Using a Scooter/Vespa in Tucson? (buying, live, statistics)

[holamiis]

I'm hoping someone can give some advice on using a scooter in Tucson. I'll be moving to Tucson in April and am thinking of buying one for my daily commute of about 30 minutes each way. I don't know anything about Tucson or how this type of vehicle would work in the extreme heat or in monsoon season.

Any opinions?

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by holamiis

I'm hoping someone can give some advice on using a scooter in Tucson. I'll be moving to Tucson in April and am thinking of buying one for my daily commute of about 30 minutes each way. I don't know anything about Tucson or how this type of vehicle would work in the extreme heat or in monsoon season.

Any opinions?

Tough to respond, Holamils . . . without knowing your commute route?

Personally, I would not consider it mainly because there are far too many "crazies" on the road nowadays, however, if you are able avoid the major streets it may be possible.

Remember, the Monsoons are usually in the Late Afternoon and rarely last very long so it would be possible to wait one out.

[KarmaPhx]

What are you going to do when it rains? Doesn't seem like it would be fun to drive during the rain, especially in high wind during a monsoon.

I would be more worried about the other drivers, it would not be very safe, especially in Tucson.

[Emeraldmaiden]

My husband rides a small motorcycle (Honda Rebel 250), and has no trouble in Tucson. Obviously, you have to be an aware rider, and pick your routes, but both are well within what I'd consider normal safety guidelines. I pick *my* routes for safety and ease of travel, and I drive a car!

If you get stuck in monsoon rain, you can just congregate with the motorcyclists and scooter riders under the nearest protection (underpass, awning, what have you). For summer riding, it's best to have summer riding gear; you want to be protected from injury without heatstroke from heavy clothing.

HTH

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by holamiis

I don't know anything about Tucson or how this type of vehicle would work in the extreme heat or in monsoon season.

I ride a Motorcycle. I have to tell you, during the heat times, when 110 degrees is not unusual, my bike is parked. During monsoon season, when a storm hits, it is usually for short duration so, if I were riding, I would park (and cover) the bike - sit in a resturant with a nice cool drink, and wait for the storm to pass.

In other words, have an alternate means of transportation - "Just in case"

The good part is, when the sun goes down, it becomes a nice time to ride.

Good luck

[smarty]

Here are some interesting statistics

Motor Vehicle Division


I agree with Greatday... Options... my friend... options...

[holamiis]

Hey thanks guys! I appreciate it. For the most part, it looks like I would take Broadway Blvd. from Houghton to just past I-10. Eh, maybe I'll sissy out and get a car.....

Thanks again!

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by holamiis

Hey thanks guys! I appreciate it. For the most part, it looks like I would take Broadway Blvd. from Houghton to just past I-10. Eh, maybe I'll sissy out and get a car.....

Thanks again!

I suggest you sissy out if you'd like to stay alive!

[Emeraldmaiden]

Originally Posted by holamiis

Hey thanks guys! I appreciate it. For the most part, it looks like I would take Broadway Blvd. from Houghton to just past I-10. Eh, maybe I'll sissy out and get a car.....

Thanks again!

I'd take one of the secondary streets rather than Broadway, personally. Fifth is a nice pleasant drive, I think. The speed limit is 30 mph, but it's still a much smoother drive than Broadway, IMO. My car's a stick shift, so I value a smooth drive!

[Spot]

I ride a motorcycle frequently in Tucson and I think that if you are seriously facing a 30 minute commute, you will be better off with an economical car. A scooter would be handy if you lived in the downtown/UofA area and are only riding it around down there. Once you get outside of downtown, it's just not practical (or safe) in my opinion. Good luck!