Ladies Chime In Please

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:28 pm

Okay, ladies. Talk!

My wife is somewhat interested scootering. I thought it might be fun to scooter together around town. It would be something new and in common. She's kind of warm to the idea. She saw this rose colored scooter (Baja Motors) at Pep Boys that she admired. Not drooling yet.

What got you interested in scootering? Gas mileage? Dork factor? The socializing?

She'll read your responses. I have to get her setup here tonight so she can respond on her own.

louie · Post by **louie** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:37 pm

pcbikedude wrote:What got you interested in scootering? .

riding.

of course that's probly different than why a guy scoots.

brat · Post by **brat** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:38 pm

I like it because I can get around fast, free parking (most of the time), cheap to operate and does not take up much space in the garage.

Oh yeah they are a BLAST to ride!!

Susan

cowgirl helmet · Post by **cowgirl helmet** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:55 pm

I started thinking about one as a quick, non-sweaty, easy-to-park way to commute to the subway. Then I started researching, and discovered the coolness factor.

I love retro culture, and scooters just seemed to fit.

Plus they're so much fun to ride! And you can't beat the gas mileage. Or the parking cost (i.e., free).

BTW, I long ago stopped thinking of my scoot as a way to get to the subway, and started thinking of it as a way to get to the office. And to friends' houses. And anyplace that I don't really need a car -- which turns out to be more places than I would have realized. (I still think I need to drive to Costco, though -- haven't figured out yet how to get all that stuff home via the scoot.)

A word of caution: DO NOT encourage your wife to buy a Pep Boys scooter. I started out on a no-name plastic job, which I now refer to as That Chinese Piece of Crap. It's been sitting, completely dead, behind my house since January (it died on its second or third ride).

A friend who has experience with motorcycles has been trying since then, off and on, to get The Piece of Crap running; she has no way to get around town, and I've told her that if she can fix it, she can use it indefinitely. Even with that incentive, my friend has had no luck with reviving the thing. And when I called around to different scooter mechanics -- including individual mechanics, not affiliated with any dealer -- they all snickered when I told them what kind of scooter I had. "No, I don't work on those."

The Buddy comes in pink. 'Nuff said.

weaseltamer · Post by **weaseltamer** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:23 pm

I had a friend talk about wanting a scooter and it got the gears in my head turning. I had always been wanting a motorcycle of some kind and when this show to be to economical and lower priced to begin with, the temptation was too strong to resist. Now i just need her back!!

GatsbyGirl · Post by **GatsbyGirl** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:45 pm

When ericalm bought his scooter I was VERY opposed to the idea. In addition to my safety concerns (magnified because he is naturally Disaster Boy) I just didn't get it.

For the first couple of months I wouldn't even look at the thing. I didn't want to think about it and there were countless arguments about him driving at night and using it for his daily commute (these, actually, still continue as his car is rotting in the driveway, will start less than half the time because it's driven so infrequently and we're wasting money keeping it insured and registered, not to mention the needless maintenance).

Still, for some reason, I allowed him to buy me a helmet "just in case." Eventually, it was a nice fall day, I was in a good mood, he asked if I wanted to go for a ride on the back and I said "Sure." I was hooked. Not only was it fun, but I started to have fantasies about making solo runs to the grocery store, library, etc.

However, I still wasn't entirely sold on having one of my own. He owns a Vespa, which, quite frankly, I still think are a pain in the ass and too much money for my scooter needs (although I understand why it was important for him to have one). I wanted a scooter that spoke to me. The only ones that really did were the Stella, which a) weren't available in California, b) went out of production immediately after I decided that's what I liked, c) I didn't think a shifter was the best choice for my first scooter.

It was actually when ericalm said, "I think I've found the scooter for you" and showed me the Buddy that I got serious about things. The price is perfect, I loved the look, the quality is top notch, I liked that I wasn't going to be worry about repairs on a steel body. Plus, it came in pink.

All of the other benefits: great gas mileage, free parking, etc. were additional perks that I appreciated later, but had no bearing on my decision to buy.

