The Colorado DMV doesn't approve just any scooter brand for title, registration and plates. They have to be on the official DMV approved list. If your new scooter isn't on the list, you're going to cry a river.
Colorado and the USA has been flooded with mainland chinese scooters the past five years. Many did not meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) safety standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has something to say on their legal importation and on-road worthiness too at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page3.html
Without the proper documents for your scooter, the DMV won't register it. Period.
Before purchasing a scooter, ask the dealer or seller many questions. They should be able to give you a Certificate of Origin or a title. It's a good idea to call the DMV before finalizing any scooter sale too.
Once purchased, be sure to register it right away. The fine for riding around on an unregistered scooter is north of $500.
Reference:
http://www.scooterdiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3837
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Don't buy a scooter without a legal title
While it may seem like a great deal at the time, don't even consider buying a scooter in Colorado without a legal title that can be signed over to the buyer. Get a legal Bill of Sale at the same time too. Without these legal documents, you may never be able to register your scooter.
In the state of Colorado, there are specific responsibilities put on the Buyers and Sellers of motor vehicles during the purchasing process. The seller must provide a Colorado Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale. The buyer needs to check the Motor Vehicle Verification System and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to make sure the vehicle isn't stolen.
If you want to read some horror stories of what people have gone through after buying a scooter that 'was a great deal', read the Topix Scooter Forum discussion 'no title for scooter'. They cover a wide spectrum of what can happen without the proper title.
Titles to scooters are not issued by scooter dealers. They only fill out the paperwork that is given to the Colorado DMV or the Colorado Dept of Revenue . New scooter dealerships should have the certificate of origin that states the year of manufacture, engine cc size, model, etc. Used scooter dealerships should have the title to the scooter.
If the legal title to the scooter is lost, the seller or legal owner will need to file a Duplicate Title and Receipt form at the county motor vehicle office. The process can take months. The form and more information can be found at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1210324084599
When registering a scooter at the Colorado DMV you'll need to bring a slew of legal documents including proof of insurance and a verifiable ID. Everything you will need is listed on this DMV page http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1209847502389
If you are asking yourself if you need to register your scooter in Colorado, the answer is always - yes. People really do register their low-power scooters and 50cc+ scooters in the state of Colorado. The fines for riding an unregistered scooter without insurance can be quite steep.
From the Colorado Dept of Revenue website "Low-Power Scooters shall not be registered on or after July 1, 2010 without proof of complying motor vehicle insurance policy and payment of the Motorist Insurance Identification Fee. Non-compliance is a misdemeanor traffic offense with a minimum penalty for such offense is a $500.00 fine and that the maximum penalty for such offense is one year's imprisonment and a $1,000.00 fine.".
If you have any questions about getting a title, call your county DMV office. Bottom line when buying a scooter - don't do it unless the seller can provide a clear legal title and a notorized Bill of Sale.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
In the state of Colorado, there are specific responsibilities put on the Buyers and Sellers of motor vehicles during the purchasing process. The seller must provide a Colorado Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale. The buyer needs to check the Motor Vehicle Verification System and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to make sure the vehicle isn't stolen.
If you want to read some horror stories of what people have gone through after buying a scooter that 'was a great deal', read the Topix Scooter Forum discussion 'no title for scooter'. They cover a wide spectrum of what can happen without the proper title.
Titles to scooters are not issued by scooter dealers. They only fill out the paperwork that is given to the Colorado DMV or the Colorado Dept of Revenue . New scooter dealerships should have the certificate of origin that states the year of manufacture, engine cc size, model, etc. Used scooter dealerships should have the title to the scooter.
If the legal title to the scooter is lost, the seller or legal owner will need to file a Duplicate Title and Receipt form at the county motor vehicle office. The process can take months. The form and more information can be found at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1210324084599
When registering a scooter at the Colorado DMV you'll need to bring a slew of legal documents including proof of insurance and a verifiable ID. Everything you will need is listed on this DMV page http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1209847502389
If you are asking yourself if you need to register your scooter in Colorado, the answer is always - yes. People really do register their low-power scooters and 50cc+ scooters in the state of Colorado. The fines for riding an unregistered scooter without insurance can be quite steep.
