What Are Your Scooter Parking Guidelines?

[ache4dalake]

I've had my Buddy for several months and I still have not determined in my mind what makes sense when parking it. The young sales guy said "you can park it anywhere you would park a bicycle, including on the sidewalk". In fact, when I test drove the Buddy, you have to drive about 40' on the sidewalk of our downtown "mainstreet" just to get on the street when you leave the Vespa/Genuine dealer storefront. It would be great to drive on occassional sidewalks and park with the bicycles, etc. but I'm not sure I'm buying it. I live in a small college town and I'm sure it varies by area, but any imput? I need to internalize some "codes of conduct"

[ed85379]

Each city and state has their own parking regulations, and generally, if your scooter doesn't have to be registered, then it is considered a "moped" and can be parked like a bicycle, and if it does have to be registered/plated/insured, then it is considered a motorcycle and has to be parked like a car.

With that said, I know that my hometown of Boston is specifically not enforcing the parking rules when it comes to scooters because they are so small and so easy to steal.

So yes, you should be able to park your scooter on the sidewalk and chain it to a pole like a bicycle, but you should NEVER drive on the sidewalk. On a sidewalk you should only push the scooter, with the engine off. Also, when parking it, just make sure that you don't block the sidewalk. There should be more than enough room left for a wheelchair to get by without problems. If the sidewalk is too narrow for that, then don't park it there.

[brape]

In Connecticut a 125 would be registered as a motorcycle and as such is required to park in a legal parking spot. Depending on where I am parking I might park in that striped non-spot at the end of a row or on inside corrners, but I try and keep it to legal parking spots.

My biggest scooter parking pet peeve is scooters who parked in the stripped rectangles next to handicapped spots. (I have yet to see a motorcycle do this) Those spots allow for handcaped van access and are marked off for a reason.

[Kaos]

It depends a lot on where I'm at. In the suburbs around where I live I will quite often park on the sidewalk in an out of the way spot or often near a bike rack. In downtown Portland, they have clearly marked motorcycle spots which I will often use, or I will park rear-tire to the curb on the ends of spots. I rarely park on the sidewalk in the downtown area as there is a lot of foot traffic and I would be in the way. There are also 1/2 block long bike racks in some areas that have a large space at either end that isn't used for anything but is not a car parking spot that I'll often park in as well.

[iMoses]

I think you'll find that "parking guidelines" are a moving target. It will depend on where you are at the moment and the motivation of the police/security at that moment also. Here in the KC area there are so many suburbs and each has it's own regulations.

One morning 6 of us parked on the sidewalk in front of a coffee shop (we were all given written warnings). And then this past Sunday in a different part of town 4 of us parked on the sidewalk in front a a busy restaurant and the police who passed by didn't even say a word or give the scoots a second look.

Though what brape said (a 125 would be registered as a motorcycle and as such is required to park in a legal parking spot) holds true here also.
I guess the answer is... it depends

[TVB]

Even though my "moped" registration would imply that I don't have to, I always park my scooter like a motorcycle or a car. I try to pick spots where the scooter will be visible to approaching drivers, so they don't try to pull into the same spot. The only thing I do different from parking my car is that the other scooterist at my office and I share a spot when we both ride.

(Due to road reconstruction on my block, currently the only safe way to get my scoot onto sound pavement is to go down to the corner on the sidewalk, but I walk it.)

[bpatrick5]

Because it has to be registered, I'm pretty sure in the Phoenix area we are required to park in a legal parking place. But, city police does not patrol parking lots. In AZ, it's just too hot to leave the scooter anywhere in direct sunlight. In commercial areas, I'll try to park under whatever overhang the building has, which usually requires parking on the perimeter sidewalk. Foot traffic is almost zero, except directly from the doors to the parking lot. Downtown, I'd park wherever a car or motorcycle parks. I'm positive that the police would issue a citation if I parked on a public sidewalk.

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

Usually the cops here are too misinformed about the difference between 125's and mopeds, or they really don't know how to proceed, so they just walk on. There's also a major push for transportation alternatives to get cars off the street, and more people in transit or smaller vehicles, so maybe they just ignore it. A lot of them don't even know how to interpret the laws, I've gotten conflicting answers from both local cops and state police.

