Scoot About

Category:	Motorcycle Dealer
Address:	2308 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Phone:	+1 206-407-3362
Site:	scootabout.biz
Rating:	3.5
Working:	Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM Closed

Location

Photos 13

Reviews 5

Evan B

I bought a scooter from Scoot About in October of 2015. They were nice enough and helped me narrow down what I was looking for, so I went for it. The sales process was fine. Its been pretty much everything since then thats been bad. My scooter got stolen in March 2016 and I was fortunate enough to recover it in July. There some some damage done to the wiring and gas cap, so I made an appointment with Scoot About to have these items repaired on July 22, 2016. I ordered a rear rack for my scooter from Amazon that I didnt have the appropriate wrench to install, so I also brought it in to have them throw it on as well. I dropped the scooter off on that Saturday, July 22. It was not ready to pick up until August 19. I realize summer time is busy season in the scooter world, but its clear that Scoot About was woefully understaffed in their maintenance and repair dept - they even admitted that when I picked the scooter up. I called periodically between July and August and kept getting excuses about parts not arriving yet and myriad other excuses -- It probably would have taken longer to get back had I not fabricated a story about me leaving the state to get them to hurry it up. Fortunately they were able to complete the repair after 28 (!!) days and I was happy to pick it up. I dont know if what I paid was egregiously more than what I would have paid anywhere else -- I assume it was a little inflated, but I cant be sure. But I do know they charged an hour of shop time to pry off my gas cap that was damaged by the thieves. They charged an hour of shop time ($88) for something I couldve done with a flat head screwdriver and a hammer in 10 minutes. Remember the rear rack I asked them to install? They charged me 0.5 hours of shop time ($44) to install it. It required removing four 5/8" bolts behind the seat. If I had the right tool (naturally, it was the only socket I was missing), it wouldve taken me 3 minutes. I understand they have a business to run and I dont expect anything - not even the rear rack - to be done for free. But holy hell that takes some audacity. _____________________________ The same day I pick my scooter up a friend of mine is in town visiting, so we inquire about a scooter rental for the next day. I asked if he could rent the same scooter I have if I school him up on how to ride it and he passes their test. "Yeah, no problem" they say. So, I let him ride my scooter until hes comfortable with it and when we return the next day, they stick him with another scooter. "Its just as fast, dont worry" they say. It wasnt just as fast. It was quite a bit slower. This isnt a huge deal, but my maintenance and rental experience definitely validate what another person below me says about Scoot About -- Do not expect this business to ever cut you any breaks. They get by on strong arming their clientele. Theyre sketchy and dishonest. For sales, I recommend any of the other scooter shops in N Seattle. For repairs, I recommend Fritz Repair in the U District. Theyre good people. Theyre transparent. If you spend $600+ on repairs there, I bet they wont charge you 30 minutes shop time for a 2 minute rear rack "installation". Whether youre buying, renting, or servicing a scooter - I would avoid Scoot About.

A Private User

We rented from these folks earlier this month on our trip to Seattle. They promised us bikes of one type and then, oops, that type wasnt working when we went in. They seemed very "suprised" by this, even though the kid who is the brother of the owner is supposedly the mechanic of these bikes. This should have been the first warning sign. Next, when we go to return the bikes, there is damage which we point out to them. They first make a list for several hundred dollars (including $140.00 for damage to the kickstand - yes, the thing that goes on the ground that is now scuffed, not bent). Then they tell you not to worry because they will cut you "a deal" (warning sign #2). Then they keep you there negotiating and tell you, "hey we can just charge your credit card". I forgot to mention these people make a point of telling you several times when checking out how the bikes are "new" (but some mysteriously dont work?) Oh, and by the way, you are responsible for flat tires (theres a first) and gassing up even if you ride for an hour. (Warning sign #3 - really? they charge $30 per hour and really want the $.50 of gas back?) These folks make their money by upcharging their customers. As their staff says, "hey you can take us to court". Thats a good bet for a business that mostly hits out of towners. STAY AWAYYYY!!!!!!

Dustin Helgeson

In many ways Im being generous with 3 stars. Everyone is nice here, and the mechanic(s) are generally good at what they do, but the general customer service is not always up to par. My main complaint is that I have NEVER gotten a break on price when bringing my scooter in. They charge up to the tightening of each bolt. Once I was even quoted "no more than 1/2 hr" to tighten the chain on my Sym. When I came back to the shop to pick it up, it was explained to me that it took longer and that theyd have to charge me for an hour because they didnt have experience at that time of tightening the chain on a Symba. I paid for the techs own learning curve! I have taken my scooter to them half a dozen times, and they do not seem to have a sense of generating customer loyalty. The only reason Ive had to bring my scooter here is that theyve been the only SYM dealer for a period of time. Hopefully that is about to change with Seattle Cycle Center gearing up to deal and service Syms more. One other annoyance is that when you set up a time to bring your scooter in for repair, they dont get to it right away. the "appointment" is just to drop it off. You will then, on average, have to wait a week to two weeks for them to get to the repair. Based on experience.

A Private User

This is a fantastic one stop shop for scooterists. They have a very good selection of scooters for sale, specializing in the economy scooter brands. It is important to note that Scoot About DOESNT carry the crap scooters, but only brands that are good enough to carry good guarantees. Many of the models carried by SA come with 2-year warranties, and are serviced in-house by Scoot About. Scoot Abouts service department is also very good. I have had both my modern and P-series Vespas serviced there, and am very happy with the quality of their work, fair prices, and quick turnaround. They also have a nifty selection of riding gear, accessories for the scoot, and gifts and toys as well. All in all, Scoot About is the ONLY shop in Seattle that offers sales/service/rentals/gear+accessories, and theyre straight shooters too! Check them out; you wont be dissappointed!

Lloyd Sullivan

I flew into Seattle to pick up a Royal Enfield Bullet Id bought, sight unseen, on Craigslist. (I know). Not surprisingly there were some issues. Id called Scoot About, the local RE dealer, earlier in the day to see if they could change the oil, take a look at the machine. They were booked up solid the following day, but when I stopped in to buy an oil change kit and told them the bikes story, they graciously made room for me in their schedule, fixing the problems that could be fixed and alerting me to problems I would want to look into once I got back to Nevada, in short, putting me on the road with a bike that would make the trip. I owe them big! Thanks Susan, Kirk, Tod. I really appreciate it.