From the Colorado Dept of Revenue website "Low-Power Scooters shall not be registered on or after July 1, 2010 without proof of complying motor vehicle insurance policy and payment of the Motorist Insurance Identification Fee. Non-compliance is a misdemeanor traffic offense with a minimum penalty for such offense is a $500.00 fine and that the maximum penalty for such offense is one year's imprisonment and a $1,000.00 fine.".
If you have any questions about getting a title, call your county DMV office. Bottom line when buying a scooter - don't do it unless the seller can provide a clear legal title and a notorized Bill of Sale.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Denver Metro Area Scooter Clubs and Groups
There are quite a few scooter clubs and groups in the Denver, Colorado Metro area. Some are very informal and go out on scooter rides together. Other scooter clubs emulate motorcycle clubs and go through the full sponsorship method of recruiting new members.
Clubs can be based on engine size, manufacturer, manual or automatic, model of scooter, gender, scooter shop affiliation, or just general outlook on life. You'll need to shop around to find the right scooter club for you. Scooter clubs that routinely go on mountain rides may exclude low-power scooters.
A few Denver area scooter clubs in no particular order include:
Sacrab Scooter Squad - Denver Chapter - Requires sponsorship to join. Welcomes anyone " regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or the type of scooter you own." They frequently go out on rides together. Some rides require an engine greater than 49cc. Website http://www.scarabsc.com/denver/about.html
Bottle Rocket Scooter Club - All about maintenance and restoration of metal bodied classic scooters. Website http://www.brsc.org/
Misfit Toys Scooter Club - Scooter club affiliated with Sportique Scooter Shop. All makes, models, engine sizes, are welcome. Website http://www.misfittoyssc.net/#!__main-page
Secret Servix Scooter Club - A women's scooter club for those who ride classic scooter models. Founded in 1995. Website http://www.lambrettagirl.com/ServixGirls.html
Sqream Scooter Club - Denver's Gay & Lesbian scooter club. Friends are welcome in club activities. Open to all makes, models, engine size scooter riders. Website http://www.sqream.net/http://www.sqream.net/
Jedi Knights Scooter Club - Denver Chapter - Into classic metal scooters and light sabers. Website http://jksc.org/
Denver City Denver - Organizers of Colorado's largest scooter rally - Mile High Mayhem. All makes, models, and engine sizes are welcome. Mountain rides will have a engine size limit. Website http://www.milehighmayhem.com/
No matter what scooter make, model, or engine size, there's a scooter club in the Denver Metro Area for you. Try a few out at some of their major rallies to get a feel for the club. Scooterists are a pretty laid-back open minded lot. Sit back and observe before making any blanket statements.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Clubs can be based on engine size, manufacturer, manual or automatic, model of scooter, gender, scooter shop affiliation, or just general outlook on life. You'll need to shop around to find the right scooter club for you. Scooter clubs that routinely go on mountain rides may exclude low-power scooters.
