Modern Buddy

If you are like me, you get a lot of questions about your scooter everytime you fill-up at your local "dino" station.

Questions like: How many miles to gallon do you get on that little thing? Or, can you take that thing on the freeway? And, How much did it cost?

I politely give those answers and they get that look in their eye like, "I can ride something like that!"

Then I hit them with reality, you have to learn how to ride a scooter, you have to get a motorcycle endorsement, insurance and you need safety gear. Most of all you have to realize the dangers of riding a 2 wheel motor driven vehicle and accept the risks.

Usually that either discourages them or causes them to ponder seriously whether it is worth it.

Does anyone else do that?

Buzzkill :p

Yes, I get all of those questions. After the basic how fast, how many mpg, how much, I have gotten to the point where I simply say, "There's more to it than just get and go if you want to survive."
The truly interested will usually question further. The rest just smile and nod their heads and go on their way.

Absolutely! There's a lot of romanticizing of scooter riding. For my own conscience I have to be balanced when talking to peoeple that are interested in getting a scooter. Yes, it is fun as heck - BUT - then they get the safety gear & riding mindset spiel.

-jetboy

I dont like killing people's joy, I just answer their questions. If they want to buy a scooter, they can find out slowly the skill it takes to ride.

I usually just answer their questions and they do usually ask if you need a special license... I don't even think about insurance, since I don't have any and I guess I assume they already know you need a helmet & gear since I'm wearing it right in front of them. Usually I'm too busy being happy to think about all that serious stuff... I guess I should try to bring it up next time?

I just reccomend a good shop for them to visit. Let the salesperson tell them the responsible side of owning a scooter. Makes it easier for them to sell them the right equipment too. I figure that although I may know more than average about a scooter, a good scooter shop would make my knowlege seem almost non-existent. Learn from the pros not from me