NationStates Jolt Archive

I finally managed to get a job, and since my place of work is only a short ways away, I was considering getting a scooter instead of a car. I've looked at a few models and types, and price seems to vary quite a bit. The cheapeast I've seen was a Honda at 1,8000 USD, but I've heard that while theyre expensive, Vespa's are worth every cent. (Plus, the thought of owning a yellow Vespa makes me giggle.)
Of course, since this IS the US, people'll think I'm wierd for not buying a car, but screw 'em. I'm waiting until somebody figures out a way for me to avoid paying the price of a video game to fill up my gas tank.

Also, does anybody know about Arizona laws regarding scooters? I've heard that as long as the engine is under 50cc you dont need a motorcycle liscence to operate one, but I've also been told that laws vary crazily by state.

Sidenote: is the distance not bike-able ;) ?

In theory, yes. But this IS Arizona. That means most of the year its either too hot or too cold. Plus, a large stretch of the trip is along something very close to a highway with bike lanes about three inches wide.

Chav.

Scooters are one of those things I've wanted really bad but the gave up on trying to get one after realizing I'd never use it. Much like iPods.

I wouldn't mind getting a scooter for going to/from work in the spring-fall (I live relatively close to work, and the gas savings would be enough to justify the cost of a scooter), but I'd need my truck for the winter (it gets too cold, and I'd hate to imagine using a scooter in the snow/ice that CT gets).

Chav.

worse: MOD!

http://myvespa.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/mod-oa.jpg

I wouldn't mind getting a scooter for going to/from work in the spring-fall (I live relatively close to work, and the gas savings would be enough to justify the cost of a scooter), but I'd need my truck for the winter (it gets too cold, and I'd hate to imagine using a scooter in the snow/ice that CT gets).

Fourtunatly I have a lovely duster for winter. Its some sort of canvas, apparently made circa 1944. Got it for $20 at a surplus store and it was worth every dollar. It seems to be practically indestructable and it keeps me quite warm :D
For when its too hot, well...its a DRY heat :P

Get a Vespa. Then do a barrel roll.

Good lad! You deserve a free round of your favorite drink and food!

You've made a smart decision. There is no need to buy a car to go five miles to work. Cars are such a wasted investment and a monetary black hole.

Down here, we call them Liquor Sickle. :D Mainly because the only person who drive them are those who got their license revoked due to DUIs or DWIs etc.

Good lad! You deserve a free round of your favorite drink and food!

You've made a smart decision. There is no need to buy a car to go five miles to work. Cars are such a wasted investment and a monetary black hole.

Since we seem to have a semi-serious post here...

Any advice on what sort to get?

I had a scooter for 2 years, it was fantastic, great fun and cheap on petrol.

It was essentially this one (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/electric_vehicl.php) but, being a complete Chinese rip-off in terms of design, it was petrol-powered rather than electric.

However, for you, electric's the way to go, why wouldn't you?

Get a Vespa. Then do a barrel roll.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/Beefarino44/barrelroll.jpg

Anyway, Vespas and scooters in general are a great way to commute. If you're gonna get one, go for it! Motorcycles are cooler, though.

I had a scooter for 2 years, it was fantastic, great fun and cheap on petrol.

It was essentially this one (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/electric_vehicl.php) but, being a complete Chinese rip-off in terms of design, it was petrol-powered rather than electric.

However, for you, electric's the way to go, why wouldn't you?

'Cause the range looks to be too limited, and it costs almost as much as a Vespa >_>

Actually (sorry for not quoting, I just saw it as it loaded...) if your round trip is 10 miles than an electric will get the job done. The ones they sell in Santa Cruz have a 25 mile range. Plus they get premium parking with charging stations. You can look into it and see if your area has something like that. Also, with incentives in Santa Cruz you could pick up an electric scooter for @$400.

Barring electric, I vote for the Vespa classic 200. It's powerful enough to get you on the freeway if you dare (you shouldn't dare), and cool.

They don't have the baggage that you can see on here that Europeans have with them. I think some people might think that they're kind fru fru, but fuck those bastards-they aren't going to pay your gas. And you can join me in pointing out something cool (with me, it's in regard to my VW Bus)-"If the size of ones vehicle is in inverse proportion to the size of ones 'endowment,' consider the following-I drive a 200cc Vespa Scooter. Hello ladies."

The older one is going to take some wrenching from you. You can pick 'em up for @ $2000-5000, depending on how much wrenching you want to do. But frankly, there isn't that much to them so it's not so bad. My friend had one and honestly, it was funner to ride than my motorcycle.

And kick starting builds integrity.