By Austin Wright
In his 17 years as a salesman at Sunrise Cycle & Watercraft, Roy Ford has never seen an item sell so fast.
Motorized scooters are flying off the lot. He even bought one himself recently.
The dealership on East Little Creek Road in Norfolk sold 23 scooters in May, Ford said, compared with the one or two sold the same month last year. Record-high gas prices, Ford said, are driving people to consider two-wheelers as a cheaper alternative to cars.
Other local dealers also said they can barely keep the smaller, gas-sipping models in stock, and the Motorcycle Industry Council reported a 24 percent increase in scooter sales nationally in the first three months of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007.
“We’re getting calls on them every day,” Ford said. “We’re selling 15 to 20 a month, whatever we can get our hands on.”
Three weeks ago, Ford bought a 2008 Yamaha C3, a $2,000 scooter that gets 115 mpg and maxes out at 40 mph . He rides it to work every morning but sticks to roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less.
“I got a Toyota Tundra sitting in my driveway, but I’m not going to drive it because of gas,” he said. “I’ve ridden the scooter six or seven days and put half a gallon in it.”
Slower scooters such as Ford’s have smaller engines and don’t require a motorcycle license or insurance. Faster scooters with more horsepower require a license and can keep up with interstate traffic, just like motorcycles.
The region also has seen the comeback of Vespas, Italian scooters that have gone in and out of style several times since they became popular in the 1950s. Two local dealers have started selling them, RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach and Steelhorse Classics in Williamsburg.
“It’s not uncommon to have people trade in their cars for one,” RK Chevrolet salesman Randy Slaughter said.
Vespa USA reported a 105 percent increase in sales this May compared with last May.
“It’s ridiculous,” Slaughter said, referring to the popularity of the smaller models that don’t require a license. “We can’t keep them in stock.”
At the low end, the Vespa LX 50 is listed at $3,299 and gets 70 to 80 mpg . It can reach a top speed of 39 mph .
The faster models that require a license typically cost $5,000 or more.
Motorcycle ridership has been on the rise for several years in the state. The Department of Motor Vehicles, which lumps licensed scooters with motorcycles, reported that from 2001 through 2007, the number of registered motorcycles increased 81 percent to 166,806 in Virginia.
And so has the number of cycle- or scooter-related injury accidents in the state. In 2006, 2,206 people were injured in motorcycle crashes, and 70 people died, according to the DMV. In 2007, 2,284 people were injured, and 126 people died.
Keith Lindgren, coordinator of the motorcycle program at Tidewater Community College and president of the Motorcycle Safety League of Virginia, said car drivers often don’t know how to react to the two-wheel vehicles. He teaches the Virginia Rider Training Program, a 2½-day class at TCC for riders wanting to get their motorcycle licenses.
“The demand has been increasing over the last several years,” Lindgren said. “What I have seen is more people saying they want to take the course because bikes have cheaper fuel economy instead of just because they want to ride.”
He was concerned that more people are buying the slower scooters that don’t require a license. He said the smaller machines, which are supposed to follow the same laws as cars, don’t go fast enough to keep up with traffic and are often ridden by people with no training.
Lindgren owns six bikes, including a scooter. He’s had one major accident, in 1999, when he hit a deer while going 65 mph . He broke three ribs and his foot and popped a blood vessel in his brain. The police told him he slid 256 feet.
“When you’re on a bike, you have no protection, compared to when you’re in a car,” he said.
Ford expects that despite the risks, more and more commuters will be drawn to the two-wheel alternative.
“I think gas prices are going to change the American lifestyle,” he said.
Austin Wright, (757) 446-2667, austin.wright@pilotonline.com
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2-strokes
still available, but not as practical as 4-strokes because: A. they require a gas/oil mix(which obviously costs more than plain gas, plus can be messy to mix on your own), and B: the gas/oil mix burns dirtier as previously mentioned.
i strongly recommend surfing the web before buying locally. one local store was charing $950 for the scooter i purchased online....for $680. fully assembled with free shipping.
it will pay for itself even faster now. so i guess the stimulus check was good for something.
