off road gas scooter

What You Want to Know About Gas Scooters By Michael Mize Russell

With the economy suffering the way that it is, people all over the world seem to be trying to save money. A gas scooter is a good way to do that because they get such great gas mileage. Gas scooters are becoming more popular everyday. They are inexpensive, and easy to operate and handle.

Scooters are actually very cheap to maintain and insure. Who does not want a lower insurance payment? You can also usually find free parking for a scooter. There are numerous ways that gas scooters will save you money. When buying a gas scooter you will learn that they are actually very inexpensive.

There are several things that can be done to save money like car pooling or taking the bus but that is not always easy to do. Therefor the sales of gas scooters have been going through the roof. Many people are seeing the advantages to owning a scooter. Some people still think scooters are just for kids and that could not be further from the truth. Gas scooters are improving and changing all the time. New features are always being added.

The smaller gas scooters are great for running around town, doing errands or going to work. If you need to travel further distances then the larger scooter would be best for you. The larger scooters have a larger gas tank so you can travel further between gas fill ups.

Before you choose a gas scooter you should look for one that will fit your budget and your needs. You need to determine what you will be using your gas scooter for. Will you be using it to travel in town? Will you be going off road or racing? Will you be traveling long distances? These are just a few of the questions you should ask your self.

Gas scooters that are for street use are setup with suspension systems to handle the bumps and keep your ride smooth. They will also have mirrors, brake lights and left and right turn signals. The off road scooters are set up with adjustable front and rear suspension and they have more powerful performance engines.
No matter what you will be using your gas scooter for, you are sure to find one that fits your needs. You will find that scooters come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Choosing the gas scooter that is perfect for you can be a fun and interesting activity. 

motor scooter

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gas Motor Scooter

By Torrie Cantor

People have now noticed the rising trend of scooters - specifically a gas motor scooter in the streets. Those of you who are accustomed to riding behind a wheel, and listening to the radio might be wary of buying a scooter. The comfort and convenience that is provided with your current automobile might not be given by a scooter too. Still, you can't help but wonder if a scooter will be more of a benefit to you than your current SUV.

Advantages - There are many advantages in buying a scooter. Obviously, you can't deny the fact that gas prices are currently raising everyday, and fueling your car seems to be draining out your financial resources. This may pose as a problem for those who are trying to save up enough money for the future. So how do we put the plug on that huge hole in your wallet?

Environment-Friendly - Since scooter companies are now making an effort to reduce emissions from their scooter, there are now LPG powered scooters in the market that run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) instead of petrol or diesel.

Practical - If you do the math, you'll notice that the price you paid for your scooter will be reimbursed earlier in the future compared to buying a car. Parking won't be a problem too with your scooter. Because of its size, scooters are also allowed to park in bike racks which has a cheaper fare compared to parking your car. You also can get to different places easily and not having to worry about traffic or being late for school or work.
You don't have to worry about comfort. The new range of scooters now offer comfort features such as a comfortable seat, alarm, start button, radio, windshield, heated hand grip, a clock and an outside temperature gauge.

Disadvantages - Nevertheless, there are still some dangers that you face when riding a motor scooter. Since the motor scooter is quiet and smaller compared to motorcycles, other vehicles might not be aware of you while you're driving in the street.

Safety - The motor scooter doesn't give you the protection that a car gives you too. Bee stings, bugs, dust, splashes, droppings, and rain may be hard to avoid when riding a scooter. The most that you can do is to wear a safety helmet. By wearing a helmet, you are not only avoiding the things mentioned before, but also are keeping your head safe if in case a motor vehicular accident might happen.

Also, people who will be driving scooters might find their outfits for driving limited. Yes, scooters were designed early in the 1950s for women so that they will be able to wear skirts while driving. However, a recent study shows that skirts or dresses divert women driver's attention because of the fact that winds are strong when riding, and skirts occasionally billow. Other experienced scooters advise on an ordinary shirt and jeans when driving a scooter. High heels are not encouraged since they expose your ankles to danger.