It hasn't been a big problem in Arlington. I usually cut off the ignition when I enter the sidewalk and coast my way up to my spot. I make sure it's well out of the way of pedestrian traffic and look for a pole (leaving the bicycle racks for bikes since theres a huge presence of them here). Even here, since drivers are so short fused, I wouldn't park it on the street by myself at all, unless I want to find it pushed on the side and run over. People tend to go off the deep end when they see a tiny scooter taking up a large parking space. I MAY take a cager spot if I'm with my wife and we're both riding, that way we chain them together.

Best bet is to play it by ear, and the places you often visit, scope out your prime spot to park. If you're making multiple stops in the same area, park inbetween them all, lock it up once, and walk.

[Mark2000]

In San Francisco you can park on the sidewalk - if the property owner is ok with it - anywhere where where the building overhangs. So I could park under a bay window on the side walk. As for riding on the sidewalk, you aren't even allowed to ride a segway there. After nearly being killed several times by scooter riders in Seoul on the sidewalks (where Scooters are literally above any traffic laws including driving the wrong way on a street and running reds) I personally would put a stick in your spokes as you passed me. Just don't.

[Syd]

I'd say go in and ask at either/both police HQs. I asked at the Tempe PD, and was given a handout of what I'd get ticketed for. It included parking, registration, riding, the whole gamut.

They were very helpful. And I've found, when it comes to the law "it is easier to get forgiveness than to get approval" really *does not* apply.

[r0sa]

in austin, we are not allowed to park up on sidewalks, but we do get free parking at meters any hour of the day, if its parallel parking, rear wheel against the curb

[maribell]

in austin, we are not allowed to park up on sidewalks, but we do get free parking at meters any hour of the day, if its parallel parking, rear wheel against the curb

Too bad the last time I executed said maneuvers I wound up sharing a spot with two greedy cagers. I park wherever it's out of the way of aggressive people.

[jmkjr72]

here in wi 50 cc scooter are plated as mopeds and are treated like bicycles and yes i park my 50 just like a bicycle heck i even chain it to a rack

now there are times that it just is too much of a pain to walk it to the rack
yes in wi you have to get off the scooter and walk it to the rack

then i will look at the car parking spots

but when we ride to lambeau we have our own "scooter" parking

we have found a spot out away from every thing with lines around the staduiums sign and we park our scoots there

now the stella gets parkes in car spots unless there is an area off to the side where there are a lot of bikes parked

[Leif]

In Denver I tend to park on the sidewalk or with bicycles counting on the laziness of the meter maid to not get out of their car. So far so good.

[ed85379]

I should amend my previous reply to this post.

I just got ticketed for parking on the sidewalk. *sigh*
It was the end of the month and I guess one of the meter maids was low on their quota...
$65 freakin' dollars.

Looks like from now on I'll be parking in the alley and relying on my Xena alarm. Though that might prevent it from being stolen, it isn't visible enough to act as a deterrent to prevent it from being dropped after a failed theft attempt.

*grumble*

[LuvMyScoot]

I always park in a parking spot just like a car would except when I'm at the local big chain grocery store. Everyone who is a regular or who works there parks their motorcycles, scooters, bikes, etc on this rather large terrace that is right in front of the store. No one ever says anything, including the cops.

[ed85379]

I always park in a parking spot just like a car would

One of the reasons I got the scooter was so that I wouldn't have to pay a fortune for parking anymore just to go to work. And even in the paid lots, there is still nowhere to chain up my scooter, and it could be walked right out one of the gates.

[Bdiddy11]

At stores we'll park our scoots in the middle section where you've got two cement barrier things that block off parking spaces that face each other... if that makes sense?

like at Wal-Mart. There is about a 2-3 foot gap in there, or by the handicap parking there is typically a fairly big rectangle with lots of yellow stripes... not sure what that box means, but never seen anyone park there or get busted for it. So we park there out of the way.

[richard]

Those yellow lines are next to handicap spaces to allow people with specially equipped vehicles to load and unload personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs. They need the extra space next to their automobiles to do so. I am not sure of the legality of putting your scooter there (I would assume it is illegal), but if you do I think it would be nice to leave plenty of space for those who may need it. I park in regular parking spots. Back it in and then pulled up towards the front so no one pulls in mistaking the lack of bumper for an empty parking space. When it comes to parking, scooter=car in my mind.

[ed85379]

When it comes to parking, scooter=car in my mind.

Easy to say when parking a car is free. However, when you're downtown and the only parking is either garages (which don't allow motorcycles or scooters) or lots (which require keeping the receipt on your dashboard), there are not many options. Of course there are metered spots, if you're lucky enough to find one open, but at $1/hr, and technically having to move your vehicle to a different spot every two hours, they are pretty useless as well.

