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Soaring gas drives U.S. scooter sales

JOSHUA BROWN

Reuters

Latest comment posted at 11:27 AM EST 23/07/08

Sales surged 66 per cent in the first half of 2008 ...Read the full article

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  1. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: .

    Having lots of folks drive two wheeled vehicles may also help in the recycling area - organ donation, that is.

    .
  2. CallofDuty . from Toronto, Canada writes: Get yourself a M license and a Ninja 250 and your set! That's what I did. 350 Km's on a 18 litre tank! You do the math.
  3. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: I love my scooter. I get over 100 mpg and pay $500 a year to plate it. No parking costs either.
  4. Justin Kase from Victoria, Canada writes: As one report said "50% of Americans live 8 miles away from their workplaces" What a great ride for a moped (except for LA freeways). We lived in a congested city for a few years, the car did not get much use but the moped was used daily. Missus is now looking at getting an electric moped which are allowed on bike paths here in Victoria.
  5. andy c from Canada writes: if where i lived had better public transit (minimum 60 mins to get to work via bus compared to 20 driving) i would ride a scooter to work unless it was raining or snowing.
  6. The Natrix from Toronto, Canada writes: The good thing about the U.S. is a good portion of the population is located where the weather is warmer for longer then up here in Canada. Now of course that would be a small factor, but still somewhat significant in how the U.S. market can adopt a product like this more readily and wholly.
  7. Remain Nameless from Canada writes: Just got back from Europe where scooters are everywhere. Would be excellent in congested downtown traffic in Canada from April-October, or (almost) year-round in southern BC. But you would be taking life in your own hands on Canadian major suburban arteries. Insurance costs are out of this world. Too many macho males driving 500-900cc bikes at 100-120 km/hr run up the insurance costs for others who want to drive 50-150cc scooters at 40-50km/hr.
  8. Glenn F from Canada writes: Just rented scooters to do a day trip in Victoria, BC. Looking at buying two of them when we get back to Winnipeg. I figure using them from March to October will save me $750 in gas a year.
  9. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: Remain Nameless, in BC, you don't need a class M to ride a 50cc scooter and the annual cost of insurance with 2 million liability is $500. Plus, you can cash that in for a partial refund when it starts getting cold.

    ICBC distinguishes between a 16 year old on a crotch rocket and a scooter rider.

    That said, I doubt Ontario's privatized mess of an insurance system does.
  10. Piltdown Man from Canada writes: Something is not quite right here. There are four wheeled vehicles available in Europe that will return the same mileage as a scooter - eg the VW LUPO at 100 mpg; yet many are deemed unsafe for our roads. Scooters and motorcycles OTOH get a free pass on the safety side and all things considered should be doing better on the MPG and pollution end of things. Time we got our act together and started allowing in the micro cars from Europe.
  11. Pete f from Calgary, Canada writes: Calgary bike paths are getting busier all the time, but the traffic is very mixed with bikes, pedestrians, joggers, rollerbladers, etc. I don't think it is very wise to allow electric scooters which I assume are comparatively heavier than anything else on the paths, go faster, and are likely to be driven by inexperienced, unlicensed riders. Question to Justin, are they allowed or just haven't raised enough of a profile to be banned?
  12. Commander Adama from Caprica, Canada writes: Scooter, Ugh, why spend that kind of money when you can buy a real bike, like a Sherpa, Blast or sportster. Scooters have all the disadvantages of a real bike, and none of the advantages.

    What I dont get is people riding these things with minimal protective gear. If dump one of those thinds you are going to get just as messed up as if you dump a big bike.