The best thing about it was tapping into my inner speed demon. We have a bet on in the house as to how soon I'm going to be pulled over. I'm pretty sure it's any day now.

So, really, I would say the tipping point will be finding the right bike for her. Since she's already receptive to the idea, your best bet is to do the research so you can steer her away from the copious amounts of crappy scooters so she can find the right one for her.

rajron · Post by **rajron** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:25 pm

Not a girl but a girl got me interested.
The reason I got a scooter is because my wife got a scooter.
At the time I was in the market for a motorcycle because I didn’t want to use up my car just for the work commute – the commute is not that long and a motorcycle seemed like the way to go. Anyway Kathleen picks up a People 150 and everyday after tells me how much fun and economical it is (her regular ride is a SUV), not to mention the advantages she sees with parking in particular school parking which can be expensive, far away and just inconvenient, she now can park near her classes.
On her free time she would take rides through various areas of town coming back feeling relaxed and rejuvenated but, she wanted someone to ride with.
It got me to thinking why get a motorcycle when really all I needed was a scooter for the commute – so a couple of months go by and we go to the scooter shop “New Urban Transport” here in Albuquerque, I see the Buddy and fall in love with its style, pick it up without even riding it. It has been great since then, saving bunches of money with gas, my main ride the car has decreased with city mileage and often my wife and I go on a date just riding around or riding to somewhere like lunch or a movie. It’s a fun couple thing to do.
The negative; we both want something larger and more powerful, not sure we will be going that route of larger because of costs and because riding is not our priorities.

So scootering for now is good enough not only is it utilitarian it is also can be fun.

I agree with the others; don’t get a no name scooter.

rsenal9 · Post by **rsenal9** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:48 pm

I wanted a Vespa/Lambretta after visiting Italy on 2 trips. I knew that if I went into the Vespa dealership I would buy one. Because of my height, they recommended a Buddy. I wasn't impressed with the color offerings until I saw the Series Italia online. Within 3 days, I paid for her! I loved the retro 2 tone look with white walls, her purring sound, and her power (which is enough to get me started). I own a Series Italia Buddy 125cc and I added a rear rack and matching top case. I will add a cowl, fender and probably leg shield protectors down the line. I packed 5 bags of groceries on it yesterday and use it to go to my excercise classes. I haven't ventured out on the highways yet-don't know if I will until after Motorcycle Safety classes. Even my husband is in love with her. I love my Dolcegita !

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:51 pm

Do me a favor, go to Charlie Gito's out on the "Hill" for me

rsenal9 · Post by **rsenal9** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:03 am

Will do, as I volunteer down the street at Missouri Botanical on Saturdays and I plan to ride it down there soon. Its about a 18 miles and I have to be a bit more experienced. I enjoy the Hill, and I'm sure they will love to see me scoot around in their colors. Viva Italia!

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:17 am

'Cuz back in the sixties when I was a kid, my two favorite modes of transportation (besides my horse) were the Vespa and the Nash Metro. I'd never been on or in either one, but to me, the smaller the cooler.

Was given a Vespa in about '65 but I never got it to run and my Dad gave it away, but I drooled about them in every dealership in the Denver area in the early '70's. Fell in love with a Rally 180. Have never had one (and I've owned any number of scooters in the last 30 years), but someday...

--Keys

250koala · Post by **250koala** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:23 am

What got me interested was the INDEPENDENCE. I spent 5 years being driven everywhere or bussing it when DH and I got together. I learned to drive an automatic a year after we married. We bought a tandem bicycle 6 years ago which was a blast.
He bought a"motorcycle" a couple years later.(Does a Honda 250 count as a motorcycle?)Uh..anyway that was fun too. Rode it to Durango and back 2 up from Tucson. (1128 miles there and back)
Last year I bought him a Honda 750 with that Corbin seat. Looks like a baby Harley. Fun also, but I am still staring at the BACK OF HIS HELMET.

I bought the Buddy in mid May after 3 years or so of visting Scoot Over. I spotted a pink one in a parking lot. Visited Scoot Over a week later. One test drive was all it took. I finally get to "ride my own ride" This bike just fits my short little self. (5ft) It also fits through my side gate easily.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:29 am

No cheapo scooter in the works. She just admired the color.

