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Keith McCord ReportingHigh gasoline prices are prompting a lot of us to re-examine our driving habits. For some, that means buying a scooter that gets great mileage.
With gasoline prices high and likely going higher, drivers are putting away the guzzlers and buying scooters. They're sporty, stylish, and they'll go a long way on a gallon of gas.
Ben Henderson, Owner, Hilltop Cycle & Sales: "You're typically seeing 60 to up above 80 miles per gallon, on the average."
Ben Henderson owns Hilltop Cycle in Salt Lake and he says business is brisk, and skyrocketing gasoline prices is the reason. But he's also seeing a downside.
Ben Henderson: "Bikes like these are getting so popular, they're starting to show up on internet sites, and that's where problems can begin."
Henderson says there are hundreds of manufacturers in China flooding the market with small scooters. And he warns, because of the huge demand, many are being sold on websites with no dealer affiliation, warranty information, and in some cases, no access to spare parts.
Ben Henderson: "I have been working diligently for over six months trying to find parts for this bike. I've actually contacted the distributors, and it's excuse after excuse, and it's a nightmare."
After finding it on a website, the buyer assembled the machine at home and drove it only one mile before he had to bring it in.
Ben Henderson: "It's unfortunate that there are online sales going on, and people are getting stung left and right." Q-If you buy online, buyer beware? "Buyer beware. Yes."
Henderson tells prospective customers that one way to check to see if a scooter is made by a reputable manufacturer, is to see if it's listed in the NADA or Kelley Blue book pricing guides. If they are, put in a gallon of gas and take it for a long ride!
