As gas prices challenge historic highs, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) announced recently that sales for motor scooters jumped almost 50 percent (49.6) for the first three months of 2011.
According to Allstate Insurance, data suggests female riders may be leading the trend. Almost three times more women requested quotes for scooter insurance in 2010 versus men.
With the lines blurring between motorcycles and scooters based on engine size – some "maxi" scooters are equipped with up to 800cc engines – the primary difference between motorcycles and scooters is the "step-through" frame of the scooter.
"Americans continue to look for ways to trim their budgets and more are deciding two wheels cost less to drive than four," said Keith Rutman, vice president, consumer household unit for Allstate. "While economical and fun to drive, scooters can cost several thousand dollars. Adequate insurance coverage for the scooter and the driver are important and often-overlooked aspects of ownership."
Scooters typically cost less to insure than motorcycles, but there are factors to consider that can drive the price up or down, including age of the scooter, the experience of the rider, driving record and whether the driver has taken a safety-driving course.
Source: Allstate Insurance
