Climbing gasoline prices put zing in scooter sales

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Climbing gasoline prices put zing in scooter sales Friday, July 04, 2008
The Houston Chronicle -- Scooter sales appear to be climbing faster than the price of gasoline. At least that's what Stephen Smith, owner of Scootersmith in the Heights, has noticed. Smith said his business has grown 200 percent in the last few months. It's been so good that he's now collecting deposits on the gas-sippers until he can catch up with the backlog. Chronicle reporter Rachael Gleason recently talked with Smith. What follows are excerpts of that conversation.
Visit The Houston Chronicle for full article

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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 7/4/2008 10:23:48 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Friday, July 04, 2008 The Houston Chronicle -- Scooter sales appear to be climbing faster than the price of gasoline. At least that's what Stephen Smith, owner of Scootersmith in the Heights, has noticed. Smith said his business has grown 200 percent in the last few months. It's been so good that he's now collecting deposits on the gas-sippers until he can catch up with the backlog. Chronicle reporter Rachael Gleason recently talked with Smith. What follows are excerpts of that conversation. Visit The Houston Chronicle for full article

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SHEP20715 All-Star Author Maryland Posts:658 Points:113,805 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 1:28:52 AM	Ignore SHEP20715 Report Abuse
	good idea for some
HOBSONMA Rookie Author Indiana Posts:95 Points:42,250 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/23/2008 8:33:46 AM	Ignore HOBSONMA Report Abuse
	2 wheels the past ...the future ¿
my747 Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:143 Points:839,435 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/22/2008 10:57:43 PM	Ignore my747 Report Abuse
	NOT TO GOOD IN THE WINTER, BUT YOU CAN @ LEAST SAVE SOME $$$ IN THE SUMMER, WHEN THE WEATHER IS OK TO RIDE IT
Gee_NY Sophomore Author Texas Posts:133 Points:203,055 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: 7/6/2008 8:14:32 AM	Ignore Gee_NY Report Abuse
	just as safe as a motorcycle or bicycle
vic168 Champion Author New York Posts:2,174 Points:413,505 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/6/2008 1:38:07 AM	Ignore vic168 Report Abuse
	not very safe for driving in a big city such as ny or la
HTangent Rookie Author Virginia Posts:27 Points:4,685 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 8:16:07 PM	Ignore HTangent Report Abuse
	A scooter would be go for short trips to the market or shopping center. I really dont think this would be a major way of cutting fuel consumption, but it would be good in warm weather months to those who are in close proximity to their shopping or recreation.
blazerbob91 All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:851 Points:336,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 7:58:32 PM	Ignore blazerbob91 Report Abuse
	No savings unless you car ride them more the 4 months. Not resonable in colder climates.
HybridPete Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,036 Points:208,325 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:27:25 AM	Ignore HybridPete Report Abuse
	Outie makes a good point with "An EV1 would be nice right about now if GM hadn't crushed them all after being bought out by the oil companies." Whatever happened with that technology, you would have thought GM would be hauling it out about now just to get in the game. [Edited by: HybridPete at 7/5/2008 11:27:39 AM EST]
mrkel Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,420 Points:741,105 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:21:18 AM	Ignore mrkel Report Abuse
	Higher gas prices make these ideas much more ideal and helps to make the push for alternatives that much more of an economical boom for those willing to take the risk.
Lija Sophomore Author Tampa Posts:238 Points:33,110 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:21:15 AM	Ignore Lija Report Abuse
	LOL, CrazyQ, that's a good one.
CrazyQ Champion Author Washington Posts:11,967 Points:1,387,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:15:31 AM	Ignore CrazyQ Report Abuse
	And for the winter, get snow tires, build a hood, add some heating . . . . wait, we already have that - it's a car.
UncleBill Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:9,032 Points:1,839,585 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:11:42 AM	Ignore UncleBill Report Abuse
	We can't use one for work but I use one when ever I can for local area shopping and for every 100kms (60miles) I figure we save $20.00 in fuel costs plus the wear and tear on the van.
