Mopeds are the hip transport du jour in River City. Here’s how to not let the winter weather put on the brakes
By Sarah Truckey
Aside from 18-wheelers, teenagers on cellphones and old drivers not on cellphones, the thing that St. Louis’ new band of gas-conscious scooter riders fears most is the winter—and everything that goes along with it.
There’s not only the snow and the ice, but there’s also the bitter cold that, at 45 miles per hour in the open air, rips through any piece of clothing intended to keep it at bay. Some scootees will stop scooting altogether when the frigidity hits, but others, the more hard-core (or perhaps those simply without covered vehicle) will forge on.
For those who count themselves among the scooting hordes, we humbly offer the following advice.
Problem: Hands are blocks of ice
The pro’s suggestion: Gloves are a no-brainer, but Rob Gardiner of Vespa St. Louis thinks you’re going to need more than that. “The best thing to keep your hands warm is heated hand grips,” he says. “They’re more contained within the bike so you don’t have to plug anything in.” Our suggestion: Battery-powered hunting gloves—the D batteries have the added benefit of packing an extra punch when you backhand that bike messenger out of your way.
Problem: Bike won’t start
The pro’s suggestion: In this case, size matters. “Your gas tank is a lot smaller [than a car’s gas tank],” Gardiner says, “so keep some sort of anti-freeze on hand.” Our suggestion: If the oil has turned to molasses, maybe you should have stored your bike in a temperature above freezing.
Problem: Clothes get wet from precipitation
The pro’s suggestion: Like Mom always said, dress for the occasion: “Have a very well-rounded set of gear: a good jacket, set of pants, a helmet that maybe protects your face a little better,” Gardiner suggests. Our suggestion: Heard of a trash bag?
Problem: Body gets cold
The pro’s suggestion: Depending on your willingness to make out-there fashion statements, you do have an option for staying pretty warm. “There’s something called a Scooter Skirt,” Gardiner says. “The heat created from the engine is actually funneled into the skirt, which goes over your lap.” Our suggestion: Wear a scarf. Maybe two scarves.
Problem: Roads get icy
The pro’s suggestion: “Icy roads are one condition I don’t ride in. I kinda suggest that’s the one thing you can’t do.” Our suggestion: We’re prone to living on the edge, but in this case, even we agree with Gardiner—it’s time to take the bus.
Bonus tip:
When visibility is low, wear bright colors (that obnoxious neon orange is highly recommended).
