Pantagraph.com Weather forecast, local radar and more
NewsMonday, June 23, 2008 5:28 PM CDT
Comments Comments (34) | E-mail this page E-mail this page | Print this page Print this page | Enlarge type Enlarge type | Reduce type Reduce type | Search archives Search archives | RSS RSS feeds | Add to My Yahoo! Add to My Yahoo!
Twin Cities seeing a growing number of commuters on scooters
By Michele Steinbacher
msteinbacher@pantagraph.com
Advertisement

BLOOMINGTON -- State Farm Insurance Cos. worker Darren Fischer is part of a growing trend in this town: Scooter commuters. | Video | Extra caution needed as more turn to motorbikes

As gas prices climb, some Central Illinois drivers turn to bicycles, city buses or carpools to adapt. Others, like the 38-year-old Bloomington man hop on the two-wheeled driving machines for getting around, saving money and living greener.

“Our scooter customers are getting some looks at the gas pump when their tank is full at $7.50, while next to them an SUV needs close to $80 to fill up,” said Robin Juhler, a co-owner of Bloomington-based Sportland, a motorcycle dealership that carries Yamaha, Honda and Polaris scooters.

Fischer laughed a little as he talked of savings since buying his scooter in May. Like most scooter owners, he also has a car.

Gas savings also led Ryan Wilson, 21, of Bloomington to his purchase a few weeks ago. Now, Wilson said, friends and family are inquiring. “I get about 100 miles to a gallon on this. … Now, some of them are thinking about buying one,” said the Maguire’s Pub worker.

Juhler, as well as Steve Garrel of Garrel’s Honda in Pontiac, both say they’ve sold out of scooters, and hope more will arrive by July. Juhler said that comes despite ordering double the scooter inventory they had last summer.

The average scooter can range in price from $2,000 to $10,000, although higher-priced models are available depending on engine size, a windshield and other extras.

The scooters, most often characterized by a smaller cycle engine, step-through frame and a lack of gear-shifting, indeed are motorcycles, said Juhler, and require a motorcycle license. Scooters long have been long staples in other nations already hit by higher retail fuel prices, and in larger U.S. coastal cities where their maneuverability is a plus in crowded traffic.

For several years, scooters have been popular in such as Heyworth and Minonk as errand tools. But this summer, the bikes are on Twin City streets with increasing frequency.

A Midwestern culture shift may be coming.

“I do think we’re going to start seeing more of these. This is probably here to stay,” said Fischer.

Tom Nemec of Normal, a Yamaha representative, said every scooter he can get into the Twin Cities is selling. Used scooters are hard to come by, as most people are hanging on to them, and 2009 models won’t be available until September, said Nemec.

Since 2002, Yamaha’s U.S. scooter sales have jumped by 86 percent, he said.

Motorcycle sales in general started climbing in 2004 at Garrel’s Honda in Pontiac. “There used to be a bad-boy biker image from the movies. But I think it’s more culturally acceptable now to ride motorcycles: You see all different ages, men and women, riding,” said Steve Garrel, the store’s co-owner. Scooters really started selling well at his shop in 2006.

Sherrilyn Biller, 35 of Normal, teaches economics at Illinois State University. She bought her Genuine Scooter Co. bike in the Chicago area last summer after a trip to Madison, Wis., where the vehicles already dotted the streets.

She parks her scooter daily near Stevenson Hall on the ISU campus, not far from her home. The thought of lower gas prices certainly didn’t hurt, but she mostly made the purchase because she thinks the bikes are fun, said Biller.



Scooting



-- Being seen: Area industry experts say scooters and cycles are gaining a presence on Illinois roads. This year, Illinois State University’s motorcycle training program will offer 360 courses in its 30-county region. That’s more than double the 150 courses offered in 2003. Area dealers also report being sold out of scooter models, despite ordering larger batches.

-- Fuel efficiency: Most of the popular scooter models get between 50 and 120 miles per gallon

-- Mopeds or scooters? Mopeds are motor bikes with pedals and smaller motors; they are very rare in Central Illinois, and can be used with any valid Illinois driver’s license. Scooters are motorcycles characterized by a no-gearshifting key turn, smaller wheels, and a step-through frame — meaning a rider wouldn’t need to lift a leg over the engine. State-issued motorcycle licenses are required.

-- Licenses: Between 1 cc and 149 cc motors require a Class L license; 150 cc and higher require a Class M license. Scooters fall in both categories.

