Scooter sales zoom as drivers look for cheaper ways to get around

LYNNWOOD — When fuel prices get tough, the tough get scooting.

Woody Robinett has a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, which is useful for hauling everything from groceries to furniture. But the Tacoma gets about 22 miles per gallon, which hurts with gasoline prices well above $4 a gallon.

Last year, he bought a Honda scooter for his daily commute be­­­tween Lynnwood and Bothell, im­proving his average gas mileage to between 80 and 100 miles per gallon.

“It was kind of a mix between wanting to help the environment and wanting to help my wallet as well,” said Robinett, an ultrasound technician for Philips Healthcare.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

He’s not alone. Between 1997 and 2007, sales of new motor scooters rocketed from 12,000 to about 131,000. The average scooter rider is no longer a student or twentysomething looking for cheap transportation. Professionals and retirees are buying them as efficient alternative transportation.

Mike Mount, spokesman for the Motorcycle Industry Council, said U.S. sales of motor scooters in the first three months of this year were up 24 percent over the same period of 2007.

That’s not news to Pat Neland, sales manager at the Cycle Barn in Lynnwood. “There’s been a definite impact from fuel costs,” he said, estimating 99 percent of customers shopping for scooters or full-sized motorcycles, which still get 40 to 60 miles per gallon, mention that as a big issue.

His store sells Honda and E-Ton brand scooters, which start just below $2,000 and run to nearly $9,000.

“We have a lot of people coming in and saying, ‘You know, I take a pickup truck to work and it’s just costing me so much,’” said sales manager Thad Stanley at Everett Powersports, which also sells new and used scooters.

In addition to getting better gas mileage and creating less pollution than other vehicles, motorcycles and larger, highway-rated scooters can use the carpool lanes to avoid rush-hour backups, Stanley said.

One of Everett Powersports’ recent customers was Father Bryan Hersey, who bought a used Honda Ruckus for the short, frequent trips he makes between the rectory and his offices at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Everett. He was using his Jeep.

“The Jeep never even warmed up in that drive,” he said.

He experienced riding and driving motor scooters while studying in Rome, so he bought the Honda, which he figures he’ll need to fill up just once every three to four weeks.

As with other scooters with engines smaller than 50 cubic centimeters, Hersey didn’t need any special motorcycle endorsement on his driver’s license in order to drive it. Larger scooters, rated for highway use, still require that, however.

Some scooters don’t use any gasoline. Steve Ahmann, president of Everett-based Pacific Power Batteries, said he sold all but one of the few electric-powered Evader 1000 scooters he had in stock. Two went to Michael Smith, who works for the Chelan County Public Utility District in Wenatchee.

“It’s time to stop talking about electric vehicles, and time to start using one,” said Smith, who still needs to get his red scooter licensed before he parks his full-sized motorcycle and uses the electric vehicle instead for this commute. He’s already braced for derisive comments from a few co-workers, he said.

“Showing up to work in this little red scooter, I’m going from macho to mini,” he said.

But the scooter should work for his short commute — 2 1/2 miles each way — from his home to his office, he said. He may have to change his route slightly, though, as the scooter has a top speed of about 30 miles per hour. It can go about 30 miles on one charge.

Unlike the hot-selling gas-powered scooters elsewhere, Ahmann said the Chinese-made Evader scooters haven’t flown out of his store. Despite lowering the price to $1,500 each — below the wholesale cost — he still has one left.

“They scoot right along, they’re quiet, they’re a lot of fun,” Ahmann said.

Robinett’s scooter tops out about 45 mph, which means he also has to take back roads between Lynnwood and Bothell. Despite the slightly longer drive, he said he finds riding his scooter more relaxing than commuting in his pickup.

Since he bought his scooter last year, Robinett’s sister also has bought one. They notice many more scooters joining them as well.

“There’s just a huge amount of them out there,” he said.

Mount, from the Motorcycle Industry Council, said that as long as fuel prices remain relatively high — a trend that doesn’t show signs of reversing in a meaningful way — he thinks more commuters will abandon four-wheel vehicles in favor of two wheels.

“I think you’ll continue to see more two-wheel vehicles on the road, whether they’re motorcycles or scooters,” he said.

Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen goes through an informational slideshow about the current budget situation in Edmonds during a roundtable event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor recommends $19M levy lid lift for November

The city’s biennial budget assumed a $6 million levy lid lift. The final levy amount is up to the City Council.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Patrick Russell, left, Jill Russell and their son Jackson Russell of Lake Stevens enjoy Dick’s burgers on their way home from Seattle on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 in Edmonds, Washington. The family said the announcement of the Dick’s location in Everett “is amazing” and they will be stopping by whenever it opens in 2025. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Dick’s Drive-In announces details for Thursday’s grand opening in Everett

Dick’s will celebrate its second Snohomish County location with four days of festivities.

Washington’s Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits

The changes will take effect Jan. 1, but local governments get a decade to comply. For cash-strapped counties, it may not be enough time without more state aid.

Washington stuck mid-pack in national education ranking

The new report underscores shortfalls in reading and math proficiency. Still, the state’s top school official says data show progress recovering from the pandemic.

Marysville is planning a new indoor sports facility, 350 apartments and a sizable hotel east of Ebey Waterfront Park. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New report shifts outlook of $25M Marysville sports complex

A report found a conceptual 100,000-square-foot sports complex may require public investment to pencil out.

x
Edmonds seeks applicants for planning board alternate

The member would attend and participate in meetings and vote when another member is absent. Applications close June 25.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.