So far these are only a few of the advantages and disadvantages of a gas motor scooter. Before you go and replace your car with a scooter, you might want to weigh the pros and cons a little bit more. Assess whether or not a scooter fits your lifestyle the best.

vespa

Vespa Scooters-A Greener Alternative to the Rolls Royce
By: Marek Kamella

Vespa scooters possess an air of elegance and stylish design not usually associated with motor bikes/scooters.

Built with the typical Italian eye for design, Vespa scooters rolled off the production line in the 1940's as an alternative to the motor bike. The Vespa had it's main mechanical parts shielded from the rider by a metal casing. This allowed the rider to enjoy a dirt free ride and proved to be very popular in Italy where Italians always have a desire to look elegant and stylish under any circumstances.

As a consequence, Italians were able to zip round post war Italy on their Vespa scooters smartly dressed and probably wearing their Raybans with a cigarette hanging from the corner of their mouths.

The "Vespa look" was tailor made for the silver screen and before too long the Vespa started appearing in Italian movies such as Fellini's La Dolce Vita.

Hollywood soon followed and Vespa scooters appeared in a number of high profile movies such as An American in Paris, The Conversation and American Graffiti. The Vespa played a prominent role in the British movie Quadrophenia which sparked a new craze for the Vespa in the U.K.

Many of the world's top movie stars rode around on Vespa scooters. Charlie Chaplin, Ursula Andress and Louis Armstrong all owned a Vespa. More recently the Vespa is favoured by Jamie Oliver, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke was even arrested for drink driving whilst on his Vespa !

2008 is proving to be a particularly successful year for Vespa scooters as it benefits from the rising popularity of scooters across the globe. Scooters are far more economical than cars, able to deliver between 70 - 120 miles to the gallon (an average family car would probably reach 40 miles to the gallon) ! In today's climate of volatile oil prices then it's not difficult to see why scooters are considered the greener alternative for the city commuter.

In London, scooters are also exempt from the congestion charge and cost less to put on the road than motor cars. If you work in the city then a scooter could be the answer to your commuting problems.

And with inner city driving then a scooter is an ideal way to get to work. No more wasted hours queuing in traffic jams and that wonderful feeling of satisfaction as you overtake all the standing cars to get to the front of the traffic queue.

The smaller sized Vespa's come in 50 cc and 125 cc categories and the minimum age to ride one is 16 years old and 17 years old respectively.

Anything above that and you are looking at a "motorcycle class" licence i.e. 150 cc upwards. Unlike 50 cc scooters which are factory restricted to a top speed of 30 miles per hour the more powerful scooters such as a 150 cc or a 250 cc perform at the same levels as a motorbike.

With motorists being taxed off the road in recent years then a scooter makes a very sensible alternative even if only used for commuting. If you are tempted with scooters then Vespas are believed to be the "Rolls Royce" of scooters and with Vespa accessories such as goggles and Vespa style open faced helmets on the market you will also be the coolest cat in town.

electric mobility scooters

Electric Mobility Scooters 101 - Getting The Right One
By Kelly Price

Electric mobility scooters are versatile, convenient and a must have to increase the quality of your life and help you maintain independence.

Fast becoming an essential for daily mobility, electric mobility scooters come in a range of shapes, sizes and prices to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of investing in an electric mobility scooter for yourself or a loved one.

Electric Mobility Scooters – The benefits
Whether you are getting on in age or simply have mobility issues due to illness, owning an electric mobility scooter will allow you greater access to a range of activities that you may not have been able to enjoy previously.

