Sunday, 31 August 2008

The Romance of the Scooter

At scooternz.co.nz we are reasonably passionate about scooters. We believe that they are much more that a convenient means of transportation that saves you gas...we believe that they represent a sense of freedom and individuality.

In this politically correct world, the humble scooter provides a much needed sanctuary from collective responsibility. You can enjoy indulging yourself without guilt and by not conforming to the restraints of other forms of transportation. The scooter has its own unique quirky style and sense of humor. When you drive a scooter, you will always enjoy the journey and you can always guarantee a smile.

We like how the Cartel Agency has capitulated the style and romance of the scooter in the following article:
31 August 2008
by Jordan

In Italy they’re called by the more elegant and somehow far cuter name Motorino. A cornerstone of mediterranean culture, especially in urban centres, motorini are still the simplest and easiest way to navigate a city. The various iterations of Piaggio’s famous Vespa from the 1950s onwards are indisputable vehicle design classics, and even after days and days in the south of Italy I still found myself staring like a man transfixed when an old white vespa whizzed past me.

There’s something about the simplicity of a motorino that’s irresistible: it’s a culture entirely different from that of the motocicletta or motorcycle, which involves shifting gears and straddling the bike like a horse; on a motorino you sit like you’re having dinner, with only a simplified spedometer and a couple of lights on your display. People from 14 to 85 drive them here, and hopping on a scooter is about as natural as going for a walk.
A couple of years ago, Piaggio introduced a new line of their famous Vespa scooters that, while not exactly re-creating the perfect heavy lines of the old Vespa frontpiece, comes pretty close. It’s a happily backwards-looking design similar to Fiat new’s cinquecento, the closest a lot of people will get to ever owning one of Fiat’s old masterpiece of a car.
Vespa Canada (yeah, we do drive some vespas in Canada, even if they’re prohibitively expensive and our scooter season outside of Vancouver is far too short) recently commissioned some great print ads that simultaneously introudced the new Vespa and harkened the arrival of spring. The theme is butterflies, close enough to the original meaning of the word Vespa (which would be wasp) and a little more appealing than that annoying insect when we’re talking about heralding in a new season.
The thematic unity of the butterfly/scooter concept left the designers free to incorporate elements of different design eras into each particular ad, with splendid results all around. I especially love the 1970s-themed design with its concentric lines and perfect colour scheme. Beautiful stuff.
Our final scooter-related find is this set of stunning high-end helmets from the Parisian designer Les Ateliers Ruby, which top any helmet I have ever seen anyone wearing anywhere. They’re lush, shiny, and thematically perfect for anyone buying a scooter for more than just a convenient method of transport.
I once saw a dude on a vintage vespa in Paris, sporting white converse, good jeans, a perfect vintage button-up shirt, and smoking a Gauluoises–which wasn’t hanging out of his mouth, mind you, but resting there in that inimitable ‘this took me 3 seconds to do but would take you a damn lifetime‘ French style. If he’d had this helmet, we would have our winner in the coolest man ever to ride a scooter. He’s probably already got one, the bastard.
http://blog.cartelagency.com/2008/08/31/the-romance-of-the-scooter/

Vespa S scooter - tested

S marks spot for new retro scoot.

Nobody captures the spirit of Seventies scootering better than Vespa – and the new S takes the concept further.

The company’s classic rectangular headlight has made a return, while the body has been cut away at the rear to reveal more of the frame and motor.

But because the S is essentially a restyled LX, under the retro skin is a very modern Vespa. And buyers get a choice of 50cc or 125cc engines.

We tried the bigger machine, and although it was lively around town, we felt it lacked the punch of similar-capacity offerings from Vespa.

Those small wheels – 11 inches on the front and 10 inches at the rear – ensure the S corners well. At faster speeds, though, the slightest bump, road marking or gust of wind upsets it. We would have liked a bit more braking confidence, too. Stopping from high speed takes a lot of effort.

Tested - Vespa S scooter
Prices: £1,999 (50cc), £2,699 (125cc)
Rating: 3/5
Contact: 08008 182 9800, www.uk.vespa.com
Problems? Brakes lack bite, poor high-speed stability.
So why buy? Classic styling, very comfortable, easy low-speed manoeuvring.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/226929/vespa_s_scooter_tested.html

TECHNICAL DATA

Engine: 49 CC oil injected Two stroke
Transmission: Twist & Go
Starter: Kick & electric
Cooling: Forced air
Front suspension: Single sided trailing link, hydraulic shock
Rear suspension: Hydraulic shock
Front brake: 200mm Disc
Rear brake: 110mm Drum
Front tyre: 110x70x11
Rear tyre: 120x70x10
Length: 1800mm
Width: 740mm
Wheelbase: 1280mm
Seat Height: 785mm
Running weight: 98kg
Fuel tank: 8.6 litres
Front storage compartment Digital clock Under seat compartment Approximate fuel consumption: 100-130 kms/5 litres

Scooter sales zooming as gas prices stay high



By JAMIE GUMBRECHT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, August 30, 2008


Scoot over, drivers.

More motor scooters are hitting metro Atlanta streets, flaunting how far they go on a gallon of gas. Sellers say scooter sales have at least tripled since gas hit $4 a gallon this spring. At Twist ‘n’ Scoot on Piedmont Avenue, shoppers used to have about 50 to browse and test drive. Lately, the store has about a dozen in stock, and manufacturers and distributors are just beginning to fill months of back orders.

“Some shoppers were panic-stricken, over the top, buying these thinking it was going to be the best solution,” said owner Bill Gortno, who recently opened a Twist ‘n’ Scoot store in Decatur, too.

About 191,000 motorcycles have been registered so far this year, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. (The figure includes scooters with engines large enough to require a tag, but not smaller scooters on the road.) Already, this year’s figure is a jump from the 2007 total of 174,000 registrations.

Christie Hall, 36, of Decatur, recently bought a sage green Buddy-brand scooter to run errands and commute to work in Inman Park. Its 150 cubic centimeter engine gets 85 miles per gallon of gas, so its fuel bills are lower than her Toyota Rav4’s. The scooter is more fun to drive, too, she says. “I get tons of smiles and waves. When I stop, people in cars start chatting me up,” Hall says of her scoot commute. “The first time a motorcycle guy waved to me, I felt really tough.”

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A SCOOTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

What’s the attraction?

