Gas prices! Traffic! Parking! Thinking about an alternative form of transportation in Boston? Think about a 49cc scooter!
Don’t let anyone talk you into anything bigger. The point of the 49cc scooter in Massachusetts is:
it’s a moped
needs no insurance
no motorcycle license
can be parked on the sidewalk
ridden in the bike lane or on the street
costs $40 for a 2 year registration sticker.
*If you get anything bigger, it counts as a motorcycle.*
Once you find one, I might be able to go with you to get it. If not, make sure you tell the dealer that you plan to register it as a moped (you have the option to do either). That way they won’t do all the plate and registration stuff.
Nobody that works in any of the dealerships knows anything about scooters. You pretty much need to know what you want, see if they have it, walk in, pay, and walk (or scoot) out. The prices are pretty much non-negotiable because they’re in such high demand and they don’t make much off them. A lot of places (especially close to the city) also charge a $99 prep fee, which is total bs. North Reading Motorsports doesn’t – it’s small and family owned (Fred and his son, Fred). I would recommend them (978-664-5461).
I would only buy a Honda or Yamaha and buy it new – they’ll really maintenance free. The used ones don’t save you much money (also, if you ever sell it, you can see by the used prices that you can get back almost what you paid for it – especially with gas prices now).
Good Boston 49cc blog post here:
and here:
Let me know if / when / where you’re going to buy it – we’ll get the gang goin’!