Other benefits include:
• Returning to activities you may have had to give up
• The ability to move around the house and outdoors as you choose
• Feel more independent as you no longer have to rely on others in order to get out and about
• As electric mobility scooters increase in popularity, they are also becoming less expensive making them a very viable option

Electric Mobility Scooters – Things to Consider
There are currently a vast range of electric mobility scooters available today on the market and choosing the right one can be difficult.
Some of the models available include:
• Petite Scooters
• Two Seater Scooters
• Foldable Mobility Scooters
• Scooters with oxygen holders
• Three and Four-Wheel Electric Scooters
• Scooters with headlights and baskets
• Heavy-Duty Electric Scooters

Other things to consider will be size, weight, color and battery capacity.
Electric mobility scooters with three wheels will typically be lighter in weight than a four wheel scooter, although four wheeled scooters may offer better balance, particularly when maneuvering around corners at speed!

Most electric mobility scooter manufacturers or distributors will have professionally trained staff on hand able to assess your needs and make sure you select the best electric mobility scooter for you.
Once you have made your choice, be sure to test drive your scooter to make sure it is the right shape, size and fit.

How Does an Electric Mobility Scooter Differ From a Wheelchair?
Electric mobility scooters can be operated indoors or outdoors and provide as much mobility as a wheelchair however electric mobility scooters are easier to manage because of the scooters front steering tiller.

Making the Move to Mobility
Whether you’re getting on in age and just want to increase your mobility, or you are disabled and view owning an electric mobility as a means of improving your quality of life, purchasing an electric mobility scooter will be one of the best investments you have ever made.
With electric mobility scooters getting faster and lighter and all you have to do is plug in and go, what are you waiting for?

Invest in an electric mobility scooter today and hit the streets today and enjoy new found independence with your new mobility scooter.

electric scooter

Top 10 Electric Scooters
By Johnny Mixx
What caused the increase in popularity of electric scooters? In recent years, electric motor and battery technology has advanced tremendously. Today's LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) have clear advantages over fossil fuel powered vehicles in the areas of performance, ease of use and operating costs.

"Green is in" ... a lot of people have become environmentally-friendly these days. You can say that it has now become trendy and chic to travel in these "green" modes of transportation.

Pollution free ... Because electric vehicles run on batteries and do not burn fossil fuels as their main system of propulsion, they provide the opportunity to reduce your personal environmental impact and improve local air quality.

Quiet ... There's nothing better than cruising down the streets and the only thing you hear is the wind blowing in the air. Electric motors are quiet and give you an entirely different feeling when riding. Many gas-powered personal vehicles are louder than lawn-mowers. Quiet electric vehicles seem to glide down the road with ease and are welcomed in most communities.

Whatever your reason may be for choosing to purchase an electric scooter, I have compiled a list that you may find helpful in narrowing down your choices. In no particular order, the top 10 electric scooters are:

