Motorists move to scooters and motorcycles to save

With the rising cost of fuel, consumers are looking at other transportation options to ease the burden on their wallets. Consequently, interest in motorcycles and motor scooters has increased dramatically of late, evidenced by both sales and feedback from our readers. Because of this two-wheeler trend, Consumer Reports is taking a closer look at these products, including with this segment overview and reality check on safety.

Sales are revving up
Historically, motorcycles (which include on-highway scooters) have been increasing in sales and registrations since the mid-1990s, with cruisers and touring bikes having particular appeal to empty-nest baby boomers. In 2006, there were over 6.6 million motorcycle registrations, which is an increase of almost 500,000 from the previous year and up significantly over the past 10 years. Sales in 2006 are estimated to be just under 1.2 million.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales of scooters are up about 24 percent for the first few months of 2008. Yamaha scooter sales to date this year are up 65 percent over last year. Vespa set an all-time sales record in May, moving 2,758 scooters in the United States, besting the previous record from June, 2007, of 1,675.

The attraction of two wheels
Motorcycles and scooters offer increased fuel economy over traditional vehicles, ranging anywhere from manufacturer claims of 40 to more than 100 mpg depending on the engine size, vehicle weight, and passenger size, which can mean significant savings over most cars.

While the fuel benefits are alluring to buyers, there are some compromises—one is the limitation from driving in all seasons and the second is safety. Scooters and motorcycles are not good year- round transportation if you live in the Snow Belt. Even in southern states, summer heat and the rainy season can limit time for safe, enjoyable riding. So in many areas, riders need a traditional vehicle for certain seasons, inclement weather, carrying cargo, and for family travel.

Reality check on safety
Simply stated: motorcycles are far more dangerous than cars and can be quite deadly. Fatalities have increased by 127 percent since 1997, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a motorcyclist is about 34 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger car. In 2006, motorcycle fatalities accounted for more than 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths, despite accounting for only a fraction of total vehicle miles traveled. The rise in motorcycle use may partially explain this trend, but the rising death toll exceeds the increase in registrations and miles traveled.

Some explanation for the high death rate is that inherently motorcycles aren’t as stable or visible as cars. (This may be complicated by recent automotive styling trends, which have reduced visibility in some cars and SUVs.) Crash protection is also lacking as occupants are driving in the open air, without any restraint device, and don’t have the safety benefits of an enclosed vehicle.

Another safety issue is helmet use. Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. NHTSA estimates that using a helmet could reduce crash fatalities by 37 percent. During the 30 months after Florida repealed its helmet law in 2002, there were 40 percent more hospitalizations and a 24 percent increase in deaths compared to the 30 months before the law was changed. But currently, only 20 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico have a universal law that requires all drivers to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Twenty-seven states require one only for young people (usually under the age of 18) and three states (New Hampshire, Illinois, and Iowa) have no law requiring helmet use.

Even with all the safety issues related to motorcycles and scooters, there is growing consumer interest in purchasing these vehicles as a cost-saving measure, mainly for short commutes.

Where we stand
Consumer Reports is researching this segment and is looking into developing a test protocol to evaluate scooters and entry-level motorcycles. We approach these products with grave concern for rider safety and caution readers against a hasty decision to move to two-wheeled transportation without proper training and safety gear.

Update 2/09: We have posted a full report and tests of scooters and motorcycles. Also, join in the Motorcycles & scooters forum discussion. 

—Liza Barth

Also read: “Motorcycle death rates doubled.”

Learn more about motorcycle riding from the American Motorcyclist Association.

Comments

[David]

If I were to have 9 lives, I would have been riding a motorcycle today. But, I got only one. Let me proposed some alternative means of transportation that are much lighter and thereby potentially much more fuel efficient yet safer (presumably) than motorcycles. My choices are very doable in a short period of time since they are already in concept form, in production in some form, and previously in production.

VW GX3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_GX3
Honda got started as a bike, and is now the world’s 5th largest car manufacturer. VW might have a new segment of transportation.

