Convince me not to...

[JackoliciousLegs]

Well... since moving to chicago, I've quickly realized that owning a car is not feasible in my near future. Parking is impossible or expensive, theft is a huge issue, and keeping a car scratchless sans garage is futile. (I saw an 05 911 with bumper scratches...)

So... I'm looking at ways of getting around and I've come across an idea that probably won't happen... but maybe next spring? I can get one used for like 1k.

I'm a loser

Pros:
Very light on gas...
Would use maybe once/week
Nice for grocery runs
Nice to visit non public transport places
Nice to not be FORCED to use mass transit

Cons:
I look like a total loser on it
Would use maybe once/week
I don't need to go anywhere mass transit won't take me
Dangerous in a city
I look like a total loser on it

[Mike]

i like the one with flowers. you would look totally goofy on one, but it makes sense. how about one of those that are more bike looking?

[BLINGMW]

what about like a little old honda like Pete had/has? Or are there places that it's legal to take one of those scooters that you can't take a "real" bike?

Hey, I WISH I could be a loser and ride a scooter to work!

[Evan]

edit: didnt see link

:lol: scooter :lol:

[JackoliciousLegs]

i like the one with flowers. you would look totally goofy on one, but it makes sense. how about one of those that are more bike looking?

I wouldn't get it with flowers on it obviously... probly something like this:

AFA a more bike looking one, these types will be better to ride in work attire (less chance of grease)

what about like a little old honda like Pete had/has? Or are there places that it's legal to take one of those scooters that you can't take a "real" bike?

Park anywhere with a scooter, and don't need a motorcycle license.

[Evan]

didnt ewan mcgregor ride around the globe on a scooter recently?

[JackoliciousLegs]

didnt ewan mcgregor ride around the globe on a scooter recently?

I think so... maybe it's not so stupid

[JackoliciousLegs]

Dunno if I already posted about this or not but....
On the topic of chicago, here's what my place looks like:
Gmap

Living room (w/Hannah):

More living room:

Dining room:

Bedroom 2 converted to office/work area:


It's still VERY empty and we've been getting stuff slowly. It's a 2br/1ba at about 1000sq.ft. Sometimes it feels a bit too big because of the high ceilings. It's about 4 miles north of the loop (center of the city). It takes 24 mins on a bus to get to work in the morning. I live in a SWEET area with lots of cool shit around and the apt's only a stone's throw away from the water/running path along it/beach/docks.

[Andy]

My girlfriend really wants one. They seem pretty cool and economical. Is it safe to be on one of those things in Chicago traffic?

[Sijray21]

also, do you have a means of locking it up or securing it like a bicycle?

i feel like someone would steal it, just ask ryan wilson

i don't necessarily think it would be a bad idea, but i do think you'd look stupid on it

how much is public transportation compared with the gas prices in your area?

[JackoliciousLegs]

The CTA is a fixed $1.75 / ride with $0.25 transfers. Very cheap compared to DC... and VERY efficient... and will take you anywhere if you're willing to wait. Gas prices are a tad higher than NoVa I believe. Not too much though according to: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ahding.com/cheapgas/">http://www.ahding.com/cheapgas/</a><!-- m -->

And no, they're not too safe in city traffic. I'd say they're right along with riding a bike. Keep in mind, Chicago is not nearly as crazy as NY though.

[ScottyB]

just ride a bike :lol: with traffic moving like it does in the city you'd be just as fast i bet. pack some rain gear in a backpack just in case. at least you wouldn't look so ridiculous!

sweet place btw, 1000 sq. ft. is pretty stout.

[Sijray21]

man with public transportation easily accessible and at that low of a cost i find it kind of difficult to justify that scooter. I'd rather find a parking space for a car, but it's kind of difficult in a heavy urban environment. Gas and maintenance for a scooter is kind of a high price to pay if you can use public transportation, i'd just recommend a bicycle that you can bring up to your apartment. hrug:

i know you want to buy something with a motor though, i can feel it

[Feersty]

[ScottyB]

Jack, i do need to point out that it goes without saying that if you do buy the scooter you must wear a cape while riding it, no exceptions.

[Sijray21]

Jack, i do need to point out that it goes without saying that if you do buy the scooter you must wear a cape while riding it, no exceptions.

plus the goggles and beanie helmet, although it's not required that you wear a helmet in illinois

[JackoliciousLegs]

I'd rather find a parking space for a car, but it's kind of difficult in a heavy urban environment.

$150/month for parking. Roads are straight, riddled with stoplights, and unexciting. Gas is expensive. Parking on the street results in INCREDIBLE amounts of dings. No go on the car as long as I'm in chicago.

Please read before you post.

AFA a more bike looking one, these types will be better to ride in work attire (less chance of grease)

Jack, i do need to point out that it goes without saying that if you do buy the scooter you must wear a cape while riding it, no exceptions.

I hope to wear goggles DEFINITELY. Those are a sign of coolness.

[Evan]

because the idea of a scooter has so much as entered your mind means you can no longer make any miata jokes ever again.

[JackoliciousLegs]

Hey Evan! I found a picture of you!


...waiting for return fire...

[.RJ]

That doesnt even make sense.

You lose.

You could at least put in some effort with a photochop job.

Hey Evan! I found a picture of you!