Scooting past sky-high gas prices

A pickup truck, motorcycle, six bicycles and a scooter sit in George Hunter's garage and driveway.

But for the retired schoolteacher, the scooter is the preferred choice.

"The scooter is just the best choice for what I need -- it's cheap on gas and easy to get around in," the 61-year-old said.

According to Roanoke Valley bike merchants, Hunter is just one example of the scooter craze in America that is infiltrating Southwest Virginia.

The number of registered motorcycles and scooters in Virginia increased 81 percent from 2001-07 to 166,806, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Their low price, low maintenance and high fuel mileage have caused an average of a 50 percent sales increase on scooters and motorcycles, according to three area dealers.

Sales on brand-name scooters such as Honda, Yamaha, Vespa and Suzuki rose 24 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council trade group.

Michael Bower, general manager at Star City Powersports on Peters Creek Road, said on Friday that he had one scooter left and anticipates a new shipment.

This two-wheeler trend can be seen across the board, from the smallest motor scooters that don't require a license or insurance to small motorcycles.

The fuel-stingy scooters have a 50cc engine and can get anywhere from 75 to 100 miles per gallon. Their prices are as low as $1,300 and they require no insurance. Most of these scooters max out at 30 mph, though, making interstate driving impossible.

Larger scooters are also available that have more powerful engines that can reach 60 to 80 mph. They require a license but not insurance. They cost between $5,500 and $7,500.

The two-wheeler selling season usually begins toward the end of February and drops off toward the beginning of the summer, dealers say.

However, with fuel prices pushing $4 a gallon, the Roanoke bike shop owners say they think they will continue to see high sales throughout the summer.