Ariel Atom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Atom
This car is already in production. It’s expensive. If production can be move towards a high capacity assembly line with a smaller more fuel efficient motor, I am sure cost will come down dramatically.

BMW C1 scooter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1
BMW needs to do a better job of marketing this. C1 is a scooter that is meant to be safer than others. Also, why not license it to other manufacturers to get cost down?

[Shelley]

Thank you Consumer Reports for taking a serious look at scooters and motorcycles. Perhaps the analysis is also about 'riding a scooter in today's traffic' since your blog entry wasn't about consumer advice in how to choose through the myriad of characteristics of different scooters. Although it would be nice to have CR's in-depth scrutiny of the many brands and their qualities and szies to point the consumer toward brands which are high quality and make them aware of the slew of unacceptable/fly-by-night scooter brands which ARE dangerous because they are low quality and often break during use.

"We approach these products with grave concern for rider safety and caution readers against a hasty decision to move to two-wheeled transportation without proper training and safety gear."

Let's not be hasty. I began my research last summer for a scooter and took the time to analyze what my riding needs were and could be. My alternatives to riding a scooter were to consider bicycling the 6 miles to town to catch a bus to a larger town, to car pool (which I already do with 2 others, mostly in the winter), to walk, and to continue driving my car. Much of my research was in safety aspects (gear, skills, attitude) and with current statistics. After 6 months of research and taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider course, and passing it, I purchased a scooter that fit my needs. I estimate that I can safely ride 9 months a year while achieving ~82 mpg.

Scooters, motorcycles, and bicyclers share many common characteristics, which although obvious, I hope these are remembered when Consumer Reports starts analyzing the safety of these vehicles. And, at least around here, many bicyclists can achieve speeds of 40mph+ while going downhill, so the 'inherent instability and dangers' are similar and magnified - are these dangers explained during CR's bicycle reviews?

Really, the safety is incumbent on the rider; and for that, I point this organization to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation who offer basic riding courses and whose materials are often used as the basis for state driver tests and handbooks. Also there are dozens of online user forums focused on scooters (and motorcycles), their safe use, their quality, etc. Perhaps as people replace their behemouth SUVs with smaller vehicles that also hold families of 5 just fine and the number of scooters/ motorcycles and bicycles increases, the visibility and acceptance of these alternative forms of transportation will also increase. Think Europe and the far East.

[Alexander Flynn]

It is disappointing for me as a long time subscriber to Consumer Reports - their attitude toward motorcycling and safety.

Part of this is that people don't understand the risks involved in driving cars. They feel safe and it echoes in their mind that they are safe - not minding the fact that 36,000 people die a year in cars and light trucks.

Over the past 10 or 20 years - more people have died as pedestrians over motorcycles with the exception of 2007. (Check NHTSA statistics)

Source Data: National Transportation Statistics (2008 report)

In 1980 - Motorcycle Fatalities were 5144.
In 1980 - Motorcycle Registrations were: 5,693,940

1980 Percentage Fatalities - .090%

In 2005 - Motorcycle Fatalities were 4553.
In 2005 - Motorcycle Registrations were: 6,227,146

2005 Percentage Fatalities - .073%

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the 2007 data and I know both these numbers are on the move.

Regardless, long-term safety of motorcycles is actually rising.

Using other NHTSA data from BTS.gov - you'll find that if you factor out drunk riding, you vastly decrease the number of fatalities on motorcycles.

Still, things could be better for motorcyclists. Too many do not pay attention to safety and wear appropriate motorcycle clothing. Too many wear all black reducing their visibility further.

It is unfortunate, that we live in such a risk averse society. I should be clear that motorcycling is more dangerous than car driving. However, with appropriate risk management a person can own a motorcycle, have fun, save gas and have reasonably good chance of making it home on any given day - just like in a car.

In an article on Consumer Reports website - it indicated that motorcycles were inherently unsafe. This is untrue. Or it is as true as it is for automobiles.