    BTW , you can ride Quads in Montana on the road, you dont have to go to Eurpoe.
  13. Joseph Whistle from Canada writes: In Europe, it depends where in Europe you'll see more scooters vs mopeds. I think mopeds are far safer. A scooter you kind of sit on top of it and get thrown off very easily. A moped rides more like a sturdy bicycle. A light moped (50cc) is comfortable at 50 to 70 km/h even. A heavier moped is comfortable nearing 80 km/h. Theoretically, if people were driving actually 80 km/h on country roads, as indicated (in Ontario anyway), then you could relatively safely cruise around on a heavier moped.
    In places like Ottawa it might be ok, because people drive respectable there. But in the GTA or anywhere 1 to 2 hours from the GTA, people drive threatening as if they want to kill you at all times.
    Dare to drive under 100 on an 80 country road, and people will purposely drive close, cut you off, demonstrate aggression to show their hate.
    I'm afraid that the sickness and illness people suffer from, makes them too dangerous to share the road with using mopeds and scooters. We won't see them in numbers, because of the low quality of people. Sorry.
  14. Jake Kayak from Victoria, Canada writes: I have been commuting by bicycle here in Victoria for about 15 years. Recently purchased an electric assist bicycle which is actually a scooter-style bike. They are allowed to go anywhere a regular bicycle is: http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/documents/electricbicyclesFAQs.pdf
    The only concerns for safety are related to common sense and courtesy. I get to avoid most automobile traffic by taking the regional trail system and get to work in less than 20 minutes for my 10 km commute. I do not see this as an alternative to using my regular bike (I also use that one on days I want to exercise...when I am not mountain biking in the evenings or on the weekends). My e-bike is a great alternative to commuting by car. I have only driven my car to work three times in the last five weeks...and that is only because I had to haul large objects. If you want the benefits of an e-bike but also want some exercise (and don't want to own multiple bikes), then consider a pedal-assist model. I have seen huge growth in the numbers of bicycles and e-bikes on the trails and roads this summer.
  15. The Central Screwtinizer from Ottawa, Canada writes: Can't wait to see the week long MOPED Rally at Sturgis...
  16. Tim Cares from Canada writes: My neighbour loved the idea of a scooter. She got her motorcycle license and bought a Vespa.
    Within a month or two, she was in an accident and the scooter was a write-off.
    Be careful, drivers don't seem to see scooters and bikes as well as cars.
    Fortunately, she just lost a tooth in the accident.
  17. brm 2000 from hogtown, Canada writes: Due to global warming, scooters will get more popular and you can ride them for as long as there is no frost on the road. In the city of Toronto, you can park them for free on the street. As the gentleman who said they have all of the disadvantages of motorcycles, but not the advantages, I would say the opposite. You can carry more on a scooter, they come equiped for carrying things. There are hooks and added do dads you can get. Some one I know can do a whole weeks shopping buy hooking all of the bags through a hook and letting them sit on the floor of his bike. Scooters have no gears, just twist and go, so you don't have to master that skill. Scooters are smaller and lighter, so better on gas. Some of the larger bikes are like small cars, they are huge and heavy. I agree though that all scooter riders should have full gear, they are not toys, and are not for a hollywood shoot. One fall could require you to get plastic surgery, so wear full gear!!
  18. Right Said Fred from Canada writes: I would whole heartedly go the two wheel route, but alas I am scared to the dickens riding one here in this city. The way that current traffic is and people driving, you would be lucky to survive if you were hit. Until I see the majority of vehicles on road, and other traffic adjusting and watching for them, then I will not be on one.
  19. Jake Kayak from Canada writes: Yes, safety will be a growing concern with the increasing number of bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. Regardless of your mode of transportation, you have to expect that people may not be watching out for you. Assume you are invisible, be predictable, anticipate well in advance, and be careful out there! We will be seeing many more people out there on two wheels as fuel costs and environmental concerns increase.
  20. Pete f from Calgary, Canada writes: Thanks Jake. I have been commuting on my bike to work as well on a year round basis for the last 7 years though, not nearly as pleasant as Victoria in February I would assume. Regarding being invisible, you are absolutely right! My children also cycle to school, and I have explained that besides the rules of the road, there are two other unofficial rules;
    1) You are invisible to cars;
    2) If they see you they will try to hit you.

    Paranoid? Not nearly enough.
  21. Dan Theman from Ottawa, Canada writes: My ninja 250 also gives 20 k"m/liter. My previous 1000cc sport turing bike used to return the same gas/milage though (as long as I traveled at speed limit).
    The real advatage of MC/scooter is the ability to ride between lanes as it's legal in more civilized places (UK, California). Hopefully the tax man (police officer) will change its' ways.
  22. Derek Lambert from Edmonton, Canada writes: I haven't been on a Ninja 250 but have a CBR 125 which tops out about 115 km/hr stock and gets over 90 miles/gallon which is better than my old 49 cc scooter did. $290/yr to insure including comprehensive. The advantage to the actual motorcycle is not getting cut off all the time in traffic. Rumour is that Honda is putting out something between 250-400cc in the next few years as the market is shifting. Can anyone tell me what the 250 Ninja tops out at?
  23. Power Glide from Canada writes:

    My neighbour bought a scooter to save gas, and was killed on her second day.

    My brother-in-law bought one too. He wasn't killed, but will never walk again after a bad crash.

    A colleague at work also got one, rode without a helmet, and crashed - lots of brain damage; otherwise ok.

