insurance motor scooter

Online petition and letter-writing campaign by local scooter riders

2009-07-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

PHOTOS BY HARRY LYNCH An unattended, untethered

scooter is parked conveniently at the front steps of
Caldwell Hall on UNC's campus Tuesday morning. The handy,
go-practically-anywhere scooters, which had been unregulated
on campus, have recently come under new rules.

insurance motor scooter - Chapel Hill : An online petition and letter-writing campaign by scooter riders has gained the attention of officials in the UNC, now say they will have a second look at the May decision to regulate the small, environmentally friendly vehicles. UNC Board of Trustees approved an annual plan for parking two months ago for scooter riders to buy permits to park in designated lots.

The new regulation will affect 15 August. UNC has never before regulated scooters, and those who use them have enjoyed the freedom to putter across the campus and park near their destinations. But an increase in scooters - probably caused by last year's rise in gasoline prices - led the officials included in the campus parking regulations.

UNC employees pay between $ 174 and $ 371 for a scooter license year, based on salary level. For students, the cost would be $ 175 or $ 44 if they also have a campus parking permit. That share space with scooters motorcycles in certain lots.

In comparison: In the State of North Carolina, all scooter users must buy a permit for $ 60, although students with campus parking permits to pay only $ 5 for new scooters label. At Duke, scooters permits are $ 25, or free if you have a car permit.

At UNC, the change has scooter riders need to cry about the new cost and concerned about the safety of their vehicles. Some see it as an insult to passengers trying to be environmentally responsible.

UNC officials say it is a security measure. UNC for a long time, and the mandate that allows motorcyclists to buy these scooters - with small engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less - have not been covered so far.

"We're not saying that you do not want to ride scooters," said Carolyn Elfland, associate vice rector of the campus. "We want them parked. They are not governed. Just go anywhere."

In fact, you can go almost anywhere, and Brian Moynihan, much of the charm. He and his wife live in Carrboro and work in buildings on the medical campus of the UNC. So I go in every day to work on the scooter and Moynihan park - for free - Moynihan outside the building.

Moynihan, a graduate student in information science from the UNC program, created an online petition protesting the new rules and scooter riders seek to plead their case managers. Quickly attracted more than 200 signatories, many of whom say the policy change will bring more cars to school.

"If people have to pay, it could re-use their cars," said Moynihan. "That is exactly what we do not want that to happen."

Roger Perry, chairman of the UNC Board of Trustees, said it expects its board to review the regulations when it meets later this month.

Elfland said that the change is not a money grab. In fact, it is difficult to project the potential revenue because no one knows how many scooter riders are in the UNC.

David Jansen, owner of Scooter, Inc., a provider of Carrboro scooter, it is estimated that there are "hundreds" of bikes in Carrboro alone.

"It seems like a decision based on revenue for the university because they lose revenue every time someone is going to pay a fee for parking the power of a scooter," he said.

Scooter interest peaked last year when gas prices rose to $ 4 per gallon and has conical shape, because, said Jansen.

"The scooter remains the last urban commuting vehicle," he said.

Scooters usually cost between $ 2,000 and $ 4,500, said Jansen, who receive about 80 miles to the gallon.

At UNC, many of the chain of his bicycle racks scooters, while some just lean them against buildings. Elfland said that the university plans to offer large dowels like scooters bicycle racks that can be secured.

Cheryl Stout, deputy director of the UNC for parking services, said it had no knowledge of accidents caused by scooters on campus. But she has noticed the increasing number of motorcycles, and campus policy prohibits scooters from being operated on sidewalks, a rule is rarely applied in the past.

"It has definitely become a concern," he said. "These motorcycles were traveling at high speed on pavements." by: Eric Ferreri - insurance motor scooter

insurance motor scooter - Scooter around town in one

2009-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter - MAIL CITY / OSCAWANA - There was no doubt in the minds of Tom Anderson, when it comes to your business location scooter.

"The heyday of motorcycles was when this building was built," said Anderson, 50, of the 1940s gas station that has been vacant for nearly 15 years in the southwest corner of Howard Avenue and Azeele Street.

The art deco gas station, 401 S. Howard Ave, is located right next to MacDinton and provides the perfect environment for the harvest of the company Anderson, SoHo scooters.

He is in love with the history and evolution of the motorcycles as it is with efficiency, touting the property as a form of social responsibility. Anderson is the store with her twin sister, Coletta, who said he has seen increasingly popular scooters in the Carrollwood neighborhood too.

"They are a lot of fun," he said, "addictive."

Fuel is about 80 to 100 mpg. Prices start at $ 1,200. And face up to 40 mph. Maintenance involves oil changes every 1000 miles, and to the extent that run regularly are relatively easy to maintain. Tyde Gentile, master technician of the store, compared to the attention of something between a bicycle and a riding lawnmower.

Operation is easy - no clutch, no gears. Simply turn the handle and go. Anderson rents scooters for $ 35 for two hours or $ 65 for the day. They come in a variety of colors as well as many accessories.

About 54 percent of riders are women, he said. Bikes come in pink, but it also has a selection that are more like motorcycles or bicycles sport.

"It becomes an extension of the personality of the rider," said Anderson. "The Goths, the mods, the scooter commuter, the chicken scooter. ..."

20 years ago, Anderson opened a personal watercraft, ski Banana Bay Co., along the Courtney Campbell Causeway before joining the corporate world. He sold his business to open the store ATM scooter.

"I thought it was a change," said Anderson, who commute from her home in South Tampa to work on a scooter. "We must move away from our dependence on fossil fuels and find a more socially responsible way of getting from point A to point B."

He said scooters make sense for South Tampa. While not optimal for roads, where competition with automobiles and producing the plan to make a workout of driving less, in the city's roads are perfect, he said.

"It's a great way to experience the neighborhood," Anderson said while crossing the streets around the store. "It's social as well."

Since opening in April, a scooter club has started to gather at the store on Sunday to spend the day exploring the city on two wheels.

Justin Ayan, 27, has owned his scooter for a year. Hyde Park barber said everything that is within five to 10 miles.

"It's perfect," Ayan said, noting that having paid for a vehicle is a good profit. "A scooter is 1000 times more fun than a car journey."

The club, always looking for fun, has grown to about 15 people. Due to popularity, which will soon be starting a website.

"It's one of those things that once you start, you'll get hooked," said Ayan - by

Woman: Scooter Criminal A World

2009-04-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Woman: Scooter thief claimed oil change - An 85-year-old Pennsylvania woman said the man who stole her electric scooter told her he was taking it for an oil change and other repairs.

Betty Keefer, 85, said the man showed up at her Greensburg, Penn., home March 11, said he was taking the black Sonic Pride scooter for repairs and promised to return the item within a week, WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, reported Thursday.

Keefer said she was somewhat suspicious of the man's claims but allowed him to take the scooter anyway.

"I had an idea he'd try to steal it. He's a bad, bad ... I told police if they find him, put him in jail forever," Keefer said.

Police said the man left Keefer with a note that he signed with the first name Frank and a last name that investigators believe to be McGinnis, McGinniz or McGinriz.

Greeley brawl included a scooter - A 32-year-old woman suspected of beating another woman with a child's scooter has been arrested in Greeley.

Renee Soto is being held on suspicion of third-degree assault, Greeley Police Department spokesman Sgt. Joe Tymkowych said Wednesday.

Soto and Amanda Watkins, 26, got into an argument about noon Sunday when Watkins talked to Soto's 3-year-old child about "harassing or hitting" a cat, police said.

The incident happened near Soto's home in the 1900 block of Seventh Avenue, Tymkowych said.

As Watkins talked to the child about the cat, Soto came out of her home, and an argument escalated into a fight between the two women, Tymkowych said.

"It was a fistfight, with hair-pulling and scratching," Tymkowych said.

A witness who stopped to break up the fight told police that Soto grabbed a "Razor," a two-wheel kick scooter with a handle bar, and hit Watkins with it across the back and in the head.

Watkins fell to the ground, and witnesses came to her aid, covering her with a blanket. Soto had gone back into her home with the 3-year-old and left out of a rear exit when police arrived, Tymkowych said.

Watkins, who told police that she is nine weeks pregnant, was treated at North Colorado Medical Center for minor injuries and released.

The women did not know each other before Sunday's confrontation, Tymkowych said.

Soto is being held at the Weld County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Kellan Lutz riding an electric blue scooter

2009-02-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Pictures credit to:Limelightpics.com

Kellan Lutz looks hot test-riding an electric blue scooter and an ATV in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon (February 7).The 22-year-old actor wound up purchasing the scooter and also picked up his and hers helmets. He was out shopping earlier in the day, picking up every DVD box set of Lost. Kellan is currently filming Warrior with Ashley Greene. The duo will reprise their Twilight roles in New Moon in March.

Kellan Christopher Lutz , born March 15, 1985, is an American film and television actor, who is best known for playing Emmett Cullen in the 2008 film Twilight. Before acting, he was an Abercrombie & Fitch model.

Cruises with dog-powered scooter

2009-01-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

GREENWICH, Conn. - When retired New York Mets pitcher Craig Swan brought his newly adopted dog Daisy home, he quickly realized how much exercise the young animal craved. Daisy, a mid-sized, mixed-breed dog adopted from Greenwich Animal Control's shelter, longed for strenuous exercise that the 59-year-old Swan was unable to provide because of what he described as a shaky leg that keeps him from walking more than a mile at a time.

