How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot

thehypercube · Post by **thehypercube** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:26 pm

My street is mostly curb parallel parking. On two occasions now, 2 different neighbors have moved my scooter to take my parking space. How would you deal with this? It's really frustrating.

The alarmed disc lock is no good because I'm not always home when it happens and it annoys all the neighbors and really accomplishes nothing. A non-alarmed disc lock doesn't work because they can still lift the scooter and move it without rolling the wheel.

The first time, I called the cops. They came and they were really nice and knocked on the neighbor's door. The neighbors didn't answer and the cops said they're not required to. They did say that it was best that I called them to swing by rather than knock on the door myself in order to avoid any confrontations that may ensue. They also suggested that I park on the sidewalk. I asked how they could suggest that due to the fact that it's a $100 ticket. The officer said that almost nobody gives out those tickets but I'm still afraid one some cop on a bad day will see my scooter on the sidewalk and I'm out a Benjamin.

Second time was last night and I didn't do anything except get pissed off. It's not the fact that it's been moved as much as I would expect an anonymous mover of my scooter not to let me know if they dropped it or take responsibility for any damage they might cause. I wonder if they can't imagine the feeling of somebody randomly moving their car. UGH </rant>

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:36 pm

Get surveillance cameras and record the spot you park, if it gets moved, review footage of recent events and see who moved it.

You can sue the neighbor for moving and touching your property and mishandling it when you find who did it.

Otherwise go door to door and talk to them, ask if they did it, show you're not angry, but you have concerns about your bike's condition when others move it. Just tell them "How'd you like it if I drove your car and parked it somewhere else?"

Lastyearsyou · Post by **Lastyearsyou** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:38 pm

I think you should tie a rabid guard dog to your scooter. Put him on a chain just long enough so that he can "patrol" the entire parking spot.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:41 pm

If this is turning into a regular occurance, rather than provoking a confrontation, I'd try putting a note on the scooter saying "please don't move - call me @ 555-5555".

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:44 pm

Seriously I would just face to face talk to the people moving your bike. And if they do it again, move their car....somehow.

Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:45 pm

I'm not sure I would try the knock on the door thing. Even if you're non-aggressive, the other person might react negatively and it could escalate from there, probably faster than you could imagine.

You could petition your city government to lift the sidewalk ticket, and see if you could contact the officer who told you to park there in the first place and have him/her write an affidavit. You could also explain the pros to having one less car on the street, easing congestion. There's plenty of pros to not taking a space on the street, for both you and the other cars.

I think (not that I'd park on the street) the best thing to do, is park on the sidewalk and if you were to get a ticket, contest it saying that you were parked in the street and someone moved the scooter to the sidewalk.

I'd much rather lock it up in a back yard or something. I live in a quiet neighborhood, but I still don't trust it unlocked.

Angela · Post by **Angela** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:59 pm

First off

to people moving your scooter. Second, you need to escalate this more with the police. Call them every time its moved. Call police non emergency line ad seek their advice.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:47 pm

First off. I'm *NOT* suggesting you do this, but the one and only time my neighbor has EVER moved my scooter, I went over to his car which he keeps unlocked, and is a manual, and rolled it into a different parking spot.

Of course he got all upset and came to yell at me, I just said "Now you know how I feel when you move my vehicle without my permission."
He just stormed off and that was the last time anyone touched it.

Again THIS IS LIKELY NOT A GOOD IDEA!

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:48 pm

Move the air out of two of their tires.

Angela · Post by **Angela** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:49 pm

Kaos wrote:First off. I'm *NOT* suggesting you do this, but the one and only time my neighbor has EVER moved my scooter, I went over to his car which he keeps unlocked, and is a manual, and rolled it into a different parking spot.

Of course he got all upset and came to yell at me, I just said "Now you know how I feel when you move my vehicle without my permission."
He just stormed off and that was the last time anyone touched it.

Again THIS IS LIKELY NOT A GOOD IDEA!

Dangerous

StL_Stadtroller · Post by **StL_Stadtroller** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:52 pm

First of all, I have to call compelte BS on other people moving your ride, no matter what sitation it's parked in. Just because it's a streetside doesn't make it any different than if it was in a spot at a parking lot. If someone else parked their car so that there's not enough room between it and your scoot later - tough titty! go somewhere else Ahole.

Second, I'd have the absolute loudest, most annoying alram that I could find on that thing. Prefferably one capable of peircing ear drums. Awww.. poor widdle naybor is annouyed at the alarm? BOO effin' Hoo! GO FOff neighbor! don't touch my shite!

