HELLO SCOOTS! YES WE'VE GONE PURPLE FScootMaryland.com Meet. Share. Ride. ... a scooter blog

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

For the Scooter Lover who's lost a step or two

The XB-420M is one of our newest additions for 08'
X-Treme's XB-420M Electric Bike is a 3 Wheel High-Power Mobility Scooter using a 1-piece mobility Electric motor / rear axle and differential unit. This E-Bike runs on 4-20Amp batteries, and comes with a wheelie bar for the not so old drivers. At full power the XB-420M can get up to 15+ MPH, easily the fastest mobility scooter on the market! And for those faint at heart a speed control unit can be used. Also included in a reverse gear, arm rests and a stylish cargo rack. Extra storage under the seat as well. Our line of XB-420M's comes in black or blue colors. With the rising gas prices these days Electric modes of transportation are becoming an ever more affordable necessity versus traditional transportation


and it even comes with a loop hole to get around state regualtions...
This is an electric bicycle, user does not need to install the pedals, it will operate without the pedals just like an electric motorcycle yet still be classified as a bicycle saving the customer $$.

Get paid to scoot!

No doubt you've noticed that there are companies that employee scooters as advertising campaigns, towing large fancy bill boards.

I've looked into this concept myself on whims of starting such a business, but the setup money required tallies into the 10's of thousands. So for those of us who dream big but need to start small here is the answer...

If you're interested in getting started right away, this product is available from a guy in Israel for $199. But I'm sure if we put out minds to it we could fabricate something just as nice.

Monday, December 22, 2008

On the UP side of Craigs List ... Here's a Deal!

2008 buddy 125 for sale CHEAP! - $1000 (hanover)


Reply to: sale-932237692@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-11-24, 12:59PM EST


Brand new 2008 genuine scooter company buddy 125
lt blue with black

bought it brand new in may. has less than 2000 miles on it. no scratches/dents/dings still in brand new condition.

125 cc engine will get 90+ mpg and get up to 60+ mph
2 gallon gas tank...i haven't had to put gas in it in weeks!

paid almost $3400 for it brand new w/tax and tags..i think they had it priced at 2700? not sure.
but I'm selling it for $1000, which is waaaay less than what it's worth.
you could realistically turn around and sell it for practically double that when spring comes around again.
please contact missi if you're interested (443) 789 4071

My turn to torpedo an Craigs List Scooter Ad

2004 Moped looking to trade for 4-stroke moped - $650 (Linthicum)


Reply to: sale-966387901@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-12-21, 7:07PM EST


This is a 2004 Geely JL-QT50-15. It currently has 201 miles on it which isn't a lot at all for a scooter, There are miner problems on the moped It needs a tune up, the headlight doesn't work,neither does the starter button but i was told that it was something to do with a fuse and the left handle bar mechanism is a little loose. Besides that it is a nice scooter it has disc brakes in the front and drum in the back it also has nice aluminum chrome rims. The motor has a new carburetor. All things that are broke would be a easy fix. The reason why I am selling it is because I am looking for a 4-stroke and this is a 2-stroke If you have 4-stroke moped you wanna trade let me know and I might consider it, if not the moped is 650$$. 443 889 7526 call or email Thanks Oh yeah and this image isn't the exact scooter its just to let you get an idea of what it looks like if you want an actual picture of it just email me.




--------------

So what we are looking at here is a 4 year old, cheap chinese scooter, which because of the name we'll assume is a 50 cc, and while it has low mileage, it has multiple broken parts, but even that's not too bad because unless you can get the starter fixed, you won't even need to worry about what else it broken. And $650!?!?! Seriously, Seriously!?!?! .... that thing better not have cost you more than $899 new at PepBoys ... and you're trying to get back $650 fours years later with multiple broken parts!?!!? Seriously!?!?!

Come on man ... even stupid people can Google ....

Geely scooters dogged by low quality, sets bad precedent for cars?

If the quality of products put out by Geely's scooter division are any indication, potential buyers of Geely cars are in for a nightmare in which vehicles break after a short period and no parts are available to fix them, according to WOOD-TV.


One individual who bought a Geely scooter for $1K says the scooter died after two months, and the parts to fix it just aren't available. A Geely spokesman said that while he's not familiar with the scooter division, he could guarantee that the cars that will, they hope, one day be sold in the United States will be of much higher quality and will have the infrastructure necessary to provide parts and repairs in a timely manner.

PS ... I love the fact that this article not only dogs the Geely line, but features a picture of the exact model your selling!

Scootin' on Craigs List

I love it when one craigs lister's ad inspires annoyance in another, so much so that they respond...

NEW Roketa 150cc Touring Scooter... sweet ride! - $1300 (21117 Owings Mills, Md)


Reply to: sale-966024541@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-12-21, 1:05PM EST


BRAND NEW. CASH ONLY AS PAYMENT!!! $$$$$

ROKETA 150cc 4 STROKE, CVT TRANSMISSION, ELECTRIC START AND KICK START. BOTH WORK GREAT!

