Blogs

Your Next Scooter?

Wednesday, 15 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 1 minutes.

I came across this article by Yi Chen about a new and interesting electric scooter:

“Simply dubbed the Boxx, this electric vehicle rethinks the traditional design of motorbikes with a minimalistic and stylish approach. The square bike is built using light-weight aluminum and is strong enough to support 300 pounds of weight. It can travel up to 35 miles per hour and can go 80 miles with a single charge.”

You think you get some funny looks now?

Full article here.

Piaggio and Vespa Recall on Faulty Ignition Units

Tuesday, 14 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 1 minutes.

Piaggio have a recall on certain 2011–2012 Fly 50 4T four-valve scooters, 2010–2012 Vespa LX50 4T four-valve scooters and 2009–2012 Vespa S50 4T four-valve scooters due to a faulty ignition control.

Improper ignition timing might cause an engine to backfire into the air box, increasing the risk of a fire.

Piaggio will notify owners and dealers will replace the ignition control free. The recall is expected to begin Jan. 17, 2012.

Owners may contact Piaggio at 212-380-4433. Owners also may call National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236

Braking

Monday, 13 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 7 minutes.

Today, I’m going to talk about that all important aspect of scooter riding – effectively bringing our scoot – and ourselves – to a stop (hopefully at the same time).

Now, before we get started, I’d like talk about general stability on a scooter.

It is always worth bearing this in mind: A scooter is at its most stable when travelling at a constant speed in a straight line.

Why is that important to remember? Well, it’s because anything that causes us to deviate from that ideal condition is going to rob us of some stability. It is something we obviously can’t avoid, but it is worth keeping in mind so that as we are riding, we are continuously trying to keep the machine as near to that ideal as possible.

Positioning – Part One

Friday, 10 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 6 minutes.

I have briefly mentioned positioning in previous posts, but have not expanded on the subject. That is because it is a large subject with many facets. Too large, in fact, to be covered in one post. So, I am going to split the subject of positioning into many posts. But first, let me explain what positioning is:

**_Positioning is the art of using all the space available (usually) within your lane to ensure maximum visibility to other road users, provide maximum view for you, and to provide the safest way to negotiate a hazard.

The Rush to the Scooter

Thursday, 9 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 1 minutes.

Scooters are becoming increasingly popular as people look to cut costs and stretch their budgets, but could the boom spark safety problems?

The “What If” game, or “It’s OK to be the Eternal Pessimist”.

Wednesday, 8 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 5 minutes.

Today, I’m going to talk about a game I like to play while riding.

Now, granted, I may be easily amused, and it may never take the place of the License Plate Game, but this one may just keep you out of some nasty situations, and help keep the rubber side down on your beloved scooter.

Turn Signals, and Signal Reinforcement – From Both Sides of the Bars

Tuesday, 7 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 5 minutes.

Well, how much can there be to say about turn signals, right?

As it turns out, quite a lot.

The humble turn signal provides a lot more than just bling-bling and, when used correctly, it silently and efficiently announces our intended way through the urban jungle.

When used incorrectly, it is an invitation for disaster just waiting for a gullible victim to fall for its glittering deception.

Gas prices could spike 60 cents or more by May

Monday, 6 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 1 minutes.

Want to feel good about your choice of transport?

According to USA Today, prices at the pump are set to dramatically increase this spring.

Visibility on a Scooter. Z-motion, X-motion, and why cars pull out in front of us.

Monday, 6 February, 2012 by Alan Hearnshaw

Reading time: 5 minutes.

Anybody who has ridden a scooter or motorcycle for any appreciable amount of time knows the all-too-familiar feeling that we seem to be invisible on the road.

When the umpteenth person pulls across our path or pushes us out of our lane, it’s tempting (and quite natural) to get very annoyed at the distracted and inattentive driver. In this post, I hope to provide an insight into the psychology of visibility, and offer some tips which can help.

A Personal Story

Back in the mid-nineties, I was still living in England, and had been riding motorcycles and scooters daily for about nineteen years. I really thought I knew all there was to know about riding. What could anybody possibly tell me about riding after all these years?