Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with scooter

Info on Adult Big-Wheeled Foot Scooters

McGuillicuddy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:07:01 -0800

I'd like an adult kick scooter with bigger wheels than a Xootr and smaller wheels than a Kickbike. Two wheels the size of the Kickbike Freeride's backwheel would be good. Or this old model but adult size. Can you recommend such a scooter? Or would you recommend a different scooter for varied moderately hilly and rough urban scooter travel? Why?

Do you know any websites for retailers of adult big-wheeled foot scooters? Especially in northern Europe but anywhere is good.

With what machine shall I join the scootering masses?

abkadefgee — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:12:07 -0800

What kind of used scooter/motorcycle should I buy that will be relatively safe, repairable, and ~$1500 or less? I previously asked a question in April about taking a cross-country scooter trip here: http://ask.metafilter.com/119706/Is-a-crosscountry-trip-on-a-scooter-feasible-reasonable-or-at-all-safe

The info was extremely valuable and cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had. I've been doing some research since then, but it can still be very confusing to see I should look for in a bike or scoot and for what price.

For example: I recently found two scooters I could see myself buying: a 2009 Kymco Agility 125 for around $1500 or a twenty year-old Yamaha Riva 180 for a little less than half that.

The Riva could probably use a new cooling fan as it apparently overheats around sustained 50mph+ driving, but it's a low price point for what seems like a powerful beginner scooter at only 7,000 miles.

The Kymco doesn't seem to have any issues whatsoever, but has a top speed of around 65 mph and costs twice as much. I am a little unsure about whether I will be able to find parts as easily for this machine as a Yamaha and it's a bigger upfront investment before I've learned if I really like riding a scooter.

I'm willing to consider other alternatives, but I don't want to spend hundreds of hours looking for the perfect deal.

My main priorities are finding a bike that is relatively safe, four-stroke (for lower pollution), has a top speed somewhere around 70 so I can ride 55 mph comfortably, is repairable by someone with enthusiasm but not experience, has replaceable parts that won't be a nightmare to find, and isn't too expensive.

It would also be a big plus if I don't have to worry about major depreciation if I decide that the two-wheeled life is not for me.

Also, if you have any tips on negotiating a low price, let me know. Was hoping the upcoming winter would drive prices down at the least.

Please help me build a motor scooter!

banished — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:32:13 -0800

Can you help me build an electric motor scooter? I have a bunch of old bike parts in a garage, so I should be able to put something together. I found a simple explanation here, but what I am looking for are specifics on where to get each of the materials (especially the motor, the batteries) and how the batteries should be wired to the motor and details on any power regulating circuit that needs to be built.

This is intended for a little kid, so whatever I build needs to be safe, and not TOO powerful.

Recommend a scooter for a five year old?

mosk — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:12:58 -0800

Recommend a push-type scooter safe for a five year old? Our daughter is turning five. She wants a push-type scooter for her birthday, similar to her big brother's Razor. She doesn't have the balance yet for a two-wheeled Razor-type scooter, so we'd like to get her something more stable. There are a ton of three and four wheeled scooters out there, so I'm hoping some other parents (or five year olds) can help us separate the wheat from the chaff.

If it helps, this will only be used on pavement (and with a helmet and, most likely, gloves).

Motorcycle? Scooter? Moped?

nebulawindphone — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:47:46 -0800

I need a vehicle that's dirt-cheap, built like a tank, and easy to teach myself to maintain and repair — I'm currently a mechanical ignoramus, and I want to change that. Motorcycle? Scooter? Moped? I live in Austin, TX. For those who know the area, I'd be riding mostly around UT, downtown and the east side, with some excursions south. I wouldn't ever need to take the bike on the highway, although it could be convenient. Ditto room for a passenger — not necessary, but convenient. It would be my only motor vehicle, but in a pinch I could borrow a car from housemates for long trips or big loads.

I want something reasonably safe. I know there's risk involved with any of the vehicles I'm looking at, and I'm okay with that, but I'd like to keep it as low as I can manage. (No need to tell me about helmets, leathers or safety courses — I'm already convinced.)

