Welcome to the all-new FAQ section.
We hope that this is where you will find most answers to your questions. However, please don't hesitate to contact us if there's something we can help with, that isn't covered here. Thanks!
Do I need a motorcycle license?
The rules in NY and NJ are similar. In NY (and now also in NJ - see immediately below,) you can ride a 50cc scooter with just your drivers license provided the scooter does no more than 30 mph. Manufacturers install governors on most 50cc scooters we sell. We can remove these for people who have secured their motorcycle license, allowing most 50cc scooters to achieve speeds up to 45 mph. For all scooters greater than 50cc you will need a motorcycle license. NB* Our License page.
LATEST INFORMATION - NEW JERSEY LAW CHANGE
Low-speed motorcycles Basic auto license holders can operate a low-speed scooter without any endorsement or separate motorcycle license. Low-speed scooters are less than 50cc or have a 1.5 brake horsepower motor or less with a maximum speed no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface. Low-speed scooters may not be driven on any state toll road, limited-access highway or any public road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
How do I get a NJ motorcycle license?
Go to http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Motorcycle.htm and follow the instructions.
How do I get a NY motorcycle license?
Go to http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm and follow the instructions.
Can I take it on the highway?
That depends. In NY any motorcycle or scooter that is 250cc or greater can go on any highway. A scooter that is restricted should only be used on local roads and should keep to the right lane except when turning left. As a general rule, no scooter should be used on a road where they cannot attain the speed limit.
In NJ there are few rules, except that a scooter which cannot do 35 mph cannot be used on a road where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Both NY and NJ require liability insurance, which as a rule costs from $75 to $150 a year. If you purchase a more expensive scooter such as a Vespa GTS 300, you would probably want fully comprehensive insurance to cover collision, fire and theft.
Do I need to register the scooter?
Yes. Both NJ and NY require this. You can either do the DMV work yourself, or use our title service to take care of the paperwork for you. We charge $135 for this service.
How much does registration cost?
The cost varies from $105 to $165 depending on which State issued your drivers license and the time of year. All NY registrations expire on April 30th and depending on the month of your initial registration, the cost is pro-rated. NJ too has some variables. Please note that our title service does NOT include DMV expenses.
Can I ride out the same day I buy?
Yes, this happens all the time, but is dependent on various factors. First, every scooter we sell goes through a rigorous inspection and road test that takes about an hour and a half. We do not install batteries or put fuel in new scooters until they are sold, which ensures there is no gum in the fuel system and the battery is strong. This adds to the preparation time. If you purchase early enough in the day and the service bays are not too busy we can usually get this done the same day you buy. You would also need to have your insurance company fax the insurance card to us. We then issue a temporary plate and you are legal to ride out.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We have different programs for Vespa, Piaggio, Genuine and Peirspeed. The rates are very competitive and we can usually get an approval decision within 30 minutes.
Do you sell helmets?
Our in-store boutique has a large selection of riding apparel, helmets, gloves and other scooter related parts and accessories such as covers and locks.
Which scooter is right for me?
So much depends on the riding you are planning to do. If it’s just buzzing down to the store for a loaf of bread, a cup of coffee or going to the gym, a 50cc scooter may be all you need. If however you plan on saddling up with your significant other and heading into the country for a picnic, or maybe commuting to work and back on a regular basis, a 150cc scooter would have the power and speed to keep up with the traffic and roads you would encounter. More experienced riders and those with ambitions to tackle greater challenges would in general buy 300cc scooters which are legal for any road you may encounter.
How fast do these scooters go?
The following speeds are a reasonable expectation:
50cc restricted…………..30 mph
50cc unrestricted……… 40-45 mph
125cc-150cc……………….55-65 mph
250-300cc…………………..75-85 mph
>300cc……………………….90+ mph
Does this scooter ride one or two people?
With few exceptions, everything we sell can legally take a passenger. If however, both you and your passenger are of ample girth and decide to ride up a very steep hill on a 50cc scooter, expect an argument to ensue when you discuss who has to walk the rest of the way.
Can my child ride on the back?
In both NY and NJ, the rule is that their feet must reach the passenger footpegs. There are no specific age requirements that we are aware of. That said, we expect parents to exercise prudence and not push the boundaries of common sense. If taking the family is a priority, we suggest you contemplate a Genuine Stella scooter with a sidecar.
What is the maintenance on a scooter?
Not much differs from a car, but the first service should be done earlier than you would expect. Usually after 350 to 600 miles, an oil change and first service are needed. Then, every 3000 miles keeps you on top of service requirements. The rear tire will wear out quicker than a car tire because they are small, but other items such as brake pads, shock absorbers etc have a long life. Keeping the battery well charged takes a bit more effort and a trickle charger is a must for winter. Using fuel stabilizer for extended periods of lack of use will ensure the fuel system remains healthy.