Of course, I recommend that everyone take the MSF Basic RiderCourse or equivalent - if not take it more than once over time. If you want a good balanced view of motorcycling - read David Hough's new edition of Proficient Motorcycling.

Now, if saving money is the goal of the motorcyclist - that is another matter.

Gas savings is great on my 2007 Ninja 250. I average 59 mpg, and when I control the throttle I can get 73 mpg.

However, maintenance costs are much higher and more frequent for a motorcycle. The recommended maintenance is every 3100 miles. You have to pay attention and oil the chain frequently. Tires (depending on what you purchase) can last as little as 3000 miles or as long as you can achieve - like 14,000 miles (I haven't put that many miles on my bike yet to know - personal experience - my tires are 3,400 miles old and still look like they will be serviceable for quite some time). Getting tires changed on a bike is more expensive than a car.

Strictly on a cost of bike with gas savings (vs my 2001 Honda Accord Coupe 4 cyl - which gets 25 mpg average) it would take me two years to recoup my cost --- if I rode in every day to work (not realistic).

But what it does offer me is some savings on the immediate reduction of my now $600 a month gas bill.

So, please consider this as realistically as possible. I have found in my adventure in learning about motorcycling and becoming a motorcyclist, that people who don't ride and don't know people who ride - have very little comprehension of what it is to ride, why people ride and how riding can affect you personally.

I'd highly recommend 1 or more of your staffers to take the BRC, get outfitted and started on small bikes like my own - to gain the perspective of the motorcyclist.

And always, manage your risks as best as they can when they are riding.

Some crib notes:
Every year - more people die in light trucks and cars.
It takes approximately 8 to 10 years for enough people to die on bikes to equal the number that die in a single year in cars and light trucks.
80% of motorcyclists in accidents are injured or die.
20% to 30% of car and light truck drivers are injured or die in accidents.

Easily there are over 1,000,000 accidents involving cars and light trucks.

At its present peak - there are about 100,000 motorcycle accidents.

Alex Flynn - new rider.

[Jeff]

I am an avid bicyclist and scooter driver. In my personal experience, I feel much safer on my scooter than on a road bike. I wear protective clothing and a full-face helmet on the scooter that far surpasses the lycra and tiny helmet I use on my bike. I find it is much safer to travel the speed of traffic on a scooter than 20mph slower than traffic on my bike. The scooter also has the power to get me out of trouble if I need it. My legs cannot provide that power on a bike. Yet I always read about the dangers of scooter/motorcycle riding and rarely a word about the dangers of road cycling.

Some scooters are being manufactured now that are far safer than anything that has come before. There are 3 wheeled versions (the Piaggio MP3 and the Gilera Fuoco) that are very safe and stable. You don't even have to put your feet down at a stoplight if you don't care to.

If you purchase a reliable brand of scooter and ride safely, the rewards are many. Not only are they loads of fun, but the 100mpg certainly doesn't hurt. Scooters are great for short commutes and running errands that would otherwise burn a lot of gas in a 4 wheeled vehicle in city driving. Run out of milk and sugar? No problemo. Let me burn 10 cents worth of gas to run to the store on my scooter instead of $1.00 in my truck.

[Robert Doherty]

Having ridden/owned motorcycles of various sizes and extreme power/weight ratios since 1963, I am deeply concerned about the way we sell and allow two wheelers on the road, some capable of 180mph+, with little or no training. Driving these machines is several orders of difficulty above driving a car. The big test of course is whether you can control the machine by COUNTERSTEERING and BRAKING from speed AUTOMATICALLY! Foolishly allow yourself to get in the saddle 1000 times and not learn these proper techniques, and that 1001 time will either be your last or worse, you'll wind up in some variation of a paraplegic and someone's object for endless care. CU, if you are going to pursue the two wheeler universe, unlike your previously poor, feel good article, get some experts in motorcycle training to detail in a LONG article all that needs to be known before buying and driving. Also push for an abridgement of freedom mandate for formal training BEFORE the adventure begins.

