Commuting on Scooters (in Aus)?

[exceladdict]

Mrs Excel and I have ditched one of the cars with the plan to buy a scooter for one of our short commutes.

Wondering if there are any AFFers who have experience with the same and could provide advice, any and all accepted.

We are currently considering a cheap new scooter - 50cc 2stroke Scootarelli Trevis - which can be driven on a car license in WA; and once we are comfortable on two wheels applying for our proper bike license and getting a 125 or similar.

Plan is to get something capable of riding with two, though it would usually be used by one at a time.

Edit: looking at about 2.5k by the time we include new helmets and gloves, will also plan to acquire decent jackets before starting to use it on the commute.

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Please ELI5 any complex concepts!

 

[Ewing]

What does your commute look like?

There's no way I'd commute on something that small, but my commute involves a freeway at 100km/hr as well.

I commute every day on a motorcycle, but that's 655cc. The extra grunt has come in handy more than once.

Whatever you do, please don't be one of those scooter riders that think they're not vulnerable. You're just as vulnerable as I am on the bike, so make sure you wear proper gear. I see way too many scooter riders getting around in shorts, t-shirts, and thongs.

 

[exceladdict]

Thanks @Ewing . Since the post in December, there's been a few changes of plan - we've arranged a 125cc scooter on an extended loan, so have applied for our bike license in order to be able to ride that legally (about a 6 month process in WA). That will more comfortably hit 80k/h if we do need to take it on any longer distance rides.

But in the meantime, we're now planning to buy a Super Soco TS, which if my calcs are correct will cost under 50 cents to charge for a 60-80km range. The commute in question is about 2kms on 50/60k/h roads, it's speed limited to 55 so can be ridden on a C license but has a bit more grunt than a 50cc scooter, particularly on take off.

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And completely understand and agree about the gear. We've acquired padded jackets and gloves; and will have helmets and ensure to wear pants and shoes.

We are both planning on doing some defensive riding lessons, both as a part of getting the license and in order to ride the scooter safely.

 

[Daver6]

Regardless of what you purchase, go have motorbike lessons (even if you don't land up getting your license). I say this as a former motorbike rider. There are certain consideratoins you wouldn't be aware of as just a car driver. It is really obvious who has never learnt how to ride a motorbike just by observing scooter riders.

So glad to see you're planning on some lessons. It will be the most important money you spend. Otherwise enjoy. Being on two wheels and open is a great feeling.

 

[theblank]

But in the meantime, we're now planning to buy a Super Soco TS, which if my calcs are correct will cost under 50 cents to charge for a 60-80km range. The commute in question is about 2kms on 50/60k/h roads, it's speed limited to 55 so can be ridden on a C license but has a bit more grunt than a 50cc scooter, particularly on take off.

just because its cheap to recharge, you need to take into account the cost of replacing the batteries. They wont be guaranteed for the life of the bike!
Nor will they last as long as they say and if you dont take care of the batteries (running flat) they wont last long at all.

they are 60W/26AH, thats a lot!

 

[tgh]

Lots of good advice here..
Even at very slow speeds, a bit of gravel rash can mess up your life.
My motorcycling is currently minimised by the hassle of wearing all the protective gear.. it's nearly always easier to take the car.
Have seen some very nifty little multi-wheeled contraptions in Europe that keep the operator dry and do not need helmets and protective gear

 

[OZDUCK]

Lots of good advice here..
Even at very slow speeds, a bit of gravel rash can mess up your life.
My motorcycling is currently minimised by the hassle of wearing all the protective gear.. it's nearly always easier to take the car.
Have seen some very nifty little multi-wheeled contraptions in Europe that keep the operator dry and do not need helmets and protective gear

A bit like this one I saw in Stavanger last year?

 

[exceladdict]

just because its cheap to recharge, you need to take into account the cost of replacing the batteries. They wont be guaranteed for the life of the bike!
Nor will they last as long as they say and if you dont take care of the batteries (running flat) they wont last long at all.

they are 60W/26AH, thats a lot!

Fair point - with some battery hygiene we'll hopefully keep it in good condition.

A few very rough calcs suggest it being around $2-3/100km (600 cycles, 60km per charge) so even if it's the same as 2 litres of fuel, it's not too far off the running costs for a scooter. In theory, anyway. And far less visits to the petrol station.

Hopefully I'm not back here whingeing in 2 months!

 

[Ewing]

Lots of good advice here..
Even at very slow speeds, a bit of gravel rash can mess up your life.

Agree.

I was t-boned last year by a car that ran a stop sign. I was flung down the road into oncoming traffic, but fortunately due to my gear the only damage was a smashed up leg from the impact and a broken finger (and a head injury, which took a long time to get over). I didn't have a scratch on me - but my gear (kevlar everything, with back protector and knee protectors) was destroyed.

This is not a view that I recommend to anyone:


I spent a good chunk of last year on crutches and getting around on a mobility scooter.

Back on the bike now and will put on full gear even if I'm popping down the road. Here's me on Sunday having a blast

 

[Denali]

How short a commute? My mum uses her mobility scooter daily, approx 5klms each way and Im telling you, theyre a lot of fun plus avoid rego, insurance ect, can use them on the footpath and the shopping centres provide charging stations

A guy at my local shops has a small trailer attached to his mobility scooter and he looks quite spritey. I envy their freedom/fun

 

[tgh]

Getting ot.. but I have lost count of the riders I see in shorts and thongs .
Riding without protection is a pervasive concept because dressing is a pita.
Just popping a few hundred metres down to the cafe for a pick me up coffee .. is when accidents happen.
I entreat the op to understand that the risks are not always transparent.
Riding defensively is a much more comprehensive discipline than the same process in a car.
Good luck and take care