[Lostmycage]

At stores we'll park our scoots in the middle section where you've got two cement barrier things that block off parking spaces that face each other... if that makes sense?

like at Wal-Mart. There is about a 2-3 foot gap in there, or by the handicap parking there is typically a fairly big rectangle with lots of yellow stripes... not sure what that box means, but never seen anyone park there or get busted for it. So we park there out of the way.

Those yellow stripes are there to give vans with wheelchair ramps room to open and load/unload the wheelchairs. "Not cool" would be the mildest way to describe the practice of parking there.

The concrete things are wheel stops. I'd be wary of parking there since your scoot could easily be knocked over or onto another car should a car pull all the way in.


If it's a registered vehicle, and you enjoy the same rights and expectations of a car, then park like a car. It's never failed me. Park far enough towards the rear of the space so that it's not mistaken for an empty space.

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

like at Wal-Mart.

Walmart is the DEVIL that destroys Main St, small town America... stay away!

http://www.walmartmovie.com/

[Hwarang]

When I park my scooter, I play a game called, "Will it fit there? Let's score some rockstar parking!!" ... but I avoid places where it may be tipped, bumped or otherwise in the way.

[TVB]

Those yellow lines are next to handicap spaces to allow people with specially equipped vehicles to load and unload personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs. They need the extra space next to their automobiles to do so. I am not sure of the legality of putting your scooter there (I would assume it is illegal), but if you do I think it would be nice to leave plenty of space for those who may need it.

Yeah, if you park right next to the sliding side door of my friend Johnnie's van, he can't deploy the ramp that allows him to get back in. You might as well just park directly behind his van... same effect: he's stuck.* If you park in that buffer area before he parks there, you've "only" deprived him of a place to park. Which is why it's the same as a handicapped-parking violation.

*Actually, he'd probably be less upset if you parked behind him. Then he'd be able to get into his van and ram your vehicle with it.

[Lostmycage]

When I park my scooter, I play a game called, "Will it fit there? Let's score some rockstar parking!!" ... but I avoid places where it may be tipped, bumped or otherwise in the way.

That reminds me of my other parking guideline.

Don't park where someone will get pissed off or overly jealous. This is more of a gut feeling than absolutely definable. I'd just rather walk a little extra than risk vandalism to my bikes.

I'd rather just walk like a rockstar a few extra struts.

[Syd]

My parking guidlines:

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

My parking guidlines:

treat that middle lane as a sidewalk. allows elderly, disabled, and families to safely navigate the asphalt jungle. these are particularly popular at newly built Target shopping centers. *I endore Target over walmart anyday. A much more moral American company that practices good labor rules and gives back to local schools.*

[nateandcourt]

I'll park in the yellow striped areas here or a normal parking spot.
There are a few places that I will park near the building, but out of the way of foot traffic. Wal-mart here lets us park near the entrance.

The handicap spots as well as the striped loading areas around them here are blue (no yellow). So there is no mistaking those areas.

[BuddyRaton]

When I park my scooter, I play a game called, "Will it fit there? Let's score some rockstar parking!!" ... but I avoid places where it may be tipped, bumped or otherwise in the way.

PARK LIKE A ROCK STAR!

[craho]

I used the search to find this old thread.
Thanks for your collective wisdom. I have been tempted to run it up on the sidewalk in a few places but got a close, visible spot and that seems to be the best option.
I can appreciate: you get the rights of a car, be responsible like a car.
Happy parking all.

[Cheshire]

This thread resurfacing made me remember an issue I had earlier this month. I was going downtown in the car (what I was after wouldn't fit on the scooter) and the only (parallel) spot left had a curb at the back and a spot before it...with a scooter parked just on the empty spot's side of the line that separated the two spots.
It was a handicapped spot (I have a placard), but the problem would have been the same if it was a regular spot. For the record, I drive a stick-shift Subaru Forester.

It was pretty obvious the scooter had parked there after the car in the space in front, and the space the scooter took up was the space I needed to maneuver into the spot without hitting the curb or driving over the curb behind the spot onto the sidewalk/planted tree. I'm pretty good at parking, but was forced to get within half a foot of the scooter to get out of the (narrow, one-way) street. The rider must have noticed, as halfway through parking he showed up and moved his scooter across the street...between two other cars.

