Maxi-scooters are new fad

The group attracts full-size scooter riders from around the state and nation for tourism road trips.

The Hendricksons reside in Britt, which is just outside of Virginia. They said the first event along the North Shore last June went well and they are planning a Borderland group ride next year.

“We are planning to come to the Falls next June,” said Kevin.

Riders come from all over North America, said Kevin. The West Coast and the Pacific Northwest have the largest clubs; MinnMax is the first in Minnesota outside of the Twin Cities.

Maxi-scooters are relatively new to the market and are defined as scooters with engines that are 250cc and above — thus the nickname “scooters on steroids.” The machines can cruise indefinitely and maintain safe highway speeds.

Most major motorcycle manufacturers are making the models now. They are popular because of the no-shifting throttle and stability, said Linda. They are less complicated to drive and come with more bells and whistles than the mopeds.

“They can’t keep these scooters in stock,” Kevin added.

The Hendricksons say that they get a lot of looks from people who recognize that they are a far cry from mopeds because of their size and speed. However, they are still relatively new on the road and people aren’t quite sure what to make of them.

Linda commutes about 20 miles to work on her Suzuki 400, and said the scooter has saved her a lot of money on gas. Kevin, an over-the-road truck driver, said he enjoys his Suzuki 650 scooter so much that after a long day working, he still looks forward to the ride home.

Scooters with engines of 100cc or less reach more than 100 miles per gallon. Larger models, 400cc to 700cc, will range above 50 miles per gallon typically, but can run lower in the larger engines. They are highway safe and more in the fun category.

The scooter riders keep in touch nationwide via a blog site at www.maxi-scoots.com.