At least one thing brings townies, University students and retired couples together to look like hip Europeans: their love of scooters.

The use of scooters around the Classic City received negative attention this summer, but riders remain undeterred.

“I sell so many scooters, and not just because of gas prices, but because scooters are just a lot of fun,” said Leon Ward, the owner/mechanic of Recycle, a new scooter shop on Prince Avenue.

Ward said the range of those purchasing the transportation around Athens is large.

“Years ago, people thought they were dorky,” he said. “It’s not your grandpa’s bike. It’s a lot of fun to ride and they can go faster than a car off of the line.”

“Scooters are a great way to get around in Athens because traffic isn’t as heavy as in Atlanta,” Ward added.

Students also have reason to ride due to the lack of University parking and the increasing gas prices.

“I started riding my scooter to work because one of my coworkers got a motorcycle, and I wanted to look super cool, and parking on campus is outrageous for cars,” said David Desso, a senior sports studies major from Athens.

Along with students’ interest in scooters, Athens residents have started a club to celebrate the vehicle called “Microcosmonauts.”

The club is open to anyone with a scooter or moped, or
even someone else’s to borrow.

“It is great fun to ride scooters together and it makes for the perfect break from studying,” said Cal Clements, a member of the club.

“Also, you can pick up tips on details of scooter ownership or riding,” he added.

With all of the local interest in scooters, Recycle, in only its first year of operation, has found success.

“Rent downtown is too high and there’s a whole other part of the city,” said Ward. “I get a lot more attention here and it allows me to get big trucks for my delivery every week.”

The shop sells various go-peds starting at $1,000 and scooter accessories, including helmets, covers, jackets, DVDs and batteries.

Along with selling everything scooter-related, Recycle also does repairs on the bikes.

“Scooters are more fun than cars and smarter than cars,” Ward said.

“There’s a reason that Europeans understand the value of it, and now attitudes are changing and people are realizing the smaller the car, the cooler the car.”

This mode of transportation may have some new avid followers along with sparks of controversy, there are different takes on the vehicle and its catalogue of advantages, both practical and inspirational.

“In a world of global warming, scooters are an ecological choice,” said Clements.

“Also, they make you feel very alive.”

“I would recommend scooters because the more there are, the less stupid I will look,” said Desso. “I look like a circus bear and it is awesome.”