Do they still sell 2-stroke versions?
Are there still new two-stroke scooters on the market? If you're looking at one, get the 4-stroke or you're going to be putting out more pollution than your car.
SCOOTERS ARE GREAT FOR ERRANDS!
A little scooter to buzz around and do local errands will definitely pay for itself in gas savings. In 2004 I addressed the limo association of my home state of Florida and told them that fuel was going to $5 a gallon before the end of the decade and that we needed to prepare for it and they LAUGHED AT ME. They aren't laughing any more as they slowly go out of business. It's survival time, and we all need to cut corners and save wherever we can--not easy to do when we are bombarded constantly with ads saying: Spend! Spend! Spend! I bought a smaller car and my Lincoln Town Car sits in the driveway while I drive my Solstice and I am seriously considering a scooter because it can be parked anywhere, uses no gas to speak of, requires no insurance and is reliable transportation in a big city. I can't use it in the cold winter months, but as a summer errand vehicle it's unbeatable! If we all start driving scooters, the price of gas will fall dramatically-we didn't learn from the 70s but we need to learn NOW.
always negative comments....
seriously, what is it hurting if someone rides a scooter? a 49cc scooter is not legally allowed on a road where the speed limit is more than 45mph. so the whole argument about scooters in the fast lane is moot. if i recall, the speed limit on Hampton Blvd. never gets above 35, so if you're wanting to go faster than that, you're going to end up getting a ticket anyway. as far as the safety of it...well, everything in life carries some personal risk. getting your meat medium instead of well-done, smoking, drinking, even TOMATOES could kill you these days!! for engines though, i recommend 4-stroke. no need to mix gas and oil. i've had mine for 2 months now. i live 3 miles from work and another 1 mile from grocery store, post office etc. in the month i have had mine, i have spent a whopping total of $16 on gas. that's back and forth to work and errands....and no, no financing here, i found MINE online for $700, assembled and delivered. it will pay for itself by the end of the year, easily.
Safety Class
Yes Intrudergirl....safety classes are hard to get into but I was persistent and too mine! They also offer the course at Bayside Harley Davidson. I was amazed at what I learned safety wise from the course and highly recommend it to anyone considering riding 2 wheels.
In reference to TWO wheeled vehicles..........
My only issue with the rising sales of these scooters are that they DO NOT require any safety training. As many riders know, it is almost impossible to get into the classes at TCC, but the knowledge gained at these classes may save your life and/or the cost of your insurance premiums. Another issue would be the MANY people in cars that treat driving as if they are brushing their teeth. Between the ones wo are applying make-up, text messaging, talking on the phone or just NOT paying attention the rate of motorcycle/scooter deaths will increase. I am a very safe driver with no tickets yet I have been in a couple close calls with vehicles where the drivers are simply NOT paying attention. WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES!!
I got mine!
I downsized from a motorycycle to a Suzuki Burgman 650 and love it!! The gas and payments I am saving, not to mention the insurance and property tax reductions!! But I do agree with most here, any motorized scooter regardless of size , the driver should be licensed if he is on the street with it. I have seen too many "kids" on these without helmets or proper riding attire. I've been a rider that went down and I always dress for the wreck, not the ride.
Bike bashers
I think I will be a pretty HIT w/ the ladies in your office since I can see my feet.
I honestly believe the bike bashers use this safety issue as a crutch not to exercise. I would rather be hit by the car than be larger than needed. At least I will die w/ my dignity.
I agree that these scooters
I agree that these scooters need to be licensed and insured. I have seen to many of them darting in out of traffic. Who is going to pay when one hits your vehicle. How many of these operators have had their license suspended and cant drive a car or truck. They ride where ever they want and hold traffic riding in the left lane when they cant keep up to the posted speed Make the owners license and insure the scooters and make sure the drivers are properly licensed
funny but valid jason
Even though your comment was ment as a joke is has validity. If you do not have a car payment it is hard to justify another puchase in this economy just to save $500 a year to purchase a vehicle that has a short life span (2 stroke motors don't last long). It is feasible that the motor could need a rebuild before it will pay for itself in 5 years. I did that math for the motorcycle I presently own, and I didn't get any pay back. It is just a good excuse to tell the wife "why" you want to get a bike. I own a motorcycle becuase I like to ride, and any gas savings is a bonus. I agree with Don, "all" bikes should require a registration and a licenced rider.