KEYED IGNITION.

ALL GAUGES INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, RPM, OIL, FUEL, BATTERY. all are illuminated by a red led backlight.

HAS LED BRAKELIGHTS, LED TURN SIGNALS, HIGH & LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS.

GREAT SUSPENSION. RIDES SO SMOOTH... 0-60MPH IN 4-5 SECONDS.

TOP SPEED 80+MPH. AT 7000 RPM.

TORQUE: 19.5 N.M 6500 RPM.

COLOR: BRIGHT CANDY APPLE RED.

RUNS ON 89+ OCTANE FUEL AND 10W 30SAE MOTOR OIL.

4 STROKE AIR COOLED ENGINE.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS HYDRAULIC BRAKES FRONT & REAR....

CALL 443-204-6529

OR REPLY TO THE SALE...




and then ....


RE: NEW Roketa 150cc Touring Scooter... sweet ride! (SCAM!)


Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-12-21, 4:37PM EST


First, Roketa is probably one of the worst Chinese scooters you can buy.

It will NOT even come close to 80mph, you'll be lucky to get over 55 mph.

Sure, it'll run on 89 octane, until the detonation destroys the piston.

The so-called ABS is a joke... the best it will do is divert the braking pressure AWAY from the caliper, causing you to crash!

If you are stupid enough to buy this piece of crap, be sure to get all the details IN WRITING and SIGNED by the seller, including the DOT certification papers, the top speed, and the warranty. If not, you may find yourself unable to register the scooter. Then go to www.roketa.com to see the REAL specs on this scooter!




Thursday, December 18, 2008

WHOA!!!

Love it!

Wonder why this didn't catch on???

Cool or Lame???

WHOA!!!

Is there anything Brangelina can't do?

Two years, ago Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent Thanksgiving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam taking in the sights and enjoying some R&R. To get around, Pitt rented a Yamaha Nouvo scooter, with Jolie perched on the back. Of course, the paparazzi snapped away — and suddenly, free advertising for Yamaha turned into major sales.

“The image of the cool actor driving an automatic scooter changed consumers’ perceptions that previously associated the model with female drivers. Japanese renowned manufacturer Honda forayed into the market soon after, debuting a sporty-looking Air Blade model in April last year that domestic motorbike traders said was a breakthrough in design for automatic scooters. The Honda Air Blade enchanted consumers and the current available supplies of the model have yet to meet overwhelming public demand.”

Yamaha has since answered Honda’s introduction with a revamped Nouvo — but the race is on and other manufacturers like Piaggio and Kymco are adding to the competition.

Of course, high gas prices are probably a greater catalyst overall — but it’s pretty amazing what some celebrity photos will do for an entire market.

Pretty ...

Not what i was expecting when i clicked on "Playboy Scooter" ...

Pure Joy

Ah, the good old days ...

Marc Demoulin Photography



http://www.pbase.com/marcdemoulin

Does this make anyone else just slightly uncomfortable ?



Given the look on the rear guy's face, I'm pretty sure there is sex going on in this picture ... not that there's anything wrong with that ... haha!

Displaying the Airscoot, a motor scooter, which folds to fit under a kitchen sink. Date taken: September 1947 Photographer: Frank Scherschel

Nationwide Announces Holiday Contest for Riders

When the holiday spirit strikes do you include your motorcycle or scooter in the merriment? If so, Nationwide Insurance wants to know about it. Whether you've brought your favorite two-wheel ride inside and strung Grandma's favorite bubble lights on it, staged it right alongside ye olde mistletoe or participated in a holiday themed ride or parade, you can submit your pictures for the inaugural "Nationwide 'Tis the Season Contest." The top three submissions will each receive an insulated waterproof backpack and be announced the week of January 5. Submissions must be received by January 2, 2009, and will be judged on creativity by the motorcycle communications team at Nationwide. You can log on to view all "Nationwide 'Tis the Season Contest" entries at nationwideinsurancetistheseasonc.shutterfly.com/. Send your submission to bikes@nationwide.com. (Your email address will not be collected or shared).

Where's the Beef !?!?!

Federal Government Proposes 100% Tariff On European Motorcycles Under 500cc. U.S.T.R. Looks To Impose Huge Tax In Retaliation For Euro Refusal To Lift Imported American Beef Ban


A cold dose of reality By VINCENT JACKSON

A little bit of cold weather doesn't keep Joe Bassetti from riding his motorcycle from his Vineland home to his job at the Showboat Casino-Hotel in Atlantic City.

Bassetti, 49, started using his 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard instead of his 1997 Toyota pickup truck to travel to work in April 2007.


The switch saved him lots of money - gas prices were climbing and he was spending about $75 per week to commute.