[Chris]

It's a real pity that BMW never imported the C1 to the US. Despite being discontinued a couple of years ago (I think it was yet another case of BMW not being able to put a mark-up acceptable to them after the cost of production-- they had the same problem with the K75, which many people considered superior to the K100), the C1 is still very popular in European cities. Used models are snapped up at very high resale prices ($5-7000)the day they come on the market.

A 125cc scooter, the C1 has a full harness for the rider and a full roof (complete with a windshield wiper on the windshield, and was given a waiver in most countries where it was sold so that riders were not required to wear a helmet. I understand that it offers vastly-improved crash protection over any other two wheeler.

Maybe someone could buy the production rights from BMW and put it back in production.

[Cory]

When are you guys going to start reviewing scooters?

[Tim]

Think about this: Carbon emissions aside, these vehicles have no emission controls save for the few motorcycles with catalytic converters. Even still, results from EPA tests place a motorcycle with a cat. conv. spewing 100 times more hydrocarbons than a Prius. Moreover, the two stroke engines on scooters are infinitely worse. So the few bucks you're saving at the pump is imposing a huge long term societal cost on human health and the environment.

[Jeff]

Regarding Tim's comments, California emissions requirements (CARB) for motorcycles/scooters is quite comprehensive. There are no new 2-stroke engines on vehicles allowed to be sold in the state. They are all 4-stroke. More and more are coming with 4-stroke, 4-valve, fuel injected motors. In addition, I believe all of them have a catalytic converter. 2008 model year motorcycles/scooters cannot emit more than .08 grams/mile of HC and NOx. For comparison, a 2003 Chevy Malibu emits 1.56 grams/mile.

I have no idea what other states requirements are. But if you were to purchase a 50 state (CARB) motorcycle/scooter, it would certainly be as clean (if not more so) than your average automobile.

If your concern is hydrocarbon emissions, it would be far more beneficial to pursue regulation of lawn-mower emissions. There are far more mowers than motorcycles/scooters in the US. They also pollute something fierce. And I don't believe a single one has a catalytic converter.

[Sue M.. Redford, Michigan]

I agree with Jeff. I work afternoons in a part of the city that has an extremely high crime rate. I can certainly ride my bike there (6.5 miles) and do in the daytime when I have business there. But, I work afternoons, and being on a bicycle would be a great disadvantage at 11 p.m. when I would be out there alone. I know how to ride the roads from being a bicyclist and having taken Road I, and having had things thrown at me :-)

I feel perfectly comfortable riding my 50 cc scooter to work, where I can park at the door, lock the scooter to the cast-iron fence, and check on it periodically.

I average about 135 mpg. Yes, 135 mpg. I spend about $4.00 per week getting to and from work.

I wear the helmet, carry a large backpack, and also have to bring food for the day. I bought saddlebags from http://www.formosasaddlebags.com/ for USD $50, and now can do most of my grocery shopping and other errands with this scoot.

I feel very safe in the city, and am working on feeling safe in the suburbs, where I am up against Hummers and Escalades going at high rates of speed. They are usually aware of my presence, but I have concerns...

My scooter, from New Star Technologies (NST), was inexpensive by American standards, but works perfectly for what I need it to do. According to my dealer, it meets EPA requirements for pollution. That is a good thing.

I love the fact that I spend less on gasoline, have less wear and tear on the infrastructure (roads), and still get where I need to go in a timely fashion. I prefer that trucks and trains that bring my food and other daily needs get to my location, and I can use less fuel to get my needs met.

CR, please feel free to contact me for further information.

sue (on a red scoot) in Michigan

[Brad Beck]

For those of us in Washington State, a recent study was conducted by a motorcycle task force. Their final report is located at the link below. I have included the executive summary. Bottom line is that "the most important factors are within the control of the rider. Efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries should focus on rider skill and behavior."

http://www.dol.wa.gov/about/reports/mototaskforce.pdf

Executive Summary
The task force spent its early meetings reviewing information that had been compiled from a set of databases kept by state agencies. This information formed the basis of the recommendations that emerged from the group.

Data reviewed by the Task Force indicated that:
• The vast majority of fatalities occur during daylight hours, in dry weather.