I also really want something solid and easy to work on. Like I said, I know fuck-all about machinery. Back when I had a car, I could change the oil, jump-start the battery, and that was it. I'd really like to change that, but I'd rather not jump in at the deep end.

The catch is that I really can't afford to spend much more than $1000. I'd be happier spending less.

What should I be looking for? An ancient used motorcycle? A newer scooter or moped? (Or, hell, an ancient used scooter or moped from back before everything was plastic?)

Comfortable jacket for hot-weather scooter riding?

internet!Hannah — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:12:08 -0800

Where can I find a good jacket to wear while commuting on my scooter? I'm in Texas so I'm looking for something that's both safe and cool. So I just got a sweet scooter. It's pretty awesome. I've got a good helmet, I'm signed up for the next basic rider course in town, so now all I'm missing is a good jacket to keep me from losing my skin in the case of a wreck.

Here's the thing, I live in southern-central Texas, and so it gets hot and humid, and I'm trying to find a jacket that will cover me up without baking me, if at all possible. I don't look forward to showing up to things soaked in sweat either. I've tried looking at some websites at the "mesh" jackets but they look pretty heavy still.

So is there anyone else who motorcycles/scooters in hot weather? Are mesh jackets cool enough or should I be looking for something different? Does anyone have any recommendations that also won't break the bank? Thanks!

Are vehicle insurance rates negotiable?

BostonTerrier — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:11:05 -0800

Are vehicle insurance rates negotiable? I received my yearly scooter insurance bill from Progressive yesterday...up $39 from last year (and that's with the 10% discount for paying in full, which I always do.) I did not have a claim in the past year.
My questions:
1. Is this much of a jump standard? Are they going to tell me "it's just the cost of doing business" or some similar line of jive?
2. Before I write the check, do I have a chance of negotiating a lower rate on the phone? Even if it's as little as $5 less, it would at least sting a little less. Progressive Insurance has a bigger pile of money than I do, after all.

Is a cross-country trip on a scooter feasible, reasonable, or at all safe?

abkadefgee — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:08:23 -0800

Is a cross-country trip on a scooter feasible, reasonable, or at all safe? I've been dreaming of taking a trip to visit friends in distant states this summer and seeing the country. I'd plan on just filling a backpack with a couple changes of clothes, a tent, sleeping bag, camera, netbook, and toiletries. A scooter seems like a relatively cheap way to get around and would give me a lot of flexibility.

I've never rode a scooter or motorcycle, but I would of course take a safety course and practice riding around town before hitting the road. But I still don't really know anyone who's ridden scooters or motorcycles very extensively and so I don't really know how practical my plan would be.

The scooter I'm considering would be 150cc, supposedly has a range of 110 mpg, and supposedly has a max speed of around 60 mph. I don't know if that's wishful thinking on behalf of the manufacturer, or a realistic estimate.

Here's a scooter I'm looking at, which someone local is selling for $850, w/ <100 miles.

Scooting my way up the Hill

rbs — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:16:09 -0800

Where's a good place to buy a used/new scooter in Pittsburgh? I've just moved here, doing a postdoc that will have me doing lots of back and forth between Oakland (Pitt) and the Hill district. I'd like to buy a scooter to ride to make that easier.

Where's a good place to do that? I've seen a few on Craigslist but know little about motorcycles/scooters and don't want to get a lemon. Can anybody recommend a trusted place to get one?

Will a 50cc be enough for the hills here?

Thanks!

What happens if a wheelchair operator injures someone else in an accident?

curiousindc — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:00:52 -0800

What are the repercussions for someone operating a wheelchair or motorized scooter who repeatedly runs into and/or injures others--accidentally or otherwise? Are the wheelchair-bound required to have insurance? Who pays for damages? Can restrictions be put on their speed or on the areas in which they're allowed to operate their wheelchairs? I'm seeking resources and/or detailed information for a research project and so far haven't had much luck.