-- Gear: State law requires eye-protective gear while riding. Helmets and training classes are optional.

-- On the Net: The Illinois Cycle Riders’ Safety Training Program, www.motorcyclesafety.ilstu.edu; Illinois Department of Transportation, www.dot.il.gov; State Motorcycle Safety Administrators, www.smsa.org; Central Illinois ABATE, www.centralilabate.org; How Scooters Work — www.howitworks.net.

SOURCES: Erik Hanks, ISU Motorcycle Training coordinator; Dave White, Bloomington Police Department; Robin Juhler, co-owner, Sportland
Take a look
Darren Fischer, a State Farm Insurance employee, prepares to leave work on his Yamaha Zuma scooter at Corporate South, Thursday, June 12, 2008. Fischer tries to ride the scooter on fair weather days. He said he gets over 100 mpg riding the scooter. (The Pantagraph, David Proeber)
Ryan Wilson rides his Yamaha Vino scooter at on South Main Street, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Wilson says the 1.2 gallon tank gets him adequate range at 110 miles. (The Pantagraph, David Proeber)
Video
Most commented stories
Browse online archives
Recent issues:
Reader comments on this story - 34 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

John Q. Public, esq. wrote on Jun 23, 2008 4:24 PM:

" I refuse to deal with Sportland ever again. I've never been treated so poorly by a retail proprietor. "

thero wrote on Jun 23, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Hereinbloom, now would be a good time to drop this issue, you're losing badly and you're making yourself look like a fool. It goes without saying that EVERY driver on the road, no matter how many wheels are beneath you, is responsible for the safety of everyone on the road. It's not your sole responsibility to make sure an accident doesn't occur, but you and everyone else out there needs to do their part. No one is perfect. How many accidents have you almost caused but due to the actions of another driver the accident was prevented?

Your comments are so ignorant and useless. I have never personally seen any scooter riders going 15-25 mph, but maybe, just maybe it's the fact that there's an unattentive jerk driving some flex-fuel vehicle next to them that makes them so nervous. "

Pastafarian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:50 PM:

" hereinbloom, You are correct, scooter drivers should watch out for themselves and they should probably drive closer to the speed limit. I don't doubt that you are conscientious when driving but many are not. They think that if someone else causes the accident they are free and clear. Legally that may be true. Morally and psychologically that is not the case. You may not be the one to blame but you will have to live with the sights and (most damaging) the sounds of the accident.

I just follow some sage advice from my father when it comes to driving. Imagine that everyone on the road is an idiot trying to kill you. I guess you could add "or trying to make you kill them". "

Country Boy wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:12 PM:

" quoting hereinbloom "Honestly...I'll stick with my real car. Y'all can have your dorky scooter gang....you probably play interactive computer games on the internet too. Yeah, what a life! "
well maybe and they probably sit on the Pantagraph site and post comments all day...hmmmmmm sound familiar, hereinbloom? "

hereinbloom wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:07 PM:

" the same can be said for those driving scooters....THEY need to do some watching as well.

Not all of us who find the scooters annoying drive SUVs. I drive a flex-fuel car. I am very conscious of the environment. I just don't appreciate some of the scooter drivers going 20-25 mph in a 30 mph zone. I don't speed...I just like to go the speet limit.

Honestly, I am not one to log on simply to smart off. I don't post much at all. I just simply think that the people who are driving these scooters need to be just as allert as those of us driving the 4 wheeled vehicles. It is not OUR responsibility to watch out for every person on a scooter. It is THEIR responsibility to watch out for themselves. We can be as allert as humanly possible and still end up in an accident because of a scooter. "

Pastafarian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:56 PM:

" I can't quite understand this backlash against scooters and motorcycles. Why do they bother some people? Do SUV drivers feel they are being mocked? I for one applaud the increase in two wheeled transportation and am thinking of buying one.

As for those who think that scooters cause accidents, I'm afraid it is predominantly four wheeled vehicle drivers that cause most accidents. If you find them hard to see then stop glancing and start looking. When you cross the street on foot do you just give a cursory glance to either side? Probably not. I imagine you look intently so as not to get creamed. That should be the same philosophy whether you are driving a 5,000 pound piece of Detroit steel or a 24 ounce piece of Taiwanese leather. Have some consideration for someone besides yourself. "

MonkeySweater wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:22 PM:

" hereinbloom--ooh, good burn. Didja think of that all by yourself? "

Brenstalka wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:18 PM:

" To hereinbloom: Progress is scary, ya'll. I know we're crazy with our thoughts of good gas mileage and fresh air. What's next? Not throwing our trash on the side of the road? Allowing women to vote? "

michelle24 wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:16 PM:

" It seems that scooters are here, folks. I watch for them as I do bikes and cycles. I give them plenty of room, (as much as I can) I would just like the respect in return. "

hereinbloom wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Well...then why don't we start driving golf carts too? I guess the scooter drivers don't care if they cause accidents if they aren't actually involved in them.