But, the price was right when he rode the motorcycle - about $25 weekly.


The only two months he didn't ride it was January and February of this year, in the dead of winter. He has been riding his bike to work this month at a time when most people are turning up the heat in their cars.

"Naturally, I'm a little bit more beat up. It's more tiring to bike in the cold weather. I will go to bed earlier," said Bassetti, who is not only more tired at night, but he heads to bed earlier because he needs more time in the morning to get ready. "Immediately, I feel cold as soon as I leave the house."

With the rise in gas prices during the last two years, thousands of people have purchased scooters, mopeds and motorcycles to save money.

In this state, the number of yearly motorcycle registrations increased from 142,768 in September 2005 to 162,130 this past September, according to the Motor Vehicle Commission statistics.

But, when buying a two-wheel vehicle in the heat of the spring or summer, the cold and bad weather of winter may be far from the mind.

Several local motorcycle and scooters riders don't regret the purchase of their more fuel-efficient mode of transportation even though the cost of gas has dropped below $2 gallon for regular, but at some point, they plan to put their two-vehicles away for either all or some part of the winter.

Ben Petrovic, owner of Atlantic County Harley-Davidson of Galloway Township, estimates that 80 percent of riders stay off the roads in the late fall and winter.

But Bassetti is determined to ride as often as possible.

During this time of year, Bassetti makes adjustments to ride his motorcycle. It takes about five minutes longer to get ready in the mornings, and he is already rising at 4:30 a.m. to make it on time for his shift, which starts at 6 a.m.

The saddlebag on Bassetti's motorcycle holds his accessories. His helmet with a face shield has a liner in it for added warmth.

Bassetti has to make sure getting dressed to ride is last thing he does before leaves his home because his winter motorcycle apparel will make him sweat if he stays in the house too long, and then he will be even colder when he walks outside.

The bellman checks the Weather Channel before he falls a sleep at night. He checks it twice in the morning, once when out of the shower and again before he leaves his home. Even with the adjustments for cold-weather riding, Bassetti believes it was worth it to buy the motorcycle.

"I love motorcycling," said Bassetti, who dresses in layers in the fall as opposed to a heavy overcoat. "I'm hooked."

Petrovic said his store carries a full line of winter motorcycle apparel and cold weather riding gear. For winter apparel, he sells pants, gloves, jackets and shirts. For cold weather riding gear, there are devices that allow clothes and even the handle bar bags that cover the rider's hands to be heated from the bike's operation.

Similar to the polar bear club that jumps in the ocean at the start of the New Year because they love the ocean, there is a polar bear motorcycle-riding group. Last year, between 25 to 30 people came together to ride, Petrovic said. He knows people who don't own a car, only a motorcycle, but during the wintertime, that person need to hop a ride with a friend to travel to and from work or take public transportation if the weather is too bad, Petrovic said.

"Riding gear has become so sophisticated that the day of putting newspaper inside your leather jacket to keep the wind out is over," Petrovic said.

Despite the progress made in winter apparel and cold weather gear, some people don't like the cold. For them, the dropping temperatures of late fall or winter takes all the pleasure out of riding a two-wheeled vehicle, even for a short distance.

When the weather was warm, Michelle Carney-Ray of Egg Harbor Township, could be seen dressed in a suit as she rode her scooter to her job as assistant principal of the Fernwood Middle School.

Carney-Ray purchased her Piaggio BV500 in May. She's happy with the scooter, but she got a chilling dose of reality this fall.

"I didn't think I would be as cold as I was," said Carney-Ray, 37, who last rode her scooter two miles to school in November and added it will probably not come back out again until March. "I have no windshield."

Carney-Ray has an excuse for not anticipating how cold it could be riding in November. She says her husband, rides his motorcycle year round and that he "doesn't mind the cold as much as I do."

Betty Bentz of Fairton, Cumberland County, has a longer commute, which takes her home to working as a teacher at Veterans Memorial Intermediate School in Vineland. When riding in colder weather, Bentz, who rides with the Fire Base Nam Motorcycle Club, wears Under Armour cold gear on her upper half along with a sweatshirt and leather jacket. She also wears either stockings or Under Armour on her bottom half along with jeans and chaps.

Bentz's motorcycle ride from home to work takes between 20 and 30 minutes one way. She is probably done riding until the spring.

"Below 40 degrees, I don't ride. From being out when it gets colder, it's really tough," said Bentz, who purchased her Honda VTX1300R in January 2007. "It takes a long time to get warm when you get home."

2009 ScootMaryland Meet & Scoot

Make your plans now!!!

As I began this club in the middle of this past year it was kind of a play it by ear thing. For 2009 I think we can get things going by adding a little structure. To that end we'll declare an official riding season of April - October. So this means the first Meet and Scoot will be held at CVP Towson on Sunday April 12th at 4pm. Hope to see everyone there!