Pocket Bikes in the East Bay?

bradbane — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:32:39 -0800

Where can I rent a "pocket bike" for the day in the Bay Area? I'm looking for one of these to use as a prop in a photo. I've called a few scooter places but either they only sell them or have no idea what I'm talking about (I'm not sure if "pocket bike" is the right term, they're like miniature motorcycles). I'm in Oakland so East Bay preferred, but I can go over to the city to get one if I have to.

buying a scooter in London

YouRebelScum — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:57:37 -0800

I'm looking to buy a scooter (second hand) in London or Edinburgh: what is the best way to go about it? Are websites the best way? Which ones? Any recommended second hand shops? I'm either going to get it in London or go up to Edinburgh and buy there over Christmas and ride it down, but don't know where might be cheaper. I've only passed the compulsory basic test, and never bought any form of motorised wheels before. I'm a pretty dreadful mechanic, and would prefer to spend a little more rather than have something that breaks while puttering along.

Wiring my scooter I fried my brain. Little help?

TomMelee — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:34:43 -0800

Wiring diagram, can you help me sort this out plz? So I'm back to working on the godzilla scooter. I've modified a 24v schwinn into a 48v beast. I'm finishing fabrication of the custom deck and platform, and I'm trying to make it so that I can stop taking this thing apart to charge it.

Scooter runs 4, 12v 10A batteries. I run it in series for day to day operation, 48v at 10A. I can't charge that though, and I'm not going to cough up the cash for a 48v 10A charger, and besides that's no fun. So, for charging, I pull the tabs off and rewire it as parallel and let the car charger go at it, 12v at 40A.

What I WANT to do is make this a switchable operation, but every time I start to draw it I confuse myself. I thought I had it figured out, but then I realized that because wires were touching each other at the battery, it would always be series, so I'm assuming I have to break the hot parallel leads between each battery, rather than in one place in the circuit (otherwise it's series by default.)

I realize that makes no sense, so I've added some pictures.
Picture 1 is the current setup. Very simple.

Picture 2 is the wiring setup, again very simple.

Picture 3 is where I want you to draw the lines for me. I've drawn it out about a zillion times. The switch is of the on-off-on variety, ideally one side is parallel and the other series. Of course, I'm going to need two parallel leads that I can surface mount to connect the charger to.

Again, I've got an gotten myself so confused that I can't even decide for sure what leads go to the breakable sides of the switch, but I've been assuming the constant/load point of the switch is going to be for neutral. I'm probably wrong.

Do I need to break the hots between every battery w/ the parallel side of the switch in order to prevent it from defaulting to series? (since there are only 2 contact points per battery, and they all have to plug in...even if they're not switched on they'll still be in contact...)

ALSO, help me maximize wire here and get rid of redundant cable if any. Your help is appreciated.

The next step for this scooter is to take a torch to the frame and stretch it a good foot or so to take it up to 72v, with a bigger controller and motor and rear wheel of course...and a bigger sprocket naturally. I think anything I do here is transferable though, it's the theory that's bogging me down.

(Yes this thing goes fast, no it doesn't overheat, and yes I'm marginally insane.)

Yea I realize this isn't a wiring diagram per se. If you respond with one, it might just confuse the hell out of me. But, you can certainly try! Thanks!

That green thing on my sleeve is a heart, not snot.

nomisxid — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:46:14 -0800

A universal symbol for a low-speed electric vehicle? Similarly to cocoagirl's question, I have a pure electric vehicle (vespa-style scooter, not car) that I would like to have people be able to tell at-a-glance is electric. I'm thinking more along the lines of a sticker for my cargo-box, rather than a personalized plate, though. Space is limited, so whatever symbol I pick can't be bigger than ~6"x10".

bonus points if it also informs them that whatever speed I'm going, it's as fast as the vehicle is capable of, and within 5 mph of the posted speed limit of any road I travel, so get off my ass. =p

How do I arrive in style?

Gungho — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:41:34 -0800

A new dress code at work requires suit and tie. So other than transporting my wardrobe to the office and changing there what is the best way to commute to work on a scooter and arrive in style? I prefer to wear an armored riding jacket which seems diametrically opposed to a suit jacket. Folding the suit and putting it under the seat coat isn't an option. Too much oil and junk.

Ride Captain Ride Upon Your Under-Powered Ship

nomisxid — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:08:53 -0800

An electric scooter friendly trip planner? I bought an electric, vespa-like scooter. It's fun and green and freaky silent. But living in Seattle, it's got some issues specific to our geography,

1. To maintain its legal classification as a moped, it's limited in power to the equivalent of a 49cc gas engine, which in turn limits the hills it can take.