• More than 80% of fatalities occur between April and September, prime months
for motorcycling.

• Half of fatal crashes were single vehicle occurrences; no other vehicle was
involved other than the motorcycles. When alcohol is involved, two-thirds of fatal crashes are single vehicle occurrences.

• The most common contributing factors to motorcycle fatalities, based on law enforcement scene reports, are lane error,speeding, alcohol and inattention.
• A third of fatalities were motorcyclists who did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement.

Conclusion
The Task Force concluded that, while there are multiple contributions to motorcycle crashes that result in fatalities or serious injuries, it appears that the most important factors are within the control of the rider. Efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries should focus on rider skill and behavior.

As a result, several programs and laws were passed, which contributed to a 22% reduction in fatalities. See page 30 of the report below:

http://www.wtsc.wa.gov/documents/annual_report07.pdf

[Dean]

If you add up the high maintenance prices if you don't do it yourself, including high tire wear and prices. Insurance prices factor in, when adding a motorcycle and keeping a car. You would gain performance but not save a lot of money on gas overall.

[Jeff]

This is in response to Dean. I'm sure what you say is true when it comes to a motorcycle. But it doesn't apply to a scooter. You will almost never spend over $100 for any scheduled scooter service. And periodic oil/filter changes are ridiculously easy and cheap to perform yourself. As such, shops charge very little to do them for you. Insurance typically runs $9/month or less if you have a good driving record. The only real drawback is the frequency that you have to replace tires. They only last about 5,000 to 7,000 miles. But they also only cost about $25 to $35 each.

Also keep in mind you usually get 40 to 50 mpg on a motorcycle. But you can get 100 to 120 mpg on a scooter. A stock 50cc scooter can do 40mph. A stock 125cc scooter can do 70mph. They are a far more economical alternative to a motorcycle or automobile. That's why they are so popular in Europe and Asia where gas prices are ridiculously high. There is no more economical form of motorized transportation other than mass transit.

[Dave Jensen]

I am a year round all weather scooter rider. I live in the Seattle WA area. I have only driven my car 4 times last year fo my commute of 40+ miles one way to work. I have a MAXI-SCOOTER, a 2003 Suzuki Burgman 650. While this is a scooter in looks and operation, it is by all means a motorcycle in handeling and speed. I get a mixed city/Hyway MPG of 54. I can cruse at ANY speed limit in ANY country. I am able to use all HOV lanes anytime I want. Top speed is OVER 100 MPH, or 20+ MPH over your stupidy factor.

First thing before anything else is training. I have taken and highly recomend the MSF basic course mentioned in above posts. I wish it was mandatory in all states. I have ridden for over 30 years off and on, this course taught my many things about safety. There are many things you need to be aware of when motor biking. The first thing you need to remember at ALL times is, YOU ARE INVISIBLE to all cars and trucks. Even if you think they see you, they really don't. If you ride like they see you and will not pull over on to you, your Motorcycling life will be really short. Wear the safety gear, use lighting and choose your riding positioning all help.

[Clair]

There are two fantastic sites geared toward new riders or the returning rider.

www.beginnerbikers.org
www.beginnerandbeyond.com

Both are great resources for anyone looking to get into riding, or to return to it and both are bike independent. Cruisers, standards, sport bikes, touring bikes, they're all there. Many of the moderators (of which I am one) are also MSF Rider Coaches. What better way to start riding than to visit sites geared specifically for that.

On these sites we typically recommend most people start out small and work their way up if they wan as they gain experience. We tend to recommend 250-800-ish CC bikes for Cruisers, 250-500 CC bikes for Sport/Standard bikes, 150-350CC scooters. Small bikes rock to start on and are so much fun to just rip the turns with.

CR ... may I humbly suggest your staff lurk on BB.ORG or BaB.com, see what they're about, see what we suggest and why. Perhaps the good people on those sites will give you input into what you might want to do.

