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How To Buy a GIO Electric Scooter

June 22, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

GIO in T.O. - Ready for Business. It's business timeSo you’ve been thinking about it. You’ve read the GIO scooter blogs. You’ve visited the GIO website. You’ve scoured the internet for reviews.  You’ve watched YouTube videos and considered different options, and now you’re finally ready to purchase your very own GIO electric scooter.  Here is some GIO scooter-buying information for you to consider before you go ahead and shell out for a scooter.

The GIO Auction

GIO sells its bikes from its website in an auction format.  I have to admit, when I first visited their website, I had a moment of hesitation about whether I had the right site. It turns out the auction is actually a pretty clever way to see the bikes.

You can get a GIO electric scooter, which would normally retail for $999.00, for much less.

I’ve spent some time sitting around on the auction site, watching the bikes sell, and I’ve seen them go for as little as $255.00. Here are a couple of screen shots.

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When I meet people on the street, they usually ask me how much the GIO electric scooters go for. They say “How much does one of those cost? $2000? $1500?” They’re always surprised to hear that they retail for $1000, but can be bought for less on the auction. One of the GIO electric scooter advantages is a matter of price point. Compared to a gas-powered scooter, which requires a motorcycle license, plates and insurance (not to mention regular visits to the pumps), a GIO electric scooter is incredibly affordable! Since getting the scooter, I’ve saved almost $250 in TTC fare, gas and parking.

What I’m trying to say is: if you watch the auction, you can get your own GIO scooter for around $260. It can save you money.

How To Buy A GIO Electric Scooter

1. Go to the GIO bikes website.

2.Click “electric scooters” up at the top – unless you change your mind and decide that you would like a dirtbike / ATV / chainsaw / generator instead.

3. You will come to the scooter auction site. You can read some user reviews and learn more about the bike.  You will also see the different scooters currently available on auction. Pick the one you want and click on the picture. This will bring up some more information about the auction.

4. Click “Bid.” This will bring up a form for you to register an account (or sign in if you already have one). You need to complete it before you can bid. Enter your amount, and you’re in the game!

5. At this stage, it’s on you to decide how much you would like to spend on the bike. Bid to your heart’s content, and when you win the auction, you get to look forward to your scooter arriving by courier!

Some Notes:

  • In addition to your bid price, you’ll also have to pay for shipping as well as a $50 auction fee. Depending on where you live, the shipping may be a little steep. If after shipping and everything the bike comes up for less than $1000, you’re still winning.
  • I’ve noticed that on the GIO Bikes website, a lot of the same names appear to be bidding on the bikes. I’ve wondered if these are dealers trying to get the bikes for cheaper than wholesale; or if they’re people buying them to re-sell on Craigslist or Kijiji; or if they’re robots that ensure the bikes don’t sell for $1.00.  On a discussion forum devoted to GIO electric scooters, these questions are hotly discussed and contested.

All in all, buying a GIO electric scooter is a good deal. It saves you money, and it saves the environment by getting cars off the road!

Posted in How To, Toronto Electric Scooter | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Is My Head Misshapen? (Or do I just look bad in helmets?)

June 17, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

I like my brain. And my scalp. I’ve also been told I have nice ears. I therefore find it important to protect them by wearing a helmet. There’s just one problem: Either I have a misshapen head, or I just look bad in helmets.

I think the issue is that I have a long, narrow head. It looks normal most of the time, but slap a helmet on there, and things get whack (a term that the kids these days are saying to mean “bad”).

Of course it could just be that helmets don’t look good on me. Ahh, vanity.

So I have two helmet options for keeping my brain safe.

Helmet # 1:

DSC03850.JPG

It’s a motorcycle-quality, scooter-style helmet. It’s big and black. It’s also pretty warm, with very little ventilation. It doesn’t fit in the top box of the scooter.

Helmet # 2:

DSC03864.JPG

It’s a straight-forward bicycle-style helmet. Foam stuff encased in plastic. What I like about it is that it fits in the top box of the GIO and I don’t need to bring it into the store with me.