1. Vectrix Maxi-Scooter VECTRIX is the acronym for: Vehicle, Electronic, Commuter, Transformation, Revolution, Innovation, X factor, and was started by a number of engineers. The big news here is the nickel metal hydride battery, because with any electric vehicle, it's only as good as the battery inside. The V1 model ($11,000) is currently available in a two-wheeled scooter as opposed to the three-wheeled V3 model (which won't be available until later this year and will be priced at $15,000). The V3 has two wheels mounted in the front for better handling and stability. Sophisticated design advancements of the sharp, striking Vectrix include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling. The Vectrix is virtually silent and highly efficient-a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent. For consumers with urban commutes, Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Fast acceleration and handling make it easy and safe to zip in and out of traffic. Plus, an onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just two hours. Features of the Vectrix Maxi-Scooter include: - goes 0 to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds - top speed of 62 mph - range of 70 miles on a single charge We feel that the Vectrix electric scooter is the wave of the future and will revolutionize the electric scooter industry. Vectrix was named as one of MSN's bikes of the year in 2007. Designed with looks in mind, the Vectrix is responsive, good-looking, reliable and fun to ride.
2. Go-Ped ESR 750 The Go-Ped ESR family consists of the following models: ESR 750, ESR 750EX and ESR 750H. The Go-Ped ESR750 simply is in a class of its own and no scooter in the market comes close to its build quality, power, performance and stylish design. Its durability, reliability and impeccable performance without compromising on any details makes it one fo the top electric scooters. Not to mention it is an environmentally friendly alternative mode of transportation as well. The ESR750 is the most cutting edge, reliable and versatile electric scooter in the market today. The Go-Ped ESR750 EX is equipped with larger sealed lead acid batteries, which deliver a range increase of more than 50% over the standard ESR750 stock range and duration. The ESR750EX will provide users with an impressive 12+ mile range in Economy mode - a top speed of 12 mph - and up to an 8 mile range in Turbo Mode, which allows users to reach a top speed of 20 mph. It is ideal for Electric enthusiasts and scooterists looking for an electric scooter with an excellent range. In addition to it's unmatched power, reliability and performance, it is compact and easy to carry. The Go-Ped ESR750H Hoverboard electric scooter is based on the highly regarded and award winning GoPed ESR750EX , but incorporating the amazing Cantilevered Independent Dynamic Linkless Indespension (C.I.D.L.I.) suspension system featured on their highly successful off road products such as the Trail Ripper and Riot mini motorcycle. This two wheeled sensation will quietly, efficiently and effortlessly move riders of up to 400 lbs above the ground with the sensation as if they were magically levitating on a cloud. The ESR750H Hoverboard offers 2.7" of suspension travel in the front and 3.5" of suspension travel in the rear. This hover system is adjustable from "plush to firm" to accommodate and suit all rider preferences.
3. HCF 737 Pacelite The HCF 737 Pacelite Electric Scooter is a long-lived, well-built scooter. This is one of the few electric scooters that powers up quickly from a full stop, then can take on hills without hesitation. The HCF 737 Pacelite is a great commuter scooter, folding up for easy storage and transport. Given its speed, power, weight and reliability, both the beginner and experienced rider can appreciate its performance. It is a very light scooter - only 59 pounds with the battery, and will easily fit in the trunk of your car. Traveling at a top speed of 15mph, the HCF 737 Electric Scooter will go distances of up to 12 miles on a charge. Adjustable handlebars allow you to customize your ride for maximum comfort. And the removable seat and folding frame lets you take this electric scooter practically anywhere you want. This is one of the few electric scooters that offers full front and rear suspension for a smooth ride no matter what the terrain.
4. Zapino Electric Scooter ZAP is the acronym for: Zero Air Pollution and they recently introduced their new Zapino electric scooter. Not only economical and eco-friendly, the Zapino is powerful with an advanced 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, perfect for city commuting. Able to reach speeds of 30 mph, the Zapino will be able to keep up with city traffic without contributing to city pollution. The rear wheel hub motor on the Zapino creates more room on board for additional batteries and performance. This creative drive system eliminates the need for belts or chains lowering it's overall maintenance. It also delivers a more enjoyable ride because it is practically silent. It accelerates smoothly with no shifting and has no engine vibration - just good, eco-friendly clean fun. There is an optional upgrade, with Lithium batteries, that will boost the range up to a very respectable 65 miles from the 30 miles that come from the standard batteries.