Scooters can feel cute, sporty, even a little “Roman Holiday”-Audrey-Hepburn hip. But consider the cost: Scooters can get up to 90 miles per gallon of gas, and with prices at $2,000 to $4,000 new, they cost far less than a car.

Who can drive a scooter?

If a scooter’s engine is larger than 51 cubic centimeters, it is considered a motorcycle and requires the driver to have a motorcycle operator’s license. Drivers must be at least 16 to get an instructional permit or 17 to get a license. (Drivers younger than 18 need a parent’s consent.) Motorcycle licensing information is available at www.dds.ga.gov. If a scooter’s engine is 50cc or less, drivers must be at least 15 and have a valid driver’s license, instructional permit or learner’s permit. Those bikes don’t require a tag, but they can’t travel where the minimum speed is higher than 35 mph, either.

Can a scooter handle the open road?

“People scoot in front of me on Ponce all day long,” says Joe Nieberding, manager of ATLscooters on Ponce De Leon Avenue. A scooter can easily handle neighborhood streets or a commute from nearby suburbs, but drivers shouldn’t take them on an expressway, or even a busy road if they’re inexperienced. People use them
year-round in Atlanta, but they are tougher to handle on wet winter roads.

Where can you park a scooter?

It depends: bike racks, car spaces and sidewalks might be your parking lot. If there’s no designated scooter space, try to pick a safe, out-of-the-way spot. Scooter parking “is something we can look into more, and should,” says Angie Laurie, vice president of transportation for Central Atlanta Progress. She suggests scouting out parking lots and bike racks on the map at www.atlantadowntown.com/parking/index.html.

The University of Georgia has installed scooter corrals, and Decatur added free scooter parking in three locations: downtown, on East Ponce De Leon Avenue near Wachovia Bank and West Ponce de Leon Avenue near Taqueria del Sol. The city split three car spaces into five scooter spaces, and might add security racks. “We try to encourage alternative transportation. This seemed simple,” says Lyn Menne, community and economic development director.

What does scooting cost?

Aside from the cost of a scooter, consider helmets, which the state requires, and other safety gear like boots, jackets and gloves; motorcycle education classes and licensing fees; cleaning and maintenance, like oil changes; parking and traffic tickets; insurance. Despite the savings at the gas station, a gas-powered scooter will still require some cash.

What’s the downside?

Theft can be a problem for the small vehicles, so store them away from the street, and lock them up when parked in public. Accidents can be disastrous, too, when the small two-wheelers tangle with four-wheeled cars and trucks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says there were 35 scooter accident deaths in 2006, and the number is expected to rise as popularity increases.

Hall, the new scooter owner, says she feels more vulnerable on her scooter, but it made her into a safer driver. She plans to take a motorcycle education course in November, too. “It made me aware of how much I was on autopilot in my car,” Hall says. “Now I try to pay more attention.”

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/living/stories/2008/08/30/scooter_sales_atlanta.html

Friday, 29 August 2008

Rome’s motorcycle police

At scooterhire.co.nz, we found the following video that we think you will enjoy! This a classic performance of daring and skill by Rome’s motorcycle police:

Fill her up with fuel - for $9!

29th August 2008
www.thedaily.com.au

It’s a head turner and a conversation starter. It saves loads of petrol money and its owner can almost always find a place to park it.

No wonder Michael Hughes loves his powder-blue 1963 Vespa. “I like it because it’s stylish,” he said.

His vintage, two-wheeler transports him from Noosa Outlook to work at Snack eatery in Noosa Junction each day. It costs him $9 to fill the tank, which he said lasted for about two weeks.

Mr Hughes is part of a growing scooter movement across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast Regional Council has just replaced several car parks on Hastings Street with 25 new scooter parks, while up to 10 new scooter parks have been put in place at Noosa Junction.

Integrated transport planning leader Nigel Walker said the new parks were part of council’s scooter strategy. “Promoting scooter use is integral to maintaining a sustainable balance,” he said. “Scooters have less parking requirements, less greenhouse-gas emissions, less wear and tear on road networks.” He said if the new scooter parks were well used, the council would look at rolling out more of them. “It’s a supply and demand issue,” he said. “We didn’t want to put in 70 scooter parks if they don’t get used.

“We’ll encourage the use and, as the parking fills, then maybe we can take more space away from cars.” One car park can be converted into four scooter parks. Mr Walker said car users would need to accept scooters on the road, particularly as they grew in popularity. “People often don’t feel they want to share that road space,” he said. “The more we provide for them and make them attractive, car drivers will come to accept it.”

Mr Hughes said he was “all for” council’s scooter strategy, but scooter riders needed to be educated about safe riding practices before they hit the road.

SCOOTER STRATEGY

*Will be implemented from 2008-2012.
*Initiative of the former Noosa Shire Council and will be continued by Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
*About 35 new scooter parks have been rolled out in Noosa, with a look to converting more car parks.
*Council is in discussions about how the strategy can be implemented across the Coast.

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/aug/29/fill-her-fuel-for-9/

Monday, 25 August 2008

Win a Must-Do Weekend

Thanks to AA Travel, The New Zealand Herald and Herald on Sunday, 16 Must-Do Weekends are to be given away. That's 4 Weekend Experiences to be won every week for four weeks.

Purchase The New Zealand Herald and Herald on Sunday between Monday, August 25 and Sunday, September 21, 2008 for your chance to win. Each amazing AA Must-Do weekend experience.

There are two ways to enter:
  1. Web: Go to www.winaweekend.co.nz and enter the daily keywords printed in the Herald along with your details.
  2. Postal: Fill out the daily entry form printed in the Herald and send it to "NZ Herald Win a Weekend, PO Box 37774, Parnell, Auckland 1151.
Each week you could win one of 16 Must-Do Weekends.
We may be biased, but we think that the best weekend offer is:

Must-Do “Enrich Your Soul” Eastland Weekend
Open from Monday, 15.09.08 to Wednesday 24.09.08
Prize is for 4 adults and includes a prize donated by scooterhire.co.nz:
  • Two nights accommodation at Teal Motor Lodge, Gisborne
  • 3-days Budget Rent a Car hire
  • TomTom navigation unit for each of the winners to keep
  • Winners will receive a Canon PowerShot A580 Digital Still Camera
  • Winners will be provided with either return flights or $200 petrol vouchers to be used with the rental car
  • A reef experience with Dive Tatapouri
  • A five-hour tour with Go Gisborne
  • A $200 dinner voucher to The Marina Restaurant and Bar, Gisborne
  • A cultural experience with Waka Toa
  • Free scooter rental for one person to travel around the city for two days including insurance and unlimited kilometres
For full details of all prizes and terms & conditions, click: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/promotion/story.cfm?c_id=500848&objectid=10528470

Sunday, 24 August 2008

The Vespa PX classic stops rolling

I own a classic 1965 VBB Vespa 150, 2 stroke, 4-speed that has many similarities to the more "modern" Vespa PX. It is a shame to say goodbye to the last of these models with their old school 2-stroke motors and manual gears...