Do you take trades?
Yes, providing it is a scooter or motorcycle.
I want to customize my scooter. Can you help?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your scooter special. Need more power? Fancy having your saddle recovered in red leather? Maybe adding a chrome kit or a racing stripe? Or even choosing a custom color to match your Lamborghini? We do it all.
How many scooters do you have in stock?
Our inventory is one of the largest around and although changing constantly, it is usually between 45 and 70 scooters. Why so many? Because it’s all about choice and we want our customers to get the make, model and color they desire without having to wait for a custom order to arrive.
My scooter got damaged. Do you do major repairs?
This is a specialty of ours. Whether it’s an insurance claim or you just want the road rash removed, we do full restorations of modern scooters including Genuine. Full paint jobs, partial re-spays, metal body work and more. We have even dismantled brand new Vespas, had them painted in a custom color and then rebuilt to better than new condition.
I need service work. Can you do it while I wait?
‘While you wait’ service must be scheduled in advance and cannot be done on a weekend unless it is ‘out of season’. You MUST speak with Charles to schedule your service work if you plan to wait.
I’m pretty handy with tools. Can I do my own service work?
We have many enthusiasts who do their own wrenching but it is important that before you start tinkering, you read the manufacturers requirements for warranty. Doing your own service work may invalidate the warranty of some manufacturers. You must dispose of used oil and filters in an environmentally friendly manner. IT’S THE LAW! We will accept old scooter oil and filters for recycling from our customers.
I don’t ride in winter. What do I need to do to my scooter?
As mentioned in a different FAQ, battery tender and fuel stabilizer are important. Also, fresh oils in the engine and transmission will reduce damage caused by contaminants over winter. Fill the fuel tank to the top to prevent condensation building up water in the fuel. Finally, start the scooter on a regular basis to move fuel through the system over time. If this all sounds like a big headache, check out our winter storage program and we can do all this for you as well as detail the scooter, store it for winter and perform a safety check in Spring.
I need winter storage. Can you help?
Our winter storage program is the best deal around for NYC residents and makes a lot of sense. When you are done riding for the year, we pick up in the City and deliver back to you once the weather improves. Our full service program includes cleaning the scooter, changing the oil, filter and transmission oil, stabilizing the fuel and keeping the battery charged. We even guarantee the battery. If it has failed by Spring, we just install a new one at no additional cost. And we do all of this for a one-time fee of just $349 plus NJ sales tax. Come May 1st, if you need more time the storage just rolls around to a monthly storage contract of $80 a month. And you were paying how much in NYC?
The rules in NY and NJ are similar. In NY (and now also in NJ - see immediately below,) you can ride a 50cc scooter with just your drivers license provided the scooter does no more than 30 mph. Manufacturers install governors on most 50cc scooters we sell. We can remove these for people who have secured their motorcycle license, allowing most 50cc scooters to achieve speeds up to 45 mph. For all scooters greater than 50cc you will need a motorcycle license. NB* Our License page.
LATEST INFORMATION - NEW JERSEY LAW CHANGE
Low-speed motorcycles Basic auto license holders can operate a low-speed scooter without any endorsement or separate motorcycle license. Low-speed scooters are less than 50cc or have a 1.5 brake horsepower motor or less with a maximum speed no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface. Low-speed scooters may not be driven on any state toll road, limited-access highway or any public road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
How do I get a NJ motorcycle license?
Go to http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Motorcycle.htm and follow the instructions.
How do I get a NY motorcycle license?
Go to http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm and follow the instructions.
Can I take it on the highway?
That depends. In NY any motorcycle or scooter that is 250cc or greater can go on any highway. A scooter that is restricted should only be used on local roads and should keep to the right lane except when turning left. As a general rule, no scooter should be used on a road where they cannot attain the speed limit.
In NJ there are few rules, except that a scooter which cannot do 35 mph cannot be used on a road where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Both NY and NJ require liability insurance, which as a rule costs from $75 to $150 a year. If you purchase a more expensive scooter such as a Vespa GTS 300, you would probably want fully comprehensive insurance to cover collision, fire and theft.
Do I need to register the scooter?
Yes. Both NJ and NY require this. You can either do the DMV work yourself, or use our title service to take care of the paperwork for you. We charge $135 for this service.
How much does registration cost?
The cost varies from $105 to $165 depending on which State issued your drivers license and the time of year. All NY registrations expire on April 30th and depending on the month of your initial registration, the cost is pro-rated. NJ too has some variables. Please note that our title service does NOT include DMV expenses.
Can I ride out the same day I buy?