5. Forsen Hummer The Forsen Hummer is the first compact scooter in the business to offer room for 2 riders. These scooters are made for older teens and adults who want reliable short-to-medium range transportation that is not limited by hills. The Forsen scooter is street legal and complies with USA DOT guidelines (headlight, brake light, and turn signals). The Forsen Hummer is a heavy duty electric scooter capable of traveling at 28-33 mph with a range of 25 miles for a 175-lb. rider. With it's 1000-watt motor combined with 100-amp controller, this scooter really can handle two riders (total weight of 350 lbs.) with no problem. Range of 25 miles comes via a 24V/40Ah battery supply which is 3-4 times larger than most scooters. Easily handles most off road conditions. Features include full suspension, front disk brake, flat-proof tires, and a fast battery charger (4 hours or less).
6. eGo Cycle 2 LX The eGO LX is designed for daily commuters and errand runners who will be driving in moderate to heavy traffic. The LX is fully equipped for registration in any state and provides the same range and speed as the eGO Classic. In the GO FAST mode, top speed is 24 mph, electronically limited. Zero to 20 mph in less than 4 seconds. In the "GO FAR" mode, top speed is 17mph, and acceleration is smooth and simple. Using a single battery pack, range is 20-25 miles in the "GO FAR" mode and 15-20 miles in the "GO FAST" mode. The eGO Cycle climbs up hills with ease. It will climb a 15% grade at 18 mph with a 170lb rider. The heart and soul of the eGO is a tough DC motor designed specifically for the eGO Cycle. It's powerful enough to pull heavy riders up big hills. The soft ride of the eGO cycle 2 is the result of a custom front dual spring suspension fork. The eGO Cycle LX uses a quiet belt drive transmission that requires no lubrication and is nearly silent.
7. Motorino XPi The Motorino XPi is the next generation bicycle/scooter model. Built on a motorcycle frame, it has motorcycle grade 3.5" wide wheels which makes it very stable in any weather condition. With the pedals on, it is classified as a bicycle and does not need to be licensed or registered. If you take the pedals off the scooter, it becomes a LSM (low speed motorcycle) and you need to have it licensed and insured. Its motor is uniquely built with oversized rare earth magnets, which increases the torque and efficiency. You can feel this when you start - it accelerates for 5 seconds to 32km/h. The regenerative brake also returns more power in the battery when braking. Its hydraulic front suspension absorbs any vibration and makes the ride very smooth and comfortable.
8. Numo Cruiser LX Designed for electric enthusiasts and commuters, the Cruiser LX Electric Scooter is a new generation PEV (personal electric vehicle). The Numo Cruiser answers the faultss of today's electric scooters and sets new standards for scooter performance. Most electric scooters today have two serious flaws: short range and poor hill climbing ability. The Cruiser LX has a maximum range of 30 miles and the motor controller enables the Cruiser LX to climb 20% grade hills! The Cruiser LX features adjustable rear suspension. You can adjust stiffness to suit your comfort level.
9. iZIP Fusion NuVinci CVP The iZIP Fusion NuVinci CVP Drive electric scooter delivers a totally unique riding experience with it's incorporation of cutting-edge CVP (continuously variable planetary) technology. The IZIP Fusion NuVinci uses both the patented Currie Electro-Drive system and the NuVinci CVP, leveraging the benefits of both technologies by creating an automatic, multi-gear drive system that will enhance the performance, range and ability to handle hills and higher weights without stalling. The motor is from an Alloy Finned Hi-Torque DC Neodymium Magnet Motor which generates 1000W of power. The Fusion NuVinci has a maximum range of 25 miles. It features three 15Ah valve regulated, exceptional deep discharge recovery rechargeable batteries for a maximum speed of 15 mph.
10. EVT America Z-20 The EVT Z-20 scooter is powered by a 60-volt 2500-watt brushless hub motor that can zip you along at up to 45 miles per hour for between 40 and 50 miles. The result is a very impressive performance. The motor controller regulates and efficiently administers the electric power that is fed into the motor based on its performance needs and driver requirements. It regulates the speed and torque of the motor while monitoring its performance. The Z-20 is the ideal commuter vehicle to have. Features include: 10 inch wheels (rim) and 3.5 inch wide tires to provide traction and stability, front and rear disc brakes, double front and rear shock absorbers