Don't park BETWEEN spaces: you're asking to get bumped, even when it's by accident. I was really trying hard not to hit his scooter (and succeeding), but I just about guarantee others had tried and continued looking (not cool when it's a disabled spot) and someone else would probably just have driven into it out of frustration. (I'm sorry to admit it briefly crossed my mind.)

[cdwise]

When I'm on one of the small scoots I'll park with bicycles on the end of the rack in Houston. I've done so right in front of a cop without issue but I don't ride on the sidewalk as a general rule.

At most shopping centers or stores I'll park next to the building as long as I don't block access. I've specifically asked at my local Starbucks about parking on their patio and was told as long as I didn't block tables or access it was okay. I asked a cop in the parking lot at one of the pubs about parking along the side of the patio and he said as long as the property owner was okay with it and I wasn't blocking the sidewalk not an issue.

Having said that if I'm riding the Burgman I always park it like a car because that sucker is BIG.

[hal1]

On an off, but related note - I hate motorcyclists that use the sidewalk in front of a store as their personal parking space

[killbilly]

On an off, but related note - I hate motorcyclists that use the sidewalk in front of a store as their personal parking space

Fry's Electronics actually encourages it.

The local grocery also seems to be cool with it.

[cdwise]

On an off, but related note - I hate motorcyclists that use the sidewalk in front of a store as their personal parking space

Blocking the sidewalk is uncool regardless of who does it. One of the pubs here encourages bikes & scooters to park between the sidewalk and the street, they even paved that part with large pavers to encourage folks to park there. Parking over in the village center is very congested. If you don't get somewhat creative with parking you'll never find a spot.

[ericalm]

From an earlier thread about parking in LA. Most of these guidelines would apply anywhere.

In downtown urban areas it's often very hard to find parking unless you live in a city like SF that has specific motorcycle spaces on the street. In LA, many of the public (city owned!) lots will not allow any kind of motorcycle/scooter parking.

The main rules to follow are to use your best judgment, try to keep the scooter visible, away from cars, and don't block access to anything.

On public streets, definitely try to find a legal space and, as Skootz said, try to take the whole space. LAPD will ticket in many parts of Hollywood if you're on the sidewalk.

In private lots, though, it's usually wide open. The general rule here is to not block pedestrian access and to be out of the way of cars.

You may see a lot of scooters or motorcycles parked in between cars in metered spaces. This is a really bad idea. I've personally seen two scooters knocked over or into another car when parked like this.

As far as garages, it's a mix. The Arclight garage, for instance, is really easy to get in and out of without having to pay. Same goes for Hollywood and Highland (though I did get stopped there once). On the other hand, the new Trader Joes on Vine? Extra long arms blocking the way out. Be sure to validate!

There are a lot of less visible places where you can find a hidden spot to stash your scoot. The problem with these is that you probably don't want to leave the scoot out of sight for too long.

There are also some places where you can get away with parking on sidewalks as long as you don't block anything. I do this pretty frequently in the Beverly/Fairfax District area, Melrose, Burbank, Downtown. There are some wide, spacious sidewalks on many side streets.

[wifiducky]

i just park if someone talks ill move but i just park even inside sometimes XD

[Tanuki]

Seattle parking enforcement doesn't really know the difference between a moped and a scooter, I've been parking on the sidewalk in front of my work for years with no problem - but a couple of weeks ago I accidentally parked on a metal cover for the gas meter, and parking enforcement noticed and gave me a verbal warning. Seattle is really cracking down on parking enforcement lately (due to the city budget being screwed up) so I've been keepin' it legal...just in case.

[un_designer]

Depends on the situation...

If there's a parking lot, I'll usually just take a spot or the half-spots that often exist at supermarket cart-return corrals and lock the scooter to it.

If there's a wide sidewalk where I can park w/o obstructing anything/anybody, and seeing other scooters/motorcycles park there often enough, I'll join in.

If in an area with high foot-traffic and/or enforcement like downtown, I don't risk it. Denver already has too many ridiculous speed traps and money-making schemes that has nothing to do with safety, they don't need anymore of my money for a parking ticket.

[skully93]

You are right!

Denver generally leaves scooters alone if you aren't driving like a jerk. Sometimes even if you are.

There's a new breed of scooter owners that drift about carefree with no gear and seemingly no regard for any kind of traffic laws. I had a guy with his wife on the back driving down 17th that just cut across all 3 lanes, no signal, etc. he ended up next to me at the light on Broadway. I just told him flat out he was going to get hurt driving like that, and said no more.

