I have a Yamaha scooter I bought several years ago but haven't really used it. I am looking to bring it down when I move into another apartment over the summer, and use it for transport in the inner city here. It gets 80 MPG and has a two or three gallon tank so it will be REALLY useful on trips where I don't want to drive my SUV to work or to the store, and when a bike isn't that feasible. Some questions -

 

1. What is the best method of storage at home?

2. What is the best method of parking it at ... say, a grocery store?

I think the storage at home is key to making it work.  The best option is a small yard or covered porch that you can drive into.  I don't have that option, and thus it is a pain getting it in and out and up and down two steps makes me much less likely to use it.

1) I park in a garage. If no garage I would lock it up and throw a cover over it, depending on where you live. If you live in an apartment with a garage or carport, you may be able to talk management into letting you stash it somewhere out of the way for little or no cost. This is the best option.

2) Ohio law treats all scooters, even 49cc as a motorcycle, as such you are required to have licencing, tags, registration etc. Therefore you have the same rights and laws are a 4 wheeler. So you can and should park it in a legal parking space when available.

 

While probably not best practice, I have treated it like a bicycle in certain situations. Not just for my convenience, but also I am sure much to the happiness of cage drivers who need a parking spaces.  I have stashed it in alleys flush against a wall for instance.  I just make sure I would not block a path of someone on a wheelchair or anything. In what city are you going to be living? 

 

 

I have had a scooter in the downtown CBD and inner city for 7 years. Out of sight is always a plus, but I have had no problems (knock on wood) parking my scooter in front of my house or behind it without even locking it. If somebody wants your scooter they will get it if persistant if thery have the right tools and getaway vehicle, Layers of security give you a better chance of never losing it.  I know of only 4 people in cincinnati area who have had their scooters stolen, all were recovered but 1.

 

When at a grocery store park right up near the front of the store, but ALWAYS off to side to not impede the flow of pedestrians, this includes sidewalks. At Findlay market always put it out right in view and be a regular customer of a vendor nearby, they will watch out for you. I had some children sit on mine and accidentally knock it over.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Oh not to scare you but check this out!  An extra layer of security might have helped(like a chain).

 

that's awful. Although that also demonstatres a good parking tip-you can squeeze in front of car along the street. I never squeeze close BEHIND anyone though-they can back over you. I have not chained my scooter in Cleveland (do on vacation though). Mostly it is not left out too long in unsecured areas. Leaving it overnight outside unlocked is asking for trouble, although I know of plenty of people that have had U locks and chains cut. you just never know. to my knowledge no one has ever tried to take it when it was parked. The spouse had someone mess with his once-we think at Daves in OC. I did have someone chase me on foot once as well-also in OC, but of course the scooter out ran them and I think it had nothing to do with the scooter. Other than that I go around the inner city daily in warmer weather months with no problem at all.

I should mention the scooter I leave outside unlocked is a huge heavy old 250cc honda worth about $400....maybe... :-)

Maybe if someone who saw them stealing the bike would have killed them, less people would have their bikes stolen.