Thoughts From a Scooter Newbie

Part 1.

      About a year and a half ago, my mechanic said I really should think about finding another car. I drive a ’96 Corolla. Although it’s 15 years old and now only gets thirty something miles to the gallon (instead of forty something), it is a great car. It does, however, sport two colors: black and rust. A year later, it passed inspection again, but even with my babying it along, I know I’ll need another vehicle.

      Driving along Shelburne Road, there it was: a happy orange and black Jeep. Used, 2010! There was something about the color that said, “I’m too cute to be used only as a truck.” I fantasized about it for days and then finally looked it up online. $23K! For a used Jeep? So much for happy fantasies.

      About the same time, my fifteen year-old son saw a commercial for the Can-Am three wheeler. It was happy yellow and too cute for words. The commercial illustrated all the joy and utility that could be ours. He and I fantasized about it for days and then I looked it up online. $16K! Wow, if we got that, then we’d be saving $7K!

      The reality of impending college bills and daily life nudged its way back into my thinking. I’d also need to get a motorcycle endorsement. Can-Am? Successfully ruled out.

      Or was it?

      For a month or so, I researched three and two wheeled scooters. Why could one purchase scooters online for thousands of dollars less? I found out why, several reasons why.

      I realized that I hadn’t done this much research since before we got our WBC (white bellied caique). I hadn’t quite hit obsession, but I had definitely progressed beyond casual interest. I read reviews, watched more videos, learned the Vermont DMV regulations.

      I found a local shop.

      I dragged my husband to The Daily Rider in Burlington. (I shouldn’t say “dragged,” because he would gladly indulge me more than I ever ask. He was happy to see my enthusiasm.) I emailed the shop with more questions. I practically memorized the Genuine Scooter Company catalog. I brought my husband back again.

      I was in love.

      The only problem: winter was coming. I’d have to wait until spring, I thought. But no, the 2013 models were already available. With October so unseasonably mild, I could very likely get in some decent commuting during November.

      I ordered my Buddy 50, in tangerine. That happy orange and black would be mine, “saving” thousands of dollars compared to that Jeep that first caught my eye.

      During the waiting time, I devoured more videos and articles: safety, cold weather riding, counter steering, two stroke and four stroke engines. I polled my coworkers about motorcycle gear. I lurked the scooter discussion boards.

      The happy day finally came. On my lunch break, we loaded my Buddy into my father-in-law’s truck. As I drove, I beamed as brightly as the scooter in the sunlight.

      We stopped at work and I ran in to tell my friends. They came out, ooh-ing and aah-ing. I think they were as excited as I! We brought it home and I went back to work, in four wheels. I had waited so long, what was a few more hours?

      And so begin my adventures as a scooter newbie.