Please check out our Meetup.com page for more info and to RSVP.
www.Meetup.com/ScootMaryland

More rides to come, so become a member, and keep in touch!

And a special note to Jayne in Columbia. I'm set on making a Columbia ride happen this year and finally getting down there and meeting you guys. So get back to me with a ride route, and we'll make it happen!!!

one dollar!

Just a little happy note...

I took the scooter out for a little tune up just to shake the winter cobwebs off. I went and filled up the tank and paid only $1 to fill it!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Scooters may steal motorcycle show spotlight

The 28th annual International Motorcycle Show, rolling into the Long Beach Convention Center today, caters to the crowd that wants its bikes bigger, better and faster. But, in a nod to changing times, there's a new feature this year: a scooter pavilion.

The three-day event is putting a focus on riders who want to commute on two wheels -- new and returning riders who couldn't care less about the flash and power that have dominated the industry for the past decade.

The added pavilion corrals the growing number of scooters on the market, instead of leaving them scattered throughout the exhibit hall. And new riders also can get help at a more prominent welcome center that provides information about safety classes and local riding clubs.

2009 Vectrix Vx-1 Scooter Debuts

Vectrix Corporation (www.vectrix.com), the world leader in highway legal, all-electric, two-wheel Personal Electric Vehicles, today announced its 2009 Vx-1, a redesigned version of the Vectrix Personal Electric Vehicle with new graphics in four vibrant colors and a new line of accessories that make the Vx-1 accessible to a wider range of customers—particularly women.
Vectrix will unveil the 2009 Vx-1 at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 5-7.

The 2009 Vx-1 will be available in dealerships by January 2009. The MSRP is $10,495.

“Vectrix appeals to men and women of all ages, and our new model and accessories make the Vx-1 available to more people who are looking for good clean fun,” said Mike Boyle, Vectrix CEO.

The Vx-1 will be available with new graphics in white/burgundy red, white/metallic silver, white/sapphire blue and white/acid green. The new 2009 accessories feature an optional seat that is significantly lower than the Vx-1 standard seat and shaped to give riders with a smaller frame the ability to place both feet on the ground at each stop.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Friday looks like riding weather to me!

With the hectic nature of my schedule, being sick, very cold morning weather, and ever present rain in some part of the forecast for the last few weeks, I have been automobile bound and I am starting to have scooter withdrawl!

But this morning I saw a glimmer of hope and riding potential ...

At the moment this friday is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees!!!

Hope to see everyone out, and scooting about!

I AM MEDIA!

So i noticed that there was a section on the Motor Cycle Show Website about getting media credentials, and I figured it never hurts to ask, right?

I wrote a nice email explaining that I had a scooter blog and riding group, and would be very interested to attend the show (especially the scooter pavilion) and then post about it.


From the people running the cycle show in DC in January:

Thank you for registering to attend the 2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show® presented by Toyota. Unless you hear otherwise, you have been approved to attend the show as working media and your credential will be waiting for you at media check-in at the show entrance. If you are interested in doing any pre-event stories, please feel free to let us know and we can help you with any interviews, images, or information you may need leading up to the show. Please don’t hesitate to let us know should you have any other questions and we look forward to seeing you at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show® presented by Toyota.

Best Wishes, Shelbi Okumura, DeeDee Taft

Also, to my scooter friends, they have made mention of forth coming discounts I may pass along ... I'll keep you up to date on that.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

C3 Owners meet the Yamaha Giggle ...

I mean the C3, no wait the Giggle, no the C3.

C3 owners meet your long lost European Cousin. Yamaha Europe is marketing your hip sleek minimalist
scoot as the "warm and charming Giggle".

For for Scooter on your Christmas List ...

Motor Tunes rocks your scooter motorcycle, quad and you! Compatible with any iPod(TM), MP3 player, or any audio device with a headphone jack, it's the first portable, detachable stereo for the motor scooter, 3- wheeler, motorcycle and quad markets. "Scooterists and bikers have been crying out for a portable stereo system. Most motor scooters are too small for a built-in audio system. And many bikers don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for one either. And even the do-it- yourself market is expensive, time-consuming and usually requires you to take apart your vehicle," said Mick Kless, President of Active Tunes. "We've solved that issue by creating a detachable product with great sound quality and volume. Now you can musically enhance your motoring experience whether it's your daily commute, your cruise in the country or your jaunt around town. And the best part is that you can instantly detach it and take your tunes with you once you've arrived at your destination." Introductory price is just $69.99 for a limited time. Motor Tunes includes stereo mini-speaker, audio line-in cable, USB charging cable, integrated neoprene speaker/audio player pouch and non-invasive fastening system. The system is small, compact and mounts nearly anywhere on the vehicle including handle, steering console, dash, handlebar or body.