So Swan and his wife, both residents of Old Greenwich, went online and discovered a Web site that advertised a dog-powered scooter. "I got my scooter, put the attachment on and now Daisy and I go out for at least three miles a day," said Swan, who pitched for the Mets from 1974 to 1985.

The product is a non-motorized scooter attached to a special piece of equipment with a padded harness allowing the dog to run alongside the scooter and pull its master as they glide along. Swan said he pushes the scooter a little in the beginning to get it moving and sometimes on hills, but Daisy, who has pit bull and hound origins, is easily able to move the scooter along herself.

"My dog is pretty fast. I would guess I'm doing 20 mph in a full run," said Swan, who has been garnering attention around town with the gadget.

Kerri Ann Hofer, of Cos Cob, was at Greenwich Point a few weeks back when she and Swan crossed paths.

"In a matter of minutes he had Daisy harnessed in and they flew off," Hofer said. "I said to myself, 'How do I find one?"'

Like Swan, Hofer said her young dog Deizel needs tons of exercise or else she gets rambunctious in the house.

"I walk her about two hours a day," Hofer said. "If she did this, she would get more exercise in 15 minutes."

Hofer said she already had lots of friends who were interested in buying the scooter and starting a club, an idea pitched by Swan.

Bill Peterson, a Greenwich animal control officer who adopted Daisy to the Swans, said he thought the scooter was a great idea.

"It's a marvelous thing. It's a good outlet and exercise for the dog," Peterson said.

However, Peterson noted that the scooter is not suitable for all dogs.

"It's an individual thing and the dog needs to be shown the proper way of doing it," said Peterson.

On the Web site of the Bend, Ore.-based scooter company, the manufacturer recommends that the device only be used for athletic dogs in their prime who weigh more than 35 pounds.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it was not aware of the scooter, but warned about the risk of injury that could result from its use.

"My concern would be if the human decided they wanted to go faster and the dog might be forced to go a speed they wouldn't be comfortable with," said Dr. Jennifer Lander, director of the Medicine and Adoption Center for the ASPCA in New York City.

However, Lander said she could not make a full determination on the product unless she saw it in action. Lander agreed that young dogs in particular do need a lot of exercise.

Hofer said as a dog owner, she felt the product was safe so long as you were in tune with your dog's capabilities.

"I think that it's extremely safe. If you have a dog that didn't enjoy it, as an owner you wouldn't continue that activity," Hofer said.

"I think most dogs would love it."

Swan said he is hoping to make a group that can exercise their dogs together. He also wants to visit shelters with the scooters to help exercise dogs that are restricted to a cage most of the day.

Imposing a 100 percent motorcycle and scooter tariff

2008-12-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) today strongly criticized the Bush Administration's consideration of a possible 100 percent tariff on a broad range of popular European motorcycles and scooters in retaliation for European Union (EU) restrictions on imported American beef.

"In this tough recessionary climate, it's ludicrous for the U.S. Trade Representative to even consider imposing a 100 percent motorcycle and scooter tariff, because the move will cost countless Americans their jobs," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice present for government relations.

"This very day, the Administration and the U.S. Congress are planning to bail out troubled U.S. automakers to the tune of billions of dollars to save American jobs," Moreland said. "How, in good conscience, can the U.S. Trade Representative turn around and propose a measure that will spell the end of many motorcycle and scooter dealerships, and put their employees out in the street?"

U.S. trade officials are looking at a list of more than 100 European goods for the possible imposition of 100 percent import duties in response to the EU's ongoing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted the 20-year-old ban despite a World Trade organization order to end it. Now the U.S. wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S beef industry loses each year because of the ban.

Included on the hit list are motorcycles and scooters with engines displacing 51cc to 500cc, representing popular on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

"In America, the majority of motorcycles and scooters under 500cc are sold through local dealerships," Moreland said. "Collectively, these dealerships contribute to the employment of a substantial number of Americans working in sales, service, parts and general operations. Unjustified trade sanctions on European-produced motorcycles and scooters will choke off this vital business, dealerships will close at an alarming rate, and the negative effects will spread downstream through the aftermarket and recreational-equipment sectors, and even the motorsports entertainment industry. Countless Americans will find themselves without jobs."

The AMA sent comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative by a Dec. 8 deadline to express the opinions of the Association's 300,000 members on the possible tariffs. "It is simply unconscionable that motorcycles and scooters are on the list in the first place. They have no place in a trade war over beef," Moreland said. "Furthermore, we find it tragically ironic that, as part of the auto bailout plan, federal lawmakers are considering requirements for American car makers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, and yet the motorcycles and scooters that the U.S. trade representative is considering for the 100 percent tariff get three to five times better fuel economy than many cars."It is unknown when U.S. officials will decide on which European goods will be hit with the stiff tariffs.

Rob a Waldorf scooter store

2008-12-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

A man and a boy were arrested Monday after trying to rob a Waldorf scooter store and leading police on a brief chase on Route 301, authorities said.Elliott M. Knox Jr., 21, and a 15-year-old boy from Severn face burglary charges in connection with the incident, which police said might have been an effort to nab products to sell to holiday shoppers. In breaking the front door at Scooter Express on Park Waldorf Lane, the pair triggered the alarm and fled.

"They did not get anything," said Diane Richardson, a spokeswoman for the Charles County Sheriff's Office. "I guess they didn't anticipate the alarm."

Nor did they anticipate that a detective would be working an off-duty patrol assignment at a nearby shopping plaza. David Gross said he heard on his radio that an alarm had gone off at the scooter store. Seconds later, he saw a sport-utility vehicle and a U-Haul truck pull into a gas station across the street from where he was.

"I'm like, 'Eh, something doesn't look right here,' " Gross said.

He watched as men from the U-Haul and the SUV sat at the station but didn't buy gas. One of them, he said, picked up a pay phone but did not make a call. Gross said he tried to pull the U-Haul over when it left the station going north on Route 301.

But the driver didn't stop, even after pulling into the parking lot at the Waldorf Jaycees community center.

"I just turned my lights on, and then they accelerated," Gross said.

As the U-Haul picked up speed in the parking lot, both doors flung open, and two people jumped out, Gross said. The truck jumped concrete dividers between parking spots and came within 25 feet of the Jaycees building before another officer, Katlin Goddard, jumped in and hit the brakes.

While Goddard stopped the truck, Gross got out of his car and chased the boy, he said. Knox was found a short time later by a police dog, who had picked up a scent from a skull cap in the truck, Gross said. Efforts to locate a lawyer or family members for Knox were unsuccessful. He has no fixed address, police said.

Police said they found evidence linking the pair to the burglary, but they would not elaborate. They also found a small amount of marijuana, Richardson said. The SUV continued north on Route 301 after the U-Haul pulled off, Gross said. He said police were trying to find the owner.

The scooter revolution

2008-07-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

A couple suggestions to make Chicago a scooter-friendly place:

We should start designating parking lots/spaces around Chicago for just scooters. They should be cheaper to park than cars. There should be some sort of tax break/incentive for buying a scooter. Somehow, we should designate a lane on the highways for scooters.

The scooter revolution is coming to America, there is no doubt about that, Chicago should step up and welcome it.

The City would never be that proactive. In addition to dedicated parking spaces, scooter drivers also need something to lock their "bikes" to and more bicycle locking stations, too.

But as I said, the City would never be that proactive. The City Council is much too reactive. We have to wait until there's a rash of scooter thefts before they'll do anything about it.

The benefits to riding a scooter come in the form of lower fuel and vehicle costs. But if you want to give scooter owners a tax break, why not walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders, ect? Better to make all modes face true costs of their modes, than to attempt to single out one mode for subsidy

Gas prices speed motor scooter sales

2008-05-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

When he opened his Vespa of Toledo motor scooter dealership a year ago, Mike Kookoothe sold 35 of the two-wheeled vehicles during the summer and considered that a roaring success.

Last month, he sold more than 35 and so far this month he's getting 200 calls a day from people wanting to know about Vespas.People want to know how much the scooter costs and what is its gas mileage, said Mr. Kookoothe's daughter, Amanda, a salesman at his Sylvania dealership.

Meanwhile, Honda East Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki in Maumee fields similar phone calls daily, sales manager Gabe Miller said.

Recent spikes in gas prices to nearly $4 a gallon have driven many car and truck owners to consider buying gas-miserly motor scooters or motorcycles as a way to save fuel costs on daily driving.

Sales of name-brand scooters rose 24 per cent in the first quarter this year over the same period last year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council trade group.

At Honda East, sales of scooters for the first four months are up nearly 20 percent over the same period a year ago.

"We have a lot of recreational riders, so for some people gas prices are not a concern," Mr. Miller said. "But I would say probably 40 to 50 percent of the people coming in the door now are mentioning fuel prices."

Ranging in power from small 50cc engines like the popular Vespa LX to powerful 650cc scooters like Suzuki Burgman, motor scooters cost between $1,600 and $8,000 and average about 70 miles per gallon.

"At 70 miles to the gallon, it'll cost you $12 bucks to fill your tank for the month with a 3-gallon tank," Amanda Kookoothe said.

The Vespa dealership has been filled with customers in the past week as gas prices soared, she said.

