Don’t Commute … Scoot!

Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycle

It appears that Best Buy will start selling Brammo Electric Motorcycles in some of their west coast stores in May. Here’s the story.

Do you think they should start doing that here in NY? Should Urban Village Scooters try to start selling them? Let me know!

National Public Radio (NPR) earlier today broadcast this interview with Mike Frankovich, owner of NoHo Scooters (“Scooter pimp to the stars!”) in Hollywood, CA as part of its “Dispatches from the Downturn” series.

I had an opportunity to meet Mike last year at the Genuine Scooters Bootcamp. I’m kind of envious of his ability to place his scooters in movies and TV shows. He really knows his stuff!

Here’s the link to Dispatches From The Downturn: Scooter Sales. Give a listen and let me know what you think!

Here’s some incriminating evidence from Friday’s Tiki Party:

We managed to transform the showroom into a Tiki hut, complete with potted palms and grimacing idols.

In spite of near-blizzard conditions over two dozen scooter fans joined us.

A few people got into the spirit of thing and wore Hawaiian shirts.

An assortment of Buddies in different colors added to the festive atmosphere.

Some people just can't wait for spring!

With Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet playing in the background we were able to drive Winter away, at least for a little while. My thanks to everyone who joined us!

Let’s collect our mental energy to melt the snow and summon Spring!

We’re transforming Urban Village Scooters into a Polynesian Tiki Hut – complete with bamboo walls and a thatched roof (simulated, of course!)

You can help set the mood! Wear a Hawaiian shirt (or a grass skirt, if you like!) Prizes given for the best outfit.

We have free food (of course) and we’re offering 15% off everything in the shop.

As an added bonus, our first shipment of 2009 scooters is expected on Thursday, so come see what’s new from Genuine Scooters!

Remember, Tiki Party on Friday, Feb. 20, at Urban Village Scooters!

Lawmakers add tax cuts for cycles, RVs to stimulus

The Associated Press

Excerpt from the article:

“Under the stimulus legislation, purchasers of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles will be able to deduct the sales tax they pay through the end of this year, a provision with an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. Including recreational vehicles and motorcycles added about $100 million to the cost of the tax break, according to calculations based on revenue estimates by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.”

Ok, so you won’t get the money back until you file your taxes, but hey! An extra 8% can’t hurt! Check out the whole article for more details.

How many scooter models do you recognize in this?

Consumer Reports magazine has finally, after some two decades, done a review of scooters and motorcycles. (I feel like Rodney Dangerfield: “I don’t get no respect!”)

The online version of the article reserves the details for paid subscribers, but I have a copy of the printed version in the shop for anyone who wants to read it for themselves. This is not a comprehensive review, but rather a “get our feet wet” introduction to two wheeled transportation.

The article has prompted a fair amount of discussion in online scooter forums such as ScootDawg. While many people slam the article for being superficial, others are happy that scooters are finally getting recognition in mainstream media.

What do you think?