Bob Brown goes on rides and plans events with the Westenders Scooter Club. (Michelle Ma)
Susan Richardson likes her scooter's gas mileage, but what she loves is the freedom she feels while riding it.
The founder of Scoot About, a scooter rental and sales shop in Seattle, Richardson has ridden for about 15 years and now drives her "dream scooter," an Italian-made Aprilia she got about two years ago.
"You're out there, it's open, the wind is blowing, and you can smell and see things," Richardson says with a smile. "It's freedom."
Scooter basics
- A scooter can be identified by its step-through space that allows riders to sit upright on top of the motor. Traditional motorcycles usually require riders to straddle the motor when riding. Mopeds are similar to scooters, but they include manual pedals.
- If you're interested in buying a scooter, some experienced riders recommend buying new or used from a store that also can service the scooter. That makes it easier to get annual maintenance checks and replacement parts
- Be sure to check with the state on requirements for riding a scooter. Models must be registered as either mopeds or motorcycles depending on size and speed. Larger scooters require an endorsement that can be obtained after taking a basic rider course.
Richardson and other local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. When gas prices spiked last year, Richardson says more customers sought scooters that could deliver 100 miles on a single tank of gas.
Now, Seattle ranks as one of the top U.S. cities for scooter sales, and when compared with other metro areas, it offers riders a safe, enjoyable experience, Richardson says.
"In Seattle, it's a pretty friendly town," she says. "There are an awful lot of people using [scooters] as their primary transportation."
Another draw for scooter owners is the social aspect. Riders can join groups such as the Westenders Scooter Club, Vespa Club of Seattle and Capitol Hill Scooter Society, among others. Moped riders have their own groups, including the Mosquito Fleet, Moped Army's Seattle branch. Groups often plan themed rides, charity events and other activities.
Bob Brown, one of the founding members of the Westenders, says his club members support each other like family. The group organizes one or two rides a month, plus a large rally each August. Club members hop on their scooters and travel together to shows, gather at favorite eateries and pubs, and take long trips on their motorbikes.
"The camaraderie is my favorite part of the Westenders," says Brown, who rides a red Vespa.
Bainbridge Island resident Jennifer Raines purchased her first scooter this fall and says it's a convenient and cost-effective way to commute to her classes in Bellevue. She says that in the past she rode motorcycles, but her shiny red scooter is a practical tool for getting around.
"Unfortunately, with motorcycles, the temptation is speed," she says with a laugh. "I like [my scooter]. And it looks cool."
Brown, of the Westenders, also says he likes being able to travel efficiently around the city, and that he doesn't have to battle cars for parking. For him and other scooter enthusiasts, there is joy even in a simple ride to the store.
"When you're on a scooter, you have to smell the roses," he says. "Life becomes an adventure on the back of a scooter. Everything old is new again."
11 Comments
By BB on November 22, 2009 1:16 PM
Nice article; good work Michelle! The photo was taken in front of Cafe Revo; a popular spot with West Seattle scooterists, and one of the best Italian restaurants around!
By MM on November 22, 2009 1:54 PM
While the Scooter Basics provide very general information, Keep a few things in mind:
1. Many people also like to DIY on scooters. Many also buy online and used, saving a signifcicant amount of money in the process. Dealers are not the only option, and you usually end up paying far more than you should, IMO. Most dealers gloss over what the maintainence needs are--they need more maintainence than a car.
2. You pay quite a large premium to have the scooter prepped and for the continuing maintainence. Scooters are not cars, must be broken in properly to get the longest life, and don't last as long, but you can do most of the maintenence yourself. It's not that difficult or time consuming to DIY, and it will pay off big time.
3. There are also several independant scooter mechanics in the Seattle area that can work on most models, even chinese, for a lower hourly rate, and do high qualtiy work. I'm not a scooter mechanic, but I know two of them in the Seattle city limits that do a great job!
4. Scooters are getting larger every year. There are now some 300 cc models that do 100 mph!
5. The article blew it on this one: Scooters over 150cc's need a WA St. license endorsement. You have to take a written and obstacle course test. You do NOT need to take an approved safety class before hand, but it's never a bad idea if you have never ridden more than a bicycle before.