Honestly...I'll stick with my real car. Y'all can have your dorky scooter gang....you probably play interactive computer games on the internet too. Yeah, what a life! "

MonkeySweater wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Hey, Gov't Oppressed Mule, Brenstalka was being sarcastic. Read his other posts. :-D On a side note, I'm thinking of starting a scooter gang....who's with me?! We'll rule the sidestreets of B-N! "

tucker wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:22 PM:

" Did anyone else notice that in the photo of the State Farm guy it says he "prepares to leave work..." Well, he better put his kickstand up! hahahahhaha! "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:59 AM:

" The only problem with these scooters is that people in IL are rip offs. For the same scooter in Iowa, Wisc., or Indiana you will only be paying 1/3 the price. Not sure what has caused this increase in the IL area, but if you are thinking of getting one (and they are pretty cool) go out of state to buy one.

TO: BRENSTALKA

All of these scooters go at least 35 mph (in order to be street legal) and most can go in excess of 60+ mph. They even have highway legal scooters that go over 80+. So please find something else to be negative about. "

94mustang5 wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:54 AM:

" They are fun and efficient. They are not safe. Make sure you wear a helmet, and purchase extra Life, Health, and disability insurance. Make sure your kids and spouse can get by without you , or afford to care for your useless disabled body. Better yet, Buy a tiny car. At least you have air bags and a roll cage. "

The other Dave wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:30 AM:

" I see no problems with these scooters and think people using them are great. They are saving themselves money (significant money for some people) and they are finding ways to use less gas. Scooters seem to be a lot safer on the road than drivers that are using their cell phones. "

Brenstalka wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:23 AM:

" To SuperDad: Congrats on the scooter and the mileage. I bought mine to go 20 mph and take up parking spaces that REAL vehicles need. "

b johnson wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:13 AM:

" PayDan is right on when he wrote "if you want a safe enjoyable ride then Watch out for yourself. " If you're going to be on two wheels you need to start watching for the tell tale signs of the inattentive driver. You know . . the ones who wander from lane to lane, talk on their cell phone, or turn around to look in the back seat at their kids while they drive. I had a lady in a car cut me of on Hershey Thursday, then when she turned the corner to go east on Empire she stradled both lanes for about a quarter mile. Turns out she was talking on her cell phone and didn't have a clue their was a motorcycle behind her. Given the fact that scooters have even less visibility than motorcycles I'd be willing to bet we see a fatality here in town before the summer is out. "

thero wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:09 AM:

" to bngurl and hereinbloom: Get over yourselves. I have found nothing annoying about the increase in scooters and motorcycles. I actually love the increase as a motorcycle rider myself. And if you're having a problem pulling out in front of the two-wheelers, I'd suggest you get off your cell phone, stop putting on your makeup, or stop doing whatever else it is that takes your attention off the roads. Pay attention and become a better driver. I'm not even going to address your whining and moaning about parking spots. Again I say, grow up and get over yourselves!! "

roadrunner150 wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:00 AM:

" I've been riding scooters for about 3 years now and love it! It has been a fun way to get around town and save money on gas. I get about 180 miles/tank (2 gallon tank) which saves me about $1100/yr compared to what I'd put into my Hyundai. I ride to work every day (weather permitting) and it is nice to know that after about 2 weeks of commuting, all I have to do is put about $9 in the tank for another 2 weeks of transporation.

If you want to connect and converse with other scooter riders in the Bloomington/Normal area go to yahoo groups and search Bloomington-Scooters. "

joshg wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Did anyone else read the caption under the picture and think that 110mph on a scooter sounded a bit fas :) ("Ryan Wilson rides his Yamaha Vino scooter at on South Main Street, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Wilson says the 1.2 gallon tank gets him adequate range at 110 mph. ") "

Cthulhu wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:48 AM:

" From what I remember, Mopeds and scooters saw a decent amount of use in the 1980's. I'm surprised we got away from it in the 90's. Anyway, it's a viable mode of transportation.

