Scooter Sales Skyrocket As Gas Prices Explode

Sales of stand up gas scooters are trending upwards very quickly. "We are seeing a spike in sales as we did during the last oil price boom," says Mr. Karlins, owner of a scooter dealership in Atlanta, Georgia, "and the result is that the supply of scooters is being pushed to manufacturers' production limits."
There are three segments to this unique transportation vehicle:
High end mopeds that look similar to motorcycles, which have motors that are typically 150cc through 600cc. There are options for motor sizes as small as 50cc and larger than 600cc. Electric only models are available and are gaining market share each year. These models are usually produced in countries know for high quality manufacturing, such as Italy (Piaggio and Aprilia) and Japan (Honda and Yamaha). Entry level models start around $2,000 USD and larger more powerful models that are loaded with options can exceed $5,000 USD.

Midrange options can look like the above mopeds, and they can also be stripped down to a glorified motorized skateboard. Engine options in this range include gas motors between 49cc and 150cc and electric motors between 300 VAC and 600 VAC. The most popular manufacturer for these models is Go-Ped, an American company that produces and assembles most of the components in the US. Many other American scooter "manufacturers" buy parts from China and assemble their scooters in the US.

Entry level stand up gas scooters that are primarily produced in China and shipped in containers to suppliers around the world. Gas motor options are less than 50cc and electric motor options are available up to 600 VAC. The biggest benefit of the Chinese produced scooters is the price, which ranges from $300 USD to $500 USD for a top of the line model. The biggest disadvantage is the quality, which can vary wildly depending on the importer. Importers with the best product quality track records are the companies that have a full time office and a quality control expert in China at or near the production facility.
Recent regulations in many states currently prohibit the sale of scooters with a seat due to new vehicle classifications. Without going into the specifics the result of the newer government regulations resulted in the market share for stand up gas scooters expanding at an explosive rate with no signs of slowing down.
A recent poll of 200 entry level scooter owners identified the following benefits to ownership:
Easy to drive. No previous motorcycle driving experience required. Just get on and go, though it is recommended that you practice in a safe area away from traffic before venturing too far.

Easy to park. If you live in downtown this can be a huge benefit as it will fit in a tiny area. You can even park in what is left of the parking spaces consumed by the inconsiderate luxury car owner who takes up two spaces (on purpose to "protect" their precious car).

Convenient for short trips. In addition to Item #2, there are many places that this mode of transportation is convenient, including campgrounds (and you can transport the scooter in the RV too), trips to the corner store, visiting family and friends, and many more.

Save money on gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs. The 49cc and smaller models typically get 80 - 100 miles per gallon. Compare that to a gas sucking SUV or even a small shoebox on four wheels.

Easy to modify. If the 49cc gas powered motor is too slow for speed junkies, there are inexpensive modifications that can be performed over the weekend to turn the mileage miser from turtle to turbo.

Most states and provinces don't require registration. Of course this must be confirmed by anyone considering making a purchase.

Easy to store. Even if you don't need a big double car garage for storing your new transportation, a small closet has plenty of room.
According to Mr. Karlins, Americans will follow Asian and European trends of increasing scooter ownership as the price of oil continues its inevitable climb through triple digits. "They may not be classy, and they won't set any speed records, but fewer Americans can afford those luxuries."



Bob Bainsbridge has worked as a manufacturer and importer of stand up gas scooters [http://standupgasscooters1.com] for more than nine years. His firm is one of few to weather the recent recession and continues to offer gas scooters throughout the US.