Philadelphia Scooters

This is the only scooter shop in Philadelphia that I know of that runs in an ethical and well-​versed manner. You will be treated with respect and not lied to, unlike the other scooter shop on 2^nd street in Northern Liberties.

I had a great experience buying at Philadelphia Scooters! I went in knowing exactly what I wanted after some research (and insight from my motorcycle ridin’ husband). I left with a beautiful seafoam Genuine Buddy 50cc scooter. The guy at the front (I forget his name, but he was awesome, saw him walking in Bella Vista the next day and made sure to say Hi) was great and able to answer all of my questions and steer me in the right direction for accessories. The process was quick, easy, and they were especially helpful, especially with me walking in at almost 6pm on a Friday. I was able to pick up my scooter derestricted with a soft storage trunk on the back by noon the next day. I will definitely be going back for all of my maintenance.

What an overwhelmingly positive experience I had with Philadelphia Scooters. From reviewing options to answering simple questions to teaching me how to safely ride my new scoot, these guys are legit.
I’m a single-​speed city bike rider who wanted to reduce the amount I sweat during my work commute from South Philly to North Philly. The 50cc scooter I purchased is the perfect answer. While I agree with the Philly Scooters guys that I will outgrow this bike, it’s the perfect introduction to city scooting.
Rich was beyond helpful and extremely patient, especially during my test drive sitting in back and having a slight freak out during my first-​ever ride.
Sean went beyond expectation. A couple hours after leaving the store, I had a small issue with the scoot. Within minutes, Sean rode over to me, assessed and rectified the situation.
Both guys kindly and thoroughly answered all of my questions. Never did I feel like I was asking something stupid or that I was wasting their time. Everyone at Philadelphia Scooters is knowledgeable, friendly and representatives of a quality business. Highly recommended.

Great scooter shop in south philly. I brougth my moped here from Arizona, and it had sat all winter. Needless to say, it needed a bit of annual mainteance. The shop facilitated picking up my scooter at my house ($ 65) and gave it a tune up, replaced the battery and a tire, replaced the weights in the transmission and cleaned out the carbuerator. I also was able to pick up a sweet helmet there! Just a great shop with top notch customer service, a vast selection of mopeds and gear and great cycle service!

Had a great experience working with Dan at Philadelphia Scooters over the weekend. He was extremely knowledgeable, and helped my wife and I get the perfect scooter.
Overall they were a very friendly shop and I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to purchase a Scooter.

I bought my Vespa lx150 over 2 years ago and these guys have been my go to guys ever since. Everything from helmets, visors, flats, and maintenance — they’ve been there to answer all my questions. I highly suggest these guys over the others. I’ve had some pretty awful experiences with those dubious fellas at the piazza. So make Philadelphia scooters your go to guys too.

