scooters

cinnamon fern

My partner's car died unexpectedly about a month ago and we decided not to replace it right away - a sort of experiment in being a one-car family. This seemed like it should be doable because neither of us drive to work, and where we live you walk to the gym, the bakery, many restaurants, etc. (The car I bought in May has 1200 miles on it.) It's been easy enough so far. But I find myself very tempted by one of these:

http://www.yamahamotorsports.c...../home.aspx

I'm thinking it would be halfway in between a second car and a toy, if that makes sense. I could use it for errands and park it right in front of my building at work, next to the bike rack.

Do any of you fabbers drive a scooter?

11 years ago

Off Topic

9 replies

Latest reply was from Alexandra

jackiec

Veteran

No - but if I had the lifestyle for it, I would! In the meantime I'd never be able to fit a hockey bag on the back

11 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

That looks like it would be a lot of fun as long as you aren't in major traffic or around crazy drivers! I would get major helmet hair though. That's kind of a turn off for me personally

11 years ago

abc

Veteran

Lots of people here drive scooters, but as kellygirl mentioned you will have to gauge how ok you are with the OTHER people on the road.

I'm assuming you are in a fairly urban environment given the walkability of your neighborhod.

I would see if you could test drive one to see how you feel on it.

My experience is that a scooter feels less stable than a motorcycle (I have driven motorcycles and have my license).

You have to be ok with how driving it feels and take into consideration the traffic around you - as well as explore the laws, in some places they're the same as motorcycles, other places it's a free-for-all (no helmet or license required).

If you're ok with all of the aforementioned topics then I would see what other options are available (I'm sure more than Yamaha makes scooters, not that there's anything with Yamaha, just explore your options and market) - or perhaps even try to pick up a used one cheap to "try it out" - kind of like the whole try a cheap version before committing to an expensive wardrobe item trick.

11 years ago

Elly

Veteran

The other concern besides safety is theft-- when I lived in an urban area it was an issue because two men can pick these up and put them in a pickup and be gone as fast as you can steal a bike!

11 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

KG - I had not even thought about helmet hair! Helmets are legally required where I live (I'd wear one anyway).

Jackie - hah! I think I'll have no trouble carrying a yoga mat.

I have only driven a scooter once, on vacation in Turkey for a week. I loved it! It was the desert, open roads, beautiful scenery, etc. I can't remember what kind of scooter it was, but it was pretty fast - it had no trouble going 60.

I would get a slower one - 50cc - because anything bigger is legally a motorcycle, hence requiring a license and, worse, parking in designated spots.

ABC, the advice to get a cheap one to try out is interesting ... they do seem to be the kind of thing people sell on Craigslist after a few months.

Elly, that is a good point! We don't have a garage so it would have to be parked in the driveway ... I suppose I should look into the price of theft insurance.

What I REALLY want is a Vespa - so I can pretend to be Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday - but I can't justify spending ten thousand on something that's essentially a toy.

11 years ago

abc

Veteran

Oh trust me, I have wanted a Vespa forEVER! The good thing is, lots of manufacturers are making similarly-retro designed ones for a fraction of the cost. I see them on the road here all the time. Most if not all have dings, chips, plastics hanging off at times (LOL) - the hazards of driving in an urban environment. It's probably worse here than in most areas, but going into it with eyes wide open would be a good idea. And as others have mentioned, theft can be an issue, so if buying second-hand try to figure out how you can be reasonably sure you aren't buying a stolen one (again prob more of an issue for me than you). Don't know if they have VINs or not. I have resisted the urge thus far. Keep us posted and hope to see you post a WID (what I drove) with a sassy helmet and scarf blowing in the wind soon

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I have test driven a vespa multiple times and would love to take one home if not for the safety factor - I sometimes feel unsafe driving an SUV because other people on the road are twats. I'd imagine it'd be worse on a little vespa!

11 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

First, a scooter is not a toy it is a real motor vehicle. In California you will still need a M1 license and in most cases you can't legally park on the sidewalk. Some places that's a grey area though. Mopeds (they have pedals like a bicycle) can generally park where bikes can.

I love bikes of all kinds. My husband and I share one car and multiple bikes but I don't currently have a scooter. We've done everything from daily commuting to road trips on bikes. The weekly farmers market/butcher stop is pretty much always done by bike so they can be practical.

Get trained and licensed. if you are in the US, look into http://www.msf-usa.org/ The MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) has courses in all states. You take the course and get a waiver for the riding portion of the DMV test. Statistically, that training can go a long way toward keeping you safe on the road. Back when I took the course, I did it over two weekends. I know a lot of places off a scooter specific course--that way you don't have to worry about shifting.

I'm fairly hardcore on gear, road rash hurts just as much from a scooter as a motorcycle. I would personally never consider riding without a helmet, gloves and a jacket. The good news is there is some really cute practical gear out there. I highly recommend http://www.gogogearla.com/ for stylish and protective gear that is less 'biker" styled.

I don't want to scare you off, In fact I'm super positive about riding. I just want people to know what they are getting into.

11 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

That looks cool! I don't have one or have ever driven one, but one of my German friends drives one to work almost every day and loves it. It makes parking easier

11 years ago

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