go cart

Go Cart Racing-Sprints and Long Distance
By Mitch Johnson

Auto racing has become a popular sport among both the drivers and the spectators and the appeal of the sport continues to attract more people as the diversity within grows as well. The span of vehicles types drivers race ranges from all terrain vehicles to Nascar and Indy racecars and everything in between. Among the large selection of automobiles being raced are go-carts, which have diversity within themselves. Go cart racing may be done on a homemade, makeshift track or races are taken to the “street” on professionally established, asphalt tracks.

Like any of the vehicles popularly driven in auto races, go carts are driven in different styles of races, depending on the type of cart you are driving. Go carts with small, compact, aerodynamic and low to the ground characteristics are the type you will see competing in short distance sprint races, sometimes referred to as “Fast and the Furious” racing. These races are traditionally 3/8 to ¾ of a mile in distance.

Nascar racing, another style of go cart competitions, attracts many people because it closely imitates real Nascar racing by using an oval asphalt track. The Nascar go-cart races are also sprints ranging from 1/10 to ¼ of a mile long. Nascar and Indy go cart racing are popular among participants not only because the race track style is similar to the actual races, the race imitations also pleases drivers because the cart designs resemble that of real one or two seater Nascar and Indy racecars.

The last commonly known style of go cart racing takes a complete 180 degree turn to give you long distance, or “enduro,” carting. Enduro cart racing is largely a test of a go-cart’s capabilities. The races may last more than five miles, which is an unusual distance to drive most go-carts in one race. Some “enduro” races last hours and require teams in order to have driver switches.

Any of these three go cart race styles will most likely be found at established racetracks during scheduled events that may bring hundreds of registered participants. Professional and amateur drivers usually bring their own, often customized, go carts, depending on the level of competition expected. Across the nation are many professional and amateur established go cart tracks that are hosts to the race events, but “just for fun” go cart tracks are also available for families or newly interested go cart racers.

These tracks have rental go carts to allow their customers the experience of amateur cart riding. Races are not the norm at tracks for this purpose, however, some scheduled family events or race days let participants rent a go cart for scheduled races that are classified by age, experience level, cart type and race distance. At larger, more frequented tracks you will usually find a better selection of go-cart rentals. Any go-cart rental track has typical stock carts, but some allow you the choice of two seater carts, Indy pacer imitation carts or Nascar style go-carts.

dirt bikes

Hunting Down A Reliable High-Quality Dirt Bike Manufacturer
By Stephen Barksdale

Dirt Biking has always been a popular sport among the young and old alike but in recent years, more and more kids, elderly people and women are taking up dirt bike riding as a recreational sport. Now, how does this translate into a viable business for a dirt bike dealer? A big market to tap into, of course! Many people want to enter the dirt bike dealership business but hesitate because lack knowledge about the dirt biking industry.

But now we know that the market for dirt bike dealership is HUGE. One thing you have to bear in mind, if you’re looking around for a dirt bike manufacturer, is that you have to find one that produces top quality dirt bikes! No two ways about it. The reason is because you want to bring only high quality dirt bikes to your customers and if the dirt bike manufacturer produces low quality dirt bikes, you won’t be able to retain your regular dirt bike customers.

If you take a look around at some of the dirt bike dealers around your area, you’ll notice that most of them offer small dirt bikes made for young kids as young as 4-years-old. Yes, that is how young dirt bike fans are getting these days. Many dirt bike dealers also hold a lot of dirt bikes designed for ladies who keen on taking up the sport.

Opening a dirt bike retail shop is an important step and it’s essential to your business that you develop a stable and long-lasting working relationship with your preferred ATV manufacturer. Having a stable source for your dirt bike supply ensures the smooth-flowing running of your business. When you get regular dirt bike customers coming to your store, they do expect a certain level of consistency in your supply.

Upon checking and confirming that the dirt bike manufacturer is reliable, it wouldn’t be wise to sign on the dotted line without going through the contract with a lawyer. This ensures that if there are loopholes in the contract, it can be fixed right from the start. For a business relationship for your dirt bike business to go on properly, you should ensure that there’s constant communication between you as a dirt bike dealer and the manufacturer. There should be someone responsible for your account and the communication should always be prompt.

As you can see, there are many intricate details regarding your dirt bike dealing business to iron out before you sign a contract with a dirt bike manufacturer. As long as you nail as many potential problems as possible right from the start, your dirt bike dealing business should be a profitable and prosperous one.