Probably get her a used Kymco People or Agility if we can't find a used Buddy.

EBee · Post by **EBee** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:28 am

My story is very similar to GatsbyGirl's. My husband had a history with motorcycles and shortly after we became empty nesters, he came home with a yellow Helix. I wanted nothing to do with it, I thought he was gonna get killed, etc. and I could see me sitting at home by myself while he took off riding back roads, or me having to wait to have him take me somewhere. Then he took me out to a local restaurant on it. And it was fun! When we went to run small errands on it, I was really enjoying myself. Then HE brought up the idea of me getting my own. I am very short so I had my doubts...then I sat on a Buddy and it was love at first sight. The rest as they say is history. I have a little basket on mine and a rack on the back to run errands, I go to the gym, we take long rides together, and now I view every trip outside the house as a possibility to take Sparkee out for a ride. It's awesome!

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:04 am

GatsbyGirl wrote:However, I still wasn't entirely sold on having one of my own. He owns a Vespa, which, quite frankly, I still think are a pain in the ass and too much money for my scooter needs (although I understand why it was important for him to have one). I wanted a scooter that spoke to me. The only ones that really did were the Stella, which a) weren't available in California, b) went out of production immediately after I decided that's what I liked, c) I didn't think a shifter was the best choice for my first scooter.

It was actually when ericalm said, "I think I've found the scooter for you" and showed me the Buddy that I got serious about things. The price is perfect, I loved the look, the quality is top notch, I liked that I wasn't going to be worry about repairs on a steel body. Plus, it came in pink.

Sigh. I love that story.

As many have said, it all comes down to finding the right scoot and having some patience. I think it's important to note that I never encouraged or pressured GatsbyGirl to buy her own or become a rider. She really did arrive there on her own. Fact is, riding isn't for everyone (regardless of gender) and I'm pretty sympathetic to people who can't overcome their anxieties or fear of crashing, etc.

Nevertheless, I know that should she ever have an accident or get injured riding, all our friends and her family will still blame me. And when she started riding I got to experience the same anxiety and fears she had when I started scooting. Yikes.

But she took to it pretty damn quick once she started and her skills as a rider improve every time she goes out. We love riding together. And the Vespa tour of Italy I've dreamed about for years is much closer to reality now that GG rides.

Post by **polianarchy** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:49 pm

I have been in love with scooters since I first laid eyes on the kandy-kolored Honda Spree when I was but a wee polianarchy. Then I turned into a sullen teenager and got involved with punks and skins who rode vintage Vespas and Lambies. And then I suffered thorough many bouts of barely having $70 at a time for a bus pass, much less $3k for a scooter. I finally got My First Scooter, Pinky Tuscadero, six months after I got My First Real Job. So I waited twenty years for this scooter...I figure I've got only a few more before I get my second one!

I tell people this: "Buying a scooter was the best decision I ever made...yes, better than grad school."

So, here's another great thread to show your wife:
viewtopic.php?t=724

Scootress · Post by **Scootress** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:30 pm

I rode on the back of my boyfriend's Vespa P200E for a year and a half in New York City, and then bought myself a little Vespa 100 Sport. I took the MSF course and got my license, but turns out I was too chicken to ride anything except the subway in NYC. I shipped the Vespa out here to Seattle, where it's now under a cover in my backyard, waiting for a much-needed shock replacement and some electrical work.

I'd resigned myself to taking the bus and riding my bike, but that didn't seem efficient. So I got a Buddy.

Best damn decision of my life.

I'm a bit intimidated by driving cars (I'm 34, and have driven for less than a year of my life all told) and I HATE parking, but the Buddy is joy - not a day goes by when I am not grateful and happy that I have a mode of transportation that's so zippy and fun, plus a breeze to park!

Scootering fosters camaraderie and a breeds certain road-awareness, whereas cages seem to have this can't-touch-me-isolationism, if not outright hostility. I passed another orange Buddy on the road today and we waved and smiled like we knew one another. Love that!