Today I had the worst customer experience of my life in this store! Being humiliated in front of other customers by the cocky and rude business owner.
Here’s my story:
My wife and I decided to look into buying a scooter to enjoy the city of Philadelphia in the summer and last week we visited Philadelphia Scooters in Passyunk Ave. We were looking for either an used or new scooter and they had an used 2012 red LX Vespa 150 i.e. (standard model with no gadgets installed) which was a customer’s trade in and had around 1500 miles with only a 30 days warranty). Its cost was $ 3000. It fell perfectly into our budget and we asked the owner if we could take a closer look at it. Once this «soulless» owner (who looked like he was doing us a huge favor) got the vehicle out of the pile of scooters for sale, we finally realized why the price was that good: the entire left side was full of scratches, dents and rusty spots, the anterior side-​light reflector was missing and the posterior was broken (the scooter has been in an accident). Then we kindly thanked him and told that we where going to think about it and left the store.
During the weekend our thoughts were constantly on that vespa (my wife really liked that red, she thought it was very hot!) but when we remembered about all that damage and the money we had to spend to fix it (around $ 1000+) our desire kinda lowered. So we finally decided that I was going to make an offer: we would buy the vespa with all the damage if they could give us two cheap helmets ($ 160 retail value at their store, half price on ebay) and a cheap (non original) back rack (around $ 100 retail value).
In that way the $ 1000 for repair wouldn’t have effected on us as we didn’t have to worry about those extra gadgets that we needed and had to buy anyway; and it wasn’t gonna be a huge cut for them as we all know that retailers pay their items wholesale.
So I took the morning off from work and went back there this morning by myself.
Their website said that on Tuesday they were opened at 11:30am but when I arrived there on time I had to wait 40 minutes in the heat outside ’till they opened up the store. not a huge deal, I was excited to go home with the vespa… I thought!
When I was finally waited on, I proposed my offer to the owner who didn’t budge at all… after my useless attempts of negotiation, he would only agree to just grant one free helmet… at that point I offered him an extra $ 100 ($ 3100 total) to have the extra two gadgets, and this made him freak out in front of the customers telling me that they never negotiate because «they are not Walmart» (can you negotiate at Walmart? I thought) and pointing me the type of customers they like, pointing to a young kid who just bought a brand new 50cc scooter for $ 2200 (full retail), patting him on the back. I said «well…first of all he bought a new scooter and spent $ 2200, I’m willing to give you $ 3100 for a 2012, 1500 miles, damaged vespa… second, you don’t treat and humiliate a customer like that just because he is trying to get a bit of a deal!»
My whole family and relatives own all kinds of businesses and I know exactly how it works… my offer wasn’t impossible at all and negotiation is one of the most important elements of any kind of business, especially in retail, since mankind ancient history! Moreover I was trying to negotiate for an USED item which came from a trade in, and we all know how much businesses pays trades in, plus the vehicle has been in an ACCIDENT! It’s a customer RIGHT to try negotiation in those conditions. And, most of all, a customer should never been humiliated in front of other people for trying to just practice his RIGHTS as a customer!
So I went to Vespa of Philadelphia at the Piazza in Fishtown and there was the exact same Vespa that just came today (irony of fate!) but was BRAND NEW with a two-​year unlimited miles warranty for $ 4000. The price was so good because it was a rental vehicle with just 100 miles. I didn’t think twice and, without even negotiating, I wrote a check right away and bought it. While the super-​kind and easy going owner (who loaned me another rental scooter to go pick up my check book at my home) was doing the paperwork, I told him my bad experience with Philadelphia Scooters and he was shocked about the way they treated me, and gave me a free original back rack, even thought I had already decided to buy the Vespa!
STAY AWAY FROM PHILADELPHIA SCOOTERS!
A businessman like that only deserves to fail and I wonder who wrote the good reviews here!
I grew up in Italy and I dealt with so many scooter businesses in my life… if Philadelphia Scooters had the same competition we have in Italy, in this field, they would have run out of business after a month!
If you need to buy a scooter in the Philadelphia area, do yourself a favor and go straight to Vespa of Philadelphia in Fishtown because they always have good reasonable deals and the owner actually treats you like a human being.

I had an excellent experience with Philadelphia Scooters on E Passyunk.
Firstly, I rescheduled numerous times due to weather and my genuine Buddy 50 needing a jump. One of the fellas even offered to come tow it for a nominal fee. Sean was very understanding about the need to reschedule and was polite when I finally showed up as promised.
They also called me before moving forward with any additional work that was outside of our original discussion, which I really appreciated.
My scooter was also available for pickup a day early!
Finally, Sean also took the time to talk about the value of a Buddy over a Vespa as well as give me the run down on the Royal Enfield motor cycle that they carry exclusively — of which I am officially in love with!

Now that Stanley has his new present, I can finally Unilocal about the great service I have had with Philadelphia Scooters and Sean. PS and Sean, as well as other employees, helped me determine what item to buy, gave me a good price (I hope) and walked me through the process nicely. Best yet, even though the store was closed, I had instant access through email and cell phone to Sean, and Sean delivered the scooter when the store was closed so that I could give this as a holiday gift. Thanks for making this a good experience. I look forward to many more years with you.
So, folks, here is the deal. Nicely located near Center City and South Philadelphia. Great great employees who are accessible and knowledgable. Competitive prices (I checked new and used and found a good deal here). Good selection of scooters and accessories.

I’ve heard a lot of great things about this place, especially about the customer service, but I had a horrible experience.
I went in with a few questions, I had done a bit of research but I wanted to talk to someone face to face. I went in and the shop was pretty empty and a guy was lounging against some scooters and at least made an attempt to acknowledge me.
I told him why I was there, what I was looking for, and that I had a few questions. He simply responded «Okay». That’s when it got really awkward.
I asked him about some safety things, his opinion on scooters vs bikes, about mileage, power of different bikes, told him my budget, etc. Every question was met with a short answer, usually one or two words, except the one time he actually laughed at me.
I was fully intent on buying a scooter here, I even knew which one I wanted, I just wanted things clarified and all I got was extreme rudeness. I left and I have no intention of ever going back.
My suggestion is to steer clear of this place, they obviously don’t want the business.

Once again Philly Scooters to the rescue!!!
I’ve been riding a scooter now full time for three years! Look Mom– no car! In that time, I’ve found more than a few reasons for scooter help!?!
When I first got a scooter– I didn’t even know where the the oil went. They taught me without judgement. When I dropped my scooter in human sized unmarked pothole– they fixed it up– no problem. Lately I keep finding nails to ride over and of course…
PHILADELPHIA SCOOTER ALWAYS SAVES THE DAY!
Remember that.
Thank you guys ALWAYS!!!