Great idea, definitely like it ... I'd be curious to compare it to one of those little $5 mini ipod speakers from
Walgreens. No offense to the makers of course, just a buyer being ware.
And if the creators would like to offer me one to compare I'd be happy to do so.


Motor-Tunes.com

Also see their quick little demo video HERE.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Already looking towards Spring and the 2009 models...

With an eye towards the latest and greatest, I decided to take a look around the internet at scooters to come, and see if there are any standouts for 2009.

My first pick for next year is stylish and similar in look to my Vino, The Aprilia Mojito 150. I tend to lean towards the retro or classic styling and the Mojito 150 seems to build on the lines the Vino has been sporting. Geez they even named it after an alcoholic drink.

At the moment The Aprilia Website does not list a price, nor do any local dealers have this scoot on their site yet. But I think its one to watch for '09.
The high-tech and environmentally friendly MOJITO is the ideal solution to all your urban mobility needs.

The beautifully finished MOJITO is easy and fun to ride, and designed to please all. With its distinctive, reassuring styling, the MOJITO is particularly appreciated by lady riders.

The MOJITO 150 is powered by a sporty yet reliable Aprilia engine. Years of experience in racing have enabled Aprilia to develop an air cooled engine that delivers excellent performance (especially in terms of acceleration) and power that is far smoother and more progressive than the competition.

A 12” front wheel and large section rear tyre guarantee great road holding. The long, broad and extremely comfortable seat is only 755 mm high for perfect control under all riding conditions.
MOJITO colour schemes are all original, lively and cheerful without being gaudy. Micalised paintwork ensures a classy, elegant finish.

The first bio fuel scooter?

Don't forget to stay green

I try to keep this blog focused on our two wheeled fun, and not so much on the serious world around us. Riding is a joy, an escape from the world. When you ride all you see is the beautiful world around you, and all you hear is the wind in your ears. There is no real world when you ride, there is just you and the road. I write all this as a preface to the fact that I am going to get serious in this entry. I don't like to, but every now and then my anger at the process needs to be expressed, and this time it happens to relate to the scooter life.

Over the past 3-4 years we have seen gas prices sky rocket to record levels culminating at $4-$5 a gallon this summer. These prices got to a point of absurdity and the people got angry. Why they got to this point is not up for debate in the entry, I frankly don't care why, and Republican Bill will blame Democrat Jim and visa versa and they'll blame each other and those they elected while the true villans will get away scott free as the peasants squabble amongst themselves. That is the nature of our political system, but thats a whole other rant.

So we were being gouged for gas and the people were angry. Some of those angry people sought out ways to offset their financial burden from petrol. There were small personal steps like scooters, motorcycles, and hybrids, but there were larger steps too. They say necessity is the mother of invention and so it was that real steps were taken to move towards alternative power sources. Real companies, real money, and real investors were put forth to develop wind, solar, bio fuels, nuclear, geothermal, clean coal etc etc etc. It has even become a big part of this year's Presidential Campaigns, but don't hold your breath because each of those idiots since Nixon has promised energy independence from the middle east, and here we are 40 years later.

The need was there, the reason was there, the people were there, the money was there, full steam ahead and away from oil! And then it happened. I'm sure you noticed it. The gas station you drive by on your way to work everyday, well look at that?!?! ... its prices are coming down!?!? Penny by penny, day by day, gas prices are coming down. Suddenly and miraculously the suppliers realized oops we had way more supply than we thought we did, we can lower the price now.

Reader stop, stop now, fight the urge to tell me that this is supply and demand and the market naturally correcting itself. If you feel this way please go get a rolled up a newspaper, stand in front of a mirror and repeat "no no" as you strike yourself with it until these idiot thoughts leave your head.

This IS market manipulation at its best! There are natural market forces at work here but they are the result of OPEC's need for self preservation. Lets think as if we were them. Oh the world is angry with us about our prices, the world is seeking ways to free themselves from our product. So much so they are starting to put serious and concerted efforts behind these tree-hugging ideas. What actions can we take to quell this anger and stop these efforts? We can play a little game of dominos ... gas prices go down, more dollars in wallet, anger goes down, people become comfortable and complacent as their budget is eased, complacent people don't make waves, without waves there is no force to push for alternative energy, investors sense the slowing of enthusiasm and pull their money, and finally our endeavors into alternative powers sources and fuels get moved to the back burner until the next crisis. Think I am wrong? Think this isn't happening today as we speak? Go read a newspaper. Many alternative energy projects are loosing their funding as we speak, because we have been sated by cheaper gas.

In the end all I want to say to you is this: Don't forget why we did and do the things we do to remove ourselves from oil. Don't forget what $4 a gallon gas feels like. Don't forget how important it is to explore these alternative energy sources. And most importantly, no matter which useless politician gets to be president, don't let them forget what they promised you to get there.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Scooter World's Answer to the Zip Car

Cuter scooter defined by electricity, portability

David Chandler, MIT News Office
November 27, 2007

It's energy efficient, it's clean, compact and simple, and, above all, it's very cool.

