They whip by bright, colourful and energetic with smiling riders who've put the fun back into driving! The environment is becoming friendlier with reduced emissions, decreased traffic, and increasing social consciousness. Getting around town couldn't be easier and with more and more scooters on the roads it's a culture! It's definitely a trend have you noticed? Two wheeled transport is catching on! Riding in the open breeze offers you a great sense of freedom unlike driving a car or "caging it" as scooterists will refer. Getting to and from work and running errands is a breeze. No need to drive around looking for street parking or parking garages as you can usually park right in front of your destination for free and getting there can be half the fun riding in the "happy lane".
Your wallet will also appreciate you for the fraction of the cost for gas and I do mean fraction. Most scooters will hold between 1.2gal/4.5 litres - 2.1 gal/8.6 litres which at today's gas prices costs between $5 - $11 which is on average 1/6 - 1/8 the price of gas!. It's not uncommon to hear a scooterist tell you they pay a whopping $7.00 per week on gas! Insurance for liability is approximately $100.00 per year. A 50cc bike will give you top speeds of around 65 kms/hour and a 250cc bike will take you up to highway speeds of 125 kms/hour. The answer to one of the most frequently asked questions is "Yes" you do require a motorcycle license to ride one. A license is also easy to obtain and the training offered by many colleges and other organizations is fun and you will meet up with other two wheeled fanatics. You can also join a scooter group and engage in scooter speak and go out on community rides with other scooterists. Electric "E-Bikes" are also becoming popular with top speeds of 35kms/hour and you do not require a license to ride these bikes however they are only meant for the bicycle lanes.
When you are riding out in the open it is a much more social experience! Passerby's look your way and smile, and they ask questions (sometimes while you're riding yelling from their vehicles; "So how is that thing on gas?") Parked scooters also get attention! You'll find people stop by to ask questions or just say hi and comment on how nice your scooter is. Kids point and smile and say "Look Mommy!" When you're on the open road the common moto "wave" as you ride by other motorists as a sign of respect and comradery will certainly put a smile on your face. Scooterists are growing exponentially creating an interesting look and feel to our city streets. Join the growing community. The environment is friendly!
For those of you who are "caging it" on the road with scooters remember to give us lots of space. Scooterists like space and also know that we slow down at train and street car tracks, road quality hazards and especially in the rain!
