So you have always wanted a scooter. Your head turns in silent admiration each time you spy a shiny Vespa humming past you on the road. You stop to admire every retro scoot that occupies an impossibly tiny parking space on the street. You envision your own Roman Holiday, spiriting through town on a scooter like Gregory Peck or Audrey Hepburn.
The following are some important pointers that will help make your dream a reality.
1. Price.
As with every vehicle purchase, the dealership is always a good starting point, as the sellers are quite informed and eager to tell you about the various features of the latest models. But it can also give you a severe case of sticker shock, once you realize the listed price is the MSRP, or the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, and doesn’t include taxes or registration. In other words, the bottom line is undoubtedly even higher than the shocking number you see on the tag.
At this point, you should consider several issues. First, do you have the money on hand, or would you have to finance the purchase? If you do have to finance it, would this be in addition to a car payment you are already making? Might this money be better spent on a down payment for a new car, or to fix an older car that could break down at any moment?
If that fabled money tree in your backyard has ceased to blossom, consider the classifieds on Craigslist. Scooters of all makes, ages, and prices can be found under the Motorcycles/Scooters category. As with all classifieds, people are selling for a variety of reasons, some of which can mean incredible deals. Some examples are that person who is moving and must relinquish their scooter within days. Or the person who bought the scooter for a friend or spouse that turned out to be less than enthusiastic about the gift. Or even a person who won one as a prize and wants to cash in.
2. Power.
Power is a major consideration when buying a scooter. A motorcycle’s power is measured by CCs, or cubic centimeters. The more CCs, the more power. A Vespa may have as little as 50 CCs, or as much as 250 CCs. If you’re a motorcycle novice, you may want to start with a low-powered scooter, which is more affordable and a good way to practice before moving your way up to higher-powered vehicles.
Three other considerations should fuel your decision about power. If you intend to carry passengers, you will need more power. Scooters that have 149 or more CCs are needed to drive on the highway. And if you live in a city such as San Francisco, power is most certainly needed to get up those hills.
3. Permit.
In California, as of January 1, 2006, one may operate a motorized scooter with a Class M1 or M2 driver license. The state offers two classes of motorcycle licenses: Class M1 and Class M2. With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2. With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.
In order to get the permit, you must: 1) visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office Complete application form DL 44; 2) Give a thumb print; 3) Have your picture taken; 4) Pay an application fee; 5) Pass a vision exam; and 6) Pass a traffic laws and signs test. Applicants have three chances to pass the test. Permit holders have a year to take a motorcycle rider training course offered by the California Highway Patrol or take the driver’s test at the DMV. For more information, consult the DMV.
4. Parking.
Another consideration when investing in your new scooter is where it will be parked. If you do not have a garage, do you have a place where you can safely secure and lock it?
5. People.
People have vastly different reactions to motorcycles and scooters. Some love them – the mere mention of your potential purchase has them dizzy with excitement. Others are disinterested. A casual perusal of the Craigslist classifieds can be very revealing, as a number of people seem to have bought one for a spouse who ended up leaving it, untouched, in the garage. Like pets, scooters might not be the best “surprise” gift.
But many people have a deep-seated fear or mistrust of scooters, which may or may not be revealed until you bring your scooter home. The key here is to discuss your purchase with loved ones before the deed is done. Discuss the potential addition to your home, assure them that you will be safe and cautious, and involve them in the process.
6. Protection.
While Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck looked glamorous on that Vespa, they weren’t being smart scooters. A helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (look for the “D.O.T.” sticker on the back) is a must, as are goggles, long pants and shirt sleeves, and bright, shiny, and/or reflective clothes.
7. Questions.
Ask a lot of questions. Ask questions at the Vespa dealership. Ask questions of the person you met through Craigslist. Track down friends and family members who have ridden motorcycles and pump them for advice and tips. You will find them eager to share both their information – and the excitement – in this bold new venture.