By Clark Ainsworth
BBC News, Tunbridge Wells

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts will head to the coast this bank holiday weekend at a time when a model that is a direct descendant of the bikes favoured by the Mods of the 1960s ceases to be sold in showrooms.

Stringent new European emission legislation has meant the Vespa PX, with its distinctive waspish engine sound and oil-thick blue exhaust smoke, is no longer economically viable.

Vespa said that although sales of the 30-year-old two-stroke manually-geared bike were fairly static at about 15,000 units annually, tightening emission legislation sounded the death-knell on the model.

It will now only produce machines that have a fully automatic gear box.

UK general manager Tony Campbell said: "In an effort to clean up emissions of all motorised vehicles, the EU government has set a number of standards to be met within certain deadlines.

"The new emissions regulations, known as "Euro 3", make the production of a two-stroke engine larger than 50cc not economically feasible.

"The Vespa PX will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best. A model does not last for 30 years unless it was right in the first place."

Recently the firm has been riding high with sales of its congestion charge-busting and fuel-efficient automatic bikes doubling in recent years.

Rising petrol and parking prices have meant there are almost as many of their models on the roads as in the halcyon days of scooter riding in the late 50s and 60s.

But the decision by parent company Piaggio to cease production of the two-stroke PX 125cc, has saddened those who feel the model is a design classic.

And over the past few months the final few examples of the last ever mass-produced European manually-geared scooter have been snapped up by enthusiasts.

The scooters made by Vespa, and Lambretta, until they ceased to make bikes, were favoured by the original Mods who travelled to seaside resorts such Brighton and Margate and enthusiasts that followed.

Their distinctive sound combined with the whiff of oil-infused smoke also set them apart from their modern rivals and made them attractive to commuters who wanted something a bit different as they traversed 21st Century roads.

Andy Gillard, who is the editor of Scootering Magazine, said: "My generation has grown up with the PX. It was designed and created in 1977 when I was eight so I've known nothing else.

"It mobilised the masses again in the 80s. You had The Jam, Quadrophenia and the Mod revival and the PX was sitting there in the showroom.

"There were thousands of scooters on the roads again. You could buy it on hire purchase. It was style you could afford. Thirty years on people were still buying it.

"You could say it was the VW Beetle of the two-wheeled world."

He said the legislation did not take into account the fact that they were fuel efficient and the simplicity of their engines meant older models were repaired rather than scrapped.

Mr Gillard added: "It's a shame really because It's the end of a long line of motor scooters. It's the end of the true blood line.

"There are new Vespas out there. The company created the scooter 60 years ago and is still making a version of it.

"So you can still go out and buy a stylish scooter but what you can't buy is the last piece of the history."

"It's like the new Fiat 500, the style is there but it's just not quite the same, which is a shame as the Vespa PX is a design classic."

Vespa said it felt its latest crop of automatic scooters, which include a new 300cc model and a sport model, carry on the brand's heritage while making bikes more accessible to new riders.

Mr Campbell said: "The modern scooter rider requires ease of use as one of its main priorities for scootering around and a 'twist and go' machine provides that easy driving style.

"The PX had a manual gearbox that was born out of its traditional heritage as opposed to what today's customer demands.

"Other Vespa models such as the GTS and Vintage Range are now beginning to win over the scooter enthusiast and we are confident that Vespa buyers will appreciate the new product developments."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7576529.stm

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Scooterquest 08 LIVE!

At scooterhire.co.nz, we are kinda excited about "Scooterquest '08" A background to this unique event is on our original post here.

Watch 3-men on scooters embark on an Epic Quest from Minnesota to New York City and back again - LIVE! (...when they get out of bed)

TIME: Minnesota, United States




Friday, 22 August 2008

Riding A Scooter in Beijing City

scooter in BeijingA new saying about Beijing’s traffic goes: “Cars are jammed, bicycles are slow, scooters are best.” Beijing’s expat motorcycle and scooter riders enjoy weaving in and out of jams, but many of them are unaware that they are driving illegally.

Xavier, a Frenchman who works in an insurance-related company, loves his motorcycle. He bought it a year and half ago at Wudaokou for a mere 2,200 yuan (US$272). Now he has ridden 10,000 kilometers on it. Although he has spent more than 1,000 yuan (US$123) on reparations, plus 15 yuan (US$2) worth of oil for every 80 kilometers, he thinks it is a good deal.

“If I take a taxi, it costs me 10 yuan (US$1.23) to go four kilometers. So my motorbike has saved me 25,000 yuan (US$3,125) during this past a year and a half,” he calculated. “Back in France, the same motorbike would cost me 10 times more.”

He has been to the Hutong, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, the bar streets and outside Beijing on his bike.

“It is not expensive, and I’m never late anymore,” he claimed. “It is the cheapest and best way to discover Beijing.”

With all of its merits Xavier knows he has been driving the motorcycle illegally.

His 125 cc motorcycle, which can hit up to 100 kilometers per hour, has a Hebei plate that cost him 300 yuan (US$37). But in Beijing only a Jing-A (-A) plate can go beyond the Fourth Ring Road.

Also, his motorcycle is not supposed to go on the second, third, fourth and fifth ring roads.

Even worse, the city stopped issuing any new plates for new motorcycles in January 1998, But plates for scrapped Jing-As can be bought for up to as much as 15,000 yuan (US$185).

The punishment for driving without a license can be an 800 yuan (US$99) fine and 13 days’ custody.

Safety is also a problem. One Korean student at the Beijing Language and Culture University died in a traffic accident in May after driving a motorcycle while drunk.