But enough philosophy - scooting is just dang fun. You feel nimble and quick and you're not stuck in a car, plus it gives you the occasional challenging mental puzzle to solve: "Hmmm...how am I going to carry THAT on my scooter??" Best way to get around the city, bar none. But DO take the MSF course. You won't regret it. Being on two wheels in ANY city is a risk, even on something as easy to ride as the Buddy.

Oh, and a bonus: girls who drive scooters are sexy.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 3:53 am

Scootress wrote:Oh, and a bonus: girls who drive scooters are sexy.

Oh, oh! You shouldn't have said that. Now she'll be wondering where I'm riding to all the time

350kmi · Post by **350kmi** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:27 pm

Scootress wrote: Oh, and a bonus: girls who drive scooters are sexy.

Agreed.

luv-r-buddys · Post by **luv-r-buddys** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:52 am

For me it was the excitement when I thought about zipping around town, driving to work, running errands. Our daughters both bought Genuine scooters and my husband casually remarked "I should get a scooter" Well, I wasn't going to be the only one without my own scooter so we ended up both buying Buddys. We have never regretted that decision. We are having so much fun on these freedom machines. They are a ball to drive and really easy to learn on. We take our MSF course in 3 weeks and am looking forward to getting that behind us. If it feels like something you think you might enjoy, go for it. I didn't want to regret not even trying.
Luv-R-Buddys

codemonkey · Post by **codemonkey** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:59 am

I sat on a honda metropolitan at the motorcycle dealer when my husband was buying his motorcycle. I thought it was so awesome that I didn't want to get off.

That got the wheels turning. I did some research and thought the pink buddy was the most awesome thing ever.

I ended up with the cream one though.

JulietFitzie · Post by **JulietFitzie** » Fri May 07, 2010 1:23 am

polianarchy wrote: I tell people this: "Buying a scooter was the best decision I ever made...yes, better than grad school."

This is a really old thread but I had to give a thumbs up to this quote of yours. Love it.

Juliet

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 07, 2010 5:00 am

ericalm wrote:
GatsbyGirl wrote:However, I still wasn't entirely sold on having one of my own. He owns a Vespa, which, quite frankly, I still think are a pain in the ass and too much money for my scooter needs (although I understand why it was important for him to have one). I wanted a scooter that spoke to me. The only ones that really did were the Stella, which a) weren't available in California, b) went out of production immediately after I decided that's what I liked, c) I didn't think a shifter was the best choice for my first scooter.

It was actually when ericalm said, "I think I've found the scooter for you" and showed me the Buddy that I got serious about things. The price is perfect, I loved the look, the quality is top notch, I liked that I wasn't going to be worry about repairs on a steel body. Plus, it came in pink.
Sigh. I love that story.

Wow, I still love this story.

GatsbyGirl's office is moving near where I'm working most of the time now so we've been talking about scooting to work together. Hopefully soon, a Genuine riding duo—one Stella, one Buddy—will be hitting the streets of Hollywood!

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Fri May 07, 2010 2:36 pm

polianarchy wrote:So I waited twenty years for this scooter...I figure I've got only a few more before I get my second one!

I tell people this: "Buying a scooter was the best decision I ever made...yes, better than grad school."

What she said. Especially the bit about grad school! LOL Except my excuse for waiting twenty years was that it was impractical at the time with two school age kids and all that goes with that. I got Bonheur as soon as I could and she was worth the wait!

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Fri May 07, 2010 3:58 pm

You know, I am still wondering what happened...

I was at a particularly stressful event and my brother in law was standing, there, he had been riding motorcycles pretty much since he was old enough to walk, he also is into car racing and such... Gas prices were skyrocketing with doomsayers talking about $5/gal gas soon and I was trying to figure out what to do when I could no longer afford to drive to and from work.

So, I started talking before my brain had fully engaged and found myself saying that I wanted to get a Vespa (by which I meant a scooter). AFter thinking about it, I decided that it kind of sounded like a good idea, so I did some research into the topic and started looking around.

The next thing I knew my sister called from Penn to tell me that she had gotten her temps for riding. WELL, I certainly can't be outdone by my little sister, so I went and got mine too.