Since i do have a 50cc (at least for now) as a spare for parking downtown, I do so at teh many racks provided. I try not to ride on the sidewalk, but there are times leaving when I figure there is no way I'll pull into the street and THEN start it, so I just navigate carefully. I have had people walk out in front of the scooter, as if it doesn't count when at crosswalks.

[Mutt the Hoople]

Here in Saint Louis if you have a 50cc or less you can park on the sidewalk unless posted otherwise. That makes going to the Central West End a joy again as parking is so bad that I quit going.... Ahhhh the joys of Straub's grocery store... Love it.

[un_designer]

so messing around on reddit, i saw an interesting reply from this person who claims to be a meter maid working in the downtown area of Denver. i've looked at his/her (?) other posts and it seems legit. regarding non 50-cc scooters parking on sidewalks, this is what he/she has to say, bold emphasis mine:

[–]DenMeterMaid 1 point 8 hours ago
A 125cc Scooter with a plate is a licensed vehicle and must be parked as though it was any other licensed vehicle; in a space (paid if metered) and not on the side walk. Here's the kicker, if it looks like a 50cc Scooter and no plate the only way we could ticket it is to use the VIN. I see plenty of these that are obviously greater than 50cc but have been demarked. However, if caught by DPD, i.e. a moving violation the scooter will be impounded. Most agents won't bother with a scoother, even a plated one parked on the sidewalk as long as it is 1) parked "normally" and not obstructing the sidewalk 2) a current registration (seriously, I had one with plates expired in 2006 one time) and 3) doesn't look like a motorcycle. It's not a free pass, it would be a good ticket to write, but it's one of those things that we (mostly) understand is just part of city life.

[Capt_Don]

At the mall that I work at I use a regular parking spot for the scooter and chain the moped up to the gate thingy that stops people from walking off the third floor paring lot to their deaths!

At Walmart, one of the greatest places on Earth, I park in a regular parking spot.

At home I park on my front patio.

If I go out to eat I park where I can see it from where I am eating, I just like to see it when I want when I am eating, I do not know why. Maybe because I can... not really sure.

[theflash784]

You can not generalize law enforcement personnel as to if they will or will not issue a ticket. Each person is as different as everyone on this forum. Some officers won't deal with parking violations, others seek out handicap or fire lane violations while others will go for cars parked for sale or whatever violation they chose. If an officer doesn't write a lot of tickets, they may not be familiar with the parking regs. A parking enforcement officer or a traffic officer will know them because they deal with them all the time. One officer may shrug his/her shoulders if asked about parking while another can tell you what the traffic code is word for word. City codes may also differ from state laws so what the State police deal with will be different than what the locals do.

[mikew]

So I came out to find my scooter on the ground with a broken rear brake handle and scratches all over since it was laying on the ground, as someone obviously knocked it over on accident or on purpose I don't know...

I orderded a new handle but does anyone know where to get new plastics for cheap... My scooter is new I don't want it having scratches all over


This is a lesson to watch where u park

[ericalm]

Sorry to hear. I witnessed this happen to a scooter yet another time recently. That was the third time I've seen it!

For the plastics, I don't think they'll be any cheaper pin one place than another. Call your dealer first. They can order the parts. If not them, then call Scooterworks. They probably won't list them online.

[JettaKnight]

So I came out to find my scooter on the ground with a broken rear brake handle and scratches all over since it was laying on the ground, as someone obviously knocked it over on accident or on purpose I don't know...

I orderded a new handle but does anyone know where to get new plastics for cheap... My scooter is new I don't want it having scratches all over


This is a lesson to watch where u park

So, where did you park?

[ed85379]

So I came out to find my scooter on the ground with a broken rear brake handle and scratches all over since it was laying on the ground, as someone obviously knocked it over on accident or on purpose I don't know...

I orderded a new handle but does anyone know where to get new plastics for cheap... My scooter is new I don't want it having scratches all over


This is a lesson to watch where u park

For the plastics, I don't think they'll be any cheaper pin one place than another. Call your dealer first. They can order the parts. If not them, then call Scooterworks. They probably won't list them online.

Scooterworks doesn't list them online, but http://www.scooterloungeonline.com/genu ... bodypanels does.

[mikew]

Forgot to mention this was actually my wifes scooter I was riding that day but obviously both are mine. , parked in a parking spot right in front of a store. I now make sure to park in single spots next to handicapped areas, or at work I park up front on a sidewalk area next to bike racks where I'm not in the way.