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Marketplace |
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| Gas-saving, liberating scooter sensations |
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| By Erica Kritt, Times Staff Writer |
Thursday, August 16, 2007 |
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Dylan Slagle/Staff Photo
Jodi
Siu, right, stows a shopping bag under the seat of her Vespa scooter
while running errands with husband Alex in Westminster Saturday. The
Sius wanted environmentally friendly vehicles and have been driving
their scooters for a few months.
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While gas
prices continue to put the squeeze on household budgets, a growing
number of Carroll County motorists are electing to put on a helmet and
feel the air whip around on scooters.
Jodi Siu and her husband recently bought scooters, the latest gas-sipping transportation fad to hit the region.
So
enthused by a new way to get around, Siu started blogging about her
scooter experiences and has set up a Web site to network with other
Carroll County scooter owners at www.car rollscooters.com.
"I wanted something to record where I went," Siu said of her blog, titled "Cannoli's Adventures," after her scooter.
Siu is not the only scooter enthusiast in town. Crystal Waters of Finksburg has been using a scooter for four years.
After moving to Carroll County, she bought her first scooter, she said.
Waters has had three scooters since 2003. Her current one is a 150-cubic-centimeter model.
"It's fun, it's affordable," Waters said.
According to Waters, Scooters can get 80 to 100 miles per gallon, but they only have a small engine.
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Waters said her scooter can go 65 mph, but she doesn't like to take it on major roads like Md. 140.
"I use it for everything," Waters said. "I know people who commute by scooters."
Siu,
who lives and works in downtown Westminster, said having the scooter
works better for her because she isn't traveling long distances.
Waters said part of the beauty of driving a scooter is you have to slow down and take the scenic route.
"Part of the point of riding the scooter is taking your time," Waters said.
Aaron
Bowen, owner of Bowen Auto in Westminster, said he has sold about 10 to
15 scooters a year since 2002, when he first sold them to the public.
The Wheeler Kia and Family Fun Motorsports Dealership in Westminster recently began selling scooters.
Since April, Wheeler has sold about 30 scooters.
"We've
definitely seen an increase with the warm weather and gas prices going
up," Michael Dotson, general manager at Wheeler, said.
Bowen explained that there are two types of scooters: those that are 50 cubic centimeters and scooters larger than 50 ccs.
The distinction is made from the size of the engine, Bowen said.
Bowen sells only 50 ccs because selling larger scooters requires a motorcycle dealer's license.
Wheeler sells mostly 50-cc scooters, but also has those that are 150 ccs and 250 ccs.
According to Dotson, the prices on scooters at the Wheeler dealership range from $1,400 to $2,500.
Reach staff writer Erica Kritt at 410-857-7876 or erica.kritt@car rollcountytimes.com.
Scooter Rules
Here is the Maryland Law for the 50-cubic-centimeter motor scooters:
A valid driver's license or a moped operators license.
Must be 16 years of age.
Currently helmets are not required, but they are recommended.
A motor scooter does not have to be registered with the state of Maryland.
Source: Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Who needs a gas guzzler?
Jodi and Alex Siu recently purchased scooters, which they use to travel around Carroll County.
Jodi
Siu has started blogging about her scooter experiences at
www.carrollcountyscooters. blogspot.com. Here are some snippets from
her blog entries:
The French Riviera: July 7
"A
gentleman walked by and suggested we pretend we were in the French
Riviera. HA HA! After lunch we scooted to Target and Jo Ann Fabrics
then later we rode to Wal-Mart via Rte. 27. WOW! I went 41 mph! My dad
put a Rookie Driver bumper on the side of Cannoli hoping people will
get out of my way."
Road trip: July 8
"[A]fter
having a bagel we hit the street for a back road tour to the airport.
Later that afternoon we got the crazy idea to scoot all the way to
Taneytown. That's 15 miles. Before the big road trip we had to fill up,
it was only $4 for both of us, and that was premium."
Who needs an SUV: Aug. 14
"I
went to the mall just to pick up a few things ... well, a few things
turned into two formal dresses, five soaps from Bath and Body and a
pair of shoes. ... Who needs an SUV when we were able to fit everything
in both the scooters without even using bungees."
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