A few Denver area scooter clubs in no particular order include:
Sacrab Scooter Squad - Denver Chapter - Requires sponsorship to join. Welcomes anyone " regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or the type of scooter you own." They frequently go out on rides together. Some rides require an engine greater than 49cc. Website http://www.scarabsc.com/denver/about.html
Bottle Rocket Scooter Club - All about maintenance and restoration of metal bodied classic scooters. Website http://www.brsc.org/
Misfit Toys Scooter Club - Scooter club affiliated with Sportique Scooter Shop. All makes, models, engine sizes, are welcome. Website http://www.misfittoyssc.net/#!__main-page
Secret Servix Scooter Club - A women's scooter club for those who ride classic scooter models. Founded in 1995. Website http://www.lambrettagirl.com/ServixGirls.html
Sqream Scooter Club - Denver's Gay & Lesbian scooter club. Friends are welcome in club activities. Open to all makes, models, engine size scooter riders. Website http://www.sqream.net/http://www.sqream.net/
Jedi Knights Scooter Club - Denver Chapter - Into classic metal scooters and light sabers. Website http://jksc.org/
Denver City Denver - Organizers of Colorado's largest scooter rally - Mile High Mayhem. All makes, models, and engine sizes are welcome. Mountain rides will have a engine size limit. Website http://www.milehighmayhem.com/
No matter what scooter make, model, or engine size, there's a scooter club in the Denver Metro Area for you. Try a few out at some of their major rallies to get a feel for the club. Scooterists are a pretty laid-back open minded lot. Sit back and observe before making any blanket statements.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Lock up your scooter with an armored security cable
Locking your scooter up to something solid is pretty important in the Denver Metro Area. If you don't lock it up, the scooter could be stolen fairly quickly. As one unsecured scooter owner found out at her Denver home - stolen in 30 seconds.
Armored cables are locking cables with reinforced steel cable. They come in a variety of lengths and diameter sizes. They offer a higher level of theft resistance than your typical cable lock.
Armored cables are locking cables with reinforced steel cable. They come in a variety of lengths and diameter sizes. They offer a higher level of theft resistance than your typical cable lock.
A few years ago I upgraded to a OnGuard
Rotweiller 25mm Armor Coil Cable Lock. This beefy lock is flexible yet offers real scooter security. The outer vinyl cover protects my scooter from scratches and the key design prevents lock-picking. More information at http://www.onguardlock.com/
The lock is heavy and kinda pricey. A fair trade knowing that the cable isn't going to easily be cut.
If you are in the market for a armored cable, there are a few items to consider. What length of cable do you need and how are you going to lock it to your scooter. Six feet is a good number to consider for length.
If the cable is too short, it is hard to lock the scooter to a solid object. If the cable diameter is too thick, one might not be able to thread in through a wheel to lock the scooter up.
Check out what is available in your local scooter shop and online. You'll find a armored cable lock that meets your security needs.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
2012 Colorado Chaos Scooter Rally
Registration is currently open for the 2012 Colorado Chaos Scooter Rally. Registration is limited to the first 100 registrations.
This year's rally theme is "gone to the dogs". It is a fundraiser for Freedom Service Dogs of America.
Events for the rally start on Friday June 8, 2012 and wrap up on Sunday June 10. Activities include a Friday night social, Saturday scavenger hunt, and rides on Saturday and Sunday.
Registration forms and more information are available at http://www.coloradochaos.org/
Online registration by credit card is available. Registrations also accepted at the Friday night social if the 100 participant limit has not been reached.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
This year's rally theme is "gone to the dogs". It is a fundraiser for Freedom Service Dogs of America.
Events for the rally start on Friday June 8, 2012 and wrap up on Sunday June 10. Activities include a Friday night social, Saturday scavenger hunt, and rides on Saturday and Sunday.
Registration forms and more information are available at http://www.coloradochaos.org/
Online registration by credit card is available. Registrations also accepted at the Friday night social if the 100 participant limit has not been reached.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Can you ride double on a scooter in colorado
Kind of a strange question I came across. Can you legally ride double up on a scooter in Colorado?
That really depends upon your scooter and your driver's license.
If your scooter is built for two people, knock yourself out. The more the merrier on a scooter ride. Be aware of the scooters handling characteristics for riding two-up.
Those who are 18 and under may be restricted from having two people on a scooter in Colorado. Colorado does not allow those under a certain age from having passengers who are under a certain age. I think it's probably okay for mom or dad to tag along.
Engine size could also determine the feasibility of riding with two people on a scooter in Colorado. Big hills and altitude really suck the power out of small engine scooters. Mountain rides could really be a challenge.
Try two people out on your scooter on a flat deserted road to test things out. If it doesn't work, have your friend buy their own scooter.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
That really depends upon your scooter and your driver's license.
