize you needed a bike driving license to drive them. Is that really true?

I thought about a scooter to get to work. Much cheaper on gas than my truck. I would get a motorcycle but I really don't know how to ride a bike . There, I admit it. My dad used to ride bikes. But by the time I was born he stopped. So I really have no idea how to ride a bike.

[Jon Miller]

I am aware of that Wraith

hmm, that sort of would suck, do new ones?

you need a motorcycle license to drive the larger engine ones (the ones that can go over 65 mph)

the smaller engined ones you don't need to in most states

I would imagine that snow tires would not be available because people do not ride motorcycles or scooters often in the snow

Jon Miller

[Timexwatch]

Jon -

I believe that the small scooters that go about 30 or so do not require licenses in DC. Delivery guys who can't afford cars use them all the time here. I believe that there's a speed/power requirement before you need a bike license.

I'd check the DMV. I don't think most scooters require licenses, though.

[Asher]

Get a motorized skateboard.

[CerberusIV]

https://www.piaggiousa.com

I use a scooter to commute to work 5 days a week all year round. It does snow in the bit of the UK where I live but I don't find that a problem provided I stick to the main roads that are gritted.

I'm not sure about the licencing system in the USA so can't comment on that.

For a 125cc scooter (similar to the BV200 listed on the above website) that does around 70mpg and 65 mph I pay £15 for the road tax and around £200 for the insurance. UK insurance for motorcycles and scooters is high due to theft although I get relatively cheap insurance due to my age (42) but lost the no-claims discount I previously had. Servicing costs average £75 every 2000 miles. I haven't had to pay for new tyres yet but they don't last anything like as long as car tyres do.

The main issue with the weather is wearing suitable clothing. Purpose designed motorcycle clothing is usually more weatherproof and durable than "fashion" items. A helmet may or may not be compulsory but is advisable if there is anything inside your skull worth protecting. Extremely windy weather is actually worse than rain or snow.

If you don't do long distances (15 to 20 mile commute and trips up to 50 miles each way) and don't have to take passengers or cope with extreme weather then a scooter or small motorcycle can be very practical.