Third, I'd have a lockable cover over it, so that they can't get it off easily and can't get as good a grip on anything to manhandle it around. Always use the steering lock too!.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:01 pm

You say "your parking spot".

Just to get a better picture of what's going on, are you in an apartment with assigned or designated spots? If so, I'd complain to the apartment manager or landlord.
If you parked on the sidewalk, would that make it all too easy to get blocked off from the street by a car taking that parking spot, or is it still easy to get to the street?

If it were me, and I was trying to be legal about it, I'd call the police the very next time it happened. They're moving your vehicle, which is personal property in a legal parking spot. If the officer tells you to park on the sidewalk, get his badge number. File a complaint at the department stating that on such-and-such day and time this officer, while responding to a complaint about neighbors moving your vehicle, advised you to resolve the complaint by ceasing to park in the legal parking space and begin parking on the public sidewalk. Don't say scooter if you don't have to. I'm known to use the phrase "automatic motorcycle", because a small-engine motorcycle is what they're classified as.

If necessary, rinse and repeat.
I'm an ornery little nutjob when I get my back up.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:14 pm

Cheshire wrote:You say "your parking spot".

Just to get a better picture of what's going on, are you in an apartment with assigned or designated spots? If so, I'd complain to the apartment manager or landlord.
If you parked on the sidewalk, would that make it all too easy to get blocked off from the street by a car taking that parking spot, or is it still easy to get to the street?

If it were me, and I was trying to be legal about it, I'd call the police the very next time it happened. They're moving your vehicle, which is personal property in a legal parking spot. If the officer tells you to park on the sidewalk, get his badge number. File a complaint at the department stating that on such-and-such day and time this officer, while responding to a complaint about neighbors moving your vehicle, advised you to resolve the complaint by ceasing to park in the legal parking space and begin parking on the public sidewalk. Don't say scooter if you don't have to. I'm known to use the phrase "automatic motorcycle", because a small-engine motorcycle is what they're classified as.

If necessary, rinse and repeat.
I'm an ornery little nutjob when I get my back up.

I wouldn't even say "automatic motorcycle" In most states the 125 and 150 ARE motorcycles. So who cares what the transmission is, its a motorcycle.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:19 pm

Buy a "Protected by Smith and Wesson" sticker.

Then sit in a rocking chair on your front door stoop wearing billy-bob teeth and a shotgun across your lap.

Perkussion · Post by **Perkussion** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:34 pm

Perhaps you should go to the police station, explain the situation and
also include the part about a policeman suggesting that you park on the
sidewalk.
If they say it's ok to park there then you should get it in writing.

You said it was moved twice. Was it the same car in it's place both times
or were the cars gone by the time you came home?

I admit that I like the locking cover idea.

I use one of these every single time I leave it unattended:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AAYBKA

It fits perfectly in between any two openings in a Buddy 125 wheel.
(at least on the 2008 model)

Between that and locking your front wheel to the left would mean that
they would have to lift it to move it next time.

I have to admit, I'd still be steaming

ScootStevie · Post by **ScootStevie** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:49 pm

You say no to the disc alarm?? Thats the first thing I'd do. And if it goes off for 8 hrs while your at work then good. Maybe they'll think twice about moving your beloved scoot again!!!

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:55 pm

jfrost2 wrote:You can sue the neighbor for moving and touching your property and mishandling it when you find who did it.

Sue for what? If there is no damage then what are you going o sue for?

Most of my neighbors piss me off but, I can not sue them just for being jackasses.

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:01 pm

k1dude wrote:Buy a "Protected by Smith and Wesson" sticker.

Then sit in a rocking chair on your front door stoop wearing billy-bob teeth and a shotgun across your lap.

My scooters are protected by Mossburg & Taurus. I have caught 2 people in my yard this year and they both had to change their pants after seeing a pissed off homeowner and the wrong end of a 9mm. I do not need stickers, word spreads quickly.

thehypercube · Post by **thehypercube** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:01 pm

ScootStevie wrote:You say no to the disc alarm?? Thats the first thing I'd do. And if it goes off for 8 hrs while your at work then good. Maybe they'll think twice about moving your beloved scoot again!!!

The houses are built right up against each other. It's more out of respect for all the other people around us than the scooter mover. It would annoy lots of folks. Not to mention the hassle of the wind setting it off. It's up on a hill in SF where it gets pretty windy, so I'd be going outside a whole lot or I wouldn't be home and somebody'd smash it to bits out of the frustration of listening to the chirp.

