Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
There’s a lot to consider when buying a scooter - cheaper running costs versus practicality, saving the environment versus putting yourself more at risk, how cool you look on your scooter versus how not-so-cool you’re going to look when you get off...
Whatever your standpoint, there are certain things that you must take into consideration before you decide to go two-wheeling it.
We help you weigh up the pros and cons to decide if this is the transport solution for you...
Pros
Cost: With fuel prices soaring owning a scooter is becoming an increasingly attractive option. You can fill up your tank for just $7 and this should last you about 200km (or roughly 1-2 weeks). Scooters will also save you money on insurance and 50cc scooters do not require a WOF and can be registered for just $75 a year. All this and you’ll no longer have to pay for parking! Doing your bit for the environment: Not only are you saving on gas money but you’re also working to reduce emissions and looking out for the environment. Scooters are extremely economic and therefore environmentally friendly.
Retro chic: Scooters don’t have the granddad image they are used to; in fact they’re pretty trendy. Sometimes it’s all about the image and you have to admit you’d look pretty snazzy driving around on your chic retro scooter.
Fun: It’s also pretty fun hooning (or more like putting) around on your little scooter - the wind in your hair, the sun on your back, the world at your feet…You’re practically (a more geeky) biker chick!
Licences: 50cc scooters are technically known as mopeds meaning that there are less licence restrictions. In fact you can drive one of these babies around on your learners.
Easy to ride: None of this changing gears business, everything’s literally at your finger tips.
Get through the traffic: Scooters are also pretty nifty for getting through the traffic. Ever been jealous of someone on a motorbike zipping down the middle of the lanes while you’re stuck in a jam? Not any more!
Easy parking: Given I have never managed to perfect the art of parallel parking and places seem to be getting busier and busier and parks harder and harder to find; this is a particularly attractive pro for me. It’s parking how it should be - rock up, park, get out. None of this driving around for hours business and no more tight squeezes.
Cons
Danger: Scooters are a bit more hazardous than a car with the same risk level as motorbikes. This risk is increased with rain and bad weather when visibility is further decreased. Due to the fact that you’re unlikely to be able to keep up with the cars, people will also frequently overtake you, which is dangerous in itself. Just make sure you take all the usual precautions like a brightly coloured scooter to make sure everyone can see you.
Dirty clothes: Warning - do not wear white! Your scooter will not protect you from dust and it is quite likely you’ll end up a bit messy. Probably not the best mode of transport for a hot date. Skirts: Make sure you invested in plenty of pairs of pants because unless you’re comfortable with flashing your undies and having your skirt up around your face (which is also a potentially hazardous situation) skirts are a no-go when you’re heading out on your scooter.
Hat hair: This is not the mode of transport to keep you looking good. Scooters = helmet. Helmet = hat hair. None of this wearing your hair up business either. Bring on the frizz.
Bad weather: Hooning around on your scooter may be fun in the summer months, but it's not necessarily the most practical in the winter unless you like getting wet and cold. Some conditions are also just not safe to drive around in, for example if the wind is too strong. You’ll have to figure out if this is going to put you out too much and if you can cope with suddenly not having a mode of transport on a stormy day.
Speed: Scooters are great for people who want to just put around town, but with a maximum speed of 50km/ph for 50cc scooters, some journeys might end up taking a while.
Restrictions: It is also important to note that on your 50cc scooter you are not allowed on motorways (in Auckland this includes the Harbour Bridge which could make things tricky). This may again mean longer journeys if you can no longer take the most direct route.
Luggage: There isn’t much storage space on your scooter for, well, much at all. This accentuates the restrictions of scooters as just an about town vehicle. Definitely not the kind of transport you want to take shopping!
.jpg)
There’s a lot to consider when buying a scooter - cheaper running costs versus practicality, saving the environment versus putting yourself more at risk, how cool you look on your scooter versus how not-so-cool you’re going to look when you get off... 
Get through the traffic: Scooters are also pretty nifty for getting through the traffic. Ever been jealous of someone on a motorbike zipping down the middle of the lanes while you’re stuck in a jam? Not any more!
Restrictions: It is also important to note that on your 50cc scooter you are not allowed on motorways (in Auckland this includes the Harbour Bridge which could make things tricky). This may again mean longer journeys if you can no longer take the most direct route.