Scooter?

I’ve been mulling over buying a scooter. We all know I’ve tried to be eco-friendly, but the biking was more funny that practical. Plus, for a fashionable gal, it’s just not practical in the summer heat–I can’t show up everywhere with helmet-hair and sweat stains! Perhaps a Vespa would keep me cooler … 

But alas, Scooters take a lot of research. And while I’m being lazy, my 88,000+ miles well-travelled luxury SUV is continuing to suck up gas money–mid-grade fuel?! So I’m putting out a call to you guys, who served me so well with the bike info … can someone fill me in on scooters?

These are my questions:

– What is the best brand? cheapest? best value?

– Where’s the best place to buy in Austin?

– Who rides one? Do you get sweaty? Where do you park them? Do you get tickets at meters?

– How much of a dork/eco-crusader/happy cruiser do you feel like while riding a scooter?

– Do you ride your scooter downtown at night? 

– What do you do if it’s raining?!?!

 

… and is an electric car a better choice?! I don’t know a lick about them either … where are the guides on this sort of thing?!