I think some of you are right maybe i need to park on the sidewalk and just petition if I get busted for it. It just pisses me off, I pay registration too. I really like the rolling an stick shift idea! Hah, no chance at finding an unlocked car for that though.

The layout isn't an apartment complex nor are there painted spaces. Basically everyone searches for a bit of curb that isn't red and you don't usually find the same spot twice within a month's time. Anyhow thanks for all the replies. I started looking at some surveillance cameras but thinking I'd rather put that money into new shocks hah.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:14 pm

That's crap. Time to get in somebody's face.

I think there's nothing wrong with leaving a note on your scoot stating "Do not move. If moved, I will seriously f**k up the car that is in my parking spot."

EDIT: Incidentally, where are they moving the scoot too? Up on the sidewalk? Out in the street? I'm curious.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:15 pm

I still think that, whatever course of action you take, you should file a complaint with the police. You expect them do do their job and they slack off, on top of it tell you to break the laws they're supposed to be upholding. Then again, that's my opinion. *shrugs*

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:36 pm

ScootStevie wrote:You say no to the disc alarm?? Thats the first thing I'd do. And if it goes off for 8 hrs while your at work then good. Maybe they'll think twice about moving your beloved scoot again!!!

This is actually a good idea, get a XENA disc lock for 50-60 dollars, when it's moved and tilted, it will go off and be heard. Everyone will be looking out to see some random guy touching your bike. Maybe you could call 911 then and say some guy is stealing your bike.

Quo Vadimus · Post by **Quo Vadimus** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:55 pm

I think I'd spend a couple days waiting to see this happen live - then call the popo and report vehicle theft in progress. If they arrive after the fact, report that you saw X neighbor steal your vehicle, move it to a different location, then go into THAT house over there. I can't see why this isn't theft. If they moved it across town and abandoned it, it would be theft. You're not friends and no permissions were given or implied.

I also would go along with dave:

armacham · Post by **armacham** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:09 am

With bonus attack cat

Derrick · Post by **Derrick** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:17 am

OK....... First of all, it's perfectly understandable you getting pissed off about this intrusion. They are violating your personal property even though you are parking in a public place. In most states, this is against the law. You just can't be moving people's vehicle without permission. I'm surprised law enforcement weren't more aggressive in dealing with this. I'm formally with the Sheriff's Dept. in my state and I've dealt too many times with situations that have turned bad after parties attempted to "handle things" on their own. Time to be creative and do a couple things.

First, I would call and suggest to the local police that this is a clear violation and could potentially be dangerous. (Don't threaten though. Cops don't like that).

Second, if you don't have a cover, I would consider getting one that can be secured on the scooter. People are less likely to move the scooter if they have to destroy the cover to do so.

Finally, I rather like TVB's suggestion. You'd be surprised the response you get when you appear accommodating.

TVB wrote:If this is turning into a regular occurance, rather than provoking a confrontation, I'd try putting a note on the scooter saying "please don't move - call me @ 555-5555".

The purpose is to not have your scooter moved without your permission. Sometimes that means out thinking the other person. Being "bad ass" often doesn't end well.

Just my 2 pennys.

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 3:20 am

Or, get a bunch of big friends over (or a pack of teenagers), pick up the offending car and turn it around in the parking space. Then call the cops about the moron who keeps parking in the wrong direction at the curb.

broke · Post by **broke** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:30 am

Derrick wrote:OK....... First of all, it's perfectly understandable you getting pissed off about this intrusion. They are violating your personal property even though you are parking in a public place. In most states, this is against the law. You just can't be moving people's vehicle without permission. I'm surprised law enforcement weren't more aggressive in dealing with this. I'm formally with the Sheriff's Dept. in my state and I've dealt too many times with situations that have turned bad after parties attempted to "handle things" on their own. Time to be creative and do a couple things.

First, I would call and suggest to the local police that this is a clear violation and could potentially be dangerous. (Don't threaten though. Cops don't like that).

Second, if you don't have a cover, I would consider getting one that can be secured on the scooter. People are less likely to move the scooter if they have to destroy the cover to do so.

Finally, I rather like TVB's suggestion. You'd be surprised the response you get when you appear accommodating.
TVB wrote:If this is turning into a regular occurance, rather than provoking a confrontation, I'd try putting a note on the scooter saying "please don't move - call me @ 555-5555".
The purpose is to not have your scooter moved without your permission. Sometimes that means out thinking the other person. Being "bad ass" often doesn't end well.

