The Zonie Report, Oct. 1, 2008
TEMPE — Residents of urban Arizona cities are increasingly interested in scooters as a mode of transportation as economic strains grow nationwide.
Scooter Invasion, a scooter shop near Arizona State University in Tempe, opens a second location in Chandler today to offer more than just students a cheaper traveling solution.
With lower emissions than a car and an average of 120 miles per gallon, scooters provide a greener solution for trips between two blocks and two miles long.
Scooter Invasion owner Robert Walstrom says he first opened in 2003 and targeted local students. Two years later, the scooter trend began to kick in and spur steady sales.
Still, Walstrom says he was surprised at the ratio of student versus other clientele.
“About 20 to 30 percent of people interested [in scooters] are students,” Walstrom says. “The rest are families who are looking for a second [form] of transportation.”
With the recent craze of green solutions and rising gas prices, Walstrom found that his sales were increasing too. Insurance rates also played a role.
“Insurance is extremely low on scooters…and for our most popular scooter – the 49cc motor – only a driver’s license is required to drive it,” Walstrom says.
Scooters might not be right for some budgets or lifestyles, according to Charlene Bashore, a biochemistry senior at ASU who proudly rides her bicycle around campus.
“Bikes are cheaper and you get exercise, so it’s better for you,” Bashore says. “But I guess [a scooter] would be easier for some cases. It is hard to get groceries with a bike.”
Scooter prices range from $1,500 to $5,000. Walstrom sells between 30 and 50 scooters every month.
Walstrom and his son, who lives just across the street from the Tempe store, drive scooters around all the time. The only reason that he has to keep his truck around for deliveries and long trips, Walstrom says.
Many of his employees drive scooters to and from work, with the exception of those who live farther away.
“It’s just a good way to go,” Walstrom says.
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