Scootblog.com

Can your scooter do this?

If your stuck in the house and unable to ride during the winter, I’ve found that staying in shape and planning future rides can help with the doldrums. On MTBR.com, (MountainBikeReview) you can scout trails to attack once spring arrives and even read reviews of current conditions. While this is a database of trails used for mountain biking, there is usually enough information to determine if the ride would be possible on a scoot. (I’ve yet to find a trail I couldnt ride on my scooter!)

MTBR Trail Database

Heres a 1950’s Pranafa “Playboy” Scooter that is being restored. Originally manufactured in Germany, these scoots came with 16cc engines and sold for $109. Damn… the good ol’ days.

Here is an article with a little history on Diggler and a review of some of their older models. The OMS and OMS Pro have been replaced by the Alpha Dawg, the Diggler DSK (Disc Brakes), and the Diggler FS (Full Suspension).  The “Cement Mixer”, which was a full blown, street/bmx style scoot with footpegs, grindplate, and a detangler is discontinued. 

Eager to join in the increasing popularity of Scooter racing, IKSA (The Intl.Kicksled & Scooter Assoc.), is promoting two Scooter races in London to coincide with the Tour De France depart. Beginning on Sunday July 8th, 2008, two races will be held at Hyde Park, in London. The course will be a 3.5km circuit around Serpintine Lake. Two different races will be held; a 7km Circuit Race (2 laps) and a 1km Sprint. More info can be found here.  

Bike Biz.com, a website that caters to bicycle retailers, posted this article in June about the increasing popularity of scooters in Europe and abroad. The article indicates that retailers expect scooter sales to grow around 30% over the next year. Combine this information with the news that far-east manufacturing costs for bicycles are increasing and you might the notion that scooters are about to get even more popular as they cost less to produce than actual peddled bikes.

Heres a link to a review of two popular scooter models. This side by side comparison gives good examples of the differences between the two and highlights some the strengths of each. I want one of each.

http://www.the-vu.com/Scoot_Human.htm

Take a look at Rob, the designer and owner of Diggler Scooters, zipping around on one of his electric models. I think this is the one that goes about 40 mph. It’s hard to get a sense of the speed this can reach because there’s no traffic to gauge against in the video, however, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to Rob about this model and he assures me you wont get sucked up by traffic off the start. Im anxious to give it a test… It looks like a blast!    

This is my new blog about scooters and kick bikes. If you haven’t seen or ridden a “scooter” in a while, you might be surprised by the advancements. Beginning in ‘08, I am making an effort to drive less and exercise more, and I will be sharing my experiences here.