However, the interest in saving on gas bills isn't just with scooters.

Tim Sherman, owner of Signature Harley-Davidson in Perrysburg, said his dealership has had a spike in customer traffic, which ordinarily might have been expected to be slow with the stalled economy.

"Gas mileage is a very hot topic in motorcycle sales right now. We seem to have the conversation daily," he said.

Smaller motorcycles featuring 500cc engines, like the Harley Sportster, get nearly 60 miles a gallon and cost about $7,000, Mr. Sherman said. The dealer has posted a sign on his lot asking customers if they'd like to get 59 miles to the gallon.

"I think a lot of people are just frustrated right now," Mr. Sherman said. "They don't like the fact that prices are going up and they don't have any control over them."

Operating costs are cheaper, Mr. Sherman said.

Area insurance agents said annual premiums for a scooter run between $100 and $200; for a motorcycle, $300 to $400.

Ohio law requires that operators of scooters or motorcycles using city or state roads have a motorcycle operator's license.

Future motor scooter.

2008-05-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

With $3-per-gallon gas a reality, some drivers are looking at downsizing from cars and trucks — at least part time — to scooters as a way to save money.

As a scooter commuter and enthusiast who has owned a few bikes over the past 20 years, I can attest to the great fuel savings, the speedier trips in the car-pool lane and easy parking.

There are, however, a number of myths about scooters that should be dispelled:

Riders do face the same dangers as motorcyclists.
They do need to wear helmets.
Their clothes won't stay entirely clean in bad weather.
Wearing dresses or skirts isn't practical.

So before running out and buying a bike, let's look at the pros and cons.

Money-saver? According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales of motor scooters have more than doubled since 2000. “The motorcycle industry as a whole has seen 13 years of consecutive growth,” council spokesman Mike Mount said. According to council figures, 42,000 scooters were sold in 2000. By 2004, that number increased to 96,000.

Will you save money riding a scooter? Say your car gets 20 miles per gallon, and you have a 30-mile roundtrip commute. If you're buying gas at the national average of $2.94, you're spending just over $22 on gas every week — just for commuting. That's an annual fuel cost of $1,100.

On a $3,000 scooter that gets 60 miles per gallon, you could save more than $700 per year. If you pay $100 per month for car insurance, you'll save an additional $1,000 or so by switching to a scooter.

Factoring in the cost of a helmet and other protective gear, it will take about a year and a half to recoup your expenses.

How to Find Used Mobility Scooters

2008-05-07T15:06:00.001-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

There are many times in a person's life where they will for one reason or another be unable to move around in the ways that they want to. However, in some cases this inability is more severe and permanent than in other situations. When a person comes to the point that they need help moving around and they have some money to invest, they would likely highly benefit from using mobility scooters as a means of getting from one place to another when they need to. Sometimes, the amount of money that the individual has to invest in this venture is limited.

This does not mean that the individual needs to wait until they have more money to get help. Rather, they can choose to invest in used mobility scooters as opposed to a brand new mobility scooter. There are many reasons as to why this would be beneficial, including the fact that it obviously saves the individual money. Many people will also find that they are able to get the used mobility scooters more quickly as compared to ordering a new scooter simply because they do not need to save up more money. They have to save for a more limited amount of time because they will need to save up less overall, for a product that is most likely in just as good condition, or near it, as a new mobility scooter.

Many people may realize these advantages, but then be very curious as to where exactly they should be looking in order to find acceptable used mobility scooters. The simple truth is that there are practically limitless places that a person can search in order to find the used mobility scooters of their choice. Choosing a used scooter over a new one will not limit the selection that a person will be able to consider to as high a degree as most people think. There are plenty of online sites and online auctions that hinge on the sale of used mobility scooters. These are very popular since the access to the World Wide Web allows individuals to consider options for purchase outside of their own original sphere of comfort when it comes to their geographical location.

If an individual does want to stay local, however, and not examine the options that are available to them on the internet, there are still a number of places that can be utilized in order to find used mobility scooters. Thrift stores are a good place to start, despite the fact that they are not guaranteed to be there. Occasionally, there will be one located there and the price is typically much lower than it would otherwise be. Individuals can also inquire of the owners whether or not there has been mobility scooters brought in, and how often this typically occurs. Using the newspapers and magazines that are published in the area can also be browsed in order to determine if anyone is trying to sell their used mobility scooters, and if none are listed the individual can publish an add themselves stating that they are looking for one and to contact them if anyone is interested in selling their used mobility scooters.

Zapino Motor Scooter

2008-03-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

With warm spring weather here and record gas prices with it, electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) is reminding people that they can save a lot of money by leaving the car at home and using an electric motor scooter.

And if someone told you that electric motor scooter vehicles were slow, think again. These electric motor scooters have a new secret weapon, a powerful motor scooter technology built into the rear wheel. This motor scooter is so powerful it can win drag races against gas motor scooters, with speed and acceleration that leaves the polluters in their own dust.

ZAP makes several models of electric motor scooters. Its newest motor scooter, the Zapino motor scooter, is a moped-class electric motor scooter vehicle that is getting rave reviews. The Zapino's sporty motor scooter design and elegant style is highly visually attractive, and provides a smoothly exciting experience for drivers.

The Zapino motor scooter features a high-tech wheel-motor rated at 3000 watts. ZAP says this offers customers the most powerful wheel motor available on the motor scooter market today, allowing unprecedented performance. Zapino owners say they are thrilled to enjoy superb power and extended range thanks to this breakthrough technology. Engineers found that motor scooter wheel motors actually squeeze an extra 20-30 percent more efficiency out of the vehicle, allowing it to go much farther than similar motor scooters without wheel motors. In tests, the Zapino motor scooter was found to travel up to 30 miles per charge, varying somewhat upon the rider and road conditions.

The Zapino motor scooter is designed to plug into any normal household outlet and comes with all the features and equipment you would expect in a motor scooter without using gas! Order one today or schedule a test drive at a ZAP dealership near you. Visit Zapino

Motor: 3000W Super efficient brushless hub motor
Max Torque: 120NM/900RPM
Max Speed: about 30 mph
Range: up to 30 miles each charge*
Brake: Rear and front disc
Weight Limit: 280 lbs.
Battery: 60V 38AH Batteries
Net Weight: 297lbs (includes battery)
Optional Upgrade: 60v 40AH Lithium battery; up to 65 mile range
Climbing ability: 25% grade with 177lb rider*
Intelligent Controller and DBI-digital
3000 peak watts, 60 volts
This is the most powerful electric scooter in its class

Mobility scooter service

2008-03-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

DRIVING your own mobility scooter for a small weekly fee has meant a new independence and been an "absolute Godsend" for a group of Marton residents who were once laid up at home with a range of disabilities.

Thanks to the Marton Lions Club, the four are on the move again and loving it. For a service fee of just $5 a week this troop has been mobilised. They can not only hit the town now, do the bookshop, supermarket, pharmacy and café, they can even dally a while and travelling with friends.

Lions club organiser Bradyn Moss said the club had started by buying one scooter more than seven years ago to help one elderly man, a diabetic who had had his legs amputated. The $3500 cost of a new scooter had been totally prohibitive for the man and his wife, so Lions members voted to step in and help. The club now has 12 on the go, with four new scooters arriving in two weeks, the demand is incredible. Even have a waiting list.

It was fantastic for both of them. He was able to get out of the house, and his wife was able to enjoy some precious free time. The old chap would head down to his local each day and bar staff would lift him out of his scooter and on to a bar stool for a couple of hours and a couple of fine whiskies. It wasn't until after the man died and his widow returned the scooter that the Lions realised there was a real need in Marton for disability scooter rentals.

When Mr Moss spoke for the first time at a national conference of Lions Clubs last month about the scooter rentals, other clubs around New Zealand were inspired, about half a dozen clubs are now trying to set up the service in their towns. Yesterday scooter group said that to say the service had made them happy was an understatement.

Vetric motor scooter say no to fuel....

2008-02-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Every electric scooter have seen seems to look like a child's bike and crawls about five miles at a similar speed with cyclist whizzing past.

The Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter offers a level of superior technology, total comfort and is richly endowed with special features and accessories.Vectrix motor scooter is adding a new innovative 100% electric motor scooter, zero emission transportation solution. Vetric Motor Scooter availables in two version : Vetric motor scooter 2 wheelercand Vetric motor scooter 3 wheeler.

Vetric motor scooter also ideal for fleet and commercial applications.