Pollution is another issue. Beijing has already asked all vehicles on the road to meet Europe III emission standards, including motorcycles. Many motorcycles and scooters do not meet these standards.

Two other types of bikes available in shops are petrol powered scooters and electric scooters, called zhu li che in Chinese.

At scooter shops near Xiaoyunqiao on the North Fourth Ring Road, shop assistants said they sell four to five scooters a day. But according to a policeman on the North Fourth Ring Road, all petrol scooters are banned. If one has a D-type license for motorcycle driving, it might help. But it does not mean the scooter will not be impounded by traffic police.

As for electric scooters, Beijing Traffic Administration issued a decree in 2002, stating that all electric scooters will be forbidden by the end of 2005.

The main reasons electric scooters are to be banned are safety and battery pollution. They can drive up to 50 kilometers per hour, which is more than double the speed of bicycles. People can drive these with no training, and judging by the way some people ride bicycles in Beijing it is surely a recipe for disaster.

According to estimates by the Chinese Association of Bicycles, there are 10 million electric bicycles in China, 500,000 of which are in Beijing. The end of the year will reveal the answer to the question of electric scooters’ legitimacy.

For many expats, it is the fact that they are often ignored by the police that makes them neglect proper licensing and insurance.

Briton, David Jones, bought a second hand scooter from a friend and has been driving it for a month.

“I drive past the police all the time and they have never stopped me,” he said. “In Britain if a policeman noticed anybody without a license plate he would certainly pull him over. Here I seem to get away with it.”

Gerald Gardebled, a motorcycle enthusiast from France, was once fined 200 yuan (US$25) for driving his motorcycle in a bicycle lane. Once he was stopped by police who suspected that his motorcycle was stolen. The police then radioed headquarters to confirm his identity and the legitimacy of his black Jing-A plate for foreigners. Although Gardebled forgot to carry his license, they let him go when they learned that the vehicle was legally his.

To get a D-type license people need to visit the Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau. They will then be asked to fill in a form and take their passport and resident permit and go through a physical examination and then pass a traffic rule test and a driving test.

Expats can either go by themselves or contact Beijing Foreign Enterprise Service Group (FESCO) to have people help them complete the process at a cost of 800 yuan (US$99).

“If you ask them, most people do not want to break the law,” said David Jones. “They would also be hoping that conforming to the law won’t cost them too much money, time and effort. They just want to get any problems sorted out quickly and easily.”

http://www.chinamotorscooter.com/blog/2008/riding-a-scooter-in-beijing-city/

Thursday, 21 August 2008

Scooter Nana rules the road

The Gisborne Herald
Letter to the Editor
Thursday, 21 August 2008

I have ridden a motor scooter for 25 years. I started with a Suzuki FA50cc, progressed to a Honda 80cc and now ride a 125cc motor scooter.

I have noticed that a large number of scooter riders keep too far to the left - so they are in the wrong place should a car door open, or a car back out of a park.

The scooter should have a motor powerful enough to enable the rider to "keep up with the traffic", at 50ks plus per hour.

The rider should be able to sit behind the car in front and be able to see the rear vision mirror in the car, and know that the driver of the car can also see the rider behind him/her.

I also wear a bright-coloured windbreaker jacket and bright-coloured helmet - both very visible - on a scooter it is vital that you can be seen.

Too many motor-bike riders and cyclists wear dark clothing and are not clearly visible.

Ride safely - ride well.

Scooter-riding Nana

http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/Default.aspx?s=3&s1=2&id=4818

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

The 60's Mod scooter scene

At scooterhire.co.nz we have noticed a more than a few of our customers enjoy recapturing a slice of lost youth.

When the movie "Quadrophenia" was released in 1979, some of our customers were immpressionable youths. Quadrophenia is a classic cult-movie set in London at the height of the mod era in 1964. The stars of the movie was the rock opera album sondtrack by The Who, closely followed by tricked-out Vespa & Lambretta scooters.

Quadrophenia is about that crucial time in teenhood when the lion's share of your sense of identity is tied up in the music you listen to, the clothes you wear, and the groups you hang out with.

Jimmy (Phil Daniels) identifies himself with the sharp-dressing, scooter-riding Mods, who listen to American soul and British pop-rock. The Rockers, on the other hand, are leather-jacketed, black-booted, motorcycle-riding tough guys who listen primarily to classic American rock & roll. The film captures this pop-culture revolution perfectly.

If you haven't seem the movie yet, we recommend you do. Great soundtrack, classic story and interesting social history.

“I don't wanna be the same as everybody else. That's why I'm a Mod, see? I mean, you gotta be somebody, ain't ya, or you might as well jump in the sea and drown. ” Jimmy in Quadrophenia

The film Trailer appears here:

Scooter Quest '08


An Epic Quest from Minnesota to New York City is to be undertaken by a group of scooter enthusiasts that enjoy traveling, exploration and fun together. The adventure begins on August 23rd, 2008 from Minneapolis, MN ending in New York, NY with checkpoints in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia along the way.

There are many scooter treks being publicised at the moment, but these guys are doing it with a difference. The scooters will be equipped with cameras streaming the entire event live on scooterquest.com! You're able to come along on the ride through the latest in technological interactivity.

The trip's goal is three-fold:
  1. To show you don't have to give up your freedom to travel due to high fuel prices
  2. You can conserve the Earth and protect the environment through more eco-friendly means
  3. You can have fun and meet awesome and interesting people on the way.
I guess the obligatory eco message had to be included, however our opinion at scooterhire.co.nz is that the boys will be concentrating on goal number 3!

Click on their website to interact and follow them live: www.scooterquest.com

Tuesday, 19 August 2008

11 seconds to steal a scooter

It's great that scooters are growing in popularity, however there also appears to be an increase in scooter thefts .

The average scooter in NZ would weigh approximately 85Kg and would be easily lifted on the back of a vehicle by a couple of motivated criminals.

At scooter.co.nz we have yet to lose a scooter to theft, however we recommend that our customers activate the steering lock and secure the scoot to an immovable object with the scooter lock provided.

A news report from CBS Denver shows surveillance footage of three men with a truck stealing a scooter in 11 seconds. The report also features some good tips to prevent theft.

Click here to watch the news report: www.cbs4denver.com

Who hires scooters?

At scooterhire.co.nz, we are traditionally quiet at this time of year, however people are still hiring scooters from us. We are often asked, "what type of market do you attract"...well, there doesn't seem to be one particular group of people that hires scooters.