So which one should I wear? Which one looks better? Which one seems safer? Should I sacrifice safety for vanity?

I need your help to decide! Please vote below.  There are some more pictures there to help you decide.

DSC03851.JPG

DSC03859.JPG

Posted in Toronto Electric Scooter | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

How To Lock Up Your GIO

June 11, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

Keep your GIO safe in Toronto: Lock it up!

This video shows how to lock and secure your GIO electric scooter, and how to activate the alarm.

Posted in How To, Toronto Electric Scooter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

On Biker / E-Biker Relations

June 11, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

Pausing On An Electric Scooter Ride to Enjoy Toronto's SkylineAs I alluded to in my last post, I’m extremely aware of peoples’ perceptions about e-bikes and electric scooters–especially cyclists’. I can empathize with cyclists who feel threatened by large, clunky scooters that take up a lot of space in bike lanes and on bike paths. I understand the argument that says, “If it’s got a motor, it’s not a bike and shouldn’t be in the bike lanes.”

It’s tricky though, because according to Ontario Law, it is a bike – motor or not.

I’ve had a number of conversations with different cyclist friends about this, read some blogs about it, and am continuing to think about it, but here’s what I’ve come up with so far …

I just posted this in the comment thread of a BlogTO post about e-bikes and e-scooters at the Toronto Eco-Wheels show that was a couple weeks back:

It seems to boil down to respect – which is something I think we can all appreciate, regardless of how we get around – on foot, by bicycle (people-powered or electric), on rollerblades, by car, on transit or pushed in a stroller. Toronto doesn’t need another form of transportation to be hateful and resentful of the others. Toronto DOES, however need just a little more courtesy, empathy and respect by all residents and commuters. E-bikes aren’t the enemy. Bikes aren’t the enemy. Heck, even cars aren’t the enemy. Disrespect is.

I will continue writing more about this as I think, read and discuss it further. I’ll hopefully also be able to lend greater insight into the conversation once I’ve heard more from cyclists – good, bad or indifferent.

Today while riding on the Waterfront Trail from downtown, a fellow on a bicycle did holler something disparaging at me. I didn’t catch everything, but it was something along the lines of, “You … mumble mumble … your scooter!” It was pretty windy, and we were going in opposite directions, so your guess is as good as mine about exactly what he said, but his tone wasn’t friendly. I think it’s safe to assume he’s firmly in the “I don’t like e-scooters” camp.

Is the problem awareness? That cyclists simply don’t know that e-bikes on bike baths are legit? Is the problem denial? Do they just disagree with the law and therefore take their frustration out on the riders rather than the politicians who enacted the legislation? I don’t know, but harbouring resentment and anger doesn’t seem like a productive solution for individuals or for the city as a whole.

Perhaps we can look for an example in other countries like the Netherlands, where cyclists – motorized and people-powered – co-exist quite comfortably, all with an understanding that they’re all entitled to sharing the road and following the traffic rules appropriately.

Posted in Exploring Toronto, Toronto Electric Scooter | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Awkward Eye Contact Moments

June 9, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

GIO Electric Scooter Overlooking the Toronto SkylineThe more I drive my GIO electric scooter, the more I like it.

I’m growing more comfortable on the road.  I’m more aware of other vehicle traffic.  I’m discovering my boundaries, as well as the strengths and limitations of the scooter itself. It’s convenient for zipping over to the store to pick something up, and equally useful on my daily commute.  Most importantly, it’s saving me money.  I’m happy to not be shelling out my daily TTC fare.  I smile every time I pass cars lined up at the gas station.

I’ve observed one slight problem: I never know who to make eye contact with while riding the e-bike. With whom do I exchange the “nod” of acknowledgment?  The “nod” of shared experience?  Eye contact situations can be awkward, tenuous and downright uncomfortable – especially between members of different commuter groups.