* Top speed of 62 mph
* Lithium Batteries
* 35-55 mile range on a single charge
* Minimal maintenance (no oil to change or filters to replace)
* Plugs into any standard outlet
* Twist throttle for regenerative braking
* 0-50 mph in 5.2 sec
* 475 lbs weight
* Zero emissions and virtually silent
* Long battery life (up to 7 years or 30,000 miles)
* 2 year parts and labor warranty
* Slow speed reverse for easy maneuvering
* Low running cost (1 cent per mile)

Vetric Motor Scooter Full Specifications

Performance
Max Speed	62 mph / 100 km/h
Acceleration	0-50 mph (80 km/h) - 6.8 seconds
Range	35-55 miles (55-90 km)
Braking	Patented multi-function throttle (DAaRT™) provides regenerative braking and slow-speed reverse Front and rear Brembo disc brakes
Tires	Pirelli: GTS23 120/70-14 (Front) and GTRS23 140/60 13 (Rear)
Fork	Marzocchi Telescopic Fork
Suspension	Sachs Twin Shocks

Battery
Battery Type	Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Rated Battery Capacity	30 Ah, 3.7 kW-h
Rated Battery Voltage	125V
Charger	1.5kW on-board battery charger
Recharge Requirements	110V-220V (50/60Hz)
Recharge Time	2 and a half hours (80% charge)
Battery Discharge Cycles	1,700 (80% charge)
Estimated Battery Life	10 years or 50,000 miles / 80,000 km

Motor & Gearbox
Motor Type	Brushless DC, radial air-gap motor
Peak Power	20 kW peak power at 3000 rpm
Max Current	275 Amps
Max Torque	65 Nm
Gearbox	Integrated rear-wheel mounted planetary gear drive

Electronics
Controller	DSP & IGBT based all-digital electronic control and motor drive system
Instrumentation	LCD’s display speed, odometer, battery state of charge, fuel gauge, estimated range, and system status

Dimensions
Weight	500 lbs (227 kg)
Wheelbase	60" (1525 mm)
Seat Height	31.5" (800 mm)
Wheels	Front - 14" Rear - 13"
Storage Capacity	Under seat storage for a full-faced helmet Glove compartment

Other
Frame	Lightweight aluminum frame
Warranty	24 months
Emissions	Zero

Glasgow And Scotish Motor Scooter news

2008-02-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Glasgow Airport Police Unit Motor Scooter

Glasgow Airport Police Unit have launched a bid to reduce their carbon footprint with the introduction of an electric scooter to their fleet.

Strathclyde Police are the first in the UK to purchase such a scooter. The machine has no carbon emissions, making it environmentally-friendly, and reaches speeds of up to 62mph.

The Vectrix scooter just needs to be plugged in to charge and will be used by officers to control traffic around Glasgow Airport. The Vectrix electric scooter has no emissions whatsoever and works by plugging into a 13amp plug.

Motor scooter scottish version.

The Scottish version of the folding scooter has taken the world by storm – selling more than 700,000 since its launch four years ago.

Already available in the UK, Denmark, Australia and Canada – where it has also scooped a top industry accolade at the country's national toy fair – the scooter is set to be patented in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Russia. The Flashing Storm scooter is now the proud holder of the best children's outdoor product title, handed out by the British Association of Toy Retailers.

Flashing Storm is the brainchild of toy inventor Martin Grossman and is the latest product to come from the stable of toy and novelty maker H Grossman. The company's hitherto best-known creation was a bizarre alien head which gave birth to twins suspended in a placenta-like goo, which became a must-have for youngsters in the late 1990s.

Scooter in India Story

2008-02-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Line up the Suzuki Access 125 and the Kinetic Flyte. Pablo's on a roll – you can tell by the sound of the shutter snapping away. All is well until, at that unearthly hour, an unruly gentleman who claims to be some kind of 'authority' on the area shows up. Rs 8,000 was the asking price.

That done, we scampered out as fast as our scooters could take us before con was found out. I was on the Access with Saraid, my riding buddy, in tow on the Flyte. In saying so, let me tell you that the Access was a better choice for the getaway, because although heavier by four kilos it does the sprint to 60 kph in just 9 seconds, while the Flyte was 0.7 seconds slower. The Access is powered by a 124cc, ultra-refined motor that makes 8.58 bhp@7000 rpm. The engine is pretty smooth and has a muted exhaust note, which makes the Access go about its business quickly without creating any drama whatsoever. The Flyte, on the other hand, is down on power by 0.5 bhp and on torque by 0.1 kgm at 0.9 kgm@5500 rpm. However, a rorty engine with a neat note and just the right amount of vibes makes the Flyte feel like a more action-packed machine.

The Flyte, on the other hand, is more contemporary looking. It's already popular in various international markets as the Sym X-pro. In a few words, it's sharp, stylish and small-ish. The Flyte's got some neat looking matt black panels and mirrors, like on modern day superbikes – ones which pivot at the arm rather than the mirror itself – making them less prone to vibes. The Access too has some clever touches. The foldable aluminium rear footpegs, for one, are well-designed and click-lock into place unlike those on the Flyte, which tend to move around. The speedometer console is also more old-school than that on the Flyte, yet somehow doesn't look out of place, while both scooters sport similar gadgetry in terms of switches and anti-theft locks. My grudge with the Access is the big chrome covered silencer. It needs to be inclined parallel to the lines of the side panel, so that it doesn't look like an afterthought.

Both the scooters here are a first of sorts; the Access 125 is Suzuki's first for India while the Flyte is the Kinetic-Sym venture's debutante. The reason for this comparison is a no-brainer, actually. Both the Access and the Flyte have 125cc powertrains. When seen next to one another, the Access looks quite substantial compared to the Flyte and it has quite a few styling cues borrowed from various scooters from the, ahem, Honda stable. For instance, the mudguard and side-panels resemble those of the Activa, while the front indicators look as if they've come from the Pleasure. Still the Access is a handsome looking scooter – it's like Sly in Rocky VI, able to throw some punches despite his age showing.

The Flyte is a bit mushier and absorbs much more before it decides that it's time for you to feel bumps. Once again, the telescopic forks work well and the right choice of tyres allow you to push the Flyte into corners at side-stand scraping angles. Later, as Saraid and I exchanged notes, we came to the conclusion that the ergonomics of the Flyte helped in cornering confidence. Unlike the Access, where you're sitting upright and over the scooter, the Flyte allows you to feel one with it. We also agreed upon the fact that the 130 mm drum brakes on the Flyte were at par with the 120 mm drums on the Access when it came to bite and feel.

That scooters have been developing slowly in India is known, and one big fact that proves this is that both these scooters are shod with telescopic forks. Gone are the days of the nervous linkage suspension and my apprehensions of pushing a scooter around corners. The Access is firmly sprung and tends to send a few shocks through. The fact that the seat offers no cushion to these bumps doesn't help, but riding two-up with Saraid, I later found that the ride quality had increased tremendously. Around corners, the stiff suspension along with the 90/100-10 tyres weren't as confident as I'd expected them to be.

Later, as we were testing, we ran out fuel on the Access (yes, it happens to the best of us) and a middle aged gentleman, who was gingerly riding by, stopped to have a look at the fuel transfer in progress. He overlooked the Flyte completely and grilled Pablo on the Access. Pablo, of course, obliged like a diligent Suzuki sales person and sold him the Access hook, line and sinker. I couldn't help but look on in disbelief, wondering how in the world he missed the Flyte. Clearly the Kinetic-Sym wins in the styling department, but for many, size does matter.

Both these scooters are extremely well built and have exceptional levels of fit and finish. Yes, both are comparable to the market leader, the Activa. And if you thought we were done with our adventures for the day, hold on. Or at least I wished I had. Our shoot, I painfully admit, ended when I piloted the Flyte into a corner, hitting a bump and going airborne. The Flyte, er, flew into a nearby field and came out with a broken brake lever, mirror glass and a few scratches. And believe me when I tell you that a crash of that intensity could have permanently laid a machine to rest.

So then who wins? To be fair, both the Flyte and the Access are 125cc machines, but that's as far as similarities go. The Access, at Rs 42,730 (as much as the Activa) is ideal for the no-nonsense type of customer who, like the middle-aged gentleman (who's probably already booked one) wants nothing more than a reliable scooter. But for Rs 37,400, the Flyte is the scooter that the younger, more energetic bunch of individuals like me would love to use as a daily runabout and a little more. So Kinetic, can you please fix the Flyte and send it back to me?

By: Joshua Crasto & Pablo Chaterji

Super Scooter From Super Chinese Scooter

2008-02-06T23:05:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Hate the small wheels of a scooter, but love the auto' gearbox? You might find the answer in the Jonway Ranger 150.

Scooters are easier for novices, but their small wheels make their handling inferior to that of "regular" bikes. Enter the Jonway Ranger 125 and 150, with big 16-inch wheels, disc brakes front (with ABS) and rear, and plenty of knee room for tall riders thanks to a 1.5m wheelbase.

More power for small money, the 150cc version we rode for a few days is only R100 more expensive than the 125cc model. As you?re not exactly going to pop an unexpected wheelie on the 150, we recommend that you break the piggy bank and get the bigger one.

It develops 7kW at 7 500 r/min, making it 20% more powerful than the 125, with a claimed top speed of 95km/h over the 125?s claimed 80km/h top whack.

The air-cooled four-stroke motor starts easily, runs quietly and there?s a kick-start lever in case of battery failure. Like most scooters, the Ranger accelerates briskly from rest and holds its speed on most inclines, except the steep ones.

Super Scooter styling and storage make a differents ? The turning signal toggle switch is a little frustrating, as you can accidentally push it too far to cancel the indicator light, selecting the opposite indicator in the process. But the Ranger isn?t the only two-wheeler to suffer from this affliction.

The Ranger?s plastic moulded panels are well-made and properly joined, although the chromed and silver-coloured bits look cheap, especially on the front-end. Plain black plastic will look much more stylish. The instrument panel is neat, except for the cut-out around the odometer that looks quite shabby.