2. While I forked out the extra cash for lithium batteries over lead-acid, it still only has a stated range of about 35 miles (I have not tested that yet. I don't think AAA is gonna bring me a generator and sit around for 4-6 hours while I re-charge =p).

Is there any trip planner that will let me specify a maximum grade for the trip and/or optimize for minimum elevation changes over the course of a route? I'm figuring the closer to flat ground I travel on, the longer the range, barring some sort of Portal device to make the whole world downhill.

Alternately, I do still have a car, and a GPS unit...suggestions on how I could test-run routes in the car and somehow get a grade-grade out of it are welcome too.

I don't want a pickle...

sourwookie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:00:01 -0800

How to recover a lost title for a scooter I would like to purchase from someone who got it in another state? I'm in Missouri, the title was in Illinois. Simplicity is a priority. I normally wouldn't hassle, but it is mint and the price is better than right. Additionally--I've heard rumor about some mysterious trick involving Arkansas--that just may make everything easier. My barber has a scooter that his father-in-law would like him to sell here in Missouri--AND I WANT IT. The problem is it's 80cc (therefore requires licensing) and has a lost title from Illinois. It is showroom-perfect, like a time machine version of a 1995 Honda.

How do I go about getting a title for it, with minimal involvement from father-in-law (the whole reason he is selling it so cheap--he's a cranky old cuss--is that he wants his involvement with recovery, DMV fees--all hassles really--kept to a minimum)?

Can I buy it and then apply for lost title in Illinois? Can I buy it then get a new title in Missouri? Does he have to get a title, then transfer it over to me? If so, how do I do as much of that as possible for him?

Also I've heard of a way to just get a new title sent to me from Arkansas--a loophole, if you will. Anyone know of any truth to that?

Motorcycle Insurance in Massachusetts?

santaliqueur — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:33:40 -0800

Where can I find motorcycle insurance in Massachusetts? I'm in the process of buying a scooter that will need motorcycle insurance. Most companies don't do business in Massachusetts. Anyone know of a place to get it? I'm also interested in switching my auto insurance, if I can get a better rate. My current insurer is Commerce, and they don't do motorcycles, I believe. Thanks for any help.

Like Easy Rider, but lamer.

piedmont — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:53:57 -0800

Camping < 2hours from Kansas City? Difficulty: On a scooter. I've camped all over the area, but it's been a couple years. I've got the itch to go out on my own and escape for a couple days the weekend following the 4th. I'll be riding my scooter, so absolute max road speed is 55, preferably 45. Currently I'm looking at Arrow Rock via 24 Hwy. Free camping would a be a plus too.

What is the best scooter for me?

santaliqueur — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:14 -0800

I would like to buy a scooter to save money on fuel costs, and to limit the miles I put on my relatively new car. I don't want a bike, even though I know the Honda Rebel is $3k. I weigh 165, for reference. What scooters should I be looking at? My Commute:
I drive 30 miles round trip on the highway, but another possible route is along a roadway with a varying speed limit. It tops out at 45. I won't have to deal with traffic for half the commute, because one of my shifts will be either early morning or late night.

My Requirements:
I need the scooter's top speed to be 50 MPH or above. I'm not aware of any 49cc scooters with this capability, so I may have to go larger. In Massachusetts, anything over 50cc needs a motorcycle permit and insurance, which is fine with me. I would think 125cc is fine, larger than that seems too expensive for me. I would like to avoid the Chinese throwaway scooters, I need this to be reliable. I don't need a top name, just reliability and availability of parts. 80 MPG is good, but more is obviously better. Styling is up for debate, I'm open to anything, huge bonus points to anything that resembles a Honda Ruckus. I wish that thing was faster. I would like to spend as close to $2,000 as possible.

My Candidates:
Genuine Rattler 110 - $2,799
Pros: Styling, speed, reliability.
Cons: Cost, availability.