[Jeff]

This post is in response to Dave Jensen. I'm assuming your "stupid-it-y" comment is directed at me. Why you must resort to insults is beyond me. The above article is about economizing. Yes, scooter displacement can go all the way to 650cc. You purchased the largest scooter displacement with the worst scooter fuel economy available. But that isn't what most people think of when purchasing a scooter to economize. The article points out the sales of Vespa's are exploding. So one can assume the scooters in question would be those with smaller displacements. I'm sure some company will eventually come up with a 1600cc scooter. But it most likely won't be mentioned in any article about fuel economy. And good luck with that 100 mph riding. I'm sure your MSF instructors would be proud.

[Jackie]

What about electric bikes? I know Schwinn just came out with one. Are there others? I have not found a lot of information on these, but am very interested. Any information you can share will be appreciated. My husband and I would like to give these a try so we can still ride bikes for exercise and yet also have the option of the motor when we or our knees give out.

[Doug]

Riding a motorcycle, like riding a bicycle, is generally regarded as being an activity that is easily accomplished. However, this is a gross misconception. Recall the time required to accomplish your first wobbly, solo bicycle ride. While it may be true that most anyone can ride a bicycle at a slow to moderate pace, it is much more difficult to ride a bicycle quickly around corners and to avoid traffic and other obstacles when at speed (18+ mph).

to ride a motorcycle competently, there are many skills required beyond those required to ride a bicycle. One needs to be able to coordinate the left hand, right hand and left foot in order to shift gears. When stopping, all these movements must be coordinated with using the right hand and right foot all while balancing a 400 - 800 pound machine that will easily fall over if not maintained in an upright position. When a rapid or emergency stop is required, the difficulty is magnified by the speed of travel and the time allowed to react in time to come to a stop in the distance required to safely stop to avoid a collision. On a motorcycle, one cannot just mash the brake pedal as with an automobile. Cornering also requires skill with throttle control and braking to avoid sliding out. When gravel, water, oil or other traction reducing items are on the road, even more skill is required to prevent crashing.

I can unequivocally state, after riding bicycles and motorcyles on the road for 35 years, that there are far fewer problems interacting with cars and trucks while on a motorcycle than on a bicycle. I have been side-swiped by cars while on my bicycle, but never on the motorcycle. Multiple times daily, 4-wheeled vehicle drivers make left hand turns in front of me, or cut me off while turning right. Many car and truck drivers do not respect the rights of bicyles to be on the road; whereas these same drivers do seem to recognize that motorcycles are vehicles that belong on the road. Bicyclists seem to be even more "invisible" to car and truck drivers than are motorcycles. It has been my observation that car and truck drivers will see and give right-of-way to a motorcycle, and presumably, a scooter when these two-wheeled vehicles are operated at speeds not greatly in excess of the speed limit. Of course there will be the occasional car or truck driver that is impaired by Rx or OTC drugs, sleep deprivation or alcohol. My guess is that these impaired drivers will see neither a 2- or 4-wheeled vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

The difference between a 4-wheeled vehicle and a 2-wheeled vehicle being hit by a 4-wheeled vehicle is in the severity of injury to the respective vehicle operator. Collision at a minor fender bender speed will normally not cause injury to the 4-wheeled vehicle driver; however, severe injury to a 2-wheeled vehicle operator can result from such a collision. When speeds increase, the likelihood of serious, life-threatening injuries to the 2-wheeled vehicle operator increase exponentially.

My family has a V6 Honda Accord, a V6 4-wheel drive Toyota Tacoma and a Honda CBR 954RR (liter-bike or crotch rocket)motorcycle. Regarding the operating costs of these vehicles: a detailed cost analysis that included gasoline, repairs, maintenance, insurance and all other expenses determined that the cost per mile and per year was similar for all three. The greatest cost of operating the motorcycle was due to tire replacement. If the motorcycle had been ridden at more moderate speeds around road curves and corners, the tire expense would have been drastically reduced; replacement going from 3-4000 miles to 7-8000 miles. With moderate riding of the motorcycle, the cost would be much less than for the 4-wheeled vehicles.