The long, comfortable seat covers a small storage space ? big enough for about six cans of Coke, but not much else. There?s another small ?cubby hole? by your knees. Both compartments are lockable and unlock with the ignition key.

New Peugeot Motor Scooter

2008-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Peugeot has announced the release of their brand new scooter, the Sum Up 125cc. A brand new 125cc scooter from Peugeot that cuts straight to the chase in terms of form, function and value.

With its features, the scooter halogen headlights and a broad two person seat and flat floor pan provide space and comfort for both rider and passenger. Under the seat is the usual storage you would expect to find on a scooter, but there is also a small glove compartment at the front to store smaller items, alloy wheels and sport wheels profile with 13’’ tyres. The 220mm front disc brake delivers dependable stopping power, from the front is reminiscent of Peugeot’s iconic Speedfight scooter.While the wide bodywork at the front gives protection from the elements.

Although the scooter features with both electric and kick start as standard, a side stand and a centre stand, it only weighs 115kg, making it one of the lightest scooter in it's class. The scooter is powered by a air-cooled four-stroke engine is frugal and reliable and meets the tough new Euro 3 pollution standards.

This motor scooter is available in UK's a choice of Night Blue/Metallic Silver and Pearl Black/Metallic Silver for £1,399 on the road. The Sum Up has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind and competitive rates of insurance are available through Peugeot’s long-term partner, (MCE).

Newter Scooter the neutral Scooter for animal

2008-01-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

TEMPLE, Ariz. - the care of the animals and the ordering of the county of Maricopa offer a service to the residents of valley, the neutral Scooter, a surgical unit of art of the car-portrait-contained which offers procedures spay and neutrals, inexpensive vaccines, the response to cruelty and the negligence animal, sorting for disasters, and other medical departments.

The neutral Scooter will be in Tempe Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (9 hours) of the morning with 1 TOKEN ENTRY in the fate of the south of parking of the public library of Temple, 3500 S. Rural Rd.

The neutral Scooter will offer the inexpensive vaccines and the services of authorization on the spot. The goods spay and neutral No-cost will be available to those which qualify. For more information, www.maricopa.gov/pets visits.

Neuter Scooter offers low-cost spay and neuter services and vaccines.

Ontario scooter man collided by another scooter.

2008-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

A Ontario man fights for its life in a Taiwanese hospital after a head-on collision last week to the left it in a coma with injuries of the brain and the Rueckenmarks. Matte Stever, 27, drove a scooter, around last Tuesday to work when another scooter carrying a teenage couple collided with him.

Family and friends try now to raise more than $100,000 take it, in order to get it house. Up to now provisional estimates of the costs of getting the Stever of house were high. The lowest projected costs were $133,000 to fly to it on a private jet back. OHIP and insurance do not cover it, the said family. Its parents, Mary and Roger Stever, have already more than $10,000 flying to Taiwan, in order to be spent with their son, the said rice. Family and friends Stevers plan to hold a use and a Hockeyspiel in order to raise money to get in order to help, it house.

Deliveries can be formed for the bank of Montreal in Picton, Rotary club of Picton and the Picton hospital Foundation..

Ends of degree of safety of scooter

2008-01-19T02:30:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

The royal Cayman islands police, which asks service for scooter passengers to guarantee their machines is completely safe, if she will leave unsupervised after a number of thefts over the last two weeks. Since Decembers are 31 sieve motor scooter reported, how stolen police, by which five were recovered. Motor scooter owner will lively to invest in a high speed chain who by the wheel lower surface are more motor scooter fit and a safe article be attached can, that it on to be taken away prevented.

Additionally everyone, to who more scooter for sales for a low price or without the necessary documents one offers, is pushed, to step with its local police station immediately in connection. Into the relation cars are offered to inhabitants also the following crime prevention advice:

Don't you leave to motor scooter in located places.

During on your characteristic, you keep motor scooter covered or from opinion of the main street out.

Lock to motor scooter by the framework to something, that are safe and dismount you wheels, if possible. Do you remove also smaller parts and accessory equipment, which not like crash helmets and lights to become secured to be able.

Do you mark your motor scooter by its PO box, therefore it can be easily marked by the police, if it is stolen.

Keep a copy of the seriennummer of the motor scooter, a photograph of the motor scooter and the purchase receipt of motor scooter if possible.

Killed in scooter crash

2008-01-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

An 87-year-old man riding a mobility scooter was struck and and died after being hit by a lorry as he tried to cross a road in Bradford on a mobility scooter.

The accident happened as the pensionerhe began to cross the A658 Harrogate Road at an uncontrolled crossing near the junction with Hazlecroft.

He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with serious injuries but was pronounced dead a short time later. None of the people in the minivan were injured.

The victim's name and age were not released immediately.

Scooters Today

2008-01-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Meet the ZiPee, a cute and functional electric scooter and one solution the UK’s pollution problem (ZiPee stands for Zero Input of Pollution from Emissions into the Environment). The ZiPee is a scooter marketed for London commuters, enticing them to trade in their gas guzzling vehicles for their everyday journeys. Hoping to change the outlook of passengers and urging them to make a choice in their commuting habits, the ZiPee is ideal for travel within London and other cities.

Retailing at £799, the electric scooter is capable of 30 miles on a single charge, takes only two hours to charge up and if you run out of power the incorporated pedals can get you home safely. You only have to be 14 to ride one and there are no requirements for road tax, insurance, licence or registration. Even the London Congestion Charge can’t get you!

It’s not just about the scooter though. The ZiPee is also used in local school projects to educate students on the benefits of travelling by electricity, inspiring the next generation of travellers. Changing consumers’ habits is hard, and will take time, but with the help of social entrepreneurs like ZiPee bikes, the next generation of commuters can start with good habits.

Italy 2007 motorbike, scooter, moped sales.

Italy's Ancma association for the two wheel industry said sales of motorbikes, scooters and mopeds rose 4.9 pct in 2007 to 566,169, from a year earlier.

Scooter sales fell 1.72 pct to 279,001, motorbike sales fell 2.88 pct to 156,472, while sales of two-wheelers up to 50cc engine capacity rose 11.86 pct to 130,696, the association said.

In the over-50cc category, Honda (nyse: HMC - news - people ) scooters SH150, SH300 and SH125 were top sellers in 2007 with respective sales of 21,778, 18,644 and 15,983.

Fourth and fifth sellers were Yamaha's scooters X MAX 250 and T MAX 500 with respectively 11,451 and 10,589 sales Ancma said.

Honda's Hornet 600 was top selling motorbike, at seventh in the overall ranking, selling 8,982 units, it said.

For machines of up to 50cc engines, based on data provided by constructors, Ancma said Piaggio
and its Gilera brand sold 42,767 units out of the 130,696 total, followed by its Aprilia brand with 25,240.

Taiwan's Kymco sold 14,791 followed by Italy's Malaguti 13,527 and Yamaha 12,088.

A scooter coming along

2008-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

THE Local Government Association is seeking a statewide review of mobility scooters amid claims they are crowding footpaths and endangering pedestrians.

The association wants the Iemma Government to overhaul the rules governing use of the motorised devices, which a spokeswoman said are "increasingly an issue in coastal areas and some rural areas, where people are moving to retire".

A beacon for NSW retirees is Ballina, which is wrestling with the problem. Mayor Phillip Silver says there "are probably more [mobility] scooters here per head of population than anywhere else in the country".

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce has appealed to Ballina Shire Council to take into account the growing use of the scooters when redrawing a management plan for the city's footpaths.

Chamber manager Nadia Eliott-Burgess said that, while businesses welcomed the custom of older shoppers, special usage rules or road and footpath conditions might be needed.

"If you walk up River Street you will probably see half a dozen of them," Ms Eliott-Burgess said.

"You'll see a dozen on a busy day. If I'm coming out of a shop and there's a scooter coming along, should I be stopping or should the scooter be stopping?"

She knew of scooters overturning on some sections of footpath.

John Payne, general manager for NSW of leading scooter manufacturer Invacare, said the market was "growing substantially". The machines retailed from between $2500 and $10,000 and were popular among the elderly, who had decreased mobility but wished to live an independent lifestyle, he said.

Tom Pavlovich, who runs Scooters & Mobility in Ballina, said sales had surged in the two years he had been in business.

Mr Pavlovich said he gave buyers instructions on how to avoid trouble on the devices, which the Roads and Traffic Authority rules stipulate might not be driven over 10 kmh and must weigh less than 110 kilograms. He said he was not aware of any serious pedestrian collisions involving the scooters, although one purchaser had crashed into a garage door.

Ballina retiree Vince O'Shea, 79, uses his scooter to get to the shops and visit friends. "[Scooters] give you a certain amount of independence," he said. "I usually give way to anybody that's coming towards me."

Mr Silver - who is wheelchair bound - said he was unsure whether Ballina Shire Council had the power to develop protocols for the scooters or whether it would be necessary to involve the RTA. He was hopeful a solution could be reached to the satisfaction of business owners and scooter users.

NSW StaySafe Committee chairman Geoff Corrigan said the usage of scooters had been raised by his committee members. He said no decision had been taken about whether to activate a review.

A scooter for Rudy

A few days ago, Rudy Giuliani earned some good-natured jeers when, during an appearance at Segway Inc. — maker of the two-wheeled “Personal Transporter” — he declined to ride one of the devices.