Last week we had a backpacker in his early 20s from the UK hire a scooter for 24 hours. He wanted to explore the East Coast and in particular wanted to visit Tokomaru Bay, 90 km up the Coast. We suggested that he should take a short blast up the coast to Wainui that was only 5 km up the Coast and return to explore the fantastic local scenery. Our intrepid explorer was determined, so thats what he did. I bet the Coasties are still talking about the mad pom on a scooter!

We recently had a thirty something couple hire two 2-seater scooters for the day. On a fine Gisborne winter day, they arrived early morning, with their pre-schooler and slightly older boy that were wearing their own helmets. As a family, they spent the day zipping around Gisborne, visiting relatives, a cafe for lunch and sightseeing. They came back buzzing and booked again for a fortnight.

A few weeks ago, we hired a scooter to a lady of mature years that had flown into Gisborne to visit a sick relative. After several days, she felt that she needed to break out and explore Gisborne. The weather was atrocious and she came in during a brief fine spell to hire a scooter for several days. We warned her about the unfavorable forecast, but this did not deter her. Several days later she returned as scheduled with a huge smile on her face. She had taken the scooter out at every opportunity between showers and had a blast!

Just goes to show that scooters transcend all market groups!

Friday, 15 August 2008

Scooter Video - because we can!

Hey, the video's working again so us folk at scooterhire.co.nz thought why not upload a couple of rapid fire scooter advert movies for the hell of it!

We found this one for Vespa kinda amusing:



This one for Lambretta is from the retro vault and is so catchy that it will guaranteed to get on your nerves. You have been warned!



This is a short advertising film featuring the vocal group "Quartetto Cetra", probably made in the 1960s to be shown in movie theaters (in Italy there was no color TV at the time, and TV commercials for motor vehicles were also not allowed then...).

Looks kind of prophetic in showing characters from places where Lambretta scooters were to become very popular (the Scotsman for the UK, the Chinese for the Far East, the Indian for southeast Asia, etc).

Thursday, 14 August 2008

Video back on stream!

Yeah baby!

At scooterhire.co.nz we enjoy sharing words, but we like sharing moving pictures even better.

Google and YouTube seem to be talking again, so all of our video streams are now back on line.

In particular, you can now enjoy our previous posting with accompanying video on: Why are scooters so popular?

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Scooterhire.co.nz Review


Hey, this is kind of cool! Unaccustomed to bragging as we are...we found the following review of our services when surfing the web checking out our web-cred. I can remember this couple as they stayed at our motel and their car was never used over the several days that they stayed. Can also remember taking a photo - If you are out there please feel free to send us a copy!

"Gisborne by scooter!" by Val (from Hamilton)

April 2007 - My boyfriend and I had a long weekend last April and stayed at Teal Motor Lodge. It was a relaxing time with fantastic weather, great restaurants and magnificent accommodation. What was the highlight? – well… the motel had some cool scooters to hire from “sooterhire”. We had never ridden scooters before and we thought what the heck! This was the most fun over a weekend that we have ever had! We parked up the car and never used it. We went to heaps of cafes the beaches and a ride out to some bush domain just out of Gisborne (forget the name??) What a hoot! If you go to Gisborne would recommend that you hire a scooter from this awesome company – I guarantee you will have a smile for days after!

http://www.reviewblue.com/NewZealand/NorthIsland/GisborneArea/GisborneNZ/BusinessReviews/29-3699-2.html

What Licence do you need to ride a 50cc scooter

At scooterhire.co.nz we need to know the legalities of operating a scooter. We have reproduced the following guide from the The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website www.ltsa.govt.nz to outline what driver licence do you require to ride on a public road.

Anyone with a "Valid Driver Licence" can ride a scooter of 50cc or less.

What is a Valid Driver Licence?

Holders of the following NZ Driver Licences can hire a scooter:

Class 1
  • Car Learner*
  • Restricted*
  • Full Licence
Class 6
  • Motorcycle Learner*
  • Restricted*
  • Full Licence
*NB: The holder of a Learner or Restricted Licence for either Car or Motorcycle are:
  • Prohibited from driving during the at-risk times between 10pm and 5am
  • Prohibited from carrying pillion passengers.
Holders of an Overseas Driver Licence or International Driving Permit can also ride a scooter.

Note: if the Overseas Licence or Permit isn't in English, this must be accompanied with an accurate translation issued by:
  • The New Zealand Translation service
  • A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate
  • The authority that issued the overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation).
If this is unclear you can call the Driver Licensing Call Centre: ph 0800 822 422.

Scooters / Mopeds: Road rules and equipment

At scooterhire.co.nz we take safety and security very seriously and spend time ensuring that our eager riders are familiar with the road rules before they hit the street. We also keep up to date with the legal requirements of our equipment.

With the boom of sales, we anticipate that there will be some amendment to the rules and regulations governing scooters. We all know that if people find freedom and enjoyment the government will find ways to regulate or tax it!


The following is extracted from The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website www.ltsa.govt.nz:

Mopeds share the roads with motor vehicles. If you ride a moped, then for your own safety and the safety of other road users, you must follow the road rules for moped riders, and you must have the right equipment.

What rules must I follow?
  • You must have a driver licence. This can be any class of New Zealand licence. If you don't hold an New Zealand licence, you may be able to use an overseas licence. Refer to Factsheet 56, New residents and visitors - driving in New Zealand for more information.
  • Your moped must have the right equipment.
  • You must ride on the road - you can't ride on the footpath or a cycle path. Keep as far left as you can. You may use bus lanes, as long as there isn't a sign forbidding this.
  • If you're riding with other mopeds or cyclists, don't ride more than two abreast. Ride in single file when you're passing other vehicles - including parked vehicles.
  • If you don't have direction indicators or stop lamps, use a clear arm signal when you intend to turn and reduce your speed or stop before making the turn.
  • At intersections, you must follow the road rules for motor vehicles, or get off your moped and walk across.
  • You can only carry a passenger if your moped has a pillion seat and footrests for the passenger. A container or seat for an infant must protect their legs from the wheels.
  • You can tow a trailer with your moped, but you can't tow any other sort of vehicle. Your moped can't be towed by another vehicle.
  • If you carry a load it must be secure and must not touch the ground. It must not extend more than one metre in front of or behind the wheels, or half a metre (50 cm) on either side (from the centre of the moped).
What are the rules for wearing helmets?

