Car costs killing you? Ride scooter instead!

Santa Monica's finest at training

Car repair costs eating up your budget? Parking costs are killing you? Gas costs are draining your budget? Insurance price is strangling you? Spend less by riding a scooter!

Weather in L.A. is ideal for 2 wheelers, especially if you just need something to get around town.

If you don't know how to ride one, scooter is the simplest. Gears are usually automatic, and there is plenty of pep. I have had Honda Elite 80, and now I have Kymco People 150. Both work, both are reliable and both are easy on your valet.

I have purchased Kymco People 150 through craigslist for a song, and the scooter had only 2500 on the odometer. Although the model is from 2004, it must have spent most of its time parked. The previous owner replaced the battery, tires and did his own oil changes. That's what you want - scooter in good working condition with not too many miles.

Next thing is a license. In California you need M1 class license for 2 wheeled vehicles with 150cc or bigger or M2 for under 150cc engines. Basically, once you have an M1 license for you scooter, you could ride a biggest hog you could buy. I said you can, not that you should. Actually, it is an easy way to get a motorcycle license without actually knowing how to ride a big bike. There are companies in L.A. that rent small bikes just for license exams.

Before you get a license, you need to pass the written exam and get a learners permit. With learners permit you can ride your scooter by yourself during daytime. And once you pass the practical test, you can ride it at night and with a passenger.

Practical exam involves riding in a straight line, then turning into a fairly tight circle and riding it at slow speed without touching the ground with your feet. After couple laps, you come out straight again. Next test is weaving between cones, then entering the circle, couple laps, then exiting and weaving between cones again.

If you not sure if you can do it, you can take a training class run by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. I have leaned through the program to ride a motorcycle - to work the clutch and gears, safety strategies. That sure helps to "survive" in L.A. car-centric street culture.

The license rules are as of right now, and I am sure they will change in the future. Check with DMV and see what the current rules are. Right now scooter and motorcycle license is pretty easy to get, and it is good for as long as you keep your license up to date.