Just my 2 pennys.

Derrick Derrick Derrick... I think you are in the wrong thread... This is the thread where everyone tells hypercube to get a gun and go ape shit on someone's ass. It's ok, you are new here.... you will learn

Although I personally think your recommendation seems reasonable!

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:01 am

I once had a problem with an apartment neighbor stealing my newspaper off my doormat.

I got up very early one morning, got the day's paper, and replaced it with a "special womens edition". Very funny to watch, and that stopped that.

In your case, stakeout, film, call the police. No need to coat the rear grab bar with poison ivy, really....

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:49 am

LisaLisa wrote:I once had a problem with an apartment neighbor stealing my newspaper off my doormat.

I got up very early one morning, got the day's paper, and replaced it with a "special womens edition". Very funny to watch, and that stopped that.

In your case, stakeout, film, call the police. No need to coat the rear grab bar with poison ivy, really....

I like the way you think.

Derrick · Post by **Derrick** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:30 pm

broke wrote:
Derrick wrote:OK....... First of all, it's perfectly understandable you getting pissed off about this intrusion. They are violating your personal property even though you are parking in a public place. In most states, this is against the law. You just can't be moving people's vehicle without permission. I'm surprised law enforcement weren't more aggressive in dealing with this. I'm formally with the Sheriff's Dept. in my state and I've dealt too many times with situations that have turned bad after parties attempted to "handle things" on their own. Time to be creative and do a couple things.

First, I would call and suggest to the local police that this is a clear violation and could potentially be dangerous. (Don't threaten though. Cops don't like that).

Second, if you don't have a cover, I would consider getting one that can be secured on the scooter. People are less likely to move the scooter if they have to destroy the cover to do so.

Finally, I rather like TVB's suggestion. You'd be surprised the response you get when you appear accommodating.
TVB wrote:If this is turning into a regular occurance, rather than provoking a confrontation, I'd try putting a note on the scooter saying "please don't move - call me @ 555-5555".
The purpose is to not have your scooter moved without your permission. Sometimes that means out thinking the other person. Being "bad ass" often doesn't end well.

Just my 2 pennys.
Derrick Derrick Derrick... I think you are in the wrong thread... This is the thread where everyone tells hypercube to get a gun and go ape shit on someone's ass. It's ok, you are new here.... you will learn

Although I personally think your recommendation seems reasonable!

Hey...... just tryin to help. thehypercube can use any or all of the suggestions mentioned but after reading the post, he was just ranting and really wasn't asking for help at all. So, my bad! (thehypercube...... go ape shit on someone's ass!!!!)
How's that?

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:20 pm

You seem to know who it is as you said, "two different neighbors...". So, ask politely why they did it. They will probably respond that you don't have the right to park there and then you can politely inform them that they are incorrect and also that you will have the police explain it to them if you have not been clear enough on the fine points.
If it happens again, put shrimp and chicken inside their hub caps and watch the fun.

I'm surprised this is happening in a city as full of love and understanding as the city by the bay. Its probably some out of towner.

I have another fun solution. Set aside some money for repairs and fines. Chunk a brick through the windshield with a note attached saying, "I told you not to f*** with my s***". Go to court, pay the fine, buy him a windshield, begin your fun fund again. Next time, escalate. Throw two bricks, one through the windshield, one through the rear window with notes attached that say, "I have tried to communicate with you and you refuse to listen so I am forced to find a way to get your attention. Please do not touch my s*** again!" Go to court, pay the fine, pay for the repairs and be sure to pass the information that you have merely been trying to get the lady's or gentleman's cooperation in a parking dispute but they keep moving your vehicle. Now, start building up the fund again. This time you should be able to converse with him or her before action is taken. They will probably listen. If not, move your vehicle a couple of blocks, go buy a gallon of gasoline, break the driver window and pour in the gas. You can figure out the rest. By the way, before the third time becomes a charm, you will need a lawyer.

n2tattoos · Post by **n2tattoos** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 3:00 pm

guns, shrimp and bricks...a wealth of ideas.

thehypercube · Post by **thehypercube** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 3:38 pm

thanks all for the replies. they range from helpful to hilarious.

i actually was talking to a barista at a local cafe last night about this. he saw my helmet and struck up a convo about what i'm riding. turns out he is an old school lambretta rider. whats funny is when i told him what happened, he actually told me that last time somebody moved his beloved lammy he did drop a brick through the perp's windshield from a few floors up. i just dont have that streak in me.