    I'm sticking to my Yaris for now.
  24. Derek Lambert from Edmonton, Canada writes: Power Glide:
    Your comments highlight the need for a special clasification of license for scotter riders. I'd say they should need a motorcycle license. You'd probably see more people riding small motorcycles than scooters though. I used to have a scooter before I had a motorcyle license and it scares me the way I used to ride.
  25. Cheryl Nelson from Bloomington, MN, United States writes: Power Glide: My sincerest sympathy on the death of your neighbor and the injuries suffered by your brother-in-law and colleague. I'd like to add a comment to that mentioned by Derek from Edmonton. Most U.S. states require operators of any two-wheeled vehicle having an engine larger than 50 cc to acquire a both a car and motorcycle license (including a road test component for each vehicle). Basically, motorcycle licenses are required for nearly all scooters, maxi-scooters (scooters having engines 250 cc or larger), and motorcycles. Unlike the process for car licensing, however, motorcycle and scoot riders are encouraged*, but *not required to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) basic safety course. Completion of this MSF course (which typically includes a 4 - 5 hour classroom component) ought to be mandatory. As now stands, a motorcycle or scooter buyer isn't required to provide proof of motorcycle training or a motorcycle license at time of purchase. This too, should stop. As stands now, most novice riders have already acquired bad 2-wheel habits by the time they think to take the MSF course (after learning that insurance companies offer discounted rates to those who have completed it). Too many riders think they can get on and go. It's not that simple. Cycles are much, much harder to drive than cars; drivers must constantly scan the road and traffic from all sides while adhering to speed limits and other road rules.


    As bigger is better in the U.S. WRT cars, the same holds for motorcycles and maxi-scooters. Maxi-Scoots in the 250 - 400 cc range are increasingly difficult to find; new motorcycles in this range are a rare breed. Novice riders often buy 2-wheels that aren't appropriate for their skill level and physical frame. Surprisingly, the demographic driving U.S. motorcycle/scooter fatality rates is boomers, who often take up this activity just as their reflexes begin to slow down.
  26. REV eighteenseventeen from Canada writes: Street legal dirt bike is the way to go. Would like one of those KTM 425s. Knaaarly bike it is. You don't need to go between the cars you jump them. Not a cheap bike though. New in Canada about $10,000. If your riding a scooter wear a helmet, a small front wheel makes it easier to dump.
  27. REV eighteenseventeen from Canada writes: Forget the idea of needing licencing for scooters under 50cc. Next you'll want skateboards and bikes licenced.Want kind of paranoid civilians have we become. Need a 1 hour crash course on how to drive the biffy and flush before attempting? Might fall in, oh no. Take a trip to India/Mexico/Phillipines it may enlighten you on licencing and driving.
  28. Derek Lambert from Edmonton, Canada writes: Rev, maybe that 1 hour crash course gets put on a license qualification. I personally think that in Canada we need graduated motorcycle licenses like in Europe where you must ride a 125 or lower for two years before you can ride a bigger bike. I'm sure we would see a lot fewer crashes and therefore lower insurance rates.
  29. Cheryl Nelson from Bloomington, MN, United States writes: Derek Lambert from Edmonton, Canada writes: Rev, maybe that 1 hour crash course gets put on a license qualification. I personally think that in Canada we need graduated motorcycle licenses like in Europe where you must ride a 125 or lower for two years before you can ride a bigger bike. I'm sure we would see a lot fewer crashes and therefore lower insurance rates. _________


    Good point, but I think the threshold in North America should be raised to 250 cc, simply because major suburban roads have speed limits as high as 45 mph. Riders on a 125 have difficulty keeping up. Also, a 250 is the minimum needed to ride at freeway speeds. The system of graduated licenses based upon motorcycle/scooter engine size works in Europe in large part because of the decreased need to drive at freeway and near-freeway speeds for everyday commuting.


    One of the most difficult things to get across to drivers of two-wheeled vehicles is the importance of wearing and using safety gear. This is particularly true of many urban scooter riders, some of whom we've witnessed around town sans helmets and motorcycle gloves and even barefoot. My husband and I have a pair of Honda Reflex maxi-scooters (250 cc). We took our MSF course before buying these bikes. We had to buy helmets and motorcycle gloves before taking the MSF course. Before hitting the roads, our first purchase was of motorcycle jackets containing EU-approved body armor. Since then, we've added armored riding pants to our arsenal.


    Scooters and motorcycles are harder for car and truck drivers to see. One area of safety training in need of improvement is the emphasis on conveying the cyclists' responsibility to make him/herself seen by other motorists. That includes use of reflective materials on the bike and rider, and the wearing of bright colors by the rider. A brightly patterned helmet and colorful jacket goes a long way to making one visible on the road.

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