Cars: I glance into the cars next to me.  Are they gawking confusedly? Are they gazing admiringly? Are they pondering gas prices? Are they wondering where my licesnse plate is? Are they cursing the fact that I’m taking up too much of the road?  I can understand that pulling up behind a GIO e-bike could be confusing to a motorist: it looks like a gas-powered scooter, but has no license plate.  It is on the side of the road like a bike, but it’s generally faster than other cyclists.  To pass or not to pass? How far to pull over?

Pedestrians: Sometimes they smile. Other times they frown. At cross walks and stop lights, I’m often asked what exactly I’m riding.  Is it a bike?  How fast does it go? How much does it cost to fill up? Where did I get it? How much do they sell for?

Motorcycle Drivers: I suspect that most motorcycles chuckle patronizingly behind their tinted face-shields when they weave past me at 80 km/hour, but I don’t know for sure. I’ve imagined the following exchange at a stop light:

Motorcycle Driver: Is that thing like a Vespa?

Me: Well, it’s a GIO scooter … it’s electric.

MD: Do you have your “M” license?

Me: I don’t need to. This counts as a “power assisted bicycle.” It’s electric.

MD: Oh. How many horsepower is it?

Me: Well … it is umm … 500 watts.  It’s electric.

MC: (Blank stare)

Light changes, MD revs the engine and takes off, leaving me in the intersection.

Cyclists: I’m still assessing my relationship with cyclists. I don’t want them to hate me. I’m a nice guy. I’m a polite motorist. I share the road, and strive to be especially courteous around them. I’m not a lazy cyclist. I’m a two-wheeled commuter too. We have something in common! I’ve spoken with some of my cyclist friends about their thoughts on scooters and scooter-riders, and generally the reception is chilly. Am I to assume that all cyclists think I’m a jerk? Perhaps they would rather just ignore me. My strategy is to smile as we cross paths, and be extra courteous.
GIO in T.O. Electrically Scooting Along Toronto's Waterfront

Squirrels: I had a tense moment with a squirrel last week.  It was crossing a four-lane road. The coast was clear. The only thing standing between it and leafy freedom was … me, on my scooter. I remember thinking “This is not going to end well. I’m going to swerve to avoid this thing, and I’m going to wipe out, destroying my flesh and the scooter.”  It happened in an instant.  Collision was inevitable.  I braced for impact and saw the terrified look in the poor squirrel’s eye. It lept through the air, and scampered over my feet, across the scooter floor and onto the other side.  I was stunned.  Thanks to the creature’s brave act of athleticism, we both survived unscathed.

Other E-Bike Riders: I’ve been noticing more e-bike and e-scooter riders on the streets of Toronto. Now this is a group that I can confidently make eye contact with. Other scooter-riders get it. We’re in this together. I imagine they’re struggling with the same eye contact etiquette as I am, so a friendly face is useful.  Yesterday I got a cheerful honk by a gentleman going the other way on his scooter. It’s even more collegial when the other rider is on a GIO too!

I don’t have an answer. I just think it’s interesting. I’ll let you know how the GIO / cyclist dynamics continue to unfold!

Posted in Exploring Toronto, Toronto Electric Scooter | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

A Soggy Scooter Ride

June 3, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

Staying Dry on my GIO Electric Scooter - but at what cost?

For the last couple of weeks, I’ve enjoyed riding my scooter in beautiful weather. I’ve had clear skies, fluffy clouds, sunshine and a sunburn to show for it. Until yesterday.

I woke up and checked the weather. Partly cloudy all day, 90 per cent chance of showers after 6 p.m.

“I’ll make it home by 6,” I thought.  I hopped on the scooter and took off, feeling good.  The wind tussled my hair.  “What a beautiful morning!”

Rain In Toronto: No Electric Scooting

Five minutes before I was due to go home, I looked out the window and saw that the weather man was wrong.  The rain had begun.  Bummer.  I weighed my options: I could cover the bike up and hope that things cleared up, or I could disobey the manufacturer’s instructions and scoot 20 minutes in the (light) rain.  I opted for the latter.

I begrudgingly wiped the water off the seat and turned the ignition and pulled away.  It wasn’t raining too hard. Yet.