As for me, I'll stick to my gas-guzzling SUV. VROOM! "

Brenstalka wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:47 AM:

" To hereinbloom: I pass most people on my scooter. People HATE it and try to speed up and cut me off. I guess it has to do with making up for inadequacies. As for the wreck with a scooter, it'll most likely be your fault. Most cyclists are cautious about traffic. It's you on your cell phone, smoking a cig, and drinking your coffee while hitting your kids that causes the accident. "

Brenstalka wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:46 AM:

" To bngurl: So, a scooter shouldn't be able to use a parking spot, but other motorcycles and cars should? Nice logic there. A vehicle is a vehicle. My SUV and scooter take up the same number of spots when I go to Kappa, so what's the big deal? Scooter envy? "

SuperDad wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:35 AM:

" I purchased a used scooter a couple months ago, and it's making a huge difference on our gas bill...the 80 mpg on the scooter is so much better than the 10-12 mpg in my van! I figure I've saved about $350 so far, so the scooter will pay for itself soon.

I use mine for commuting to work, driving throughout the day for my work, and a lot for running errands with my wife or kids.

I belong to a scooter group online, and there seems to be both a growing market and a shrinking supply (especially on the Japanese scooters) nationally. "

hereinbloom wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:31 AM:

" I agree with the annoyance factor that scooters are bringing. Do you know how many times I have been almost rear ended because I have to go 20 mph because of a scooter? If I get in a wreck BECAUSE of a scooter....maybe State Farm will give me pain & suffering pay! I don't care how economical they are...they are dangerous on city streets. "

arete wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:15 AM:

" I like the annoyance about parking--"they take up car parking spots" What's the difference if a single individual parks their scooter in a spot or their car in a spot. Either way, the vehicle moved one person there. "

bngurl wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:02 AM:

" Yeah, they are annoying plus dangerous. I don't know how many times I have almost pulled out in front of a scooter. They are hard to see. Plus, they take up car parking spots. It is so annoying when I go to pull into what I think is a parking spot, and see it taken up by some little scooter. I don't care if gas goes to 10 bucks a gallon, I will stick to my car thank you. "

chanteuse87 wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:58 AM:

" LOL I think "ml" must be a soccer mom herself... sounds like she got offended. "Isay" simply put reality on the table - the majority of people in this town canNOT drive worth a crap because they're selfish, only worried about their own agenda, and getting there ASAP. Granted those driving motorcycles should be cautious and defensive, but those of us in cars / trucks / vans / SUVS should definitely be watching and be more cautious / courteous with the increasing number of small two-wheeled vehicles on the road. "

Just Nobody wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:36 AM:

" If more people rode scooters and motorcycles, then more people would know what to watch for when they drove there auto's. Its really not that big of a deal, people just need to start caring again. "

PayDan wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:11 AM:

" You better look out for more than a soccer mom in a SUV. Another scooter will hurt too. You should be riding and watching for any possible undesired scenario and/or obstacle. Your escape route should be determined, including the dumping of the scoot. Don't be arrogant and expect rights on the road, you'll be kissing the pavement. We can preach all we want "Watch out for Motorcycles" but if you want a safe enjoyable ride then "Watch out for yourself". "

DT wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:40 AM:

" To those of you new to two wheels or thinking of joining, remember these three words "Cagers are tools" and ride accordingly. "

ml wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:07 AM:

" Hey isay, a soccer dad hitting you with a small Honda would kill you just as quickly as any large vehicle would. "

isay wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:25 PM:

" I've had my scooter for 2 or 3 years and I absolutely LOVE it. I didn't initially buy it because of the gas prices, but it sure does save. If you want a fun way to scoot around town, a scooter is the way to go. Watch out for those soccer moms in the big SUV's, I've been nearly hit twice this year. I know you're in a hurry, but please slow down and pay attention! "

In Japan wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:32 PM:

" Be careful out there! I've seen a few car/scooter crashes, and let me tell you, car wins every time! "
Add your own comments

Please read the rules before posting comments.

You must be logged in to leave comments.
If you don't have a member ID, please register.

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?
 
Lee Enterprises Customer Service | 301 W. Washington St., PO Box 2907, Bloomington, IL 61701-2907 | Ph. 309-829-9000 | 800-747-7323
Copyright © 2008, Pantagraph Publishing Co. and Lee Enterprises. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy