| Before the 1920s it was an easy decision, a | | | | is referred to as mobility scooters. These |
| foot-powered push scooter or none at all. But | | | | are usually electric models and have 3 or 4 |
| once Gino Tsai from Shanghai, Taiwan | | | | wheels for extra stability. These models give |
| developed the Razor scooter it changed | | | | the elderly or disabled the ability to get |
| everything. His motor scooters became popular | | | | about in their homes or around the |
| so quickly there were people waiting in line | | | | neighborhood more easily. Without mobility |
| for six months before they could get one. | | | | scooters many of the disability-impaired |
| | | | would be confined to their beds. |
| In the 1950s companies like Vespa in the UK | | | | |
| started selling the first of their gas motor | | | | Another very popular type is the foldable |
| scooters. It was a big hit at the 1950 | | | | scooter. These are very small and are made |
| Motorcycle Show and quickly became a big hit | | | | for short trips around town. They are |
| in the UK as well. Vespa sold over 125,000 in | | | | particularly popular among the younger |
| the UK between the years of 1950 to 1958. | | | | crowds. The beauty of these models is that |
| Piaggio from Vespa and Lambretta from | | | | they are extremely compact and can be folded |
| Innocenti started selling their models in | | | | for storage in small places. If you work just |
| Italy and France too, quickly becoming the | | | | a few miles from your home you can travel to |
| vehicles that everyone had to own. By the | | | | work on your folding scooter and then fold it |
| early 1950s the sale of motor scooters topped | | | | up and put it underneath your desk at work. |
| 1 million a year in France alone. Because of | | | | Very handy. |
| its popularity other countries such as France | | | | |
| and Germany decided to get in on the boom by | | | | There are also utility scooters which can be |
| manufacturing their own models. | | | | used for many different purposes. They can be |
| | | | used as golf carts or for hauling things. |
| Today, after more than 50 years since the | | | | Many big businesses use these types for |
| first gas scooters appeared, there are many | | | | getting around their factories. Schools use |
| different makes and models. We have electric, | | | | them for driving through the parking lot, |
| gas powered, foldable, mobility and utility | | | | checking for cars that shouldn't be there. |
| motor scooters dotting the globe. There are | | | | Major league sports stadiums use them to |
| specialized scooters for just about every | | | | drive people from one place to another. These |
| task. They have become a worldwide phenomenon | | | | are wonderful vehicles that can be used for a |
| because they are cheap to own, economical to | | | | variety of reasons. |
| operate, are very handy and functional, and | | | | |
| most of all they are a lot of fun. But with | | | | Once you've decided which type is right for |
| all of the makes and models which one is | | | | your needs the next step is to figure out |
| right for you? | | | | what options, if any, you would like included |
| | | | on your vehicle. Of course you can choose |
| Let's start with the different types. Gas | | | | from many different colors and designs, but |
| motor scooters are the fastest around. They | | | | there are other options available to you. You |
| will take you longer distances and reach | | | | can choose from the many varieties of covers, |
| higher speeds than any of the other | | | | locks (for security), cases or side bags for |
| varieties. There are smaller and lighter | | | | storage, helmets, seats, handgrips, |
| models that will be perfect for running | | | | windshields or windscreens, backrests for |
| errands around town while the larger and | | | | touring, chrome kits, rear luggage racks and |
| heavier touring models will take you on | | | | many more options. The list of accessories |
| longer trips. Plus, the larger the gas tank | | | | can go on for quite some time. |
| the farther you can travel before needing to | | | | |
| stop at a service station. | | | | As a rule of thumb first choose the type of |
| | | | scooter you want, whether it be electric, |
| Electric varieties are a little more | | | | gas, foldable or utility. This is the easy |
| economical to run, but will usually travel | | | | part because the type you purchase will |
| only about 10 or 15 miles before needing a | | | | depend upon your needs. Once that decision |
| recharge. Their battery capacity has improved | | | | has been made look at several popular models |
| dramatically over the years, but they cannot | | | | in your area and decide which one looks and |
| be taken for long trips due to the fact that | | | | feels right to you. Most have accessories |
| their batteries will need recharging | | | | that are manufactured for a specific model so |
| periodically. However, for short trips around | | | | accessories cannot be decided upon until you |
| the city they are wonderful little vehicles. | | | | know which motor scooter you are going to |
| Plus, most scooters have a large storage | | | | buy. Once you've decided which accessories |
| capacity under the seat so they are ideal for | | | | you want for the model you chose it's a |
| trips to the grocery store or for other light | | | | simple matter of driving your scooter out of |
| shopping sprees. | | | | the dealership. And it's nothing but fun from |
| | | | there on out. |
| The elderly or handicapped typically use what | | | | |