It is compulsory for all moped riders on New Zealand roads to wear motorcycle helmets. Your helmet must:
  • meet an approved standard
  • be securely fastened.
Check that your helmet is the right size - it should fit snugly on your head with minimum use of pads. If your helmet gets damaged, replace it with a new one.

Please note that if a Police officer stops you and asks to inspect your helmet, you must give it to them.

Courtesy on the road

Be considerate of other road users. Where the road is narrow, check that you are not slowing down the traffic flow and let the traffic pass as soon as it's safe.

Registration and licensing

You must register and license your moped for use on the road - but check first that it is really a 'moped' and not a motorcycle (see below). The registration plate must be clearly displayed (and securely attached) at the rear of the moped.

Is it a moped or a motorcycle?

There are slightly different definitions of a moped, depending on the context:

For vehicle registration and licensing: a moped has a power output of 2 KW or under and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h or under. A vehicle with a power output over 2 KW or a maximum design speed over 50 km/h is a motorcycle. It is illegal to register a motorcycle as a moped.

For vehicle importation inspections: a vehicle with an engine over 50 cc or a speed greater than 50 km/h must meet the technical requirements for a motorcycle.

For in-service inspections:a vehicle with an engine over 50 cc or a speed greater than 50 km/h or a power output greater than 2 KW needs to have a warrant of fitness and must meet the technical requirements for a motorcycle.

What equipment must my moped have?

Mopeds must have safety equipment fitted and must be in good condition. Mopeds manufactured on or after the dates in the table must meet approved standards for items listed.

Moped manufactured on
or after this date Must meet approved standard for this item
1 January 1992 reflector
1 October 2002 brakes
1 January 2006 headlamps, stop lamps, rear-facing lamp

Brakes

Your moped must have at least one service brake on each wheel.

Lighting equipment - lamps and reflectors

Your moped must be fitted with:
  • one or two dipped-beam headlamps ('dipped beam' means 'low beam'. It may be a single lamp that is fixed in the dipped position or a lamp that can be dipped by the rider). When turned on, this must illuminate the road in front for at least 30 metres
  • at least one red rear-facing lamp that can be seen from 100 metres away when turned on
  • at least one rear reflector that can be seen from 100 metres away when light shines on it.
If your moped was first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1991, it must also be fitted with one or two rear stop lamps.

Rear-view mirror

If your moped was manufactured on or after 1 July 2000, it must have a rear-view mirror that gives you a clear view behind the moped.

Other equipment

Your moped must also have:
  • good quality tyres. The tread pattern must be clearly visible across at least 3/4 of the tread width and around the entire circumference
  • a horn that can be heard by other road users from at least 100 metres away (in normal traffic conditions)
  • mudguards (if it is practical to fit them)
  • an exhaust system, in good condition, that is not excessively noisy
  • adequate footrests or pedals for the rider and any pillion passenger.
Your responsibilities

Mopeds aren't inspected for a warrant of fitness, but it is up you to:
  • make sure your moped is fitted with equipment that complies with the law
  • wear your motorcycle helmet
  • follow the road rules.
If you don't, you could get an infringement fine or be taken to court.

Manufacturers' and retailers' responsibilities

Manufacturers and retailers must make sure that any moped they sell, and its equipment, complies with the law. Standards markings and information supplied by manufacturers can be used to show that a moped and its equipment comply.

It's an offence to sell a motorcycle helmet that doesn't meet an approved standard.
Motorcycle helmet standards

Your helmet should have a sticker inside it stating which standard it complies with.

Where you can find out more

* Call our help desk: (freephone) 0800 699 000.
* Email us: info@landtransport.govt.nz
* Write to us: Land Transport New Zealand, P O Box 2840, Wellington.

Source: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/43.html

Monday, 11 August 2008

Save on your daily commute - scoot!

By Jacquelyn Farris
Girl vs. Wild
www.newsok.com

The rise in gas prices has me looking elsewhere. I have decided it's time to think smart. Something fun, fast, and possibly two wheels? Yes, scooters!

Scooters have been a European staple for daily commuting and even weekend getaways. Men in suits, Moms in the daily hurry, and young adults zipping to and from the places that make life great. So why not me? I am Girl vs. Wild, and it's time to save some dinaro and start having a daily commuting scooter adventure!

Atomic Brown Scooter Shop, Oklahoma City's family-owned scooter dealer located on North Western Avenue, is where my latest adventure has taken me, and better yet I didn't have to drive far to get there.

Steve and Pam Hudson, owners' of Atomic Brown Scooter Shop have been selling and educating Oklahoma City on the fun, fast, and fuel efficient advantages of riding scooters since June of 2004.

For many people, Atomic Brown is their first taste of scooters. Atomic Brown feels they are not only selling scooters, but they are also educating the public on ins and outs of scooter ownership. Many people stop by the shop four to five times before selecting a scooter. This allows the Hudsons to really get know their customers, and in doing so select the perfect scooter for each new scooterist's needs.

Atomic Brown's most popular scooter is the Buddy, made by Genuine Scooter Company. Voted 2007's scooter of the year, this zippy scooter comes in 50cc, 125cc, and new for 2008 the Buddy International 150cc with speeds toping 75 mph. With a twist-and-go engine, this scooter is fierce off the line while also putting the driver at ease knowing that there is no hassle of shifting gears.

Brace yourself for the most exciting feature! The Buddy gets up to 100 miles per gallon. That is no typo; this little scooter packs a mighty fuel efficient punch, and with prices starting at $1,999 Genuine's Buddy is hard for Atomic Brown to keep it in stock.

Scooters are recognized in Oklahoma as a motor vehicle. This means it's not as simple as purchasing your scooter and hitting the open road. Oklahoma state law requires scooters, just like motorcycles, to be registered, tagged, and titled. You will also need to get an M, or motorcycle, endorsement on your Oklahoma driver's license.

Now, scooters are not right for everybody. All the options should be weighed before rushing to buy. But for me, this is definitely an exciting possibility. In fact, I have already picked my tangerine-colored Buddy out and am just waiting for it arrive.

To see more of my Girl vs. Wild adventure at the Atomic Brown Scooter Shop, head to Newsok.tv. Who knows maybe I will pass you in traffic and give you a big, scooter-loving wave!

