Scooter Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I buy my new scooter from Second City Scooters?
- What should I expect when it’s time to buy my scooter? What’s the purchase process? How long will it take? Should I bring anything with me? Are there any additional fees?
- What accessories should I have and are they available at Second City Scooters?
- Does Second City Scooters offer service, maintenance or warranties?
- What if Second City Scooters doesn't have the model or color I want? How quickly can it be ordered for me?
- What are some of the environmenta and economic advantages to buying a scooter from Second City Scooters?
- Do I need a motorcycle license for my scooter?
- Do I need insurance for my scooter?
- Where can I park my scooter in Chicago? (and answers to other Chicago-related scooter info)
- Does my scooter require a lot of maintenance? What do I do with it in the winter?
- Why should I buy my new scooter from Second City Scooters?
- First and foremost, our scooters are very affordable. We have an exclusive relationship with Lance scooters in California that allows us to sell high quality scooters at a great price. We have a great selection of styles and colors and we back our scooters with an excellent warranty and service.
- What should I expect when it’s time to buy my scooter? What’s the purchase process? How long will it take? Should I bring anything with me? Are there any additional fees?
- Buying a scooter is easy and relatively quick. Follow these steps:
- Pick the right scooter for you. It should feel comfortable, look good, and be the right scooter for where you will do most of your riding (neighborhood, city, or highway).
- Get your accessories. The only accessory that you must have is some form of protective lens for your eyes (sunglasses, goggles, helmet shield, etc.) . We have some inexpensive scooter shades in lots of styles and colors that will get you started (or bring your own). After that you should consider a helmet, a lock, a cover, and riding gloves, in that order. You can get those accessories when you buy your scooter (we do offer package deals) or later on.
- The purchase. You can purchase your new scooter and accessories using cash, credit, debit, or check. We can also help you with financing through the bank of your choice. No hidden fees. Just the price of the scooter, accessories, registration, and taxes. We will need to see at least a valid automobile driver’s license in order for you to make the purchase. You will receive your temporary registration that we will put on your scooter until you receive your permanent plates and title in the mail. Titling and registering your scooter will run about $125. That includes everything you need to be legal on your scooter and keep Mayor Daley and Governor Quinn happy.
- Scooter features and safety briefing. Once the paperwork is done and the scooter is ready to go, we will spend time with you going over the features of your new scooter, review the warranty and maintenance schedule, familiarize you with the owner’s manual, and make sure you are comfortable with your new scooter. We’ll then spend some time on how to ride safely.
- What accessories should I have and are they available at Second City Scooters?
- We have inexpensive, high quality accessories to get you on the road in comfort, style, and with safety and security in mind. In order of importance:
- Protective Eyewear (required in Illinois and most states)
- Helmets (not required but HIGHLY recommended)
- Locks (peace of mind if you are leaving your scooter alone…..)
- Covers (keeps the goop off)
- Battery Tender (so your scooter is ready to go when you are)
- Windscreen (makes your Vintage look like a “Harley” police cruiser)
- Does Second City Scooters offer service, maintenance or warranties?
- All of our scooters have a one year power train warranty. We service and maintain all of our scooters to keep them running all season long.
- What if Second City Scooters doesn't have the model or color I want? How quickly can it be ordered for me?
- If we have it in our warehouse in California we can get your scooter in about 5 days. Otherwise, we will try to find your scooter through our dealer network. If that doesn’t work, we’ll get a can of spray paint in your favorite color…
- What are some of the environmental, economic advantages to buying a scooter from Second City Scooters?
- Our scooters are California EPA certified. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the cleanest, our scooters rate a 2.5. That’s really clean. The engine is a Honda design 4-stroke GY6, so you don’t have to mix the oil and gas. When we change your oil, we take the old oil to Jiffy Lube to have it recycled. Our scooters average 75 miles per gallon, so you are using less gas than a car, which means less pollution and fewer dollars handed over to Big Oil.
- Do I need a motorcycle license for my scooter?
- While you'll only need a regular driver's license to purchase a scooter from us, you'll need the proper licensing to operate the scooter. Scooters less than 150cc's (this includes 50cc scooters Charming and GT-R), a L-class motorcycle license is required to operate it. Scooters 150cc's or more require a M-class motorcycle license. Getting a motorcycle license is fun! Local community colleges and scooter schools will get you up and running with confidence in as little as two weeks. Take your school certificate to the DMV and get your motorcycle license on the spot. Or, take the written exam, get your learner’s permit, practice and ride with a friend who has a motorcycle license, then take your riding test (basically a balance and agility test – stay inside the cones and don’t put your feet down before you stop!).
- Do I need insurance for my scooter?
- Yes. It’s a lot less than an automobile. I pay $90/year. Most people pay between $75 and $200. Shop around.
- Where can I park my scooter in Chicago? (and answers to other Chicago-related scooter info)
- Basically think of your scooter as a two-wheeled car. There’s not a lot of difference in terms of parking and street etiquette. The City of Chicago has a great pamphlet on scooter parking in Chicago. We have them at the store. Basically, scooters have to do everything cars do (feed the meter, stay off the sidewalk, pay for garage parking -- there are a few garages that will give you a break, and obey all traffic laws). Scooters have to park perpendicular to the curb (so cars can see them). It’s a $25 fine if you park parallel to the curb. But here’s the BEST news: You don’t need a residential parking permit or visitor permit to park in residential parking zones. That means easy access to "The Cell" and Wrigley Field!! Oh, you’ll need a City Sticker -- $45.
- Does my scooter require a lot of maintenance? What do I do with it in the winter?
- Our scooters don’t require a lot of maintenance. Follow the maintenance schedule we give you for best results and to keep your warranty intact. In the winter, we can winterize your scooter and store it in our warm basement. Or you can winterize it (drain the fluids, pour some Sta-bil in the gas tank, unhook your battery and put it on a battery tender, clean the surfaces, and put it on its center stand) and keep it in your garage. Worst case, but acceptable, is to winterize your scooter and keep it outside under a cover, locked up and in a legal spot.