He must have heard the jibes. Giuliani rode into his first event of the morning Saturday on board a two-wheeled, motorized scooter. It was hard to see if it actually was a Segway.

“I could of done twice as much campaigning if I had that thinng,” Giuliani said in his remarks to the FIRST Robotic Competition Kickoff in Manchester.

“I’ll try it on Fifth Avenue,” Giuliani said, getting laughs from the tech-oriented crowd.

But the laughs stopped, however, when Giuliani told the New England audience that he would welcome the winners of the robotic competition to the White House as if they were the New York Yankees. That remark got him some boos.

Scooter refund refused as wife, 80, dies - insurance motor scooter

2008-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter

PENSIONER Marjorie Williams’ wish was to use her new mobility scooter on Porthcawl seafront on Christmas Day.

The much-needed present costing almost £600 had been bought for her by her devoted husband of 62 years, Kenneth.

But the 80-year-old, who suffered from arthritis, died suddenly from a heart attack before she was able to use it, and the family say the shop’s refusal to take it back is compounding their grief.

“Every time my dad looked at the scooter it was cutting him to bits, especially as she never got to fulfil her dream of using it in Porthcawl,” said the couple’s son Rhys Williams, 51, a property developer of Llanharry, near Pontyclun.

“It had never been used as it was bought just a fortnight before her death, so we asked Cardiff Medical and Mobility if they would take it back. I felt absolutely certain they would because of the type of business they are in, but they told myself and my father that they don’t do refunds.

“I think it’s immoral and I’ve now had to put the scooter in my garage because the sight of it upsets my father too much.”

But James Turnbull, one of the owners of Cardiff Medical and Mobility, of Rhydlafar Drive, St Fagans, Cardiff, said the family business was well within its rights to refuse a full refund.

“We sold the product to them on December 10 and they approached us on Christmas Eve. There is nothing wrong with the product and Mr Williams is not entitled to his money back.

“It’s not unusual for people to buy products off us and then for the person who the product was bought for to die. If we refunded every product we sold, we wouldn’t have a business.

“We have been going 24 years and pride ourselves on good customer service.”

Mr Williams, who played full-back for Cardiff RFC between 1979 and 1985, said his father, of Church Villas, Llanharan, who runs Ken’s butchers in Pontyclun, did not expect a full refund, but did expect the shop to help him out by coming to some arrangement.

But Mr Turnbull said Mr Williams only asked for a full refund and did not ask for the shop to consider other options.

He said the business may take the scooter back if it has not been used and would offer a 50 per cent refund.

Mr Williams said: “I never mentioned a full refund, but 50 per cent is unacceptable. We will just have to sell the scooter on ebay.

“Mum’s death has been devastating for all of us and this has only made it worse.”

Choose A Scooter Bike Fun And Easy To Master

2007-12-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Choose a bike that will be fun and easy to master. A lightweight motorbike with moderate power is easy to handle at high and low speeds than a powerful sport bike. While any two-wheeled vehicle has inherent danger, riding small to midsize bikes will reduce some of those risks.

Scooters are a subset of motorcycles that have step through bodies and small wheels. Choose a midsize scooter with an engine displacement of 125 to 400 cc. Most scooters are comfortable motorbikes for their size. Finally, most scooters have integral storage in the form of a built in trunk or a glove compartment or both. When buying, consider quality, comfort, weight, convenience and style.

Midsize scooters, like motorcycles, require a motorcycle license and insurance motor scooter to operate. Insurance Motor Scooter is much less expensive than car insurance.

Classic scooters emulate the Italian Vespa. The classic Vespa has a 50 to 200 cc engine, clutches and shifts with the left hand, brakes with the right hand and right foot, and has a one-piece steel body. Vespas are easy to maintain. All of the parts to keep an old Vespa on the road and looking good are readily available from many outlets. Old classic scooters require frequent upkeep and special oil with each fill up to keep their two stroke engines running.

Most modern scooters have steel frames with plastic body panels. Vespas are the exception. Vespa keeps the steel body in their modern style scooters. While some modern scooters have 2 stroke engines like the classic bikes, most have 4 stroke engines. 4 stroke engines have lower exhaust emissions, important in today’s regulatory climate. Modern scooters have automatic transmissions that simplify their operation while maintaining high gas mileage.

What kind of performance do these bikes provide? Small scooters usually have good acceleration to 30 or 40 mph. Top speed for an unmodified 50 cc scooter will range from 30 to 50 mph depending on manufacturer and the weight of the rider. Scooters with 125 to 150 cc 4 cycle engines should speed up to 55 mph easily. It is not unusual to see a 150 cc scooter that will hit 65 mph. Larger 250 cc scooters like the Morphous, Helix, People 250 and Vespa GTS should hit 75 mph or more making them some of the smallest and lightest motorbikes that are highway capable. All of these bikes match speed with stopping power.

Most scooters have small turning radii and sporty suspensions. Riders find that scooters handle emergency maneuvers well. Some bikes may have suspensions that are hard on the spine. It may be possible to adjust this by changing suspension settings or components or by letting some air out of the tires.

When Choosing A Gas Scooter.....

2007-09-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

When choosing a gas scooter, you want to be certain that it will fit you, your needs and your budget. There are gas scooters that are designed for cruising around town, off road, and racing. Gas scooters, depending on type can cost as low as two-hundred fifty dollars and can cost as much as eighteen hundred dollars.

Street/Cruising gas scooters are setup with the suspension systems to handle the bumps in the road while maintaining a smooth ride. Some street gas scooters will have front shocks, while others use an impact absorption frame. Just about all street/Cruising gas scooters will have pneumatic tires that provide a smoother ride.

Many models of street scooters come equipped with a headlight, left and right turn signals and brake lights. These options are recommended for those using their scooter as transportation to or from work and are going to traveling during early morning or early evening hours.

The most common gas scooters are the stand up type, where you stand on a foot plate while holding onto the handlebars as you ride. As these scooters have become more powerful, and have extended their fuel mileage capacity, many riders were getting tired of standing. Now most gas scooters offer a removable seat unit. Today's scooter commuter can now sit while they cruise around town.

Off Road scooters are designed to take a serious beating. With the off road gas scooters, you will find such modifications as adjustable front and rear suspension for jumping and trail riding, as well as a more powerful performance engine with lower gear ratios. Off Road scooters will come with either ten inch or eleven inch knobby tires for tearing through the dirt. Off Road scooters can be used for both on and off road, but you will have a lot more fun off.

Race scooters are designed with upgraded performance tuned engines. These scooters will have improved brake systems as well a reinforced suspension system. These scooters are made of the lightest material that can handle the weight. The motor is a high performance, race tuned engine with performance stack and possible power pipe.

The Razor

2007-09-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Kidsonroll.com has announced an exciting dealership with Razor brand. Apart from furnishing the numerous models of Razor brand, it is offering amazing deals to the consumers. Almost all the racers love to ride the Razor scooters (razor.kidsonroll.com), as it gives the high speed and long range power to win the race. It becomes quite essential for them to have a fuel efficient scooter with moderate to high speed.

Razor scooters give the high speed and the unique braking mechanism allows the rider to stop by stepping down on the rear fender. Razor scooters are fun to ride for kids and commuters as well, as they are portable, foldable and convenient for covering short distances. They are made of the sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum material and extra-large pneumatic tires. The batteries used in Razor models have the extra capacity to give more power for long ranges. The Razor scooters have the springless shock absorbing system to make the ride smoother and grip tape on the decks, which prevents slipping. Also, they have the motors fitted based on the centrifugal system, to provide a trilling experience to the riders. The brand Razor has won numerous awards for its splendid performance and durability.

Razor scooters are classified as kick, gas powered and electric scooters. Some of the models have a speed/chain drive and high torque motor fitted to give the fast pace and more power. These models even feature a double-welded frame, chain tensioner auto adjusting, and a twist throttle for higher torque and better acceleration. They are the best scooters to be used in the races giving you the required power and speed. The color ranges of Razor scooters are red, black, green and many more.

They are designed with features that are environment friendly and highest quality, materials, and components. Some of the famous models from Razor are E300 Electric scooter, Razor Ground Force Electric Go Kart, Razor Dirt Quad, Razor pro model kick scooter, to name a few. Safety equipment such as a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads are highly recommended to control the dangers. Kidsonroll.com is supplying the products to the consumers without any sales tax, guaranteed low price, same day shipping, free shipping within the USA mainland, discounts up to 70% and many more. All the transactions with kidsonroll.com are safe and secure. The offer details are posted at the official site www.razor.kidsonroll.com

The BMW C1 Scooter

2007-08-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Insurance motor scooter blogspot

What a wonderful bike, I have the 200cc (176cc to be exact) Black Executive version. It might look strange at first but it really grows on you, especially when it's cold and wet. It's also as safe as a small car! With a front crumple zone and a roll cage plus seat belts! With free parking and no congestion charge, you can't really go wrong!.

The C1 is targeted to urban European markets as an appealing alternative to small cars and crowded mass transit systems. The ultimate congestion beater, it is easily maneuverable, versatile in traffic, easy to park and, due to its distinctive appearance, readily noticed by other motorists.

Two models were available. The '125' model featured a 124 cc capacity four valve, four-stroke, water-cooled, fuel injected engine producing 15 bhp. The '200' model sported a 176 cc engine producing 18 bhp. Both engines were manufactured by Rotax. The 176 cc engine can suffer from burnt valves if not serviced correctly.

