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Dear Miss Scoot,
I've been thinking about getting a scotter since I live in a small town.Which scooter would you suggest
for a girl who's never riden a scooter before. Also, one that isn't that costly.
Thanks,
Michelle
Dear Michelle,
First, I suggest you check out the Archives section of this site for a previous Dear Miss Scoot where a reader wanted to know
if Vespas were THE scooter to get. The simple answer is this: get the scooter that makes you the most happy. While it sounds
lame, many newbies get scooters that they think are "rare" or "cool" only to find that the scooter has some drawbacks that
they can't abide by. If you just want a scooter to putt around town on, consider a new scooter such as a Bajaj or Stella (not
available in California). They are reasonably priced, all new and come with some sort of warranty. Both scooters require that
you shift, but many of us wouldn't have it any other way. If you prefer a twist-n-go (no shifting) there are lots of options
out there such as the Vespas (steeply priced, though), Vinos, Scarabeos and such. Many twist-n-gos are made for the European
or Asian markets where people want modern transportation, not a nostalgic toy, so you may not like the styling if you yearn
for a 1960s Vespa. One point that I cannot stress enough is to consider your post-purchase maintenance. Often I see people
who buy scooters over the Internet or travel far to buy from a shop, and when a problem arises, they have a tough time finding
a mechanic or getting their scooter to the shop. Unless you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, you need to have a reliable mechanic.
It may be your best friend or husband. Nothing sours a scootering experience like as scooter that can't be fixed or is hard
o find replacement parts for. Here are a list of questions to ask yourself. The answers will help you define which scooter
is best for you:
What is my budget? [don't forget tax and licensing]
Do I prefer manual or automatic transmission?[narrows down your choices]
How often will I ride it & in what conditions? [reliability & versatility]
Do I want a scooter to be cool, or is it for practical purposes like fuel efficiency or parking on a college campus with minimal
car space? [prioritize the features: style versus function]
What type of warranty comes with it? [used scooters usually have none, new scooters may require service from authorized
dealers]
Do I mind mixing oil with my gas, and does the pollution factor of 2-stoke bother me? [older scooters require more than
just gas and aren't as clean as 4-stroke engines]
Is the body metal or plastic, and if I crash it how easy will it be to fix it? [crashes happen but does the scooter have
an easily replaced or fixed body?]
Where will I store the scooter? [a cherry vintage Jet 200 may not be safe on the sidewalk in Washington D.C., or an older
scooter may require a garage to keep looking good.]
How will it be serviced and where do I get parts? [is your shop local? or will you need to rent a truck to get it there?
can you drop in for spark plugs and tires or do you need to order them over he internet? do you have a friend who can fix
it in exchange for beer?]
Once you answer these questions you can better articulate what you want. Tell the salesperson what you are looking for, so
some research and don't be afraid to ask questions. Three final suggestions: Make sure you get your license, consider taking
the motorcycle safety course to make sure you are up to the challenge of scooter riding and buy a full-faced helmet. or face
will thank you on your first crash. Good luck!
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