Benefits of scootering:

Environmental

Fuel Efficiency

Air Pollution

Noise ?

Traffic/Congestion

Footprint/Road use/Parking

Recreation

Clubs

Events

Tourism

Travel

Commuting

Economy

Price vs. Car

Cost of ownership vs. car

Barriers to riding in Chicago:

Chicago Weather

Advances in Lap aprons, riding gear, tires

Traffic

Insensitive drivers

Underestimation of scooter capabilities

Negative perception of motorcyclists and scooterists

Parking

Unclear/contrary/laws

City vs. State

Public vs. Private

"herd" effect

Inconsistent enforcement

Public Transportation

Metra/CTA Parking availabilty/proximity

Security/Vandalism/Theft

Security

Visibilty/car damage

Vandalism

Drivers moving bikes

Theft

Light, easy to steal

Best locked "to" something

Insensitive "towing"?

Meter issues

Parallel vs. Perpendicular

"Sticky" receipts?

Theft/loss of receipts

Full price for 1/4 (or less) space?

Garage/Lot issues

Costs, if allowed

Full price for 1/4 (or less) space?

Monthly rates reward daily riders

"No M/Cs allowed"

Security?

Insurance?

Fee evasion?

Solutions

Education (below)

Toronto: free meter parking for 2-wheelers

SF: designated spaces

Lockdown points in scooter parking areas?

specific, enforcable median/sidewalk rules?

garage/lot standardization?

City medallion already allows parking in permit areas.. meters, too?

"Boot" (or double-lock) instead of towing?

Misinformation/confusion

City Laws vs. State laws

Moped/L-class/M-class (state) classifications

"Scooters are safer than motorcycles"

"You can park anywhere/on the sidewalk"

"You can ride in bike lanes"

"You don't need a license/plates/insurance/tax medallion"

Untrained riders, uninformed helmet/footwear/clothing choices

Consumer issues:

Non DOT/EPA-approved bikes being sold for street use

Low quality, no lights, poor brakes, unsafe design

Scooters sold by non-licensed dealers

Low-quality scooters sold without parts/service backup

Auto parts stores, dollar stores, gas stations, flea markets

Education

Dealers

Buyers

Riders

Drivers

Police/Revenue

Channels

Private riding schools

MSF courses

Brochure/packets

with new scooters?

City/corporate subsidies for education?

Tags/signs/notes?

City website

Clubs and private websites/newsgroups