All of these factors could be significant in getting people to adopt a lightweight, electrically powered scooter designed by William J. Mitchell, the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Professor of Architecture and Media Arts and Sciences, and several of his students in MIT's Smart Cities Group, in collaboration with SYM, a major scooter manufacturer in Taiwan, and ITRI, Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute. A prototype of the new design was a hit at the Milan Auto Show, where it was unveiled earlier this month.

Motor scooters are a very popular form of transportation in Asian and European cities, Mitchell said, because they provide convenient, inexpensive transportation. But conventional scooters, using inefficient two-stroke gas engines, are also a source of local air pollution. The new design "was all about providing a clean, green, silent electric scooter that would provide, even better, the same kind of urban mobility," he said.

As an added bonus, the simplicity of the electric design, which eliminates the powertrain by putting motors directly inside each of the two wheels, made it possible to design the scooter so that it could be folded up to about half its size, making it even easier to store in crowded urban environments.

"In very dense urban areas where scooter parking is a big issue, the small size is a big advantage. It makes it possible to park it in narrow streets and alleys," Mitchell said. When folded, it can also be easily wheeled along like a trolley suitcase, and is no larger, making it easy to take along on trains or even indoors.

The simplified design could bring down production costs significantly, he said. "A typical gas scooter has about 1,000 parts, but ours only has 150."

Mitchell and his team envision the scooters being provided in racks at convenience stores, train stations and other convenient city locations as one-way rentals. Users would swipe a credit card to remove a scooter from the rack (in which its batteries would be kept fully charged up), unfold it for the trip and then fold it up again to deposit at another rack at the destination.

The viability of the one-way-rental business model has been demonstrated in Paris, Mitchell said, where a company has recently begun a similar service with 1,000 bicycles.

The design of the scooter is also important in getting the new concept adopted. "People want to look cool," Mitchell said, and the folding scooter was highly praised at the Milan show, where vehicle design is especially prized.

The team now plans to further develop the prototype to come up with two different production models. One will be a refinement of the folding scooter introduced in Milan, and the other will be an even simpler model, without the folding capability, to be produced for regions where low cost is most important and space restrictions are not as crucial.

The whole design project was accomplished in eight months, "from a blank sheet to a built concept," Mitchell said. The multigenerational, cross-disciplinary team included a core group of four graduate students along with several others who made contributions, and a group of MIT's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program students. One key to their ability to accomplish the innovative design, he said, was that "they don't know what's 'impossible,' so they just go out and do it."

My first cold weather ride

Well I did it this morning! I got up, I looked at the cold darkness, I went outside, and put the key in the scooter and let it warm up. No turning back now, it was time to leave.

I put on jeans, and a very heavy fleece pull over, and my UA gloves and took off. Within a mile of leaving the house the cold, 30 some degree/40mph wind had cut through everything I was wearing. Within just 5-10 minutes the uncomfortable cold feeling began to turn to pain. Any part of me that was catching the wind simply hurt especially my fingers. And of course this was the morning I was catching all green lights (usually a good thing) but now I was getting no breaks, no chances to stop and rub my hands together.

By the end of the ride I half expected to remove my gloves and find frostbite. I know this sounds a little extreme and I am a pretty tolerant person when it comes to pain, but even for me this hurt, and was no fun at all!

I guess this calls for (as my coworkers smugly kept telling me all morning) a trip to the bike shop this weekend from some more adequate cold weather gear. I am thinking some more serious winter leather gloves, a jacket, and maybe a full face. Oh well, its a small price to pay for being able to keep scooting. If theres an upside to suffering this morning it is that I get to enjoy a sunny 60 degree ride on the way home!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

What the Hell am I looking at ???

Is this what happens when a scooter and a go-cart mate?

Well the ScootCoupe is the 2004 invention of Panther Motors, and is primarily designed to be a full rental vehicle for people in vacation areas. And while its called a scooter because of it's three wheeled set up and steering, I still think its a pretty big stretch to call this thing a scooter!

But all the power to them, and if this strikes your fancy and have the expendable income by all means check them out HERE. But I will laugh at you when a cop pulls you over thinking you just hijacked an amusement part.

Not quite a car, not quite a scooter ...

and that is how Peugeot is selling this new kind of vehicle the HYmotion3.

Their concept occupies "a half-way house between the world of the scooter and the car." ... and I don't disagree with that statement, however I don't think its a positive one.

This thing looks like a smart car cut down the middle, it looks like a scooter in a hamster ball, its the bastard son of both that inherited all the bad traits, and has few innovations to show from its merging of two worlds. Its a car without the shelter and storage, and its a scooter with claustrophobia. Sorry Peugeot, car drivers want the luxuries of a car, and scooter drivers want the wind in their hair, this thing is just an exercise in sci-fi fantasy, and has little practicality as the evolution of car and scoot.