I do have a good idea which 2 neighbors have done this, but I didn't see it so I can't be entirely sure. once i was moved onto the sidewalk. the other time i was still at the curb but moved up so close to the next car up that i dont see how they could get out of their spot without hitting me. lucky i was able to move before i was either hit or had my scooter moved yet again. thanks everyone who took the time to reply. it helped me relax a little bit. i was super frustrated.

kathygnome · Post by **kathygnome** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 2:47 pm

They could just be ********. Ok, they moved it so they are period. But. There's a reasonable chance they don't understand that it's considered a motorcycle and required to be street parked. Leave a note on their windshield or on the scooter with the information that its a motorcycle and if you park it on the sidewalk you'll get a $100 parking ticket.

enzomatic · Post by **enzomatic** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:43 pm

how about you meet me at the 76 station on 1st and Harrison in 20 minutes, we hop the bridge and meet up with the head for the hills sunday ride in berkeley, you ride nice swervy roads for a few hours and forget what parking spaces are?

Oh and I'll get someone to take a pic of me and my scoot on treasure island.

rickko · Post by **rickko** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:00 pm

thehypercube wrote: The alarmed disc lock is no good because I'm not always home when it happens and it annoys all the neighbors and really accomplishes nothing...

I think you are wrong. The neighbors will see who is messing with your scooter, maybe even give the person a bad time if they get 'annoyed' enough. Maybe even call the cops.

Get an alarmed disk lock & put a note on the scooter saying they are being taped by a security camera.

Good luck!

johnre · Post by **johnre** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:26 pm

I like the security camera idea. Once you embarrass them on film it'll stop. Is there anything you can chain it to? I've seen these 2 foot long screw-like things with a welded loop on the top. Put a tire iron in the loop and start screwing it into the ground until the loop is touching the ground. Now you have a loop to run your chain through. Paint it bright orange so no one trips over it. If all else fails loosen the frigger's lugnuts.

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:46 pm

is there a clue to be found by the car in the spot where your scoot was vacated from? Maybe that's how you figured out who's doors the police should knock on.

Search "gorilla alarm" here on MB that looked like a really smart alarm that comes with a pager to let you know (seemingly regardless of your distance away) WHY the alarm is going off and also turn it off.

http://www.newenoughhp.com/accessories/ ... alarm.html

It seems that the tire didn't have to rotate for this thing to go off. You can probably ask the Scootertrash (who posted it). It's $199. If you have a $250 deductible to get your scoot fixed or replaced this would be cheaper, you know? I’m thinking on it but I have a little kid down stairs and a playful pitbull with a really strong wag of the tail. I would hate for that thing to be set off by “vibration” all the time and scaring that nice family. We’ll see. It may be a good solution of you.

Good luck

broke · Post by **broke** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 5:06 pm

The Xena disc lock alarm resets itself every 30 sec. So it will only be blaring while someone is physically moving your scoot. When they finally leave it alone, it will stop going off. So the "good" neighbors will only be annoyed long enough to look out the window and see the jerks moving your scooter... once the jerks leave, the annoyance should be gone too.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 6:03 pm

rickko wrote:
thehypercube wrote: The alarmed disc lock is no good because I'm not always home when it happens and it annoys all the neighbors and really accomplishes nothing...
I think you are wrong. The neighbors will see who is messing with your scooter, maybe even give the person a bad time if they get 'annoyed' enough. Maybe even call the cops.

Sure, I'd call the cops... but I'd more likely be calling them to report the &^*% who set the alarm and failed to silence it after it went off. That's disturbing the peace, and I have no patience for that.

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:33 pm

OK, here's a tactical and tactful way to deal with it.

Knock on your neighbor's door, and say,
"hey guys, I'm a little worried about the neighborhood- someone is messing with my scoot- moving it out of the parking spot..."
Act like you'd never suspect it's them or another neighbor.
"You know, I wish I could park on the sidewalk, because then I could lock it to a light pole or something, but you know that's a 100 dollar ticket!"
"Yeah- that license plate means I can't park it on the sidewalk- a friend of mine had theirs impounded for that... and if I take the tag the VIN is still right there all over the bike, and that's worse!"
"But someone's been moving it- and you know that's basically felony grand theft auto because it's a vehicle with tags and worth over 3000 bucks. "
"So I've been thinking we could get a neighborhood watch started- because next thing you know they're going to be breaking windows and stealing radios..."

"I hear in Birmingham they're having a lot of scooters stolen"
"Could you do me a favor and keep an eye on my scoot?"