Specification:

Engine size 125cc
Power 15bhp
Top speed 65mph

Honda Silver Wing Scooter

2007-07-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Sleek, stylish and sporting freeway-friendly, motorcycle-spec performance, the Silver Wing® is the über-scooter, hands-down. From its beefy, 582cc liquid-cooled parallel twin and exclusive Honda V-matic™ transmission to the plush, two-up seating and spacious on-board storage, the Silver Wing is truly in a class of its own.

ENGINE

Engine Type 582cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin
Bore and Stroke 72mm x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.2:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Carburetion PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, four-hole injectors
Ignition Computer-controlled fully transistorized with electronic advance

DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Automatic V-Matic belt drive

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Suspension 41mm hydraulic fork; 4.7 inches travel
Rear Suspension Swingarm with dual hydraulic shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 4.5 inches travel
Front Brake Single 276mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper
Rear Brake Single 240mm disc with CBSystem twin-piston caliper; Optional ABS
Front Tire 120/80-14
Rear Tire 150/70-13

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 62.8 inches41mm hydraulic fork; 4.7 inches travel
Seat Height 29.7 inches
Curb Weight 540 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity 4.2 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve

Mobility scooters

2007-07-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

Electric scooters, also known as mobility scooters, have become a common site at malls, amusement parks, and practically any public area. They are the choice mode of transportation for those who have difficulty standing or walking long distances. If you are shopping for a new electric scooter, then you have no doubt seen the variety of different types and models that are on the market today. From portable travel scooters that fit in the trunk of a car, to larger heavy duty scooters that resemble golf carts, there is a scooter that will fit almost any situation. A good understanding of the different types of mobility scooters available will insure that you purchase the one that will best meet your needs.

Travel scooters are the most affordable type of mobility scooter and are available in both 3 and 4 wheel models, however most come in 3 wheel configurations to make them lighter. Travel electric scooters are perfect for the person that is on the road a lot and needs to take their scooter with them. They can also be disassembled into smaller, lighter pieces to aid in transport. The biggest disadvantage in purchasing a travel scooter is that they generally have a lower weight capacity, and do not come with as many features and options. Battery life may also be significantly lower than that of a full size model.

3 wheel electric scooters are perfect for indoor maneuvering and are the most common type of mobility scooters. They have a tighter turning radius so they are able to turn sharper and get around corners much easier. This makes them well suited for indoor environments such as shopping malls. Unlike their smaller cousin the travel scooter, they are equipped with more powerful batteries capable of staying charged for longer periods of time.

4 wheel mobility scooters can be used both indoors and outdoors but do not have the turning radius of a 3 wheel scooter. 4 wheel scooters are perfect for outdoor maneuverability where the terrain is not smooth and because it has 4 wheels instead of 3, there is increased stability and traction over the 3 wheel model. Most of the time 4 wheel scooters will also feature larger wheels and a better suspension system just for that purpose. If you will be spending more time driving your electric scooter outdoors then a 4 wheel scooter will definitely benefit you more.

Heavy duty electric scooters generally have higher weight capacities than their counterparts. The weight capacities are usually around 400-500lbs for most HD scooters. On top of having higher weight capacities, heavy duty electric scooters also have wider seats and have a longer chassis to give more leg room. If you are a heavier user, then it will benefit you to pay the extra money up front for a heavy duty model. When considering the weight capacity of a scooter, always make sure that your own weight is at least 20% less than the factory recommended maximum. This will insure that you get the longest possible life out of both the batteries and the electric motor that powers the scooter.

Now that you have an idea of the types of electric scooters available, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next scooter.

by Ivan Cuxeva Jr

HS570 Mobility Scooter

2007-07-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

HS570 Mobility Scooter

Specification:

Overall Length	49.0"
Overall Width	24.0"
Overall Height	39.0"
Wheels: Front	10" Pneumatic
Wheels: Rear	10" Pneumatic
Weight without Batteries	106 Ibs.
Max. Speed	5 mph
Weight Capacity	300 Ibs.
Ground Clearance	1.9"
Grade Climbable	12 degree
Curb Climbing	3.1"
Turning Radius	42.5"
Suspension	N/A
Brake	Electro-Mechanical
Seat Type	Premium Upholstery Mid-Back & Headrest Swivel Mid-Back Swivel
Seat Width	18"
Motor Size	750W, 3400R.P.M
Battery	(2) 12V. 36Ah
Battery Weight	28 Ibs. each
Travel Range	Up to 25 Miles
Battery Charger	5A
Electronics	On/Off Key Switch

The power of Motor Scooters

2007-06-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

What type of motor scooter do you need? Motor scooters offer great gas mileage and are a cheap form of transportation. Today motor scooter manufacturers and motor scooter dealers offer many different models and brands of motor scooters. There are gas powered motor scooters and electric motor scooters.

Gas powered motor scooters have small wheels and a gasoline engine. Motor scooters have come a long way since the old-fashioned foot-powered scooters that date back to 1921. Fast gas scooters are what attracts the public to use gas and not electric. The electric powered motor scooter is much slower and has a shorter travel distance. But remember either gas or electric will serve your needs for cheap transportation. It's your decision. Remember gas powered motor scooters are more powerful and go faster speeds than stand-up folding scooters or electric scooters. With a larger fuel tank added, gas powered motor scooters can travel further distances. Motor scooters may not be permitted in some areas so check your sate DOT scooter laws in your area before purchasing a motor scooter.

Gas scooters all have engines that runs on gasoline. Because of this gas scooters are ideal for highway and traveling over a fairly long distance. The larger the gas tank the more distance you will be able to travel. Gas scooters save you money at the gas pump because of there great gas mileage ranging anywhere from 40 to 80 miles per gallon. Electric scooters are much slower and have a shorter travel distance. Gas scooter engines that start around 50cc can deliver more power and faster speeds and get you where you want to go quicker. This is why the serious scooter enthusiast chooses a gas scooter. When riding gas-powered scooters in public roadways make sure you know your local DOT scooter laws because gas scooters may not be permitted in some areas and also

A gas scooter two stroke engine requires specific oil to a separate holding tank and then the oil is mixed with the gasoline inside the carburetor. A 2-stroke engine doesn't have valves and is more responsive off the line but louder.

A gas scooter four stroke engine gets greater fuel mileage, low emissions, and no oil to mix with the fuel. The 4-stroke engine is quieter and delivers a smoother ride for long distance scooter riding comfort.

Either way a gas scooter 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine will offer reliability and performance. When buying any type of high-quality gas scooters do the research. Make sure to buy from reputable gas scooter dealers and research the gas scooter brands. Look closely at the gas scooter warranty. a scooter permit may be required. Some states do not require insurance if your gas scooter is a 49cc scooter or under.

Electric motor scooters are generally heavier and larger. The extra weight causes them to consume more power and go shorter distances when compared with gas motor scooters or stand-up folding scooters. Average miles are around 10 to 15 miles and then may require a recharge the scooter battery. Electric battery-powered motor scooters are used for short distances around the neighborhood, school campus or store. Motor scooters for the handicapped are called mobility scooters are typically electric.

Are cheap gasoline prices a thing of the past? Well with an electric scooter just plug it in to an electric scooter charger and go! As gas prices rise electric scooters are having more of an interest from the public. They’re practical, easy to park and great for going short distances like a quick run to the store, school or the park. Electric scooter industry experts say sales have doubled compared to a year ago.

The electric scooter enthusiast enjoys the feel freedom that makes everyday commuting fun and easy, most electric scooter models are compact and light enough to be stored under your desk at work. You can recharge the electric scooter battery and save money on gas. Even the more powerful and faster gas scooters like the Vespa can get 50 to 70 miles per gallon or more in the city.

The scooter types

2007-06-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

The scooter is one of the biggest changes in transport. Scooters are simple to use and everyone can learn to use one in minutes. This makes scooters one of the carriers the choice for both kids and adults. They are compact and normally fold up, and are a practical means of transport also. Scooters come into many different kinds. these types can be adapted for almost anyone. The way that the person will use the scooter is the most critical factor in deciding the best model. There are a number of kinds of the existing scooters. Everyone of these scooter kinds is intended for a certain type of use. Some scooters descriptions can really fit in more than one scooter category. The following Sections seek to provide information and a short description as to the use which is suitable for each scooter type.

The following is a listing of some scooter types:

Folding scooter

Adult scooters

Trick scooters

Board scooter

Folding scooters Folding scooter or stand-up motor scooter has two wheels are are usually use for short distances around the neighborhood and are also called children's scooters. These kids scooters are used for tricks and are very light-weight and compact for children and young adults. At present are readily available and are the most popular kind. The folding standard scooter can be used to move around the neighbourhood or to get to the train or to work, or even, some small errands. Folding ones scooters are particularly created, in order to join compact size and compact structure to create a smooth and pleasing travel experience. As soon as you are finished riding, folding scooters can collapse in seconds so that you can take them on a bus or car. Most two wheeled models have tires that you need to pump up to make a smoother ride for the owner. Most folding scooters are made of aluminum and feature hand brakes that work in much the same way as a bicycle. This kind of the brake is quite effective.