Two new models to look for from Our Favorite American Scooter Company

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! ...

Well not really Sunday, but I am just reminded of those cheezy TV commercials that appear when ever some traveling motor show comes to town. And to the point of the post, one of them is.

This January, the 28th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show comes to DC. Great, Fabulous, why do we scooter owners care??? Well do to the rise in popularity of our step-through motorcycles, scooter vendors will not just be sprinkled into the mix, they will have their own pavilion called appropriately The Scooter Pavilion!

--Scooter sales have skyrocketed during the past couple years as more and more people climb aboard motorized two-wheelers to escape rising gas prices. The Scooter Pavilion is an area dedicated specifically to scooter fans and the machines they love. New model releases from top brands, including Aprilia, CF Moto, Genuine, KYMCO, Piaggio, Suzuki, Vectrix, Vespa and Yamaha, are showcased in the pavilion alongside scooter accessories and information about the latest in high mileage transportation options. From larger commuter models to small displacement scooters, the Scooter Pavilion is the place to touch, sit on and experience several options to suit your scootering lifestyle. --

HERE is the Washington DC Stop Info Page

Who's a Chicken?!?!?

OK so last week we returned from our honeymoon, and it was back to business as usual. About the middle of the week I began to notice the faint but real signs of that first cold of the season, and sure enough by this past weekend I was a full blown mess. Which has led to my decision for the comfort of my nice warm truck for the past three morning commutes.

Each morning this week I have gotten up and looked outside at the dark coldness, gone through my morning routine of waking myself up and shaking off the cold symptoms with the usual array of cold products, and then having to make a decision about what to drive to work. I think to myself its probably not good for the recovery process to go out zipping along in the 35-40 degree weather at 40mph, and so each morning I have opted for the easy, heated, hot coffee toting, comfort of the truck.

And perhaps karmicly I am passed by at least one fellow scoot bundled up in their winter jacket zipping off to work and putting me to shame. I have to say there is a definite level of guilt sneaking up on me when I ask myself: am I trucking because of my cold, or using it as an excuse to stay out of the cold? I love my scooter, I love riding, but each morning this week when I stare out at the dark coldness waiting for me and a decision has to be made my love of scooting has not been able to over power my love of windows and a heater, and I am left to wonder... When my cold leaves, will my bravery return?

Ah, a man who I can relate to ...

Hey, lady in the blue van.

Yeah, you, the middle-aged gal with the messy brown hair and the scowl who kept honking behind me as we traveled north on Downing Street, between 11th and 13th avenues, on a recent Wednesday morning, around 9:15-ish.

I've got news for you:

I'm not a bike.

I'm more like a motorcycle (whose driver wouldn't have pulled over to let you pass either).

I can zip along at a pretty good clip if need be. But for my safety and yours, I abide by the rules of the road — just as you should — and try to keep to the speed limit.

Unlike you.

I also get 60 to 80 miles per gallon, unlike your fuel-guzzling monstrosity, which probably gets 18 mpg in the city, tops. (Not that I'm bragging or anything.)

So, please try to share the road with me and keep your hostility in check, will ya? Scooter riders like me are here to stay. In fact, you'll likely be seeing a lot more of us as the economy tanks.

And we're happy to share the road with you. Your disapproval, however, won't reduce our numbers. (Frankly, flipping me off as you roar past on the right, going 45 in a 30 mph zone, is kinda scary. Your vehicle outweighs mine by a ton or two.)

Have some respect and common decency. Cars and scooters have been co-existing for decades now in Europe. Consider it a cosmopolitan thing to do.

With Colorado's temperate climate, it's a sure bet that you'll be seeing more of us on the roads.

Get used to it.

~ I just enjoy the guy's point of view, but here's the full article if you like.

Friday, October 17, 2008

the power of the scooter

I'm not sure if anyone else has had this experience, but I wanted to make note of a new power my scooter has developed....

It can bring up the sun! Seriously, I get up in the morning and it's dark. I turn my scooter on, and let it idle for a few minutes now that it's colder, soon there after the sky gets a little brighter. I start my ride to work, and it gets brighter... the further I go the higher the sun gets... and when I finally park at work, the sun is up!

We're Back! Mr. Grauel now has a Mrs. Grauel


After and incredible two weeks away from real life, one for our wedding in Bethany Beach and the second for our honeymoon in Jamaica, I return with a wife, a tan, and a ton of great memories!

I meant to begin posting at the beginning of this week, but the re-adjustment to real life, catching up at work, and other post-wedding duties have left me with little time or energy. I do want to make note of a thoughtful scooter related gift my mother-in-law gave me at out rehearsal dinner. In addition to a beautiful watch which I wear everyday now, and a ring to match my brother-in-law's (the other pongratz outsider), I received a novelty European Union Deutchland Scooter License Plate (it may help to know my inlaws live in Germany). I just wanted to make note of it and say it was very thoughtful and I appreciate it very much!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Are you really going to ride a scooter called....

