Girlfriend and I rode electric scooters...won her over: Sprockets forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Sept. 26, 2011 8:10 a.m. PHeller Dork

My girlfriend enjoys riding bicycle and on the back of my motorcycle, but didn't have much interest in "learning" how to ride a motorcycle on her own.

So on her birthday trip to Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, we rented some electric bicycle/scooters.

She really enjoyed herself. She likes that its got a key, so she doesn't feel like she's got to lock it, and she doesn't break a sweat riding it, so it'd be better for work than a bicycle. With her office moving soon, bicycling to work will be out of the question. However, the route to get there will remain 25mph city streets.

What's the REAL DEAL on 49cc gas scooters in PA? Title, tag, insurance? No inspection or motorcycle license required? What about speed restrictions?
Sept. 26, 2011 8:48 a.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/registration/scooters.shtml
Sept. 26, 2011 9:22 a.m. PHeller Dork

No speed limit? Sweet.

I doubt she'll want to go over 40mph anyway, and once she does we'll start talking motorcycle license.
Sept. 26, 2011 12:46 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

There may be an exception or two, but in stock form I think essentially all 49cc scooters are going to be speed limited to something less than 40mph.
Sept. 26, 2011 1:31 p.m. PHeller Dork

That doesn't mean they can't easily be convinced with a part or two that their speed should be greater than such stock inconveniences.
Sept. 27, 2011 9:36 a.m. dculberson HalfDork

She should still take a motorcycle class. You learn so much from them that could make the difference between life and death. Missing a turn at 30mph can still be a really painful lesson.
Sept. 27, 2011 9:48 a.m. PHeller Dork

We understand that, but being that she rides bicycle a fair amount, she has fairly good handle on two wheel control.

Thing is, I need to get her comfortable enough that she actually is excited to ride a scooter enough to take a course to learn more.

She doesn't want to learn the shifting, clutch, foot brake, all that.
Sept. 27, 2011 7:32 p.m. Trans_Maro Dork

It's not her you need to be concerned about.

It's the half-million other idiots that she has to share the commute with.

I wouldn't put anyone I care about into traffic on one of those. You can't even get yourself out of trouble if you need to.

Shawn
Sept. 27, 2011 10:37 p.m. BAMF Reader

+1 to Trans_Maro.

If you do end up with a scooter, the 49cc models that were 2 stroke can often reach 45-50 with the various restrictor devices removed.

The old style Kymco People or a Genuine Buddy 50 are my top picks for a solid 50cc commuter. The Buddy is still on offer, and has more storage and available accessories.

Now is the time to start looking too. As temps drop used bikes become pretty available and relatively cheap.
Sept. 27, 2011 11:56 p.m. MitchellC Dork

Scooters terrify me by how slowly they accelerate. The rider really has to trust the rest of traffic to apply less go pedal when approaching a scooter. Do you trust the rest of traffic? I hear complaints about how erratic the drivers in Gainesville are, but whenever I go to the Jacksonville or any largely suburban area, I find the extent of driver distraction mind-blowing.
Sept. 28, 2011 1:46 a.m. skierd Dork

Bicycle experience just doesn't translate unfortunately, except maybe the awareness portion if she's been commuting. Take the class and/or spend some time practicing on the damn thing. And make sure she wears a helmet whether required by law or not.

When I finally gave in to the moto instinct, I debated hard between a 50cc scoot and a 'real' motorcycle. For me it mainly came down to being able to ride on the highway at speed and the fact that at my college anything motorized needs a parking permit.
Sept. 28, 2011 7:40 a.m. PHeller Dork

I have a real motorcycle. The helmet would be on everytime.

Our city (Erie, PA) doesn't have many high speed streets (over 25mph) and those that are usually arent' the quickest means around town.

She's rarely be on any road higher than 25mph.