Adult scooters are made with efficient transport in view and are typically designed for adults or for older children. Accordingly these adult scooters normally larger wheels often almost 12 inches and the bigger tires are designed in order to slide easily and to take jumps and impacts much more smoothly. These large wheels also make these types of scooters faster. However these scooters ideally are made for doing short tripsand are better forsmooth travels. The platforms on these scooters are frequently a little longer and wider to accommodate larger feet and Adult scooters have an emergency brake like on bicycles. Although these models are larger, they fold normally straight like folding scooters.

Trick scooters are made almost exclusively for trick riding and jumping. The most important characteristic on freestyle of scooters is board cover, a part of the platform extends upward over the rear wheel. This board cover is strong and supplies extra lverage. You can apply pressure at the platform you are standing on in or to do tricks. You also have to use your feet more. Many of these scooters have precision brakes and hand brakes still stop the user.

Board scooters are sort of a half-breed that combine the adult scooters with the trick scooters. Like trick scootersboard scooters are made for adults or older children.

Motor Scooter A scooter is a style of motorcycle with certain design characteristics such as a step-through frame, small wheels, automatic transmission and small engine.

The type of Skates Scooter

2007-05-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

The scooter is the hottest innovation in self-propelled transportation since inline skates. Anyone can learn to use them in minutes, making scooters great recreation for kids or adults. And since they're lightweight and usually fold up, they're a practical means of transportation as well. Scooters come in several styles, each adapted to different riding styles. So how you plan to use your scooter is the most critical factor in deciding which model is right for you.

Types of Scooters

Folding Scooters

Common traits
Unique features

Electric Scooters
Gas-Powered Scooters

Scooter Components and Construction

Folding Design
Wheels
Decks
Handlebars
Brakes

Types of Scooters

Whether you're just looking to get from point A to B or to do cool new tricks, there's a scooter type engineered for you.

Folding Scooters

Common Traits

The most popular style of scooter, the standard folding scooter can be used to glide around the neighborhood, go to work, or even do tricks
Folding scooters are designed to balance compact size and lightweight construction for a smooth ride
You can collapse these models in just a few seconds, making them small enough to carry easily
These two-wheeled models typically feature polyurethane wheels like those on inline skates, but larger
Most folding scooters are made of lightweight aluminum or steel and have fender brakes where you simply step on the rear fender until it presses against the wheel and stops the scooter

Unique Features

A feature that provides the ability to do more freestyle riding is the kicktail - a portion of the deck that extends upward over the rear wheel. This provides the leverage you need to do tricks. Most freestyle scooters also have handbrakes since the kicktail prevents use of a fender brake
Three-wheeled scooters use 100 mm inline skate style wheels like a folding scooter, with two up front and one in the rear for extra stability

Electric Scooters

Bigger, heavier scooters designed to transport you short distances, such as around campus or your neighborhood
Battery-powered motors travel upwards of 10 to 20 miles per hour for up to 8 to 16 miles a trip before you need to recharge the battery
Most are made out of very durable aluminum
Rear hand brakes allow you to control your speed and stop easily
Be sure to check the size of the battery so you know how fast the scooter will go, and how far it can go between recharges to determine which electric scooter will suit your needs
Also make sure local authorities permit you to ride an electric scooter in public roadways before doing so

Gas-Powered Scooters

Usually faster and more powerful than other scooter types.
Runs on a gasoline engine.
Can have an extended range depending on the fuel tank size.
Also make sure local authorities permit you to ride a gas-powered scooter in public roadways before doing so.

Scooter Components and Construction

There are many key components to consider when buying a scooter.

Folding Design

Most scooters are designed to collapse so you can carry them easily
Typically, scooters have a folding mechanism at the bottom of the handlebar assembly
You simply unlock the mechanism, fold the scooter and re-lock the mechanism to hold the scooter in its folded position
The handlebar assembly usually includes a quick-release lever allowing you to collapse the handlebars before you fold the scooter
A typical folded size for a scooter is: W 4 in; H 7 in; L 23 in
Most scooters weigh approximately 6 lbs making them very light to carry when folded
On average folding scooters can support up to 350 lbs

Wheels

Most scooters come with polyurethane wheels like those on in-line skates
Scooter wheels are usually larger than in-line skate wheels to make the ride smoother and faster
Like in-line skates, scooter wheels come with an ABEC rating for the bearings. The higher the ABEC rating, the smoother and faster your ride.
Standard wheels

Standard wheels (usually around 100 mm) are typically made of solid polyurethane with a small hub in the center
These wheels will go moderately fast speeds and provide a reasonably smooth ride
They are small enough that they won't be cumbersome if you want to do tricks

Large wheels

Large wheels (up to 180 mm) will clear cracks and bumps in pavement more easily, but are not well suited to doing tricks
These wheels are usually constructed of a spoked metal wheel covered by a thin polyurethane tire

Children's wheels

Some models of children's scooters come with large wheels with knobby tires for greater traction and safety
These are typically much slower than standard polyurethane wheels

Decks

The deck is the part of the scooter that you stand on
Decks usually range in length from 16 in up to 23 in
Most are made of lightweight aluminum or steel. However, some brands use wood laminate or wood and fiberglass laminate
Decks typically come with grip tape for better traction
Some scooters include a urethane cushion between the deck and the frame to absorb shocks and make your ride smoother

Handlebars

Handlebars typically adjust in length from as low as 22 inches up to 36 inches
Most scooters feature a quick-release clamp ring or push-pin adjustments on handlebars
Most scooters come with T-style handlebars that turn to let you steer the scooter. But a few models come with a ball-style grip where a rubber ball replaces the "T" at the top of the handlebar
T-style handlebars

T-style handlebars are like the standard handlebars on bicycles
These handlebars have two foam-covered grips extending from either side of the center stem
Most T-style bars turn to let you control the direction of your scooter
However, on some styles of scooters, the handlebars are fixed, simply helping you balance as you lean to turn the scooter

Ball-style handlebars

Ball-style handlebars replace the "T" at the top of the handlebar stem with a simple rubber ball-grip
These handlebars are always fixed
The bar helps you balance while you ride the scooter surfboard-style, leaning side-to-side to turn

Brakes

Most scooters have brakes to help you stop, especially from faster speeds
While the most common brake is a simple fender brake many scooters use handbrakes just like those on bicycles
Fender brakes

Fender brakes are very simple braking mechanisms
You just step on the rear fender, which is mounted on a hinged spring
The fender presses against the wheel using friction to stop

Handbrakes

Handbrakes use a caliper mounted on the wheel that you operate with a hand lever mounted on the handlebars
Just as on a bike, when you squeeze the lever the brake pads pinch the wheel and stop the scoote

History of scooter - insurance motor scooter

2007-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

insurance motor scooter blogspot

A scooter is a style of motorcycle with certain design characteristics such as a step-through frame, small wheels, automatic transmission and small engine. The general definition of a scooter is evolving as motorcycle designs have changed over time. Historically, a scooter was noted for a small engine, small wheels, a step-through design, a forward fairing with floorboards, and possibly under-seat storage. Modern scooters cover a broad spectrum of cycle design: step-through design or step-over design, small or large wheels, front fairings or floor boards, under-seat storage or not, and manual or automatic transmissions. Most scooters today feature automatic transmissions.

The classic scooter design features a step-through frame and a flat floorboard for the rider's feet. This design is possible because the scooter engine and drive system, transferring power to the rear wheel, is either attached to the rear axle or under the seat. In contrast to a frame mounted motorcycle engine, this front-hinged arrangement allows the engine to swing vertically in conjunction with the motion of the rear wheel. Older Vespas, most vintage scooters, and some newer retro models have axle mounted engines with a manual transmission with the gear shift and clutch controls built into the left handlebar. Most newer scooters use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

In contrast to most motorcycles, scooters generally feature bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanicals. There is often some integral storage space, either under the seat, built into the front leg shield, or both. Most modern motor scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles, between eight and 12 inches (20-28 cm) in diameter (though maxi- and big-wheel scooters may have larger wheels). Most scooters have smaller engines than motorcycles (between 30 cc and 250 cc with a single cylinder, though larger models have twin cylinder 400 to 650 cc. motors).

Scooters trace their origins to France, with the Auto-Fauteuil mark in 1902, 1903 in the United States, where Cushman and Salsbury created some of the first motorized two wheelers with the traits that have come to embody scooters. Salsbury produced the first automatic scooter with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Cushman's light, compact, and rugged scooters were used by the United States military as ground vehicles for paratroopers during World War II. The Vespa, originally manufactured by Piaggio in post-WWII Italy, quickly popularized motor scooters in places where inexpensive transportation was in dire need. Constructed using aircraft design and materials and eliminating belt drive by mounting the engine on the axle it redefined the vehicle type for 35 years. Despite Vespa's dominance of the scooter market, they were not without competition.

Lambretta offered models that rivaled those in the Vespa product line. In the 1980s new versions of scooters began to be released and become popular, especially in Japan and far-east Asia. This style of scooters began to reflect that of larger, sporty, higher-performance motorcycles of the time and the trend has continued to the current day. With the release of the Honda Ruckus, new trends towards dirt-bike scooters are just beginning. The classic styling of the Vespa has never lost its popularity, however and remains the most popular and most imitated scooter design. Almost all manufacturers now carry both a classic/retro model and a sporty/modern model.