6. Scooters are not toys, and you should use the same level of caution and awareness as mortorcyclists with bigger vehicles.
By CC on November 22, 2009 8:37 PM
Good points, but some clarification is in order. Gas prices will go up again someday, and while sales are soft now, people will once again be looking toward scooters as an alternative to cars, and need good information.
1) During the scooter 'boom' when gas prices were going out of sight, there were a lot of 'fly by night' operators buying a container load of scooters from China, selling them on eBay, then disappearing. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with what ends up being a 'disposable' scooter because no one will work on them or can get parts. Like it or not, you get what you pay for. Here's some sound buying tips:
a) If buying new, buy from a local dealer who services what they sell (in house shop & staff mechanic(s), and can provide a warranty. Yes, they have overhead that they have to pass on to you, but they'll be there support what they sell. Can the seller of your bargain Internet scooter say the same?
b) If buying used, choose first a brand that is sold by local 'brick-and-mortar' dealers who can service your machine, and better still, have their mechanic do a presale inspection of your scoot before you put your money down. It's cheap insurance against some real headaches.
c) If you disregard (a) and (b), and still want to buy a 'no-name' scooter, you better make sure you can title/license it in this state if it's new (some cheap Chinese Internet scoots have not been DOT approved, and are unlicenseable. US Customs have intercepted some, but nowhere all of these; caveat emptor! If used, find your mechanic before you buy! Make sure he/she can work on it and get parts!
2) MM's point #2 is a little misleading. Yes, you'll pay prep, but it's not a "large premium". Anyone in the biz will tell you the profit margin on each scooter isn't a lot, and you have to pay the guy who uncrates the machine, preps and inspects it something, OK? We're not talking charity here. Your typical Internet scooter will come in a crate and there will be 'assembly required'. You ready for that?
3) Scooters need routine maintenance at sooner intervals than cars, this is true. But your average scooter commuter lives and works in the city, and will put about 2500 - 4000 miles a year on their scoot. A tire lasts about 3000 miles and costs perhaps $50 or so mounted. The modern 'twist-and-go' scooter you can get at any reputable Seattle dealer will probably need one comprehensive service a year (oil change, belt inspection/adjustment, etc), and that service will cost about $200 - $300. Overall, your total annual maintenance bill will probably be less than $500 a year. Can you maintain a car for that? I take my scooter in for service once a year, and it has given me trouble-free service for the last 5 years! Also remember you're going to pay a lot less for gas/licensing/parking/insurance. Definitely something to think about.
4) I still scratching my head over what the article "blew" in MM's point. The Times article did advise checking State requirements, and for the record, you need an endorsement for bikes over 50, not 150cc. MM is right in that you don't HAVE to take a Approved Safety Course, but they make it a LOT easier to get your endorsement, and you learn a lot more than you thought you would. The Evergreen Safety Council offers an excellent course, and has some scooter-only classes, too!
5) MM is spot on on point #6. Scooters may be small and cute, but they're not toys! Get informed and ride safe, and you can have a lot of fun!
By mm on November 23, 2009 1:32 AM
CC:
I have to disagree on chinese scooters. I have one, can pronounce the name, know two local mechanics that work on them, and have no trouble getting parts. I don't spent $500 per year on maintanence. I have not had any major issues with it. Mine matches up to the best Japanese and Korean, and costs less than half of a Vespa or Aprilla. It will last just as long.
There are good chinese scooter manufacturers out there. Some have been making scooters for over 20 years, and have large markets. They had a bad rap, but that was several years ago. All scooters need intial prep from the factory, Either you do it, or you pay the dealer more to do it. Lot's of reputuable and quality parts scources on the Internet. Stay with the GY6 engine, and you have lots of standarized parts available.
Generally, most people have either 50cc or 150cc and up scooters. The most popular and the beginning level for a decent commuter scooter is a 150cc, as a 50cc won't do over 35mph. Technically, yes, any scooter that can do over 35mph needs an endorsement. Most people just go to the 150ccs from 50cc for that reason. Guess that's cleared up.
