For the past few years I’ve talked about getting a scooter (aka moped) and driving it to work or a friend’s house etc. More specifically, I wanted a Vespa. I found a dealership in town last Friday that sells bright, shiny, new Vespa’s and was certain I needed to buy one right away. Guy and I spent the night searching Craigslist and didn’t find any good Vespa’s but did find some other good looking scooters. We talked some people down and ended up going and buying this on Monday:
I became the proud owner of a 2008 Andretti Benelli scooter with only 7 miles on it. Then I tried to ride it. The problem with the scooter is its height – I am much too short to reach the ground which makes it hard to hold the bike up to take off and even more difficult to stop it.
Last night I was determined to ride it and so we went to an empty, open parking lot. I got my barrings, took a deep breath and hit the gas. I took off steady and drove around the parking lot in a large circle and when I was getting close to my stop I hit the brakes and put my foot down and tipped it over, slamming myself and the bike into the ground. I had no real speed going but still fell quite hard. I cannot imagine what it would feel like to fall driving the speed limit.
For now, I am going to continue to keep myself on the back of the scooter, behind Guy and my hands of the gas. We’re going to look for a smaller scooter that will fit my size better. This one is just not for me!
Sher Bailey is a writer in the Midwest who believes the power of humor, Mod Podge, and grandkids can fix most problems in life. You can find her at SherBailey.com.
Congrats on the new scooter!!! Red is a great color..
Congrats on the new scooter!!! Red is a great color..
Congrats on the new scooter!!! Red is a great color..
Congrats new scooter mommy! With practice, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. 🙂
Ah! Glad you didn’t get hurt. Hopefully, practice will make perfect (and you won’t get hurt in the mean time!).
that is too funny! I can just picture you and Guy cruising around town on your mopeds!
Yikes. The world would be in danger if I got my hands on one of those.
Yikes! At least you look cute on it 🙂
Are you OK Baby?
Awww love it!
I had planned on buying a Sea Foam Green Vespa LX50 from a friend when I first got to Chicago – small, not too fast – perfect for city commutes to give my bicycle and public transportation a rest. I didn’t end up buying it, because I was unsure of where I’d store it throughout the winter…
I still think of that thing. One day, I will purchase it!
This one looks super powerful and huge – more like a motorcycle! Hope you get used to it! It would be great to have!
my brother has a vespa, and it’s really easy to ride…it’s very light. Be careful!
scooters are so cool!!!
too bad you don’t reach very well! i hope you find one that’s just your size!
i’m only 5’1 so most things are too high for me too!