Donvabeach...
Good point. Anyone who operates a motorized vehicle must learn operating and traffic safety and be properly licensed prior to going for a ride. These scooters are just as dangerous as an Ultra Classic or Gold Wing. Unless the operator is aware of the dangers and keeps his/her head on a swivel at all times, they will only be a statistic waiting for the incident. To all motorists, situational awareness is paramount in operating any motor vehicle.
Laws
I don't give two flying whirly-gigs how fast or slow it goes....if it has an engine and navigates public roads I believe it should carry some sort of insurance and require a driver's license by law. I'm sure that a person on a scooter could do a good bit of damage to your vehicle if it collided with your car. Even at speeds belows 45 Mph you can still cause an accident involving other 4 wheeled vehicles and should be required to have insurance to cover damage and injury. I guess this leaves the car owners to claim it on their insurance, IF they have full coverage that covers uninsured motorists.
Being that some scooters require no license or insurance, I guess is just what DUI offenders are looking for. Now they can drink and scoot..
Don't forget
Don't forget the insurance that needs to be added.
License the bikes.
I believe that ALL two wheeled vehicles, with an engine of any size, should be required to be registered and tagged as any other motorcycle. Additionally, the rider must obtain a motorcycle license attachment to his regular driver's license, just like any other motorcyclist.
I don't want to see thousands of these "Easy Rider" wannabees darting in and out of traffic, without the proper training.
In case you're wondering....yes....I have a motorcycle license, and ride something a lot bigger than 49 cc's.
Car Driver safety course
With the rise in 2-wheeled transportation, the state needs to require all drivers of 4-wheeled vehicles to attend a 2 day driver safety course before they renew their license next time. And put an emphasis on turning off cell phones, put away the make-up case, always use turn signals, and look before turning at all times.
Relax
Relax...it was a joke.
Bad math Jason
At $200 p/mo @ $4 per gal you show a 50 gal usage. Assume you have a economy car that runs 25mpg (city/highway) you get a travel distance of 1250mi for your $200. On a 80mpg scooter you will only use 16gal of gas - costing you $62 - leaving a diference of $138. Your Monthly payment is really $78 p/mo ($2500 borrowed 36mo @8%) and you are left with $60. Based on an 8 month riding season, that is a savings of $480 per year. Did you get an additional $480 raise this year, or was it less then 2.5%? Food for thought.
re: If you really want to save $$
Ride your bicycle!....no gas, good exercise and cheaper than a scooter!
And be the HIT of the office when you walk in smelling like car exhaust and a gym...
It's all good until...
It's all good until you get hit by a car! Big ol SUV with some lady talking on the cell phone examining her nail then BLAM.
$100 a month in gas?
Jason, your math is highly flawed. You say you pay $200 dollars in gas now, and using this 115 mpg scooter is only going to cut your bill to $100? So, you are driving a car that gets 57.5 mpg? The reality of it is, with even the average passenger car, a scooter like this is going to cut fuel costs by 2/3. If I had a garage to keep one of these due to the high risk of theft, I wouldnt hesitate to get one. The savings on fuel alone would pay for the scooter in a little better then a year over my 4 door sedan.
Scooters
Actually, my husband just bought a C3 scooter two months ago, and have cut our gas bill by $140 less payment and insurance of $70 which allows us to save $70 a month. So, really it is a great investment. And if you can sell the car you are replacing than you pocket the insurance if you own said car or the insurance and car payment if you still owe money. It is a great deal, especially if you are a single person and live within a 20 mile area of work and shopping.
If you really want to save $$
Ride your bicycle!....no gas, good exercise and cheaper than a scooter!
What a deal
So, instead of paying $200/month for gas, I could finance one of these for $100/month and pay $100/month in gas.