But really, I'm confused... Why isn't your scoot parked near where you are- like when you are at work? There's no way I leave my scooter out in the open more than a few blocks from where I am, unless I lock it to a meter/pole/etc. Too many scooter thefts. And at night- mine's locked in a garage.

ScootStevie · Post by **ScootStevie** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:38 pm

broke wrote:The Xena disc lock alarm resets itself every 30 sec. So it will only be blaring while someone is physically moving your scoot. When they finally leave it alone, it will stop going off. So the "good" neighbors will only be annoyed long enough to look out the window and see the jerks moving your scooter... once the jerks leave, the annoyance should be gone too.

Thats good to know...cause I just bought one

I havent had a problem yet...but I want to keep it that way

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:38 pm

LisaLisa wrote:But really, I'm confused... Why isn't your scoot parked near where you are- like when you are at work? There's no way I leave my scooter out in the open more than a few blocks from where I am, unless I lock it to a meter/pole/etc. Too many scooter thefts. And at night- mine's locked in a garage.

It's a San Francisco and NYC thing. No parking anywhere.

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:45 pm

Yeah-I lived on 95th and broadway. I know.
But you should ride the scoot to work.
And otherwise, get a cover. Seriously.

rickko · Post by **rickko** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:27 am

TVB wrote:
rickko wrote:
thehypercube wrote: The alarmed disc lock is no good because I'm not always home when it happens and it annoys all the neighbors and really accomplishes nothing...
I think you are wrong. The neighbors will see who is messing with your scooter, maybe even give the person a bad time if they get 'annoyed' enough. Maybe even call the cops.
Sure, I'd call the cops... but I'd more likely be calling them to report the &^*% who set the alarm and failed to silence it after it went off. That's disturbing the peace, and I have no patience for that.

I agree if that were the case but a quick look out the window should give you enough evidence to report a theft or an annoying alarm that won't silence itself. Disturbing the peace is a local jurisdiction by jurisdiction issue. In most places car alarms that reset are OK, unless it happens between 10pm & 7am or something like that.

enzomatic · Post by **enzomatic** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:52 am

Was thinking it would be easier to talk to the city about getting MC parking by your place than changing the laws in SF for sidewalk parking.

UnionZac · Post by **UnionZac** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:52 pm

Organize all the scooterists in your area, get them fired up about the injustice that's being done to you, then run for City Supervisor.

dru_ · Post by **dru_** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:41 pm

Being in Cali, there are two pertinent items of information, both worth placing upon your scooter in a laminated sign labeled warning:

This vehicle is classified as a motor vehicle by the state of California.

(copy the vehicle code)

It is illegal to park this (or any other licensed motor vehicle) on the sidewalk.

(22500 (f) VC) wrote:
CVC 22500 No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places:

(f) On any portion of a sidewalk, or with the body of the vehicle extending over any portion of a sidewalk, except electric carts when authorized by local ordinance, as specified in Section 21114.5. Lights, mirrors, or devices that are required to be mounted upon a vehicle under this code may extend from the body of the vehicle over the sidewalk to a distance of not more than 10 inches.

By California law, it is obligated to take this space. Moving this motor vehicle without express permission of the owner constitutes theft, and can be prosecuted as such.

Is this parking space worth the risk?

beeporama · Post by **beeporama** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:15 pm

LisaLisa wrote:OK, here's a tactical and tactful way to deal with it.

Although less satisfying than vengeance or confrontation, I think this is the best way to get positive results.

thehypercube · Post by **thehypercube** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:11 pm

LisaLisa wrote:Yeah-I lived on 95th and broadway. I know.
But you should ride the scoot to work.
And otherwise, get a cover. Seriously.

I ride to work 90% of the time, just not in the rain. The few times I have there was some tire slippage and it's not worth the risk. I do have a cover, but honestly rarely use it because I'm using my scoot all the time. Sometimes I take the bus to go out to dinner or ride in somebody else's car.

Anyhow there's a lot of good info and suggestion in this thread so thanks everyone. A couple of other points, ground anchor does no good because there's no guarantee youd get a spot near it wherever you've anchored it, (to city street or sidewalk no less). There are only a couple of poles for street cleaning signs again no guarantee of being near that, plus cost and weight of a beefy chain and lock. I do think a nice approach and or a sign would be nice. Maybe getting that california code printed on an elastic seat cover would be cool! So many mornings the seat is wet from the fog rolling in anyhow.

Modern Buddy

How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot

How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot

Re: How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot

Re: How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot

Re: How to deal with neighbors moving my scoot