Advise needed! Getting a scooter

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Hi everyone. DH is looking at buying a scooter to drive to work since being a one vehicle household is causing problems. He is looking at 250 cc scooters due to the speed of the roads to his work. His fav right now is a tri, not sure what brand. We don't have any steep hills or anything, mild grade hills, mostly flat. He is also new to scooters. We rode one on vacation for a day once and that was it so we have zero practical experience.

Are there any recommendations on brands to lean towards or avoid? Experiences with the online places that ship them directly to you 'some assembly required'?

Thanks!

 

[oldrooster]

I know very little about "scooterdom" but local motorcycle shops and some lawn mower type stores (the kind of stores that cater to outdoor sports for ATV's snowmobiles and jet ski's along with stores just for lawn equipment may carry some). check with the license branch near you or your states website to see if you need special license and or insurance for a scooter. Here in Indiana if your engine size is over a certain size (can't remember if it's horse power or CC) you need a motor cycle endorsement. Also see who carry parts for them and can fix them, some things you just can't get at the local auto parts store and some repairs you may not wish or are able to do yourself.

 

[Capvin]

Since you seem to be new to scooters I will try to give you the short course. First, like Old Rooster, I think you are far better off finding a local place that sells your scooter since they will be available for service when it is needed and like many other small engine machines, they do need service. Second, 250cc is pretty big and if you are just using it to commute about town I would really think you should look at a 150cc. A 150 will easily cruise at 45 - 50 and could reach a top speed of about 55 or a bit higher. A 250cc will, of course go a bit faster but they are much more expensive and you probably do not need that extra speed. Also, for your first scooter I think you are best to stay with the less exotic brands as they will be much less money. Something like a Vespa or Apprilla will be the most expensive. I think you should look around the local stores and see for yourself and maybe even test drive.