Yamaha Zuma 125 - $2,999
Pros: Styling, speed, reliability.
Cons: Cost

Qlink Achilles 150 - $1,899
Pros: Cost
Cons: Availability

Qlink Siena 150 - $1,999
Pros: Cost, styling
Cons: Availability

Xtreme Atlantis 150 - $1,999
Pros: Cost, styling
Cons: Availability

I need help with determining what is a cheap Chinese scooter, and what is not. I'm not worried about the Genuine Rattler, it's a rebranding of PGO, which appears to be a fairly reliable Taiwanese manufacturer. The Yamaha is fine too, but I'm not sure about the others. Is nearly $2k for a 150cc scooter too cheap to be quality?

Also, what kind of additional costs are usually associated with purchasing scooters...dealer fees, assembly, and such. CBXMAN seems to be pretty reasonable in that department, but 3-4 weeks delivery time, yikes. I'm 340 miles away, might even think about renting a truck and going to get it, would cost me $200-300 in fuel, but I'd have it a month sooner.

Anyway, I'd like people to suggest some other scooters I should look at, the ones I listed are the best ones I found so far, but I'm sure you guys know of others. Kymco seems to be a decent brand as well. This is my first post here, this looks like to be a cool place. Thanks very much.

Scooter in LA

TigerCrane — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:43:51 -0800

Scooter in Los Angeles. Good idea or bad idea? I've recently fallen in love with the Yamaha Vino scooter. I live in LA...would this be a practical and/or safe method of trasportation?

Horray for electric scooters!

TomMelee — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:07:44 -0800

I want to charge this scooter w/o buying another bunch of crap. Can you help me? Ok, so...I bought this scooter today reaaaalllly cheap off craigslist. It's been modified with a newer, bigger controller and newer, bigger batteries.

In its current configuration it's 36v, instead of the stock 20v. It's got an extra battery to be run at 48v, which is what I *want* to do, and yes the controller is rated for that kind of power.

This is the plug: here. I've got a 36v charger for it.

This is what the battery connections look like: here.

I'm assuming that if I install the 4th battery and charge w/ the 36v charger, it just won't charge the last battery?

What if I do two at a time, will that overpower the batteries?

I've also got a 12v "smart" car charger that can operate as low as 2A. Is there any way I can use it to charge the batteries? Should I use it just to charge the single battery and use the 36v to charge the 3? Will that even work?

Basically I don't want to spend another $40 on a cheap import charger if I've already got what I need.

Lend me your electrical knowledge!

Like Greggory Peck, but nerdier.

piedmont — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:07:38 -0800

Scooting Mefites: What do I need to know before and after buying a scooter? How do I keep it safe in my neighborhood where cars are relatively unsafe (Hyde Park, KC)? I'm looking at buying a Genuine Buddy. I've ridden neither a motorcycle nor a scooter. I'm attracted to Genuine's warranty, and the fact that I can have this paid off by the end of the year. I've beenn wanting a sccoter for years now, but had no real need. Now I'm carless and need to get around. I had my eye on a Bajaj Chetak, but those are now discontinued.

My neighborhood's not exactly rough, but it's known for car thefts. (Hyde Park, Kansas City for those in the area) This Worries me a bit with a vehicle that's so easy to steal. I rent, and have a parking space visible from my bedroom (offstreet).

So my big questions are should I take a motorcycle rider course? How do I keep this safe? When buying a new scooter is haggling common or is it MSRP all the way? What else do I need to know?

Should I buy this scooter?

mateuslee — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:07:41 -0800

Should I buy a Peugeot Zenith scooter? OK, I've had a moped a few years back and liked it a lot, but now I have a chance to buy one of these puppies. I wonder if any of you more experienced people out there can tell me if this is a good idea or not. First, the price is $556/€350. What do you think about that?

Assuming I go there alone to check it out, aside from making sure it works ok, what else can I do to make sure that I'm not getting ripped off?

Getting the scoot from there to here without driving it.

o0dano0o — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:54:28 -0800

What's the best way to ship a scooter from Ohio to Massachusetts? I'm looking at buying a scooter that is too far for me to go and pickup myself. I'm wondering if there are any specific shipping companies that anyone would recommend. There seem to be a bunch that show up with a google search, but I'm not sure how to weed them out.

I've also heard about UShip, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with it.

Some sort of door to door service would be preferable.

Also, I wouldn't mind hearing advice about buying vehicles at a distance.

Thanks.