Spring Is Time to Hit the Streets – and the Dirt

The sounds of spring include children finally getting to play outside, the opening of baseball season and the buzz of engines. As the weather warms up, some people turn to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorized scooters for both recreation and transportation.

In the Eureka-Wildwood area, the buzz can be heard at , where owner Chris Neugebauer sees the growing popularity of the economical, gas-sipping vehicles in both their work and play versions.

Neugebauer said there was an increase of small scooters for everyday use. Scooters with engines smaller than 50cc are legal to use on most roads, and don’t require licensing, he said, although drivers must be licensed and wear an approved helmet.

“The 49cc scooters are great for running around town, go up to 40 miles per hour and get 100 miles per gallon,” he said. All of Mo Scooters' models have carrying space or additional luggage boxes, and come with a two-year warranty. Prices start at $1,295.

Neugebauer uses his own scooter frequently. “You’ll find you’ll use it more than you might think (for) in-town errands,” he said. “We even ride ours to church. In spring and summer they are really handy, and no getting in and out of a hot car.”

While small, fuel efficient two-wheel scooters were among the first motor vehicles, the popularity of off-roading dates back to the mid-1950s, when hobbyists began attaching engines to small carts. The simple designs are still used in modern Go-Karts, and laid the groundwork for the current generation of ATVs.

Eastern Missouri boasts one of the Midwest’s premier off-road facilities, St. Joe State Park, in Park Hills. Trails wind through the wooded portions of the park as well as through acres of sand flats. The park features a campground near the riding area.

Neugebauer said most riders, however, prefer to stay closer to home. “Most customers have land, or their family has somewhere to ride.” He added that off-road riding is an ideal family activity. “We believe it’s healthy to get the kids outside and dirty,” he said.

Mo Scooters is an authorized dealer for Keeway, Adly, Flyscooters and Hammerhead models. It’s located on Route 66 in Eureka, and open noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Its website includes important information about rules and safety, as well as a link to the St. Louis Scooter Club, where enthusiasts gather to share information and tips.