The Scooter Aficionado

Despite their large numbers worldwide, stateside scootersits tend to be over-zealous about the capabilities and possibilities of scooter riding. Partially, I suspect due to the fact that in the US, unlike most european and asian markets, scooters are neither marketed as, nor considered by the masses to be viable transportation. They are. If more Americans rode scooters, perhaps the bonds of $3-$4 fuel prices could be broken? Enough editorializing...scooters are fuel efficient, but so much more. Try one yourself, you won't look back.

 

Recently, my longtime friend and fellow scooterist Randy rode his Vespa GTS250ie from his home in Washington state, to Key West Florida and back...just "because"! ​His 8,600+ miles trip took well over a month as he zig-zagged on (mostly) roads less travelled, meeting and conversing with the curious at many at fuel and food stops along the way. Randy mentioned to me that everywhere he went he found people to be friendly (proving it's hard to hate someone on a scooter!) and accomodating.  This was not Randy's first long-term "tour" on a bike, but his many years of motorcycle touring both solo, and with his wife have paid great dividends in his expertise in such endeavors. Preparation, along with a flexible attitude, a good set of maps, and an adventurous spirit are key elements he says. Extra fuel also comes in handy...