If you are mechanically inclined or trained in the automotive or powersports
industries, this may not be applicable to you. If you are not comfortable assembling a vehicle or cannot diagnose carburetor
fuel issues, you may find this information helpful.
Everyday we deal with people that are considering an internet scooter
purchase or have made that scooter puchase and now are in need of repairs. These are the people that have been enticed
by the very low online prices and are generally entry level riders / first time scooterists. Unfortunately, they are
also the riders that need the support of a real "brick & mortar" professional scooter shop.
When purchasing a scooter online, there are two basic types of scoots
to buy. The first is an inexpensive unit produced in China (generally) ranging in displacement of 49cc to more than
250cc's. The other is a refurbished or rebuilt Vespa or Lambretta from countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malasia.
While I can't speak in absolutes, I can at least inform you of the many inherent problems that exist around these types of
scooters, the dealers that sell them, and the lack of support offered by the manufacturers and distributors.
The first most popular puchase is the "inexpensive" plastic bodied scooters
being imported into the US by the thousands. They can be purchased everywhere online from auction sites to scooter
sites to tool & equipment sites. They have become so cheap and available that everyone can afford to own one.
That is what the online reseller is banking on. The problem ( as there are many ) is once the puchase is made the
reseller, or online dealer, does not have the abilities to support his product's post-sale. How does he cover warranties?
How does he diagnose your driveability issues? How does he know what parts you need?
Upon receiving your new online scoot, you will notice that there is a
certain amount of assembly necessary before you can ride. You assemble your bike to the best of your abilities, add
gas, charge the battery, and you're off. Little did you know that the so-called warranty had an assembly stipulation.
Most online dealers require scooter assembly be performed by an "Authoized" service center otherwise warranty is voided.
If there were an "Authorized" dealer/service center in your area, why not buy there? Most online dealers do not have
service centers and therefore do not HONOR their warranties. Now you must buy their parts at their prices because you
may not have any other options. Also, do you really trust yourself to build / assemble a safe vehicle for you or your
family? What do you do if the bike doesn't run?
We are not tryng to bash the Chinese import scooters, but we want
to inform the consumer and help with their decision making. We carry two of the best scooter lines out of China
and have found that the fit, finish, reliability, and support to be exceptional.
TN'G and Keeway are only sold through qualified dealerships. (no
online, no flea markets, no side of the road )
More to come...