Jacquelyn Farris You can follow Jacquelyn Farris' continuing adventures in her Girl vs. Wild blog, which is now featured in the ‘Know It: Travel” at http//newsok.com/vacations.

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Which scooter should you buy?

Which scooter is right for you?

Well ... to assist your decision making, our friends at www.thescooterreview.com spent seven days, 100 laps of a test track, 1000kms of road riding and about 27 dollars of fuel to compare 13 of the top 50cc scoots.

Here are the performance figures and test results for the 2008 50cc Super Battle.

The top result for each category is highlighted in orange.

Scooter 0-50kph Top Speed Economy Lap time Dry Weight**
Yamaha Jog 8.7 61 2.8l/100 85MPG 42.8 69kg
Vespa 50S 12.0 64 3.1L/100 76MPG 45.4 96kg
Vmoto Milan 10.8 67 2.8l/100 85MPG 43.8 66kg
Keeway Venus 10.9 67 2.8l/100 85MPG 44 66kg
Suzuki AZ50 9.6 60 3.6L/100 65MPG 43.5 72kg
Vespa LX 50 11.7 62 3.0L/100 79MPG 46 102kg
Honda Today 15.2 57 2.5L/100 94MPG 47.3 71kg
Adly Silver Fox 11.8 61 2.8l/100 85MPG 43.5 75kg
Yamaha Vino 14.6 *50 3.6L/100 65MPG 45.1 76kg
Lifan Metro 14.9 63 2.6L/100 91MPG 47.3 93kg
Urban R4 14.0 70 4.2L/100 56MPG 46 86kg
PGO PMX 14.3 74 3.0L/100 79MPG 47 92kg
Piaggio Zip 19.9 65 2.4L/100 96MPG 47.8 89kg






*top speed restricted
**NB Weight is as per Manufacturers specification

For full results click here

Saturday, 9 August 2008

Is your scooter a polluter?

BY CYNTHIA SEWELL
Edition Date: 08/08/08
IdahoStatesman.com

Two-wheeled gas sippers, including motorcycles, put out more emissions per mile than an SUV, says the EPA.

Which gets better gas mileage, a Hummer or a scooter?

No contest.

But which is more polluting?

It may not be what you think.

"It's true. The cleanest scooter is still dirtier than a car," said John Swanton, air pollution specialist with the California Air Resources Board.

Motorcycles and scooters may be fuel-efficient, but they are big polluters - and none of them are tested in the Treasure Valley, even in Ada County, where most cars and trucks must pass emissions muster.

Some motorcycles emit as much hydrocarbon in 10 miles as a car driven 850 miles, according to Environmental Protection Agency studies.

Car engines use much more fuel and create more pollution than motorcycle engines, but sophisticated emission-control devices prevent much of a car's emissions from getting into the air, said Wayne Elson, environmental protection specialist with the EPA's Seattle office.

When it comes to reducing fuel consumption and improving global climate conditions, a motorcycle or scooter is still the better choice, Swanton said.

But when it comes to reducing smog and improving local air quality, "the Hummer is better than a small scooter because it has more sophisticated emission controls," he said. "Its emissions are pretty low relative to a motorcycle."

EPA'S MOTORCYCLE STANDARDS MORE LENIENT

Motorcycles and scooters that meet EPA emission standards are still more polluting than cars because the federal emission standards are more lenient for motorcycles.

The maximum emission standard for motorcycle hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide is 2.25 grams per mile, compared with .098 for cars, meaning a motorcycle can emit 23 times more ozone-forming pollutants as a car does and still meet EPA standards. The carbon monoxide standard for motorcycles is about six times higher than a car's standard.

The EPA has several reasons for the difference.

Emission-control devices can be too big and too heavy to fit on a motorcycle, Elson said. Also, motorcycles comprise about 1 percent of all vehicles on the road nationwide, so collectively, their impact on air quality is small, Elson said. But it is growing.

Some countries, like India and China, have more scooters and motorcycles on the roads than cars - a seemingly impossible scenario in the U.S., given Americans' love of cars, but that could be changing.

"We are entering new territory with fuel prices," Swanton said. "The whole game is changing. We are going to see a lot of innovative approaches; some of them may not be environmentally friendly."

Meanwhile, many off-road motorcycles are made "street legal" by adding street tires and head-, tail- and brake lights. According to the EPA, many of these off-road vehicles on public streets and highways are not EPA emission-compliant, but it can be difficult to get the polluters fixed or off the road.

Vehicle emission testing is mandatory in 34 states, but to Elson's knowledge, no states require motorcycle emission testing since special equipment is needed to test motorcycle emissions.

"It's the cost versus the benefits," he said.

California, which has stricter vehicle and motorcycle emission standards than the EPA, does not conduct motorcycles emission testing, but that may be changing, Swanton said, given the rising popularity of motorcycles and scooters and their proclivity to pollute.

SCOOTER SALES SOAR, BUT YOU CAN CHOOSE WISELY

Two-wheeled commuter vehicles are getting more popular here, too.

For the second year in a row, new motorcycle sales, including scooters, have outpaced new passenger car sales in Ada County - a trend some sellers attribute to increasing gas prices.

"So far this year we are up 40 percent," said Kathy Naven, co-owner of Scooters of Boise, which had been selling out orders about as fast as they came in last month.

Rising fuel costs and decreasing motorcycle and scooter prices are driving people to trade in their four-wheeled rides for two-wheeled ones, Swanton said. But many people do not realize how polluting motorcycles and scooters can be, Swanton said.

"Cleaner is not going to be cheaper," he said.

Consumers need to read the labels, Swanton said. The question is more complex than opting for a four-stroke engine rather than a two-stroke, which usually are more polluting, Swanton said. Some two-strokes can be cleaner than some four-strokes, depending on what emission-control devices the manufacturer installs - but each new measure means added cost.

For example, Stella makes a two-stroke engine scooter with a catalytic converter, so it will burn cleaner than some four-stroke engines, Naven said.

Compounding the problem is a rise in substandard Asian imports, Swanton said. These cheap and dirty scooters and motorcycles do not comply with EPA standards. In 2005, the EPA issued an enforcement alert warning importers and the public about non-EPA compliant motorcycles and scooters entering the U.S. market.

"Tales of retailers and consumers stuck with substandard products, useless warranties and uncertified scooters are becoming too common," the EPA said.

