Repairs in Paris?

[conan]

Does anyone know if I can find parts for my Buddy in Paris, France?
I know PGO manufactures the bikes and you can find PGO parts in France.

I am moving there and I am taking my (soon to be purchased) Buddy with me. I don't want to get stuck with a broken Buddy while I am there.

Thanks in advance
conan

[Keys]

I can't vouch for France in particular, but the PGO version is marketed in Europe. I think it's called the Ligero. Something like that which makes no sense to me. Anyway, I did a google search on the the PGO My Bubu and found a site that had a few photos of an '04 model, which means that they have been there for a while. I'm thinking the pics were from either France or Belgium.

--Keys

[lobsterman]

Does anyone know if I can find parts for my Buddy in Paris, France?
I know PGO manufactures the bikes and you can find PGO parts in France.

I am moving there and I am taking my (soon to be purchased) Buddy with me. I don't want to get stuck with a broken Buddy while I am there.

Thanks in advance
conan

I'd wait and buy a scooter there. No shipping and you'll get it from a local dealer that can service it. Probably have a lot more choices than here too.

[conan]

The shipping shouldn't be a problem. My fiance's company is supplying a container. This all started when I realized I had to sell my car. I decided that it would be a good idea to go ahead and sell my car so I wasn't in Paris worrying about it.

I already knew I was going to need a scooter there (driving in Paris is no fun). It seemed like a good idea to get one here to replace my car and take it with me.

My only option if I can't have my Buddy repaired in Paris is to get a Vino.

[ericalm]

PGO scooters are sold in France, but I'm not sure if they sell the Buddy under the name "Ligero" (as in the UK) or something else. Unfortunately, that model isn't available in every country. I agree that it would be much easier to wait and buy something after the move. Importing and registering a motor vehicle of any kind overseas is a hassle. Also, you may have warranty issues once you export the scoot.

There are probably a number of options to buy in France other than the Vino. If not a PGO, then possibly a Piaggio brand. As well as Vespa, they make Derbi and Gilera scoots, some great models which are not sold in the US. I think Kymcos are also sold in France. And I'm sure you could find a used Vespa automatic (ET4, LX125).

[Bryce-O-Rama]

Wait until you get to France to buy a scooter. You will have so many more choices there. I'm also not sure about the legality of getting your Buddy 125 into France.

[conan]

Thanks for the feedback.
It seems it would be a better idea to wait and buy one in Paris. If anyone is interested to know how difficult it is to take your own scooter read below.

Prior to 1 July 2004, it was not necessary to register a 50cc moped (cyclomoteur). However, as of the 1 July 2004, all new scooters (those which have never been on the road) must have a Carte Grise. It will be up to the vendor (who should have signed a convention with the State) to register a new scooter in your name. You will provide the dealer with the required information and your identity card/passport or, in the case of a business purchase, a Kbis or Lbis registration certificate.

Owners of used scooters have until 30 June 2009 to obtain a Carte Grise, but may do so before this time if they wish. To register an older bike and get a Carte Grise, either write to the address below or go to a recognised vendor who has signed the convention with the State and complete the necessary forms.

You will need to provide the paperwork mentioned below:

• the form Demande d'immatriculation completed and signed. (Forms are available from auto dealers, the Préfecture or can be downloaded from the government website Form Cerfa 10672)
• a certificate of Conformité communautaire or the insurance document which should include the technical/motor identification details.
and if writing, send a mandat signed for you by a vendor.
• If you bring a new scooter to France from abroad you must register it immediately at the following address:

Ministère de l'Interieur
Service central d'immatriculation des cyclomoteurs,
26 avenue Charles de Gaulle,
BP 80090,
95165 Montmorency Cedex.

You must provide the following paperwork:
the form Demande d'immatriculation completed and signed. (Forms are available from auto dealers, the Préfecture or can be downloaded from the government website Form Cerfa 10672)
a certificate of Conformité communautaire with all details on it, or a certificate with all technical information provided by the constructor
the original invoice
the certificate fiscal from the tax department if bought in the EU or a customs certificate No: 846A.

Basically When you take a scooter it better be sold in France or it is impossible or too pricey to register it.

Sorry if this took up too much space in the forum.

Thanks for all of your suggestions
conan