I popped over to the only scooter rental shop I know of (scootabout over in greenlake in seattle) and despite the rain they were open!

I rented a Vespa scooter for an hour. Zipped up and down the side streets with my fiance (she rented one, too), eventually getting the courage to cross a main street, then to drive on a main street moving at about 35 mph.

Talk about exhilarating! At 32 years old I didn't know I was capable of regressing to the mental state of a 10 year old with his first bike. I haven't had this much fun since I learned to ride a bike, or drove my first car!

I didn't have gloves, was poorly dressed for the weather, but I didn't feel the rain or the cold. I'm definitely looking forward to owning a scooter.

(we'll see how I feel after commuting around Seattle in the rain for a few thousand miles!)

If you end up buying a Vespa be sure to join the Vespa Club Of Seattle. And I'll see you on te road regardless.

Victor

Some tips:
Do as much research on the different scooters and prices as possible.
Any good dealer will let you test ride, try before you buy!
If it isn't already compulsory in your state, do a motorcycle training
course. The lessons and skills you will be taught will hopefully save
pain, misery and money.

Oh, the fun you felt from riding a scooter doesn't go away.

I felt/feel the same way. I had rented scooters many times while visiting friends in Key West but it wasn't until this past September when I bought my own did I *really* realize how much fun they are.

Good luck and remember, set aside some cash for GOOD safety gear! People in cars/trucks WON'T see you on a scooter. Make sure to put that into the budget when you are looking at your
"scooter fund".

Stay safe!

I still have my first bike, bought in the 60's.
I still get all giddy just sitting on it in winter when I can't ride.
It usually wins out over the sports car for quick fun.
Now, if I could just figure out how to fit it in the trunk
of the Healey when I head out of town on trips.