Scooterists sing praises of thrifty transport

10:45 AM CDT on Thursday, August 25, 2005

By STEVE STOLER / WFAA-TV

Sky high gas prices are driving motorists to motorcycles.

The Motorcycle Industry Council says sales have doubled since 2000, to about 86,000 units last year.

North Texas motor scooter dealers say soaring gas prices are also boosting their sales. University Scooters in Dallas specializes in Italian-made Vespas, with four models ranging from $3,000 to $6,200.

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Shelly Mutchler says she also pays less for insurance.

They are certain to ease your Pain @ the Pump; the Vespa GT-200 has a 2.5 gallon tank. At current prices, that's only about $6.25 per fill up.

"I pay $3.30 and I can go 73 miles on it," said Shelly Mutchler, who traded in her Honda Accord for a Venice motor scooter.

Mutchler's scooter—with a list price of about $1,600—can't go much faster than 40 mph, so she stays off the highways. Her insurance premiums, monthly payments and gasoline bills are all cheaper.

"I feel really smart because I'm saving money," she said.

Lisa Escaloni and her husband bought scooters because they're fun. But they believe the new scooterists are all about watching their pocketbooks.

"They're finding out that not only is it economical and they're saving money... they are having fun," she said. "The fun factor can't be ignored."

Randy Campbell sold 18 Vespas in three days last week, a record at his dealership. "Our numbers this year are on pace to be at least 400 percent over what we did last year," he said. "Everybody who's coming into the store seems to be asking about 'How many miles per gallon do the scooters get?' now, versus 'What colors do you have?' and 'How fast will they go?'"

Josh and Emily Bailey asked those questions before they bought a new Vespa LX-150 this week. Josh traded in his Nissan Altima.

"With the price of gas, this is becoming a far better option for a regular commuting vehicle and everyday use kind of vehicle," Josh said.

Emily added there's no point to pay for a second family car. "There's a lot less to go wrong with a Vespa," she said.

E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com