Scooter Frequently Asked Questions
General
- 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 Powersports and SYM USA 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?
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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 (Visa, Mastercard only), 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 $159. That includes everything you need to be legal on your scooter and keep Mayor Emanuel 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 affordable, 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. (kidding, of course)
- What scooter financing options do you offer?
We currently offer financing through Harris Bank. Rates are reasonable. Contact the shop for the details to set up financing. We also offer scooter lay-a-way. There is a non-refundable $200 deposit (if the scooter is in stock) or $400 deposit (if we need to order the scooter). Payments are typically divided over 8 months.
- 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 designed 4-stroke GY6 (Lance scooters) and an electroplated ceramic cylinder 4-stroke (SYM scooters), so you don’t have to mix the oil and gas. When we change your oil, we recycle it through the proper avenues. Our scooters average 75 miles per gallon or higher, 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 like the Lance Cali Classic 50cc), 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.
Purchasng Scooters Online
- What forms of payment to you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB through PayPal), as well as PayPal.
- Will there be sales taxes applied?
Illinois customers will be charges a sales tax as applicable to the state and any additional by their municipality. Customers outside of Illinois but within the United States will not be charged a sales tax, with the exception of select states which are not exempt. Sales tax will be validated and reconciled at time of receipt of purchased product.
- How is Title & Registration handled?
As the official paperwork must be filled out and payment collected, we handle this at the time of receipt, not at the time of purchase.
- Do you offer delivery for scooters purchased online?
Yes. $100 flat fee for up to 10 miles, then $1.50 per mile after that up to 100 miles (or a max of $235 and 100 miles). Located more than 100 miles away? Call us if you are more than 100 miles away and we will get a quote. Payment for delivery is made prior to the delivery of your scooter. Credit card and PayPal are both accepted. Cash also accepted in person.
- What is the timeframe from order to receipt of scooter?
If the purchased scooter resides at the shop at the time of purchase, we will set the scooter to the side, prep it, the contact you to schedule pick-up. If the purchased scooter does not reside at the shop at the time of purchase, we will order it immediately from the supplier. Turnaround for orders are typically between 7 to 10 business days. Once we recveive the scooter and prep it, we will contact you to schedule pickup.
- How will I be notified when my scooter is ready for pick-up?
As part of the online purchase process, we ask for your phone number, as a method of contact, for when your scooter is ready for pickup.
