Elizabeth's research on Scooters

Elizabeth B. researched the subject of scooters thoroughly, and points us to the recent (3/09) Consumer Reports article which provides a solid summary to back up her research:

At first Elizabeth had intended to consider only electric scooters, but quickly determined that
they are not yet at the point of being a practical mode of transportation.
The main disadvantages:
• a long charge time
• multiple batteries required, or range is very limited
• your route needs to be well planned to avoid hills or other battery drainers
• cargo room limited if an extra battery is carried to extend range
• low speed : no more than 45mph, making it unsafe for freeways or quick response situations.

Elizabeth noticed that what is mostly being seen around town are the Gas Powered Scooters, which are all still very eco friendly compared to a car, achieving 33 to 100 mpg (City driving vs. cruising mileage). So far parking is free for 2-wheeled vehicles anywhere in regular metered spaces in Austin. Also, some people pull their scooters right up to the door of an establishment, which is actually illegal, but apparently not yet a ticketable offense. It would be nice if here we had the European rules which allow scooters to go anywhere. That would make scooters most flexible and very convenient.

Elizabeth evaluated three types of gas powered scooters, most of which were automatic. Unfortunately those over 50cc cannot be test driven without already possessing a motorcycle license. So only serious inquiries need apply!!:
• 50cc for residential driving- similar to mopeds from the 70’s. Some can have aftermarket modifications to go faster than the advertised moped qualifier of 30mph. The big advantage is that moped driver certification requires only a written test at the DPS, and then an “M” is added to your driver’s license.
• 125 - 150 cc which has a top speed of 65mph, so can be operated in city traffic safely, but still not recommended for freeway driving
• 200 cc which are advertised at 70 to 75mph

The powerful 500 cc scooter, can go very fast, but is more comparable to a motorcycle, so at that point why not purchase a motorcycle.

Pricing is anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000, except the Vespa, which commands a premium.
Area dealers have franchise rights to a certain radius, so each seller in an area sells a completely different line of new scooters.

Some recommended local Austin scooter stores:
1. Urban Moto on south Lamar just off of Barton Springs Rd., People are very friendly and informative. The owner has not owned a car in 5years. – they sell Taiwanese brands – Kymco, Buddy, Genuine, as well as used scooters of different makes. Kymco received the best review in the 125 to 150 cc class by Consumer Reports.
2. Alien Scooters both on South Lamar
3. TJ’s – friendly, dealing in a Taiwanese line
4. Bill Kasson Yamaha – (grumpy & crusty but straightforward about the very real dangers of riding scooters!!)

Safety:
All two-wheeled vehicles share this statistic: You are 37 times more likely to die in a crash if you are on a motorcycle/scooter, than in a car.

The added insurance cost is about $50 to $100 for general liability.
It should be noted that all sellers of scooters recommend the motorcycle classes, which can lower your existing car insurance rates.

Elizabeth’s conclusion was that if it weren’t for the need to drive on Mopac occasionally (especially crossing the river), and on 360 a lot (all the way to Central Market), she would enjoy the economy and the Fun Factor of owning a scooter. So at this time, in this place, it is not a viable option. But definitely one to be revisited if circumstances change.

Thank you Elizabeth for a knowledgeable review, and a lively discussion.