Then, she called to say that she had raised the bar a little higher and had purchased a Vino. I got my tax refund and went out and got one for myself, the first time I had ever been on a scooter was when the guy came by to drop it off and he showed me the throttle, brakes, how to start it and handed me the keys. I put myhelmet and jacket on and told the kids I would be right back.

I showed up an hour later with a smile on my face that was still there the next morning.

A few months later the Chi-scoot Piece of Shit died, the dealer took really great care of me and offered my money back, I dropped it off a day later and found my Buddy in the for sale section here on MB.

Last fall I added the Sym because I tried taking my teenage son on the back of the Buddy and we looked like an elephant driving a scooter with a giraffe on the back of it. The graffe was not comfortable, or happy and refused to consider doing it again.

Of course the pink helmet that he was forced to cram his head into might have had something to do with it as well... (it was my winter helmet and is the biggest helmet that I had...)

Now, the giraffe is talking about when I "give"

him the Buddy after he turns 16 next year and gets his license... He is also talking about my truck and when it becomes his...

I love my Bud, he is going to have to figure something else out.

I love hearing stories about people getting bit by the scootering bug.

-v

iMoses · Post by **iMoses** » Fri May 07, 2010 4:27 pm

My wife came up with the idea of a scooter so that we could do outdoor / adventurous stuff together.
Originally we were going to buy one, and share it.
Went to the local dealer and saw the Buddy's.
First thing out of her mouth was "I want one of my own!"
My reply was "I was thinking the same thing!"

So we took a two home that day.

bpatrick5 · Post by **bpatrick5** » Fri May 07, 2010 4:35 pm

Back in 2005, I had the scooter itch really badly. But, I held off. In 2009, a friend of mine bought a Chinese scooter. It was so much fun to ride (didn't have anything to compare it to). I'd tell my girlfriend about it every day. Slowly, we started to casually look on Craigslist at Vespas. At some point, in our discussions, my girlfriend and I looked at both having scooters as a way to do something we felt was adventurous together. For us, scooters represent something totally out of the ordinary, and we can both share in it. So, we took the plunge after researching like crazy and deciding Buddy's were the lower priced, high quality alternative to modern vespas. She bought an Italia 50, which she felt was the biggest engine she was comfortable riding. I bought a St. Tropez 150. The only semi-regret we have is that she didn't buy a 125 or 150. The 50 is just so very different than anything bigger. It takes the 50 a loooooong time to get up to speed.

Good luck!

KatieP · Post by **KatieP** » Fri May 07, 2010 4:53 pm

My dad got a scooter when I was little enough not to remember him bringing it home but apparently my first words upon seeing it were "Take me for a ride on that thing!" As I got older we went on lots of rides together and he'd let me ride it around on the farm sometimes where I grew up. So I've always thought they were incredibly fun and always really wanted one. And I finally got mine last fall!!

I like this quote from "I See By My Outfit - Cross Country by Scooter" by Peter S. Beagle (a really good little book written in the '60s that makes me want to go on a cross country trip on my Buddy!):

"I had forgotten through the long winter how good it is to be driving a scooter on a warm day. You become painfully aware of how much there is in the world to be smelled, tasted, listened to, looked at, touched and comprehended before you die - a lifetime in every blink of the eye - and you find yourself twisting the throttle until she surges under you like a river, wanting to get to it all, all at once. You begin to fear death on the prettiest days."

Yep, that's about right.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 07, 2010 6:20 pm

KatieP wrote:I like this quote from "I See By My Outfit - Cross Country by Scooter" by Peter S. Beagle (a really good little book written in the '60s that makes me want to go on a cross country trip on my Buddy!):

"I had forgotten through the long winter how good it is to be driving a scooter on a warm day. You become painfully aware of how much there is in the world to be smelled, tasted, listened to, looked at, touched and comprehended before you die - a lifetime in every blink of the eye - and you find yourself twisting the throttle until she surges under you like a river, wanting to get to it all, all at once. You begin to fear death on the prettiest days."

Yep, that's about right.

