What do I need to know when buying a used scooter?

PrancingUrchin, I don’t know. What I do know is if you have kids under 18—you shouldn’t get one…unless you really reallly reallllllllllllly up your insurance because I’ve worked at many a ER’s——and there is just no protection, none at all, between you and that other stupid motorist. I just had a friend, mother of 4 kids under 12, die last week.

Think about it…

@ SeekerSeeking,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I will think about it. I was not sold on the idea and was just shopping around. I’m a student in college and see many using them to ride from class to class and now that I live off of campus, it would make more sense. I will take your comment into consideration, however.

Thanks PrancingUrchin, I especially like the prancing part!

I bought a scooter a week ago. I had been looking at little european models of about 150–250 cc’s. The 250 is powerful enough to keep up with traffic on most streets and still gets you fantastic mileage.

Living in a college town, the drivers in your area are probably more alert to bikes and scooters. That would make a big difference in safety. I’ve previously owned motorcycles, so I’m used to the defensive driving necessary. A scooter is nice because you aren’t constantly shifting and you can keep your thumb near the horn and your concentration on possible idiots.

I ended up with a Piaggio but seriously considered this brand. I found the Piaggio nearly new on Craigslist and bought it instead.

I was wondering, too, about how to make sure I was getting a good machine. That’s why I was looking at new models from scooter manufacturers. Hondas, Suzukis, and Yamahas are very over-priced. Think Expressway , TNG or Vespa instead.

And if you decide to go for it… Wear a helmet!