On the road, I was heckled by a high school-aged girl who yelled, “Enjoy the rain!”

I wouldn’t.

It was cold. It was wet. I was halfway home.

As the rain picked up, I questioned my own judgment about riding an electric scooter in the rain.  I distracted myself thinking, “They must field test these things in less-than-ideal conditions, right?”  That had to include rain.

I eventually pulled up to my place, feeling a little sour and sorry for myself.  As I put my helmet away, I noticed the rain cover sitting neatly in its package.  I pulled it out and took a look.  Yup, still bright pink.  I noticed a hood, and a clear plastic window. I realized that it wasn’t a cover for wet-weather storage; but rather a poncho!

GIO Scooter Poncho - Pink and awkward when worn just as a poncho

The poncho, I discovered was purpose-built for riding a scooter and staying dry. Well, at least half dry. I have to admit, they put some thought into it, with a window for the front light to shine through, and zippered slots for the rear-view mirrors to protrude from. Slick. They thought of everything!

Not my colour, but I would have sacrificed style for comfort.  Maybe.  Maybe in another city. A city with no lights.

All in all, it was a soggy scooter ride.  So remember, always check the weather before your commute.

If rain is in the forecast, pack your pretty pink poncho.

Posted in Exploring Toronto | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments »

Opening Doors of Discovery at Doors Open Toronto

May 30, 2010 by GIO in T.O.

GIO Scooter at Toronto's Congregation of Knesseth IsraelToronto’s history is vibrant.  The city, beautiful.  I find that it’s easy to take it for granted.  Doors Open Toronto is an annual event in which communities, businesses and people from across the city open their doors (hence the name) to the public, and allow community members access to parts of the city that are usually closed off. It is an event that reminds us of how interesting and dynamic Toronto is.

Today I took the opportunity to explore Toronto’s west end, and visited three sites.  I was advised that three to five is a good number of places to visit, because you didn’t want to feel rushed or end up exhausted.  I was deliberate in the three places that I chose.  I wanted the opportunity to meet the volunteer tour guides and ask questions.  I surmised that some of the more popular locations would not afford me those more personal touches, so I opted for sites a little more off the beaten track.

GIO Scooter at Toronto's Congregation of Knesseth Israel

I hopped on my scooter, and took off for the Congregation of Knesseth Israel, also known as the Junction Shul.  This synagogue was built in 1911 in an area of the city populated by an eastern European Jewish community, mostly from Poland and Russia.  It is Toronto’s oldest original synagogue still in use today.

I was the first to arrive for the day, and was given a personal tour, shown the various elements inside the sanctuary.  I was shown the mikveh in the basement, and learned about how the Junction Shul is now maintained by the descendants of the original founders.  I delighted in learning about how the community managed to reduce costs by doing things like painting the grain on the wood to make it look more expensive.  What a beautiful building.

GIO Scooter at Toronto's Historic Lambton House

Next I visited the historic Lambton House, which was a hotel and tavern from 1847 to 1988, on the banks of the Humber River.  During this period, it was a bustling area, surrounded by saw mills, grist mills, wool mills and the local post office.  On my tour, I learned about life in the area, the strategic importance of its location and about some of the quirks and history of the building.  The tour was charming and in-depth.

GIO Scooter at Toronto's Historic Montgomrey Inn
I concluded my first Doors Open Toronto with a stop at Montgomery’s Inn on Dundas.  It was closed.  I consulted my Doors Open T.O. guide, and realized it wouldn’t be opening until later that day. It didn’t stop me from walking around the grounds and reading up on the history of the Inn.  It was built in 1832 and restored in 1847.  It was built on the colonial route that connected the city of York – now Toronto – with Dundas and around Lake Ontario to the Niagara region.  I discovered that the architecture is Georgian, and was used as a tavern and lodgings.  I’ll have to come back next year and get the full tour!

Overall, the GIO in T.O. Doors Open T.O. was an excellent experience!  I had a blast exploring the city.

Posted in Exploring Toronto | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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