This makes me weep with joy.

Still haven't read the book, though. Keep planning to…

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri May 07, 2010 8:23 pm

ericalm wrote:
KatieP wrote:I like this quote from "I See By My Outfit - Cross Country by Scooter" by Peter S. Beagle (a really good little book written in the '60s that makes me want to go on a cross country trip on my Buddy!):
This makes me weep with joy.
Still haven't read the book, though. Keep planning to…

Read it this weekend. It's fantastic (if you can get over all the beat slang). The scenes in/near Vegas are priceless.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Fri May 07, 2010 8:57 pm

KatieP wrote: I like this quote from "I See By My Outfit - Cross Country by Scooter" by Peter S. Beagle (a really good little book written in the '60s that makes me want to go on a cross country trip on my Buddy!):

"I had forgotten through the long winter how good it is to be driving a scooter on a warm day. You become painfully aware of how much there is in the world to be smelled, tasted, listened to, looked at, touched and comprehended before you die - a lifetime in every blink of the eye - and you find yourself twisting the throttle until she surges under you like a river, wanting to get to it all, all at once. You begin to fear death on the prettiest days."

Yep, that's about right.

OMG. I love that.

Witch · Post by **Witch** » Sat May 08, 2010 12:03 am

Boyfriend convinced me to get my first scooter.

I was sweating my ass off in the summer Texas sun going to work and back on a bicycle. Knew I couldn't afford a car if I wanted one, and never have been a great driver. So a scooter seemed like a pretty darn good option.

Five scooters later, and I'm still hooked.

Tanuki · Post by **Tanuki** » Mon May 10, 2010 6:22 am

My first scooter was a 50cc Chinese import - I got it cheap on Craigslist, and amazingly enough, it turned out to be fairly reliable. Because 50cc bikes don't require a license it was perfect for me to learn on. I was terrified at first, but once I got the hang of it I really loved riding it.

When the time came to move up to a better quality ride, I got a Buddy 125 because the price was right, and people on-line were saying great things about it. I'm only 5' tall, and although I did consider a Vespa, it felt gigantic to me.
The Buddy was far less intimidating.

After I got my Buddy, I passed the 50cc bike off to my boyfriend, he caught the scootering bug too, eventually we sold it off (for a dollar on Craigslist) and he got himself a shiny new Vespa.

My advice is to get your lady to try out a 50cc for awhile - and then move up to something bigger once she's hooked. [/i]

brape · Post by **brape** » Mon May 10, 2010 12:27 pm

Gas was $4 a gallon and my car was falling apart. I started looking at 50 cc scoots to help take some of the burden off my car. Realized that 50 cc wouldn't cut it and I'd need something with a bigger engine which would mean the whole insurance, registration and MC license thing and really take away from the gas savings, but still help keep wear and tare down on my car. (and be fun to tool around on)

I found the genuine scooter website and didn't think it was a "real" scooter brand until I stumbled on this site and saw all the good things people where saying about it. I went to the scooter shop and looked at the buddies they had in stock including a sunset orange birthday bike. I had just quit my job to go back to school so I hemmed and hawed at the matter for a few weeks before my mom pushed me into buying it. I went in and bought it, an hour lady some girl who's harly loving boyfriend had talked her out of buying it the night before came in to buy it

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Mon May 10, 2010 4:20 pm

it all happened this one night during my freshman year in college. I was supposed to be studying for my midterm that night but was dreading it, so i decided to get off task and browse google for a bit. At that time, i was NOT allowed to have my car in my possession, so i decided to look up different modes of transportation, i started googling up scooters...

i fell in love with the many types that were out there, i didn't know what else was good besides the usual brands like honda or yamaha's, fair enough, the day after i had finished taking my midterm, my bf and i visited a local scooter store in San Antonio, the moment i walked in, the Buddy's caught my eye.

they were all lined up in a row, shiny and pretty in pastel colors, i think one even winked at me!

right then and there, i payed cash and rode her home, not even having knowledge about the brand. i suppose i got "lucky" because she's been reliable for the past 2 years, i love it

it was a day after i bought her when i discovered MB, my bf signed me up with a username and PW and i was on my way to a whole different lifestyle

JuleBox · Post by **JuleBox** » Tue May 11, 2010 6:21 pm

The Hubby and I were in Seattle for a week. We then decided to rent 2 scoots for 3 hours from Scoot About http://www.scootabout.biz/. I rode an orange buddy, a 50. This was the first time either of us rode a gas powered 2-wheeler. WE LOVED IT!!
It was cloudy and chilly and we still enjoyed every second of our first outing on the scoots! I loved the size of the Buddy and the way she handled. Such a smooth ride!