In conclusion, motorcyle/scooter riding can be a safe form of economical transportation.

[susie]

I am a 55 woman who bought a Yamaha Vino 125 two years ago. Last year I commuted 30 miles each way to work in Maine. Most roads were back roads with some state routes. My top speed on the flat is 55-60 mph. I took a motorcycle safety course and I always wear protective gear (helmut, gloves pants, jacket) although I confess I don't wear boots. I wear a white helmut with reflective stickers and wear a white or neon yellow jacket depending on how cold it is (I live in Maine so it does get pretty cold in Sept.) I had to get my motorcycle license to ride a 125cc. But limited access highway travel is prohibited.

I get between 70 and 85mpg depending on how hilly my route is and whether I am cruising along at 40 or pushing to maintain 50-55mph.

I did "go down" once at relatively slow speed around a sandy corner. I got some bruises but the protective pants did their job--no cuts or broken bones.(I wear armoured pants). I chalked the fall up to inexperience--I was leaning too aggressively into the turn for the speed I was going and did not see the sand.

Riding a scooter is great fun but takes concentration and a lot of awareness as to what the bigger vehicles are doing. You can't assume that cars will actually see you or take note of you even if you have the right of way. I have had to do a full emergency stop when cars pulled out right in front of me into my lane.

Oh--I can carry several bags of groceries--bungees are great inventions. Looking forward to the day when a plug in electric scooter will be practical. (I live 12 miles from a town)

[martyball2002]

I have been riding motorcycles for over 30 years, I currently own 2, an older full dress touring bike and a newer honda "maxi" scooter. The scooter averages 51 mpg and ride an average of 1000 miles per month, almost all commuter riding.

[Barry Schecter]

I have been thinking about getting a scooter to commute to work. I live in rural New York. About 35 years ago I had a fairly serious motorcycle accident, I rode again about 10 years later, but the thrill was gone. After looking at scooters, I saw a Piaggio MP3 with dual front tires. I test drove it and I'll admit I smiled all the time; a bit scared at first, but as I got familiar with cvt intead of clutch, I began doing much better. The posts about the ms course make tremendous sense. Is there any feedback on the safety of the 3 wheeled Piaggio? Please share any info you have. Peace. Barry

[Traer, IA]

Yes - a comprehensive look at motorcyles and scooters would be a wonderful addition to Consumer Reports.

I too am looking at/for a Piaggio MP3 500. I have read many comments - but have used consumer reports on everything from Car Purchases - to vaccums, stereo's, tv, etc.....

So please - add this to your wonderful research - motorcyles, atv's and scooters.

[SCG, Chicago]

Look CR. Let's not get all high and mighty. All you have to do is spell out the risks of riding motorcycles (if you have to) - especially for the idiots who ride with no helmets. After you have done that (briefly), you can get down to the business of reviewing them and helping us pick out the best scooters for our needs. Isn't that why we buy subscriptions? It doesn't matter what you guys think of scooters. We are going to buy them anyway. Wouldn't you like to help us pick the safest and best value for our needs rather than sit on the fence and make people do their own research?

[Jack Wright]

I've traveled a bit in Paris and have observed some scooters and motorcycles that have enclosed the rider in a full protective-type windshield or covered hood. It appears to provide the operator with wind and rain protection but might even be more of a safety device; the rider also wears a protective helmet, as is required.

Unfortunately, because of my initial safety concerns in the U.S. where two-wheeled riders are not afforded the same consideration as car divers, I discarded all the information I had gathered on the manufacturers, and I won't be riding a scooter unless I can find one here. Any suggestions on where or who in the U.S. manufacturers these protective "bubble" hood/shields?

[Daniel]

I am considering buying a scooter. I know very little/nothing about them. Shelly mentioned she did quite a bit of research and found the scooter that fit her needs.

Would anyone be willing to share their knowledge with me. I am looking for a reliable, safe form of intra-city transportation. I live in UT, so I would only be able to use it for around 8 months of the year.

Any pointers on brand/engine/component reliability and safety? Any help is appreciated.

Daniel