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This week we took a break from the world of four wheelers and putt around on a Peugeot Scooter from our friends at George's Imports. Initially I just wanted to join the Harley riders with Wednesday Bike Night at the Other Place in Overland Park, but as I buzzed around town I realized this phenomena deserved more time in the saddle. I love the wind in my hair and sun on my face. When I'm not test-driving a new car, I enjoy the top down feeling of my convertible. So for me a motorcycle and even a scooter is a fun way to travel. We are accustomed to motorcycles here in the United States but scooters are a different story. Scooters are a common site in Asia, India and Europe. Names like Vespa, Malaguti, Bajaj, Piaggio and Aprilia may be common brand names around the world but here in the heart of America, only a few recognize these scooter nameplates. Of course Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki all make scooters for the American market but we really know them for their motorcycles. I'm going to make a few generalizations trying to define the term "scooter" even though there are exceptions to almost every rule. The most common design feature of a scooter is the step through frame with fully protected leg shield and solid floorboard as opposed to straddling the tank of a motorcycle with feet resting on pegs. Many scooters have smaller engines and tires than traditional motorcycles but this is not always the case as the Honda Silverwing with its 600cc engine can be called a Touring or Maxi-Scooter. In Europe scooters are often called Automatic Motorcycles, as most do not have a clutch or manual gearbox. The ease of "twist and go" makes riding a very carefree adventure for everyone. I find that scooter and motorcycle riders are different, with the culture of the scooterphile somewhat eccentric. Vespa in particular capitalized on this whimsical and cosmopolitan environment with their boutique approach to a motorcycle shop. Scooter World offers less expensive scooters from India and China but no less passionate owners. Shops like Reno's Yamaha-Aprilia offer a wide variety of styles with the alternative to look at full size traditional motorcycles. The 150CC Peugeot Elystar from George's Imports may be the most technologically advanced small scooter but faces import challenges. Most scooters of any quality run between two and five thousand dollars. There are actually three distinct ranges of scooters. Smaller 50cc models do not require a driver's license motorcycle endorsement or a license plate in either Kansas or Missouri. Initially limited to around 30MPH the 50cc model can often stretch a gallon of fuel for over 100 miles. My favorites are scooters with 125cc to 200cc reaching speeds of 60MPH and providing better acceleration around town. Fuel economy still can reach over 70MPG. Touring or Maxi-Scooters with their large engines are designed to travel at highway speeds but without a fuel tank to grasp with your knees handling and safety may be compromised at high speed. The one thing common between all of the modern scooters is that they are so easy to mount and ride. With the automatic transmission, light weight and step through design they are a snap to jump on and ride. However beware, these diminutive scooters may not be safer than a traditional motorcycle. Even the 50cc version will go plenty fast to get you in trouble and may be too slow to get you out of trouble. Smaller wheels are less stable in hard turns and potholes can prove a dangerous challenge. Scooters are a fun way to travel and I enjoyed my days buzzing around town. On a scooter you are aware of all of your surroundings and environment. As gas prices rise ever upwards, scooters may soon become as popular in this country as in Europe.
Peugeot Elystar 150CC
$4,595 MSRP Providing Dealer: George's Imports
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©2003 - Stan Risener