If your scooter is built for two people, knock yourself out. The more the merrier on a scooter ride. Be aware of the scooters handling characteristics for riding two-up.
Those who are 18 and under may be restricted from having two people on a scooter in Colorado. Colorado does not allow those under a certain age from having passengers who are under a certain age. I think it's probably okay for mom or dad to tag along.
Engine size could also determine the feasibility of riding with two people on a scooter in Colorado. Big hills and altitude really suck the power out of small engine scooters. Mountain rides could really be a challenge.
Try two people out on your scooter on a flat deserted road to test things out. If it doesn't work, have your friend buy their own scooter.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The best scooter motor oil
The best scooter engine oil for your scooter is one that meets all the specifications listed by the scooter manufacturer for your scooter model. Not all scooter oil is the same or works for all engine types.
Scooters come with either 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines. Four stroke engine parts are lubricated by oil contained within the engine - sorta like a car engine. They use a oil filter and need to have the oil and oil filter changed on a regular maintenance schedule.
Two stroke engines require oil but either have a tank that injects it into the gasoline as it is consumed or need oil mixed into the gas tank when it is filled. They don't have oil filters or require oil changes.
Use the engine motor oil that the scooter manufacturer recommends. Don't scrimp - use quality oil. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with your scooters hard-working engine.
The owner of a local scooter shop told me a story a few years ago of a 2-stroke scooter owner who tried to save money by using lawn mower oil in his scooter. He did that for a few years. He then came to the repair shop to say his scooter wouldn't run. After checking everything, they looked at his exhaust pipe. It was almost completely clogged with oil residue. It was several hundred dollars to replace that exhaust.
One scooter engine oil I really like for my Vespa ET4 is Motul. I use their 300V Factory Line double ester 5W40 4T 100% synthetic motor oil. Motul makes a full line of scooter motor oils for 2-stroke and 4 stroke engines.
It can be hard to find Motul oil. I found it from a dealer on the internet for around $16 per liter. The shipping took about a month but I saved some money on that deal.
There are other quality scooter motor oils around. Check with your local scooter shop first. Shipping heavy liquids is expensive for online purchases.
Some 2-stroke scooter motor oils come with scents. It's kinds nice smelling those during rallies rather than some oily-smelling cloud of smoke.
Read your owner's manual and find out what oil your engine needs. Change the oil filter when changing the oil. Clean any filters too.
Want to understand the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine better? Here's a great article explaining the difference - http://motorscooterguide.net/Articles/2StrokeOR4Stroke/2StrokeOR4Stroke.html
I wrote up a fairly simple guide with pictures on How to change the engine oil for a Vespa ET4 a few years ago. I still use it.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Scooters come with either 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines. Four stroke engine parts are lubricated by oil contained within the engine - sorta like a car engine. They use a oil filter and need to have the oil and oil filter changed on a regular maintenance schedule.
Two stroke engines require oil but either have a tank that injects it into the gasoline as it is consumed or need oil mixed into the gas tank when it is filled. They don't have oil filters or require oil changes.
Use the engine motor oil that the scooter manufacturer recommends. Don't scrimp - use quality oil. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with your scooters hard-working engine.
The owner of a local scooter shop told me a story a few years ago of a 2-stroke scooter owner who tried to save money by using lawn mower oil in his scooter. He did that for a few years. He then came to the repair shop to say his scooter wouldn't run. After checking everything, they looked at his exhaust pipe. It was almost completely clogged with oil residue. It was several hundred dollars to replace that exhaust.
One scooter engine oil I really like for my Vespa ET4 is Motul. I use their 300V Factory Line double ester 5W40 4T 100% synthetic motor oil. Motul makes a full line of scooter motor oils for 2-stroke and 4 stroke engines.
It can be hard to find Motul oil. I found it from a dealer on the internet for around $16 per liter. The shipping took about a month but I saved some money on that deal.
There are other quality scooter motor oils around. Check with your local scooter shop first. Shipping heavy liquids is expensive for online purchases.
