Trish Bartz of Casper rides her scooter to work almost every day in the summer, so long as the weather is nice and she has no errands to run.
"I live three miles from the salon to my house, and it's easy just to cruise on that," she said.
She bought her scooter in 2007 after seeing how much a friend enjoyed hers. The idea of getting great gas mileage didn't hurt, either.
As gas prices fluctuate, more and more Americans are buying scooters. The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates a record high of 222,000 scooters were sold last year.
Maybe it's the mileage.
Maybe it's that scooters are a great alternative to motorcycles: They're lighter, easier to drive thanks to automatic transmissions, and you don't have to straddle them like a hog.
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Maybe it's simply fun.
"It's a great way to have fun and be out in the fresh air," said Garry Yake, co-owner of Yellowstone Scooters in Casper. "You just can't help but smile when you're on one of these things."
Whatever the reason for wanting a scooter, here are a few things to consider before you buy:
1. You need a special license
Wyoming state law requires people to get a motorcycle license before driving a motor scooter. To get the license, drivers must pass a written and drivers test. After passing the written test, which costs $15, drivers are given a 90-day permit to practice driving without passengers. The drivers test must be taken before the permit runs out. Pass it, and you'll get a four-year motorcycle license for an additional cost of $18.
Taking a motorcycle safety class is a good way to learn everything you will need to know to pass the licensing tests.
"If you've never been on one, that's the way to go," said Jeff Goetz, public involvement specialist for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
The classes cost $25 for Wyoming residents and are offered throughout the summer. Plan ahead - classes fill up quickly. For more information, call 888- 570-9904 or go to http://dot.state.wy.us/wydot/safety/motorcycle_safety_program.
2. Protect yourself
Riding a scooter can be just as dangerous as riding a motorcycle.
"You're in the same traffic conditions going the same speeds [as motorcycles]," said Ty van Hooydonk, director of product communications at the Motorcycle Industry Council. "It's fun, but you got to take it seriously."
Van Hooydonk recommends wearing all of your safety gear all of the time. And when it comes to safety gear, the more coverage, the better.
"Do not be thinking about beach attire for riding a scooter," he said.
Here's what he recommends:
• A helmet with a DOT approval label.
• Eye protection.
• A sturdy, long-sleeved jacket.
• Long pants.
• Full-fingered gloves.
• Quality ankle boots (think function over fashion).
3. Cost
Scooters can cost anywhere from $800 to more than $5,000 with a common price of $2,000 to $3,000. Dealers may offer financing - just be sure to read the fine print. Banks also offer loans for recreational vehicles, but there are limitations. Most banks have a minimum loan amount which some of the cheaper scooters may fall below, said Jens Hansen of Hilltop National Bank in Casper.
4. Insurance
State law requires scooters to be insured for use on public roads. Although scooters fall under motorcycle policies, it is becoming more common for companies to rate scooters individually, said Kyle Corbridge, vice president/co-owner of the Bon Agency Insurance in Casper.
Corbridge estimates full coverage scooter insurance to cost $250 to $400 a year, depending on the vehicle, driver age, driver experience and personal factors. And it's worth a few extra dollars to add passenger liability coverage to your policy.
"If you ever plan on having a passenger, passenger liability is a must," he said.
5. Choosing a scooter
Scooters come in a variety of different models. Aside from style, the main difference in scooters is engine size, which run from 50 cubic centimeters to 800 cc. Before you can choose the engine size, first decide what you are going to use the scooter for, Yake said.
The smallest scooter engine is 50 cc. This size of engine is found in urban scooters, Yake said, which are best for buzzing around town. The small engine also gets the best gas mileage: 100 to 150 mpg.
Consider getting a scooter with a 125 cc or 150 cc engine if you want to ride beyond city limits. A 125 cc engine has plenty of power for climbing hills and riding against the wind, Yake said. At 90 to 100 mpg, it's the most popular size at Yellowstone Scooters. The 150 cc engine has a bit more power.
"They have enough power to go 55 to 60 mph and still get the real incredible gas mileage," said Kendell Kroeker, general manager of Casper Mountain Motor Sports.
If you would like to take your scooter on longer trips, you may want a more powerful engine. Look for a 300 cc engine (80 to 140 mpg) or bigger.
"You can take it on trips and on the interstate and everything else," Kroeker said.
6. Title
If you're planning to ride a scooter on public streets, get a title. The state requires it. The requirements for a new scooter are the same as for any other new vehicle: You need a Manufacturer's State of Origin, odometer reading, invoice from the dealer or Affidavit of Vehicle Valuation form, and either a signed and notarized Wyoming Application For Title or Dealer Reassignment Form. The title costs $9. For more information, contact your county clerk.
7. Do your research
Scooters are made by many different companies offering different levels of service.
"If you buy something, you want to buy from a company that you know is going be there to provide parts and service if you have any problems," Kroeker said.
In addition, make sure the scooter meets all the requirements for a title. It's pretty useless without one.
Shopping online? The Wyoming Better Business Bureau suggests taking a few extra precautions. To see their tips, go to www.livewellwyoming.com.
8. Maintenance
Scooters require very little maintenance, but the oil needs to be changed more frequently than in cars: every 600 to 1,000 miles. Other than that, just make sure the battery is charged and there's gas in the tank.
• Carol Seavey is editor of Live Well. Contact her at 307-266-0544 or carol.seavey@trib.com. Read her blog at tribtown.trib.com/CarolSeavey/blog.
