Scooters Are Sold Out!

[Groovealufagus]

My question with this "boom" is where everybody is going to park them downtown if they start commuting. My little out of the way parking spot is only useable for a handful of two wheelers right now because nobody cares about a couple of motorcycles and a scooter as long as they don't get in the way. At some point, there has to be legitimate parking for all these scooters and motorcycles. That may mean we actually have to pay for it (gasp).

I live in Denver and work downtown. I can take a walk around one square block and spot roughly 15 - 20 parked scooters in my view every day, and see more and more all over town almost weekly. I don't see many scoots riding around town that are bigger than 50cc's, though, which accounts for why they're all sidewalk parked. I have seen a few foolishly parked 150's and 250's on the sidewalk, which is definitely illegal (including one parked at the federal building bike rack). They'll learn via a $25.00 ticket soon enough, that they have to find a legit parking alternative. I learned the hard way, myself.

Fortunately there are only a few scoot riders in my office building and we've got a huge lined box in the garage next to the bicycle only rack and the management lets us park there and come and go through the loading dock so we don't screw up their revenue numbers by dealing with the ticketing machine. Makes me feel lucky.

Otherwise, I'd be rolling it in and out of an outside pay lot that uses a ticket/gate system (versus a numbered spot/pay the box system... won't work at one of those) a block away over the grassy median. No harm, no foul, since I'd park it in a yellow box there, too, and wouldn't actually be using a parking spot, but I prefer the in the building option.

Get creative... not that I'm condoning anything illegal (what you get when you get advice from a Rattler owner, I suppose).

[anndelise]

...How many people on this list NEEDED a vehicle (live somewhere with no public transportation and no walking or bicycling access to groceries/etc) and bought a scooter INSTEAD of a car?

How many people bought a scooter and have found that the mileage wasn't what they expected, and that the costs of owning a scooter (insurance, gear, service, financing) are actually costing them more than the gas they're saving, WHILE they're paying insurance/financing/service on their car anyway? And how many people on this list find themselves joyriding more than they would have ever though possible?

*raises hand*
Me

I have a very run down minivan. It scares me to drive it because of it had been left sitting to rust and let mice into it and has all sorts of holes and leaking issues. It even grows mushrooms inside it (not drug kind!!). It costs me over $50 to fill it up, and gets max 22mpg. When it came time to renew my insurance coverage, I didn't want to waste the money on it. (I still have a few days to decide.) (I had bought the van a few years ago for $500 when my little $1400 two door car was giving out but would cost over $1400 to fix.)

I also live about 20 miles away from two different towns. 20 miles from one, 20 miles from the other. I also live in the pacific northwest top corner, so lots of regular rain.

I am sick of going from one box (my home) to another box (the van) to another box (the store) back into the van box, back into the home box. I'm sick of feeling so isolated but am unwilling to use a box to 'deisolate' myself. I also miss the amount of exploring that I used to do before I became a mother.

Because of the issues with the van, I've been desperately wanting another vehicle. My ideal vehicle I knew I could never afford. So I was going to have to settle for less. But I've always had to settle for less in the automotive department, and I'm pretty sick of it. I also wanted to be more 'out', more open, more a part of the world than a box allows. I liked the idea of the friendliness between other scooters, and between scooters and bikers. I liked the idea of people stopping to chat with me about scooters, bikes, motorcycles, roads, equipment, sharing stories, etc.

I really wanted an electric scooter. Or a power-assisted bike. (I might still eventually get a power-assisted bike, not sure though.) But the battery time was a bit too close considering how far I live from town, the round trip it would have to take, as well as the in-town travel, and the hills. I wasn't willing to make that kind of risk nor worry about how much power do I have left??

So I settled, sorta, heh. I looked into gas powered scooters. Sat on a Vespa and a Fly and just didn't like how high it was, nor how heavy they were. I'm a newbie, I wanted something lower to the ground (I'm short) and something I felt I could handle. I was also worried at the time about getting the motorcycle license so I was looking at the 50cc. Unfortunately, I also have to spend about 4.5 miles on a 50mph limit road. So I had to look into derestriction and all that entails. I decided on getting a Buddy 50cc derestricted. I could learn to ride it around my neighborhood before anyone knew that it was derestricted, and I could take my time to get a license (I just got my permit this past Friday, and I'm signing up for the course by the end of this week or beginning of next). Since my gear came in yesterday, I can now travel a short ways to a 35mph road, keep it at 30mph as I learn how to ride at higher speeds than my neighborhood's 15mph, and before working may way to the 50mph road (doing 40 on a road where people speed on a 50??? yikes!)

I purchased a $500 jacket/pant outfit that has liners and is neon-yellow. I wanted something for warmth in changing weathers, that would protect from rain regardless of temperature, and that had high visibility to help reduce some types of accidents. I didn't want weather (except for snow and high winds) to prevent me from riding.