Some 2-stroke scooter motor oils come with scents. It's kinds nice smelling those during rallies rather than some oily-smelling cloud of smoke.
Read your owner's manual and find out what oil your engine needs. Change the oil filter when changing the oil. Clean any filters too.
Want to understand the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine better? Here's a great article explaining the difference - http://motorscooterguide.net/Articles/2StrokeOR4Stroke/2StrokeOR4Stroke.html
I wrote up a fairly simple guide with pictures on How to change the engine oil for a Vespa ET4 a few years ago. I still use it.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Monday, May 7, 2012
The best piece of scooter safety equipment
Being seen by inattentive car drivers is the biggest challenge to scooter riders. People will be staring right at you and just turn or pull out right in front of you. Yeah, you have the high beam highlight on but they still don't see it and you end up slamming into the car.
The best visibility solution to be seen by car operators while driving your scooter? Wear a High-Viz vest. Many motorcycle operators wear them and I bet you notice them on road construction workers. It may not be fashionable - but you'll have a better chance of being noticed and staying alive.
Not all high-viz vests are the same. Some are better suited to scooter riding so they don't flap around or look totally dorky.
A popular high-viz vest with scooter riders is the ICON Mil-Spec vest. It fits snug, comes in a variety of sizes, and it meets U.S. Military Regulations for motorcycle riders in the military.
The vest comes in either high-viz yellow or orange. Most people I know get the yellow. That's the color I have. It comes with reflective taping on the front and back.
It's constructed of light-weight mesh material so you don't get hot on those summer riding days. There are several interior and exterior pockets and a card holder that will get you through the security gate at work.
One caution - these vests do run small. Order a size larger than you normally would. Get a supersize and it will fit over a jacket or armor.
They can be purchased for around $60. I bought mine online from Motorcycle Superstore.
I've noticed more people wearing high-viz vests for scooter safety these days. Guess they don't want cars pulling out in front of them either. I've had less people try to run me over since I started wearing one.
For more scooter safety ideas, read The Best Scooter Safety Modifications and Gear
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
The best visibility solution to be seen by car operators while driving your scooter? Wear a High-Viz vest. Many motorcycle operators wear them and I bet you notice them on road construction workers. It may not be fashionable - but you'll have a better chance of being noticed and staying alive.
Not all high-viz vests are the same. Some are better suited to scooter riding so they don't flap around or look totally dorky.
A popular high-viz vest with scooter riders is the ICON Mil-Spec vest. It fits snug, comes in a variety of sizes, and it meets U.S. Military Regulations for motorcycle riders in the military.
The vest comes in either high-viz yellow or orange. Most people I know get the yellow. That's the color I have. It comes with reflective taping on the front and back.
It's constructed of light-weight mesh material so you don't get hot on those summer riding days. There are several interior and exterior pockets and a card holder that will get you through the security gate at work.
One caution - these vests do run small. Order a size larger than you normally would. Get a supersize and it will fit over a jacket or armor.
They can be purchased for around $60. I bought mine online from Motorcycle Superstore.
I've noticed more people wearing high-viz vests for scooter safety these days. Guess they don't want cars pulling out in front of them either. I've had less people try to run me over since I started wearing one.
For more scooter safety ideas, read The Best Scooter Safety Modifications and Gear
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Does a scooter need a license plate in Colorado?
I still see car drivers get angry when they see a scooter without license plates. The local cops used to be the same way until they learned the rules and regulations governing low-power scooters, mopeds, and motorcycle scooters.
Scooters registered in the state of Colorado may or may not be required to have license plates depending upon the engine cc size.
If the scooter has an an "internal combustion engine not exceeding 50 cc or electric power not exceeding 4476 Watts", it does not need a license plate. It does however need to be registered with the Colorado Dept of Revenue and have the registration sticker attached to it.
Scooters exceeding 50 cc or 4476 Watts must be registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles as a motorcycle. A license plate is required on motorcycles in Colorado.