Yes, this happens all the time, but is dependent on various factors. First, every scooter we sell goes through a rigorous inspection and road test that takes about an hour and a half. We do not install batteries or put fuel in new scooters until they are sold, which ensures there is no gum in the fuel system and the battery is strong. This adds to the preparation time. If you purchase early enough in the day and the service bays are not too busy we can usually get this done the same day you buy. You would also need to have your insurance company fax the insurance card to us. We then issue a temporary plate and you are legal to ride out.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We have different programs for Vespa, Piaggio, Genuine and Peirspeed. The rates are very competitive and we can usually get an approval decision within 30 minutes.
Do you sell helmets?
Our in-store boutique has a large selection of riding apparel, helmets, gloves and other scooter related parts and accessories such as covers and locks.
Which scooter is right for me?
So much depends on the riding you are planning to do. If it’s just buzzing down to the store for a loaf of bread, a cup of coffee or going to the gym, a 50cc scooter may be all you need. If however you plan on saddling up with your significant other and heading into the country for a picnic, or maybe commuting to work and back on a regular basis, a 150cc scooter would have the power and speed to keep up with the traffic and roads you would encounter. More experienced riders and those with ambitions to tackle greater challenges would in general buy 300cc scooters which are legal for any road you may encounter.
How fast do these scooters go?
The following speeds are a reasonable expectation:
50cc restricted…………..30 mph
50cc unrestricted……… 40-45 mph
125cc-150cc……………….55-65 mph
250-300cc…………………..75-85 mph
>300cc……………………….90+ mph
Does this scooter ride one or two people?
With few exceptions, everything we sell can legally take a passenger. If however, both you and your passenger are of ample girth and decide to ride up a very steep hill on a 50cc scooter, expect an argument to ensue when you discuss who has to walk the rest of the way.
Can my child ride on the back?
In both NY and NJ, the rule is that their feet must reach the passenger footpegs. There are no specific age requirements that we are aware of. That said, we expect parents to exercise prudence and not push the boundaries of common sense. If taking the family is a priority, we suggest you contemplate a Genuine Stella scooter with a sidecar.
What is the maintenance on a scooter?
Not much differs from a car, but the first service should be done earlier than you would expect. Usually after 350 to 600 miles, an oil change and first service are needed. Then, every 3000 miles keeps you on top of service requirements. The rear tire will wear out quicker than a car tire because they are small, but other items such as brake pads, shock absorbers etc have a long life. Keeping the battery well charged takes a bit more effort and a trickle charger is a must for winter. Using fuel stabilizer for extended periods of lack of use will ensure the fuel system remains healthy.
Do you take trades?
Yes, providing it is a scooter or motorcycle.
I want to customize my scooter. Can you help?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your scooter special. Need more power? Fancy having your saddle recovered in red leather? Maybe adding a chrome kit or a racing stripe? Or even choosing a custom color to match your Lamborghini? We do it all.
How many scooters do you have in stock?
Our inventory is one of the largest around and although changing constantly, it is usually between 45 and 70 scooters. Why so many? Because it’s all about choice and we want our customers to get the make, model and color they desire without having to wait for a custom order to arrive.
My scooter got damaged. Do you do major repairs?
This is a specialty of ours. Whether it’s an insurance claim or you just want the road rash removed, we do full restorations of modern scooters including Genuine. Full paint jobs, partial re-spays, metal body work and more. We have even dismantled brand new Vespas, had them painted in a custom color and then rebuilt to better than new condition.
I need service work. Can you do it while I wait?
‘While you wait’ service must be scheduled in advance and cannot be done on a weekend unless it is ‘out of season’. You MUST speak with Charles to schedule your service work if you plan to wait.
I’m pretty handy with tools. Can I do my own service work?
We have many enthusiasts who do their own wrenching but it is important that before you start tinkering, you read the manufacturers requirements for warranty. Doing your own service work may invalidate the warranty of some manufacturers. You must dispose of used oil and filters in an environmentally friendly manner. IT’S THE LAW! We will accept old scooter oil and filters for recycling from our customers.
I don’t ride in winter. What do I need to do to my scooter?
As mentioned in a different FAQ, battery tender and fuel stabilizer are important. Also, fresh oils in the engine and transmission will reduce damage caused by contaminants over winter. Fill the fuel tank to the top to prevent condensation building up water in the fuel. Finally, start the scooter on a regular basis to move fuel through the system over time. If this all sounds like a big headache, check out our winter storage program and we can do all this for you as well as detail the scooter, store it for winter and perform a safety check in Spring.
I need winter storage. Can you help?
Our winter storage program is the best deal around for NYC residents and makes a lot of sense. When you are done riding for the year, we pick up in the City and deliver back to you once the weather improves. Our full service program includes cleaning the scooter, changing the oil, filter and transmission oil, stabilizing the fuel and keeping the battery charged. We even guarantee the battery. If it has failed by Spring, we just install a new one at no additional cost. And we do all of this for a one-time fee of just $349 plus NJ sales tax. Come May 1st, if you need more time the storage just rolls around to a monthly storage contract of $80 a month. And you were paying how much in NYC?