After we returned home from Seattle, Chris and I kept talking and talking about the scoots. At the time we lived in Baltimore and he was commuting to Arlington, VA every other day for work. We continued to keep our cars.

About 1 1/2 years later we moved to Arlington, VA and we decided to sell both of our Cash Cows (cars) and buy two Buddy 125's! Sold our cars in August 2009 and have been riding our scoots all year long. We are coming up on our 1 year Anniversary for owning "The Mothership" and "SweetPea".

No regrets, only gains! Splurge a little on gear that will last and keep you safe and Enjoy the ride! Don't forget to smile EVERY time you fill 'er up for $3-4

BootScootin'FireFighter · Tue May 11, 2010 10:06 pm

show em' the photo of us on our Seattle scoots at the Gasworks Park on Lake union, that was the selling point right there

Post by **polianarchy** » Wed May 12, 2010 5:01 pm

JulietFitzie wrote:
polianarchy wrote: I tell people this: "Buying a scooter was the best decision I ever made...yes, better than grad school."
This is a really old thread but I had to give a thumbs up to this quote of yours. Love it.

Juliet

Wow, thank you!

BootScootin'FireFighter · Wed May 12, 2010 8:06 pm

Here's the Julebox and I on our maiden voyages. My TGB Key West was ok, but I really liked her Buddy, and was sold on that model. We tore up Seattle that day!

Coffeejunkie · Post by **Coffeejunkie** » Sun May 16, 2010 10:43 am

My wife too is getting more and more curious about scooting. I've already gotten her a helmet and pair of gloves for the occasional two-up. The other day we were at my local scooter shop where she was bought my birthday present (A set of saddle bags which are !&^#%&*%$&*%^& awesome, but that's another story for another post.), and she started eyeballing a used red and white Honda Metropolitan in really good condition. Of course she sat on it and at that moment I could see the wheels starting to turn.

The scooter bug has certainly started to take hold, but I know that in my case I need to wait until she's really ready to take the next step.

Of course that night I had a dream that Laurie and I had a carport full of scooters, and we were debating on who got to ride what today.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Mon May 17, 2010 1:17 am

My uncle and his girlfriend, both close to their 60s, were raving about how fun Buddy's were...also a co-worker had told me about them.

My husband was sceptical at first (we both had been anti-motorbike people previously, thinking "how unsafe they seemed"), but he consented to go with me when I went to "look" at some Buddy 125's (he knew what "look" meant...).

While I was signing the paperwork, I saw him looking at the scooters, and sure enough, within a month or so he went out and bought a scooter (a Piaggio Fly 150) also.

We have had such a blast on them. We have been able to explore many places nearby that we never would have bothered to go by car.

I commute by scooter much of the time as well--probably won't sell my car though, since it gives me more flexibility in hauling stuff and people, and stay warm and dry in inclement weather.

I know some folks on this forum commute all year round, but I'm not a good enough planner to do that (it takes a while to get all geared up, and get to work, and I'm NOT a morning person)....also, I like my creature comforts. However....I did buy some Gerbing's heated gloves a month or so back (worth their weight in gold!!!), and have warm, waterproof gear, so I give in to the scooting bug SOME cold days....

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Mon May 17, 2010 8:13 pm

I had been interested in scooting for some time, but really had no idea how much the bikes were, so I just didn't have a spot for them in the (mental) budget. And then MCMS opened, and my husband and I went in to check them out. That was all she wrote. I could have kicked myself for not getting one sooner.

Modern Buddy