The onus is on the consumer. The EPA and U.S. Customs cannot stop all shipments at the border, and Internet sales are difficult to monitor.

"Read the label, look for the EPA sticker, make sure it has a warranty," Naven said.

California Department of Motor Vehicles will not register scooters and motorcycles that do not comply with California and EPA emission standards, Swanton said, so it is up to consumers to make sure they do not purchase a substandard vehicle.

Idaho will not register motorcycles or scooters that do not comply with federal safety standards, but the state does not discern whether the motorcycles or scooters comply with EPA emission standards.

"Theoretically, these products are being addressed through federal importing requirements, but some importers are getting around those issues and some of them do get in," said ITD spokesperson Mollie McCarty.

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

Scooters are at the other extreme of engine size of a Hummer (or most other “vehicles”) and typically have 50cc to 150cc engines. Admittedly some of these engines do have more lenient EPA emissions standards. However, while they may pollute more per displacement size, they are far smaller in engine displacement and will emit a smaller total amount of alleged pollutants into the atmosphere than larger motorcycles or automobiles.

Most modern scooters have a catalytic converter. If this article was written 10 years ago, the writer might have more of a point. But the fact is that these days most reputable manufacturers offer modern emissions-controlled, CARB and Euro III certified scooters.

Scooters are also cheaper energywise to build and maintain, which is a factor the writer forgot to mention. Half of the emissions created during a vehicles life are in the manufacture and cars and trucks lose that game in a huge way.

Cars emit CO2 in direct relation to how much petrol they burn, so using a lot less fuel should keep the environmentalists happy!

Scooter to help police fight crime at beach

OK, not a real scooter (I told you that Americans struggle with the scooter concept) but I still want one!

Sean Dugas
sdugas@pnj.com

Escambia County deputies in bicycle helmets may not seem intimidating.

But one law enforcement officer on Pensacola Beach will be riding more than a bicycle this weekend.

Sheriff Ron McNesby on Friday unveiled a new crime-fighting tool: the T3 Mobile. The $9,000, three-wheeled scooter includes red and blue flashing lights and a siren.

"This gives deputies the opportunity to talk to people and gives them better maneuverability in large crowds," McNesby said.

Recent frays during busy beach weekends and an increase in car burglaries prompted the T3's purchase, McNesby said. Federal grant money covered the cost.

The T3 has a top speed of 18 mph, and its near-silent operation makes it easier for deputies to spot trouble before a crime is committed.

It can run nonstop for three hours before it has to stop for a recharged battery. Deputies will use it on a rotating basis.

"If it works well out here, we want to expand into other areas of the county," McNesby said. "We hope to go to the community redevelopment areas like Montclair and Brownsville."

Lt. Alan Barton demonstrated some of the T3's capabilities, turning the vehicle in its own footprint and traversing from sidewalk to parking lot.

"We're excited about getting to use it," he said. "It'll change how we work the beach, because we'll be able to interact with people better."

Friday, 8 August 2008

How to countersteer a scooter



If you are riding scooter, you are already counter steering, whether you realize it or not. It’s actually very difficult to initiate a turn without some amount of counter steering. Knowing the physics involved and the technique will give you a greater appreciation and impetus to practice in a safe environment.

In training courses, when they tell you to momentarily flick the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn to initiate the lean into the turn, that is counter steering. For most everyday riding, it’s a short, subtle process that goes almost un-noticed. For more aggressive riding, counter steering must be more deliberate and pronounced. It’s still the same dynamic though.

As the video mentioned, the simple definition is: "The act of turning a two wheeled cycle in one direction by momentarily steering the front wheel in the opposite direction".

The physics of counter steering is actually complex and contrary what the video may insinuate, is not restricted to a "two wheeled cycle". If you watch car rallying, you will see rally car drivers demonstrate the countersteering techniques required to get a car efficiently around a corner.

Major car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes and General Motors have been experimenting since the 1970’s with automated counter steering and wheel leaning systems that would vastly improve the handling and performance of four-wheelers. So far, they haven’t come up with a commercially viable solution.

Fuel-sipping scooters zoom out of dealer showrooms

"USA Today" featured the following article on the increase in sales of scooters in the USA. The majority of Americans don't seem to know what to make of the scooter phenomenon. The large gas guzzling automobile is still entrenched in their culture as a birthright and a symbol of freedom. 

By Chris Woodyard
USA TODAY

Scooters may be the runts of the road, but high-priced gas is making them kings of the showroom.

Dealers are periodically running short, and manufacturers say they're trying, sometimes in vain, to produce more scooters.

"There's no way we could have planned for almost doubling our sales," says Kevin Foley, spokesman for maker Yamaha.

While scooters made up about 15% of all street-licensable motorcycles in 2007, their U.S. sales zoomed 66% in the first half of the year, highest of any segment in the motorcycle market, the Motorcycle Industry Council says. Some scooter makers say sales boomed when gas hit $4 a gallon: Piaggio Group Americas, which makes Vespa, saw sales rise 174% in July compared with a year ago.

"Suppliers, used to a fairly stable but slow-growing market, are going crazy" trying to meet demand, says Bev Brinson, publisher of ScooterWorld Magazine.

Once seen as the quirky wheels in foreign films, scooters are moving mainstream. With engines as small as 50 cubic centimeters, they typically get 70 miles per gallon or more. Their automatic transmissions, under-seat storage and upright riding position make them commuter-friendly.

But dealers say they're sporadically out of some models. "Some are gone for the year, and others (are) down to the last five or six," says Steve Travers, manager of the Camrod Motorsports dealership in New York. This time last year, Camrod had 70 scooters in stock. As of Monday, it had 17. Replacements on some models aren't due until late September, he says.

In Idaho, Scooters of Boise was down to five scooters two weeks ago. Now, it has 10, and inventory generally is "still short," says manager Ryan Mahoney. The store closed its waiting list at 200.

Piaggio's U.S. chief Paolo Timoni says the factories are churning out more, and they have the capacity because added demand is mostly a U.S. phenomenon. Supplies are adequate, he says, although dealers may lack a particular color or style.

At Genuine Scooter, whose brands include Buddy and Stella, there's no longer a need for a warehouse. All scooters go straight to dealers.

"They're selling faster than we can make them," says Brett Ratner, Genuine's dealer development director.