After having the scooter for maybe 2 weeks(?), I'm wishing I had been able to scramble up another $1000 to get a 125 or 150cc just because of that road. I like the idea of taking back roads into town. I think 30-35mph is a nice comfy speed that allows me to look around, and take pleasure in the ride instead of feeling rushed to get somewhere or to keep up with traffic. But for that one road, I'm realizing that a derestricted 50cc just isn't going to cut it safely. So after a year (after repaying my brother who loaned me the money for it, and after proving to him and my s.o. that this is the route I'm going…they'll both be more likely to chip in and together buy me a 150cc..or better an MP3) I will be getting another scooter (unless we move back into town).

So yes, I needed a new vehicle, live out where a cage is more convenient/realistic, but still bought a scooter.

And yes, I recognize that I'm still a newbie and that anything I say now could very well change, making me into one of those who give up on scooter riding.
(But, realistically, the only thing that is causing me any trouble is that one stupid stupid road. Grrrrr)

[KCScooterDude]

I am wondering where all the new scooters are.

I hear they're selling like hotcakes but I don't see them around much more than I have the past two years. Maybe I live in the wrong part of town for the scooter boom, but I don't see them downtown when I commute to the office either.

My question with this "boom" is where everybody is going to park them downtown if they start commuting. My little out of the way parking spot is only useable for a handful of two wheelers right now because nobody cares about a couple of motorcycles and a scooter as long as they don't get in the way. At some point, there has to be legitimate parking for all these scooters and motorcycles. That may mean we actually have to pay for it (gasp).

I live in the suburbs of Kansas City, Mo. There's always been lots of motorcycles, though I see more of them these days - probably because I'm on two wheels myself.

I cover about 45 square miles on my regular scooter jaunts around the burbs and I can't go five minutes without seeing another scooter. Last night, I pulled to a light behind a 50cc Yamaha at coming the opposite way waiting for the light was a Buddy. There are three larger strip shopping center developments near my house all on the same road (71st and Mission, 83rd and Mission, 95th and Mission for you KC people) and whenever I go to one of these areas on a shopping mission or for business, etc., I see two or three scooters in the area or parked. The coffee shops near my house? Drive by one 10 time and 7 times there will be one or more scoots out front.

We've got a great Genuine dealer in the area - Scooterworld in Overland Park - (about five miles from my house) and that has something to do with it, but I also see a lot of Honda Metros, Yamahas, cheap Chinascoots and a few, but not many maxis such as Bergmans (my fantasy), Silverwings and Majesty's.

FYI - not many Vespas. For every 20 scoots I see, maybe I'll see an LX, but I think it's because there's a guy in the neighborhood with one. Lots more Buddies.

So, that's where they are - at least around here.

[Howardr]

I went to our Genuin Dealer today and they have no buddy's of any kind in stock. They have five 150's coming in next week and they are already sold. They have 6-8 Stella's in the shop, but I think they are all sold as well.

I know what you mean about not seeing a lot of scooters around. I commute 16 miles to work and I see another scoot maybe twice a week. I think a lot of people get a scooter then decide they are "too hot" or "too windy" or "too scary around all those cars." I think it will be a used scooter buyer's paradise in 6-12 months

Howard

[armacham]

I just put a deposit down for an Italia, but I won't get it until the shipment after next shipment, and who knows when that will be.

[ringdoc]

I am going to put a deposit on a pamplona this friday, went to the scooter dealer week before last and would not take my money untill this shipment came in. sounded funny to me but ya do what ya gottta do

[Ecomotoslc]

All Genuine product has been in short supply and high demand! We should have most of the Buddy models (125 & 150cc) in stock or coming in stock next week. I don't think anyone anticipated this much demand for scooters this year including myself! Be patient as the wait is well worth it!

[armacham]

Be patient as the wait is well worth it!

But i want it now

[jossy]

Then when hydrogen and electricity become the main fuel for all vehicles, what the heck am I supposed to fill my tank with? Maybe there will be a fuel additive like there is for older cars before gas was made unleaded.

dont panic , My friend fills his tank with gas and hydrogen he makes from a balloon crazy at it sounds.

[jossy]

I would bet money that it would last.

IMO the reason for the scooter craze is the raising gas prices. The reason for that is not really going to change. The oil producing countries are going to limit the amount of oil the produce. They are not going to dry themselves out just to please the insatiable need we have. Add to that the much-increased demand from countries like India and specially China. Their people are starting to be able to purchase cars and their infrastructure is growing like crazy. All of it using materials that most likely come from oil or its derivatives.

At some point other means of generating power will become much more common (wind, solar, waves, etc) and there will be more options for vehicles that use electricity, fuel cells, etc. However, that will not start any time soon, but maybe 10, 20, 30 years from now.

In the mean time the demand for oil will continue to increase, while the supply will continue to be rationed. I don’t see a change on the supply-demand of oil in the near future.

I don’t think the USA will become the scooter landscape we are used to see in Europe any time soon, if ever. But I do think the scooters are here to stay as a viable means of urban transport for the next 10-20 years until a viable and affordable electric car is sold. In the mean time, there will be the people that buy a scoot for the economy and then there will be those aficionados that promote it and the scooting lifestyle.

If you live in a farm in ND, scooters are probably not a solution for you. But if you live in an urban area and one of your 2 cars needs to be retired, a scooter becomes a much better solution. Keep in mind that 89% of the people that commutes are riding by themselves. At some point people will start realizing that the scooter makes sense,

I think we are at the beginning of the renaissance of scooting in the USA for a good long time.

