Scooters are out in force

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

While working in a public garden at an intersection along a small street that runs parallel to a major street, I have noticed that my city seems to be becoming Scooter Central . I think the scooters are avoiding the major street for safety's sake, so they probably are concentrated along this less busy route.

I am seeing more women than men, more middle aged than younger, every single one with helmets. (I'm not sure, but I think helmets are not required with scooters here.) I'm seeing gas and electric scooters, and are the latter nice on the ears! One evening I was out for a walk. As I came to an intersection, an electric scooter came through, making just a pleasant, airy. whir-r-r-r, quieter than a kid with a baseball card flapping on her bicycle spokes. Ah! Electric.

Scooters make so much sense for people who live close to work and who commute alone. I hope this is a trend that continues.

Consumer Reports says scooter sales are big.

Motorists move to scooters and motorcycles to save: Consumer Reports Cars Blog

[gamecock43]

I/m seeing more bikers, (bicycles) but i just moved to an urban city where it's warm 4 months a year, so that could be it.

[Caoineag]

I've seen more motorcycles, scooters and bicyclists lately. The buses have been getting more crowded as well.

[project15]

I'm debating getting a small engined motorcycle for gas savings (70-80 mpg!)

[eisor]

I have noticed this as well. Not so much scooters, but definitely motorcycles. I've also seen a lot more foot traffic as well.

I don't blame them. DH and I walk to the store now.

[antiver]

I've been considering getting a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. It's a beginners motorcycle and also happens to be the most popular motorcycle in the world, ever. You'll get the mpg you want, and its only $3,500 new!

[project15]

Originally Posted by antiver

I've been considering getting a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. It's a beginners motorcycle and also happens to be the most popular motorcycle in the world, ever. You'll get the mpg you want, and its only $3,500 new!

And you can sell it next season for probably $3,300 when you want to upgrade.

[bjl584]

As more and more people go for the motorcycle option for commuting, I'm betting that there is going to be a significant increase in motorcycle related accidents. Keep a watchful eye out there while driving. There's going to be a lot of people getting on a motorcycle for the first time in their lives', not really knowing what they're doing, and trying to ride it to save on gas money.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

A friend of mine dropped her motorcycle as she rounded a corner and slid on gravel when she was on her way to take her licensing exam! She still took and passed the exam, but when she got back, she said the little accident convinced her that she did not want to ride a motorcycle after all.

On the grounds of our community college I see a motorcycle class offered on weekends, year round. It appears to be very popular. I wonder if some insurance requires it or gives a good price break for taking the class.

[bjl584]

The class isn't required, but most insurance providers will give you a discount on your premium if you complete the safety course.