Craig's Scooter List

I'm not really a huge fan of Vespas, but this ad even makes me think about it...

Vespa Standard '63 Beautifully restored! - $3999 (Stoney Beach)
Reply to: sale-844865916@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-17, 6:44PM EDT

Georgious Vespa Standard 4 speed scooter. 2 stroke. Every available option:
Floor mats, front spring-loaded clip, rear spring-loaded transport carrier, full chrome, shiny black & chrome, rear seat with backrest, front and side storage compartments, under seat helmet clip.

Call 410-437-9484 or (Cell 410-952-1252).

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gas Receipt Friday (from last week)


So last week The Scooter took a grand total of $6.12
The truck would have taken 20 gallons at $3.59/gal for a total of $71.80
for a savings this week of... $65.68

and a running total of
$956.23

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Driving JackAssery!

OK time for a quick driving quiz! If you are driving on a two lane road, and suddenly the lines disappear and it becomes a one lane road, and there are no signs instructing a specific action, what do you do?

Well my answer would be an alternating merging of the two lanes. Left, Right, Left, Right and so on.

This post is dedicated to the at least one Jack Ass a morning who, travels West Bound Putty Hill Ave just past the intersection with Loch Raven Blvd, instead of just politely executing a simple alternate merge, glues themselves to the bumper of the car in front of them, and would rather run a fellow human being off the road that get to work 12 feet slower.

You Suck and I Hate You!

Craig's Scooter List...

This morning while trying to alleviate some work related boredom, I decided to see if people were selling scooters on CraigsList. Of course they were, silly question. So I've decided on yet another little sub-plot for this blog... the good, bad, and the ugly of scooter listings on CraigsList.

Entry 1: SCAM!!! Nothing like a hard-sell... come here now, bring cash, tell no one! Either this scooter is stolen, or you are about to be robbed. A little advice, if the seller can't even show you an actual picture of the scooter, move on. And as with everything if it's too good to be true it probably is. I'd be willing to bet someone in Harford County is missing their scooter this morning.

50cc scooter - $750
Reply to: sale-851329506@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-22, 8:13PM EDT

brand new must pick up friday only for this price cash only NO check or as-is no exchanges

4 stroke 50cc no trunk include with this price

call 410 300 0408 email email me

The colder mornings bring more accessories...

If you're like me and you ride to work in the morning, you may have noticed about a week or so ago those morning temps are slowly shifting from low 60's to high 50's. As someone who is allowed the luxury of wearing a t-shirt and shorts to work this slight change made all the difference in the world.

57 degress at 40 mph+ in shorts = CHILLY!

OK, no problem, wear heavier clothes, duh, simple... but what about my hands? The past few mornings when I get into the office there is a noteable malfunction of my fingers as I try to begin typing. I could pull out my fancy leather gloves from the back of the closet, but that just doesn't strike me right. So I go a Googling and come across a possible solution, Baltimore's own master of weather and sport specific clothing Under Armor.
Sure enough Under Armor makes an array of sports gloves, although none have the primary purpose of a riding glove, but I know their reputation, and the paragraph of description leads me to believe I may have found my fashionable answer. The ColdGear Men's Team Glove...

-Total protection on the sideline featuring Under Armour's signature ColdGear® technology.

-Pro grade insulated synthetic palm and grippy UA treatment deliver dexterity and extra grip for the coldest game days.

-
ColdGear® fabric with 4-way stretch keeps you warm without sacrificing mobility.

-
Bottom hook and loop closure system allows for easy adjustment and on/off capability.


Well this morning was truth time. Nice chilly morning, strap the gloves on and go for my 25 minute commute. Let me preface everything by saying these are nice and well made gloves, whether they work for me or not should not be a reflection on UA as I am not using them for what they are made for.

Everything starts out fine, the gloves are working! I feel the wind but my hands are staying warm. Gradually through the ride however I do feel the cold start on my finger tips, and by the time I get to work my hands are cold. Now not nearly as cold as the would be bare, but for cold wind on a scooter for an extended period of time these gloves are a no-go. For slightly chilly days or just general use I do like their feel, flexibility, style, and grip, so I think I'll be hanging on to them.

Come on Under Armor you've got a division for every sport know to man, where's the riders line?

Side complaint! The discrepency in the day's highs and lows are too great! Who is in charge of that? It's like do I want to dress for the afternoon and freeze in the morning, or dress for the morning and sweat in the afternoon. And yes of course I realize I could change clothes at work, add and remove as needed, but I bought a scooter to simplify my life, so can someone please get on this and fix these 20 degree temperature swings, or at least shift them to a 20 degree swing that is either cold and colder or warm and warmer.