Proof of insurance will need to be provided before any scooter can be registered with either the Dept of Revenue or the Dept of Motor Vehicles.
Local government regulations can not change the Colorado state registration requirements.
Sources:
Impending Changes to Colorado Scooter Law
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or
duplication of this material without express and written permission from
this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and
links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G.
Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to
the original content.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Before buying a bargain scooter, ask the dealer these questions
High gasoline prices have people looking at scooters again. Before jumping on the bandwagon, are you really knowledgeable about scooters, scooter maintenance, and scooter repair?
Before buying a scooter, ask questions about the scooter, the seller, the dealer, and the local scooter repair shops.
Where is the scooter made? If it's in Taiwan, Japan, India, or Italy, it's probably a reliable scooter. If it's made in mainland China, you're probably going to have a nice yard decoration soon or a large repair bill.
Does the dealer repair the scooter if it breaks? Not all dealers repair the scooters they sell. You wouldn't take a Volkswagen to get repaired at a Toyota dealership.
What is the shop hourly repair rate? If you're rich, I guess that doesn't really matter. Most scooter owners are looking to save some money.
What is the general turn-around time for repairs? While spring and summer are the worst times to have scooter repair done due to overload, find out what common times are - a few hours or a few weeks.
Does the dealer offer free parts and labor for three years on their mainland Chinese scooter models they sell? Do they give out loaner scooters while your mainland Chinese scooter is being repaired? Mainland Chinese scooters break down alot. Make sure you're not paying for the repairs or parts. Other local scooter repair shops often refuse to repair mainland Chinese scooters due to their overall poor quality. The metal can literally just fall apart.
Does the shop offer scooter pickup service? If you don't own a scooter hauling trailer, you'll need this service. Ask what the fee is for pickup and delivery. How long does it usually take to get it picked up?
Does the dealer or local scooter shops stock parts for the scooter? Like a car or motorcycle, a scooter can't be repaired if parts aren't available. Repair takes even longer if parts are always backordered. The shop can't control backordered parts - that's a problem with the manufacturer. This can be an issue in the motorcycle industry too.
Does the dealer offer any guarantees or lemon law? Even reliable scooter manufacturers have the rare lemon. Find out the terms and get them in writing.
Is the dealer fully insured? That might come in handy for you or your heirs if the front wheel falls off your scooter at 55 mph.
What maintenance needs to be performed regularly and what is the cost? Like cars - scooters need oil changes, filter changes, new tires, new belts and rollers, transmission & brake fluid changes, bulbs, batteries, lines, cables, etc.
If you are properly prepared for scooter ownership you'll be much more satisfied. If not, you'll be blaming the wrong person for your poor choices.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Before buying a scooter, ask questions about the scooter, the seller, the dealer, and the local scooter repair shops.
What is the shop hourly repair rate? If you're rich, I guess that doesn't really matter. Most scooter owners are looking to save some money.
What is the general turn-around time for repairs? While spring and summer are the worst times to have scooter repair done due to overload, find out what common times are - a few hours or a few weeks.
Does the dealer offer free parts and labor for three years on their mainland Chinese scooter models they sell? Do they give out loaner scooters while your mainland Chinese scooter is being repaired? Mainland Chinese scooters break down alot. Make sure you're not paying for the repairs or parts. Other local scooter repair shops often refuse to repair mainland Chinese scooters due to their overall poor quality. The metal can literally just fall apart.
Does the dealer offer any guarantees or lemon law? Even reliable scooter manufacturers have the rare lemon. Find out the terms and get them in writing.
Is the dealer fully insured? That might come in handy for you or your heirs if the front wheel falls off your scooter at 55 mph.
What maintenance needs to be performed regularly and what is the cost? Like cars - scooters need oil changes, filter changes, new tires, new belts and rollers, transmission & brake fluid changes, bulbs, batteries, lines, cables, etc.
If you are properly prepared for scooter ownership you'll be much more satisfied. If not, you'll be blaming the wrong person for your poor choices.
© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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