Scooterist reconsidering in PA

[SteveM(PA)]

Hello, I've just spent many hours reading this site, and think I might make the move. I recently bought a 150cc 2T Stella scooter, which is nice and all, but I don't think it will solve my commuting problems quite as much as a motorized bicycle will. From what I've gleaned, a MB could give me:

1) excercise/warmth on winter commutes.

2) an inconspicuous/friendly/lane splitting (well...shoulder-riding) persona on the road. As it is, I'm stuck sitting behind the stacked-up cagers...obvious disadvantages, plus unsafe...stacked cagers freak out/aren't sure how to react to a scooter in front of them i.e. they ride right up my butt. My commute is a horribly overburdened road with miles of stacked traffic.

3) I could get my butt home if the motor fails.

4) I could throw the machine on my bike rack and get it to a mechanic who could service it properly if I can't. I'm looking closely at the 4T Skyhawk.

5) I have some great cruisers just sitting here, in this hilly suburb.

6) Double my current 80mpg.

I can't see many downsides, aside from some tight shoulders. I have a great full face and hi-viz armor, which I would probably continue to wear in case I get nailed, but speed would no longer be an issue if I were surrendering myself to the shoulder.

Thinking, thinking...I'm actually pacing around! :???:

 

[NunyaBidness]

hey Steve, welcome aboard
this is the right place to get answers to those questions
lots of nice folks 'round here

 

[DiamondBack]

A newbie myself, welcome! A 150cc engine, good God, and I thought my 90 was a big start - nice!

 

[Alan]

Welcome !

How far is your commute ?
My advice, if you are planning on riding beyond a few miles, try to make the bike legal.
Here in PA, they are not legal, except for off road. And to make one legal is still being worked on. Another guy from PA is getting ready to attempt legalization, and surely others(including myself) will follow. I know you were kinda kidding about the lane splitting.
Nothing wrong with a little sneaked-in fun, but watch for the law. So far no problems for me, but others have had real nightmares. In the future that will be changing, but for right now, just be aware.

Alan

 

[SteveM(PA)]

Hi everybody, what an awesomely active board this is

Alan, I used to live in CC for 7 years, commuted to work on my cruisers (bought from Curtis at Via) and earlier up Broad to Temple for all of those four years, without incident My current commute is about 10 miles, Royersford to KOP along 23.

I hope I didn't come across as punk-ish, I want to stay within current laws and would definitely register as a moped.

My aim is, I guess, to gain the traffic prowess of a bicycle i.e. pretty much strictly hugging the shoulder, but with that little bitta secret oomph (I'm guessin' that's what everybody wants, though, right?)

Oh, and to clarify, I would sell my 150 scoot (I'm only allowed two vehicles at my condo, and I can't bring it inside).

 

[Alan]

Via Bicycles. Great finds there. Gotta love a store with nothing but old classic bikes. I was there about 12 years ago, and my eyeballs were popping outta my head.
Can you take the MB inside your condo, rather than leave it outside ?
If so, have you ever considered a good electric set-up ? They are extremely dependable, quiet, and if you take it inside, no fumes.

 

[KilroyCD]

... My current commute is about 10 miles, Royersford to KOP along 23.

Better you than me. I used to do the West Chester to KOP commute, and I'm glad I'm out of that rat race.
By the way, welcome to MBc!
One way to get what you need and not worry about the difficulties of legalization would be to get a Whizzer. The downside is that they are usually not considered mopeds here in PA (unless the title lists it as such - mine didn't) so you'd have to get it tagged as a motorcycle, get it inspected and get a motorcycle driver's license. But it does get 120 mpg and has a great sound to the exhaust (especially with the free-flow muffler insert). Plus you have the classic cruiser lines.
Cheers,
-Kilroy

 

[arceeguy]

I'd keep the Stella scoot. They are awesome looking machines. Manual transmission and a 150cc 2T engine should get you to freeway speeds. Maybe a bigger 250cc scooter, or even a 250 cc motorcycle would be good for your situation since you already have your MC license.

For me, motorized bike is more of a novelty to be used for knocking around and not to be depended on for daily transportation. But then again, what I'm in the process of piecing together is not a "professional grade" purpose built kit either. I'm not knocking those that use them for everyday transport, just stating my opinion. I also own a small motorcycle and would not want to use it everyday. Cars are good for keeping you dry, and for hauling more than you can fit in a backpack!