Gas Prices Get Local Grandma Onto A Scooter
Apr 21st, 2006 | by Neil Barton | Posted in scooters | Comments Off
(WCCO) When Betty Bartlett turned 57 years old this week, she decided to celebrate, by doing something good for the environment.
“People I work with just think I’m crazy,” said Bartlett.
This Coon Rapids, Minn. grandma picked up her brand new Yamaha scooter. She’s been following the growing energy dilemma in the county … and knew she could make a difference.
“I’m trying to do something to cut back,” she said.
Her new scooter gets 70 miles-to-the-gallon, and she’s not alone in turning to alternatives ways to get around. Bartlett’s riding on the front end of an exploding trend.
Normally during the spring season, motorcycles typically get all the interest at Hitching Post in Coon Rapids. But last week, scooters made up 38 percent of the stores business.
“They’re getting on something they can get on and go and not have to worry about the gas prices,” said Eric Fedje, Hitching Post Sales Manager.
Bartlett said the choice was simple.
“If everybody does something to cut down, if they evaluate their lifestyles, and look for a way to conserve: change, make some small changes, it really would make a big effect I think,” Bartlett said.
She’s keeping her car, but Bartlett also said she’ll still need that to haul around her three grandchildren.
She had to get a motorcycle endorsement to ride the scooter on the road. It’s not legal to drive on the interstate, but she can ride it on many other state highways.