EarlyMoose Champion Author Seattle Posts:1,561 Points:634,465 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:11:23 AM	Ignore EarlyMoose Report Abuse
	I'll take a scooter over my Harley.
matman01 Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,951 Points:319,755 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:06:27 AM	Ignore matman01 Report Abuse
	I'll take my Harley over a scooter.
Wolfwings All-Star Author Delaware Posts:607 Points:210,100 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 11:01:06 AM	Ignore Wolfwings Report Abuse
	Sounds like a good plan for short trips to the grocery store, etc.
rustyOR Veteran Author Oregon Posts:484 Points:106,700 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:57:18 AM	Ignore rustyOR Report Abuse
	That's nice
Masercal Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,131 Points:269,635 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:56:43 AM	Ignore Masercal Report Abuse
	Scooters for people who have short trips by themselves is a good idea in good weather only. They are not the major solution to the fuel crisis in this country though. The major solution is affordable, renewable energy in mass with the infrastructure to support it.
Greatace Veteran Author Tampa Posts:341 Points:280,675 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:55:30 AM	Ignore Greatace Report Abuse
	I already have decided to buy one if gas prices hit $5 bucks
4719grntld Sophomore Author Colorado Springs Posts:115 Points:109,090 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:51:30 AM	Ignore 4719grntld Report Abuse
	For that person driving I75 daily, some of the newer scooters get up 2 85 mph.
jonboy08 All-Star Author Cleveland Posts:846 Points:39,415 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:49:13 AM	Ignore jonboy08 Report Abuse
	Its nice to see people are buying scooters as an alternative mode of transportation.
2962 Rookie Author Omaha Posts:6 Points:129,870 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:44:33 AM	Ignore 2962 Report Abuse
	$4.00 per gal may be the tipping point if the shoe fits.............
nd73 Veteran Author Grand Rapids Posts:338 Points:214,945 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:44:27 AM	Ignore nd73 Report Abuse
	An 18-year-old kid just got killed on a scooter here last week when a driver pulled out in front of him. Not the kid's fault, but he's just as dead. No thanks.
oncotime Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:8,916 Points:1,582,620 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:43:18 AM	Ignore oncotime Report Abuse
	a ray of sunshine
ryakin Rookie Author Delaware Posts:7 Points:1,240 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:42:33 AM	Ignore ryakin Report Abuse
	Not my cup of tea there is one thing I am not willing to trade "yet" for fuel efficiency,...... my dignity, no offense to those of you like them, but I'm a large human being, and it just wouldn't work, now motorcycle on the other hand, all for it
n3his Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,543 Points:840,135 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:42:29 AM	Ignore n3his Report Abuse
	That is nice for now but what about it in the winter months?
Cuzilla Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,651 Points:938,370 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:41:17 AM	Ignore Cuzilla Report Abuse
	Limited appeal to a limited segment of the driving public.
Somis1 Champion Author Ventura Posts:4,486 Points:994,525 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:41:08 AM	Ignore Somis1 Report Abuse
	For some transportation at some times in some places... a great idea.
dopster Veteran Author Toledo Posts:460 Points:823,830 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:38:00 AM	Ignore dopster Report Abuse
	A great idea in the summer months. Not so good when it's cold.
lovelakota Sophomore Author Detroit Posts:111 Points:192,360 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:32:01 AM	Ignore lovelakota Report Abuse
	I would buy one in a heartbeat except I can't exactly carpool the kids around on a moped.
RWPTraveller All-Star Author Virginia Posts:566 Points:310,125 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:26:33 AM	Ignore RWPTraveller Report Abuse
	I bought one a couple of years ago when gas prices started rising. It's great for getting around town.
waltjax All-Star Author Illinois Posts:590 Points:817,760 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:24:12 AM	Ignore waltjax Report Abuse
	Scooters would be a good idea, if everyone used them. I still think the best way to slow down drivers is to install a 12 inch spike in the center of the steering wheel pointing at the driver. Drivers would become VERY cautious overnight!
Outie All-Star Author New Brunswick Posts:808 Points:465,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:24:08 AM	Ignore Outie Report Abuse
	If he sold electric cars his business would also be booming.
