Scooters are an inexpensive fuel-efficient way to get around town. More and more are on the street with sales more than ten times higher than they were a decade ago, but is buying a scooter an option you'll want to consider?
Rosemary LaColla is a scooter rider and thinks her scooter is a great way to get around town.
"I don't like to take it out on big highways because people can over-look it. But I like to take it into town, pick up a couple of things and just for joy rides," LaColla said.
Besides being fun, scooters are great on gas. Consumer Reports found they use only about four litres of gas per 100 kilometres.
But Jon Linkov of Consumer Reports says there's a lot more than fuel efficiency to take into consideration when buying a scooter.
"They can only go about 50 miles per hour. That means that they're not allowed on many highways and it could be difficult to keep up with traffic," Linkov said.
Riding on the streets can be intimidating - riding alongside faster, larger vehicles. Safety is a very important consideration when riding a scooter. Road imperfections and varying surface conditions you don't notice in a car can be hazardous on a scooter.
"Even the smallest car gives you some level of protection, while on two wheels you're completely exposed," Linkov added.
Even with the safety concerns, fluctuating fuel prices and a tough economy have sent sales of scooters through the roof.
Consumer Reports tested three entry level ones with 50 cc engines and three others with 125 to 150 cc engines. The prices range from $2000 to $7000.
When all the tests were done, the Vespa LX-50 was tops in its class and the Kymco People 150 cc scooter was best among more powerful scooters. Each has a smooth engine and rides comfortably.
With options from 49 cc all the way up to 800 cc, scooters are becoming more powerful. More powerful scooters are capable of higher speeds.
As far as style goes, the Vespa has traditional styling and may be what you think of when people say scooter but there are many different brands and looks. There are even three wheeled scooters that give you better handling in slippery conditions.
If there is one thing that scooter expert Emilia Orren of Urban Wasp would suggest before getting on a scooter - get training.
"If you are completely new to "scootering" and have never been on one and are not too comfortable on a bicycle. I'd say to do that before you even attempt to purchase a scooter because the likelihood of you taking a tumble is going to be higher." Orren said.
It goes without saying that when riding a scooter you need to wear a helmet, but you should also be wearing other protective gear such as a good pair of gloves and a jacket. That would make you highly visible.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
