Scooters: The modern personal transport solution

Key-figures in Japanese corporations share their views on Australian markets

Contributed by Toshizumi Kato

Have you noticed an increase in the number of scooters buzzing around Australian cities recently? It's not a new phenomenon; European and Asian city dwellers have long known the advantages of this form of economical two-wheeled transport, even if Australians have been slower to appreciate the benefits.

Rocketing oil prices have once again thrust scooters into the limelight. Motorists are gradually realising they can leave the big four-wheeler in the garage, fill up a scooter for less than $10, zip to work with no hassles and park easily, even in city centres. A scooter is cheaper to buy, run, insure and register than a car.

They are also a breeze to ride with push-button start and twist-and-go operation meaning no gear selection issues that turn many riders away from motorcycles. They have generous under seat storage, useful weather protection and can be ridden in some states in Australia with just a car licence. Boasting so many useful features, it's easy to see why scooters enjoy mass appeal, especially among metropolitan commuters and shoppers.

Scooters were introduced in Italy shortly after World War II to address a lack of cheap motorised transport and to mobilise the workforce. However, the concept of affordable and easy-to-use transport has changed little over the years. Scooters are particularly popular with environmentalists, people on a limited budget and motorists looking for transport solutions to traffic gridlock and rising fuel prices. Scootering also has a certain European style that, unlike motorcycling, appeals equally to both males and females.

Specialist scooter shops have now opened in many Australian cities and most major brands are readily available. But which one to choose? It's important to buy the scooter that is right for you, but it is equally important to consider the future. What happens after you leave the showroom? Will your scooter be reliable, where will you get it serviced and how will you keep it secure?

Yamaha Motor Australia is a manufacturer that offers comprehensive sales and service packages to its customers. It has an extensive dealer network with parts, warranty and service back-up and offers eight stylish scooter models to suit various needs, ranging from commuting right up to two-up touring. Yamaha's scooters also feature DataDot anti-theft protection and are available via quick and easy financing.

As mentioned earlier, scooter licensing varies between states. In Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia for example, motorists can ride speed-restricted scooters of up to 50cc capacity on a regular car licence.
In New South Wales automatic scooters up to 125cc require a conditional rider licence and manual scooters or those with capacity greater than 125cc require a motorcycle licence. However, the learner approved motorcycle scheme means you can ride a scooter on L-plates.

In the ACT you need a motorcycle licence but, as in NSW, you can ride a scooter on L-plates under the learner approved motorcycle scheme.

To find out more about scooters pick up a copy of the bimonthly magazine Australian Scooter from newsagents or visit...
http://www.scootersales.com.au

Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Australia Mr Toshizumi Kato Mr Kato joined Yamaha Motor in Japan in 1986 and worked for Yamaha Motor's venture IM (Intelligent Machine) Company, which produces assembly-line robots, for 18 years. In 2002 he became IM Company's Vice President and Sales Manager and in 2005 he began his current post as Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Australia. http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/