I have to agree with you on this one with the gas, I live In New Smyrna beach Ive seen triple the scooters on the road as I did last year hear it tickles me to see people riding double and stocking the back of there scooters with groceries Ill be doing this soon and Hopefully on my Buddy.
Anyhow I could project to see most coastlines of Florida to become the Europe or italy of scooters with the gas prices , Florida is the Italy of the US except its flat...Ahaahaha...

[amanda_c]

A Craigslist search for "scooter" brings up a ton of Wanted listings for gas scooters, including this one:

MY PS3 FOR YOUR GAS SCOOTER
I want to trade my ps3 for your gas powered scooter.
PS3 COMES WITH 3 GAMES AND 2 CONTROLLERS

[SKA'D_Scooterist]

Yea, it's like a horror movie. The scooter shop that has NONE left!

Every dealer is feeling the pain. Their pockets are filling, but what happens when every single bike is gone? Theres a time period where sales will be down because they cant keep selling, no product to sell! Most dealers will be seeing this for a few weeks or a month.

Too many people rushing into scooting based all on gas prices. I'm curious to see if the majority will still scoot if gas ever went back down to 99 cents a gallon.

The same is true here in St Pete FL. When I went in to the local scooter shop to scope out their scooter inventory in late May, the floor was full of Genuine, Kymco, Daelim, electric bikes, etc. Now, late June and they have so few bikes, the dealers have to put their OWN bikes on the floor just to fill the space. Only a few Kymcos were there last Sat and a handful of electrics.

I myself got lucky with my Bud. There was one on the way to this dealer just as I was in the market and, after a color-change, I picked it up. Apparently, Chicago only puts out a set amount of scooters a month. Once they are shipped, you have to wait until next month for the next shipment. It would be wise on their part to step up production (at least a little) to mean the rising summer demand, especially this summer.

S.S.

[armacham]

The same is true here in St Pete FL. When I went in to the local scooter shop to scope out their scooter inventory in late May, the floor was full of Genuine, Kymco, Daelim, electric bikes, etc. Now, late June and they have so few bikes, the dealers have to put their OWN bikes on the floor just to fill the space. Only a few Kymcos were there last Sat and a handful of electrics.


S.S.

yep, here in Tucson the store was completely empty of everything except 1 consignment bike, a couple of stellas, a single Buddy 125 for test drives, and the scooters that belong to the employees.

3 Months ago they didn't have room for all the scooters that they had!

[MikieTaps]

I wouldnt trade my buddy for 1,000,000 PS3's!

[7eregrine]

Those of us who are riding and contributing to forums rank as hard core two wheelers. We'll ride in rough weather or other adverse conditions not to save money, but because we love to ride. Some of the newbies will wind up hard core, some will retreat to the comfort of their heat and AC at the first sign of adversity. It's just human nature, especially in countries spoiled by affluence.

I resent that remark. I'd certainly call myself hardcore. The absolute last reason on my list for buying a scooter was "fuel prices". But I'm not because I don't want to ride in the rain? I'll ride in winter when it isn't snowing... cold doesn't bother me... you can dress for that.... but being pelted by rain and driving on slick roads???? No thanks... does not seem at all enjoyable to me. Guess I would be softcore then?!?

[Xena]

I am here in Providence, RI where we have Javaspeed, the ONLY dealer in the area, especially for Genuine.

Two weeks ago, their showroom was filled to the brim with colorful Buddies. Went in last week and the place looks like it has been ransacked. There is not ONE scooter to be found. Nothing. Not even the "other" brands of scooters.

I think that it's awesome that they are sold out, but on the flipside of that, it must be terrifying to be a dealer and be sold-out and not know when you are getting more when the demand os so high.

So on that note, if all those scooters are sold here in my little town, then WHERE THE HECK ARE ALL OF YOU? I barely see any of them on the road and there should be hundreds.

[bunny]

Guess I would be softcore then?!?

Where was the 'scooter porn' warning?

[siobhan]

So on that note, if all those scooters are sold here in my little town, then WHERE THE HECK ARE ALL OF YOU? I barely see any of them on the road and there should be hundreds.

Xena, all the Massachusetts and New Hampshire folks are coming down to our humble state and snapping up Javaspeed's scoots! I ride every day in Providence and pass a parked St Tropez every morning, but that's about all I see. I'm in South Prov...maybe it's an East Side thing?

[peterwphoto]

I'm hearing that Motorsports (San Diego) is sold completely out of scooters. EVERY Genuine, Kymco, SYM, and Lambretta gone!

are you talking about scooter west?

If so wow...

[marsturm]

Kawasaki of Santa Barbara has 6 Internationals in stock. Four St. Tropez and two Italias. It also has two Blurs. I was there for service on my Pamplona this morning.

[KCScooterDude]

Kawasaki of Santa Barbara has 6 Internationals in stock. Four St. Tropez and two Italias. It also has two Blurs. I was there for service on my Pamplona this morning.

You should post the Blur info in the Blur forum. People are desperate to find the last few available.