Nothing against safety courses, and I highly recommend Evergreen, but I aced my test by practicing in vacant large parking lots.
By mm on November 23, 2009 1:39 AM
One thing about insurance: You don't need it for a scooter, or a motorcycle in WA State. You can get it dirt cheap as an option, but it's not required by law.
By CC on November 23, 2009 8:59 PM
Yes, there are good Chinese scooters, and then again there are those which are not so good. ( http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-scooters-seized-story,0,6084741.story ). The GY6 motor is an industry standard, but once again some are better made than others. A GY6 made by Yamaha, Kymco, Fly, or SYM is not the same as one in a scooter from the Fu Yuck Trading Company. How is a newbie going to know the difference? I stand by my recommendations that if you're new to scooters, buy from local established dealers who warranty and service their products, and if you buy used, buy the brands the local dealers sell. Otherwise, make sure you have a mechanic who will work on your 'no-name' Chinese scoot before you buy it.
Your money, your call, folks. MM & I have had a good discussion here, and you're the beneficiary. Good luck, and see you on the road!
By Sean on November 23, 2009 9:16 PM
Seattle city streets have managed to kill 2 of my car's 15" wheels so far so I want to see what happens to one of these supreme scooters when its 10" rim hits a foot deep pothole on a wet, rainy night.
By BB on November 24, 2009 12:50 PM
Potholes can be a problem, that is for sure. But truth be told, neither I nor my scoot friends have had a real problem with them. This is partly due, I think, to not riding faster than our headlights can see at night, and we have the freedom to maneuver side-to-side with more freedom than someone in a car (we have a lot more free room in the lane to play with!).
It's all a tradeoff, though; on those rainy nights, a nice warm and dry car interior is sure nice!
By BBrown on November 26, 2009 10:29 AM
We just bought a scooter upon moving to Seattle in August. It is fantastic for getting around quickly and cheaply, plus it is fun! I really love it-and it helps that it looks really cool! My commute is about 3 miles each way, so on a vehicle that gets about 100 miles per gallon, I only need to fill up once every month...think about that! I've also noticed that car drivers here seem to be really accommodating-they share the road with the scooters and bikers along my commute, so I feel really safe on it.
If you get one, be sure to dress for the weather-it can be a bit chilly riding it some mornings in the rain...but with good rain gear, you are good to go. I take it a bit slower on those wet roads, though. Also, just because your scooter may not go 45+ mph (mine tops out about 30-35), doesn't mean you shouldn't be safe...helmet and all, no matter the speed! (In fact, scooter safety courses are offered in the area!)
By MM on November 26, 2009 3:16 PM
I am not a scooter dealer, but I could see how the article cited above could be used as an unfair indictment by them on all chinese scooters. It was pretty sketchy on the details. No specifc manufacturers or brands named. The EPA does require certification before they are allowed through customs, and it's unknown from the article if these scooters had valid certifications, or it was a quality control problem with this batch. That can and does happen with non-chinese scooters too.
I did very extensive research before I bought mine. It's a Xingyue (pronounced ZINGWAY):
http://en.xingyue.com/xy/web/
Their main website is sometimes is down, probably due to competitors hacking it. If the above times out, try again in a week, or google alternates. No lack of info out there on these. There are some design imitators of these from Japan and Korea, but these are the originals. Xingyue scooters have proven to be very cost effective while keeping the quality and performance most Americans expect..They are the largest and oldest scooter and ATV manufacturer in China, with 50% of the European market, last I checked. Xingyue Group is one of the few companies in China that incorporates a quality control team, which is extremely important when talking about Chinese scooters. Their scooters are fully EPA certified.
I am very happy with mine. People should not overlook these if they want to save some serious money and don't mind doing the basic maintainence that all scooters require.
There are lots of self-help sources on the net, including scooter enthusiast boards that discuss various topics and provide great tips and user experiences with various brands! I would highly recommend Powerscooters.org and Scoodawg.com.
By MM on November 26, 2009 3:29 PM
Ooops. Typo in the last sentence: It should be
scootdawg.com