Why do people insist on calling motorcycles :scooters?
A scooter is something old people ride down the iles of wal-mart
2007-07-19 06:20:56 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I think this use of the term 'scooter' for a motorcycle is an Americanism really. Some of my Biking friends from USA refer to my BMW as a 'Euro Scoot' ( which I don't mind, it's not an insult, only a slang term!)
In UK, a scooter is a Vespa or Lambretta style machine which kind of lost popularity after the 60's Mods(scooters) and Rocker (bikes) era but is gaining popularity again with young people because of the licencing restrictions ( 125cc)
They are certainly not just for old codgers. I've seen them stripped down and raced,. Properly tuned, they can go like stink! I once borowed my sisters 150cc Lambretta sport. What a crazy ride, I really felt like a hooligan again. (Useless on the highway of course)
In UK, Motorcycles are generally refered to as motorbikes or just bikes.( heap of junk is a Garden Shed or a Rat Bike)
I've heard of them being refered to as Hogs, rides, scoots, 'sickles' , and scooters outside of UK.
Whatever you want to call them, they're a lot of fun.
2007-07-19 14:02:19 · answer #1 · answered by Nick 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing wrong with scooters have you seen how many scooter companies there are out there today and with the price of gas scooters are a real bargain just tell me why people laugh at them when they might get 25 mpg and a scooter can get 85mpg or better and why do all people call scooters mopeds do you see any pedals??
2007-07-19 14:48:26 · answer #2 · answered by Marcia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you are referring to is a "Mobility scooter" .
Vespa's , Honda Elite and a vast number of other small cc automatic transmission (usually step through frame) smaller wheeled cycles are classed as scooters.
As well " scooter" is often used as a nic-name for motorcycles in general .
2007-07-19 06:46:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's just American Slang. Like calling you father 'pops', or your children 'kid'.
Going to 'scoot' down the road now, later!
By defined termed, "Scoot'er - noun 1 child's two-wheeled vehicle 2 small motorcycle"
So being we are all big kids at heart, I guess 'scooter applies.
2007-07-19 06:36:52 · answer #4 · answered by LifeRyder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love calling my Kawasaki ZX10R a scooter. I tell my wife I'm going for a ride on my scooter and she gives me this stunned look!
I'm sure she thinks I'm actually hiding one in the garage!
I don't really care what I call it, I know what I'm riding and if I didn't I would be really stupid to get on a ZX10R!
Troy
2007-07-19 07:03:54 · answer #5 · answered by Rider ZX10R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The "scooter" was on the market before electric wheel chairs.
Why do they call electric wheel chairs scooters?
2007-07-19 08:45:06 · answer #6 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are scooters. You may not be old or experienced enough to remember a time before Rascals.
2007-07-19 09:28:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back in my early chopper days (late 60's) it was common for motorcyclists to refer to their motorcycles as scooters, sleds, bikes, ride, honey, and other things I can't put here. When someone says "biker" do you think of a bicyclist or a motorcyclist?
2007-07-19 07:29:12 · answer #8 · answered by Michael J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people don't know the difference. Scooter dealers like to keep it that way.
2007-07-19 06:27:10 · answer #9 · answered by Aunt Karen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Scooter, as in scooter trash.
2007-07-19 07:55:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