New forum replaces this blog

Check out the new forum at stlscooterforum.com, started earlier this year.  I was a co-founder of that forum.  

St. Louis Requiring Flags on 49cc Automatic Scooters

Last June a new ordianance went into affect requiring a 12-inch square flag mounted 48 inches above the seat on "motorized bicycles." Most 49cc scooters will meet the definition of motorized bicycles in the ordinance.

I've written much more over at Urban Review.

Is a motor scooter in your future?

MSNBC has a new story on scooters:

“Scootering is the transportation equivalent of the bow tie," said Patrick Masterson, a rider from Virginia Beach, Va. "It's not generally well understood — and people’s first reaction will either be a huge thumbs up or utter disdain. But in the end, I'd scooter if gasoline cost a dollar.”

Click here to read the story.

Hybrid Scooters at Tokyo Motor Show

According to the site Green Car Congress Yamaha is showing off concepts for hybrid and electric scooters. Read the full story here.

Scooter Riders Group Visiting the Classics

Today the St. Louis Scooter Riders Club is scooting their way to Dave Mungenast's Classic Motorcycles Museum located at 5625 Gravois [map]. Museum admission is free and is a treasure of classic motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

Where to meet:

• Noon meetup at Extreme Toy Store at 9840 Manchester in Rock Hill [map], departing at 12:15pm.
• NW corner of Francis park, meetup around 12:15pm [map], We'll be expecting the group from ETS around 12:30pm and will be departing as soon as they arrive.

The weather is great and the museum is fun, come join the group. We'll be arriving at the museum around 1:00pm and probably staying until they close at 2pm. Even if you don't have a scooter come out and see the museum and meet local scooter riders.

Not All Scooters Are Italian

When I was researching scooters I found all the names and information confusing. Of some importance to me was country of origin. If I was going to add to a trade imbalance I at least wanted to know more informaton.

I'm making no judgements here about build quality from one country to the next. I have a Honda which I am quite please with. Asian countries like India have used scooters as primary transportation for decades so they must know a thing or two about making them. But those Italians have raised the scooter to an art form.

Here are a list of counties and the models sold in the USA from each:

China:

• TN'G (two new models are assembled in the USA)
  

India:

• Bajaj
  
• Stella (mfg by LML)
  

Italy:

• Aprilia
• Piaggio (Part of the Piaggio Group)
  
• Vespa (Part of the Piaggio Group)

Japan:

• 
  
Honda
• 
  
Yamaha

Spain:

• 
  
Derbi (Part of the Piaggio Group)

Taiwan:

• 
  
Kymco

United States:

• 
  
TN'G (new "Low Boy" 150 and DR150 only, engine source unknown)

Unknown:

• 
  
Schwinn Scooters (Company is based in Madison WI but most likely import from China)

Various Countries:

• 
  
Tomos (has manufacturing facilities in Slovenia, Holland, Mexico and Ecuador)

Schwinn Introduces New Gas Scooters!

Schwinn, known for bicycles, has just introduced a line of motor scooters. The company, founded in the late 19th Century in Chicago, went through a major bankruptcy in the early 80s and the family lost control. Schwinn is now a subsidiary of Pacific-Cycle which ownes other well-known brands such as GT, Mongoose, Murray and Roadmaster.

Currently Schwinn offers three 49cc 4-stroke models; the Campus ($1,399), Collegiate ($1,595), and Graduate ($1,699). They are just now building their dealer network.

Click here to see their very smart website.