Outie All-Star Author New Brunswick Posts:808 Points:465,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:23:50 AM	Ignore Outie Report Abuse
	If he sold electric cars his business would also be booming.
deanjk Veteran Author Arkansas Posts:286 Points:82,935 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:23:35 AM	Ignore deanjk Report Abuse
	It's also a status symbol for some teens. They drive around scooters that are worth more than my car.
leolisa Champion Author New York Posts:3,925 Points:715,180 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:20:32 AM	Ignore leolisa Report Abuse
	scooters sound good..but no highway driving with them though
laddyboy62 Champion Author Riverside Posts:1,210 Points:921,185 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:19:47 AM	Ignore laddyboy62 Report Abuse
	maybe in town ..but not on the highways...
ptchrome Champion Author Long Island Posts:5,411 Points:1,075,780 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:13:17 AM	Ignore ptchrome Report Abuse
	make each politican drive one
Outie All-Star Author New Brunswick Posts:808 Points:465,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:13:15 AM	Ignore Outie Report Abuse
	An EV1 would be nice right about now if GM hadn't crushed them all after being bought out by the oil companies.
lethal3pilot Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:1,151 Points:319,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:08:18 AM	Ignore lethal3pilot Report Abuse
	2008 models are sold out at both motorcycle dealers here well over a month ago, people are on a waiting list. There will be more to be to be sold yet this year once They get them - they'll be 2009 models. Bottom line - the Japs. can't BUILD them fast enough.
fratt Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,278 Points:951,475 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:06:46 AM	Ignore fratt Report Abuse
	I want to buy one.
courier400 Champion Author Kansas Posts:6,464 Points:1,521,110 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:04:01 AM	Ignore courier400 Report Abuse
	I like mine!
mwhals Champion Author Charleston Posts:4,409 Points:747,715 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:01:44 AM	Ignore mwhals Report Abuse
	They aren't for me. I drive 60 miles round trip to work and will not do it on a scooter for safety reasons.
AlaRedNeck All-Star Author Kansas Posts:786 Points:137,500 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:01:37 AM	Ignore AlaRedNeck Report Abuse
	Scooters and bikes are great for some people in some situations, but they are not a cure all. Everyone has different needs and no one "fix" is going to suit everyone. Our best option is to find alternative fuel sources that can be applied to everyone's needs.
DerHahn Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,922 Points:428,745 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 10:00:32 AM	Ignore DerHahn Report Abuse
	GO PAULIE!! yeah, let's take the roads back from the SUV's. for those of you wanting more around you than the general scooter has, check out these 3 wheeled versions. 3 Wheeled Scooter [Edited by: DerHahn at 7/5/2008 10:02:21 AM EST]
weenerdog Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,254 Points:229,610 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:59:00 AM	Ignore weenerdog Report Abuse
	Whatever works if people remember to wear the right equipment and obey traffic laws. I see kids on those things and the way they some drive them in traffic, anybody driving a regular motorcycle or car would get a reckless driving ticket if they drove them the same way.
cableman31 Veteran Author New York Posts:401 Points:356,765 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:57:51 AM	Ignore cableman31 Report Abuse
	Scooters are good but the ARE dangerous.
ladyjj All-Star Author Tennessee Posts:807 Points:87,665 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:55:48 AM	Ignore ladyjj Report Abuse
	Yeah most people will try scooting around and biking as well. Can not haul much on a bike or a scooter though. More people ending up in the ER's having accidents. Oh well I am not going to get me one I want some metal around me if I get hit.
fastfreddy38 All-Star Author Ontario Posts:560 Points:841,015 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:54:49 AM	Ignore fastfreddy38 Report Abuse
	Get out your old bike!!
denises980 Veteran Author Jacksonville Posts:269 Points:44,065 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:54:49 AM	Ignore denises980 Report Abuse
	I have seen a lot more of these around where I live. However, they are more practical here on Amelia Island then were I used to live near Chicago! But at least in the big city you had awesome public transportation, which is an even better way to save gas!
tags610 Champion Author Lincoln Posts:1,974 Points:446,900 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 7/5/2008 9:53:01 AM	Ignore tags610 Report Abuse
	I bet they do.