Today I ran over a nail and my back tire started to leak. I was on my way home from work when I realized it so I called up Philadelphia Scooters to see what could be done. They told me head right over (as long as it was safe) and they would help me out. I waited all of 15 or 20 minutes and my tire was plugged and good as new!
They are knowledgable, easy to reach and always helpful! I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my scooter.

After just completing my second scooter purchase from these guys I figured it was time for me to get off my butt and give them some public recognition.
I’ve gone from knowing nothing about the scooter world to owning 2 different scooters in two months. Every single experience in the shop has been positive. From the initial «information gathering» to the return trips for more questions, to the first purchase, to the first engine break-​in service, to the trade-​in, to the second purchase.
I bought a «getting around town» scooter from them around 2 months ago. To say that it served me well would be an understatement. In fact, it served me too well. It was just enough to show me how much I was going to love scooting and how much more I was going to love it as my capabilities increased. Wanting just to get around town quickly turned into wanting to tour, take road-​trips, and get out on the open road.
Information gathering was incredible. Absolutely no pressure from anyone when I was there… some could interpret it as indifference in a sales environment — that’s how low-​pressure it is. If you have questions, just speak up and ask these guys! Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Just ask.
After finally pulling the trigger on my first ride I started racking up the miles. I wanted to get out on the open road and explore. And, while my smaller scooter could get me there if it tried really hard, it just wasn’t cutting it. I started thinking «motorcycle.»
When you start to factor storage, comfort, fuel economy, and comfort for a passenger into your decision you start looking at very large, very expensive motorcycles as your ideal options. After a less than encouraging visit to a local motorcycle shop resulting in leaving empty handed I thought «let’s see what happens at Philadelphia Scooters.»
There’s something to be said for being known by your first name when you walk into a business. You instantly feel as if you’re among friends. After a quick catching up we got down to business. I love my scooter but I need more. Can we talk about a trade-​in?
We talked about what I was looking for and they had something in the shop that fit my needs perfectly. Very fair value on the trade-​in and an equally fair price on the new ride and we had a deal.
I can’t stress this enough — this shop is fantastic. They are very busy and they don’t service bikes on the weekends so you’re going to have to schedule your service out a bit. They’re also interested in keeping you safe on the road so, yes, they will inject some personal opinions into their answers to your questions (do I need a full face helmet? Well, how much of your face do you actually like?) but I’d rather that than to have gone into the shop a complete newb to this world and come out unprepared.
When my wife finally decides that she wants to ride there is no question in my mind, at all, where we’ll be for her bike and her gear. Thanks for everything guys.

Recently bought a scooter here, and, gotta say, I’m a big fan of this place.
They know what they’re talking about, and were able to find me a bike that worked for me. They were also really patient as I hemmed and hawed for a few weeks before making a decision. I can understand how other reviewers may be put off by their demeanor and attitude (i.e. being perhaps aloof and hipster-​y), but I perceived it more as them being awkward and endearing. Maybe that was just my experience.
The only major drawbacks of this place are it’s awkward hours (noon-​7 or 8, Tuesday through Saturday) which are tough for my schedule as I work in the afternoons and into the evening. The location is just this side of tough to get to from center city. They’re hard to get on the phone (they do have a steady stream of repair work and sales), and their website is not helpful except to provide their phone number.
But, again, I thought they were awesome, patient, knowledgeable and had the product I was after but didn’t know I was after.

I normally don’t rate stores and haven’t rated anything in Unilocal in a while, but I had to make an exception.
Sean and Philadelphia Scooters are the BEST!
I am brand-​new to the scooter world and just passed the motorcycle safety course. I went to the shop on an exploratory visit with a million questions and Sean was extremely patient, kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. I never felt pressured to buy anything and he was brutally honest in what I needed and didn’t need.
I enjoyed the shop experience so much that I went back today to buy a scooter + accessories. Sean spent over an hour with me helping me pick out everything I need, giving me tips and recs on everything from locking to parking to tagging my scooter.
I would definitely consider myself a bargain shopper and after comparing prices online, I would say their prices are extremely reasonable and on par. I would much rather purchase goods and give my business to this mom n’ shop than go anywhere else.

If I had a team of brothers, this is how I would assume they would treat me if they owned a scooter store. They are nice, never condescend (I’m sure some of my questions have been borderline absurd), and always go above and beyond to help when I need it. I have owned my scooter for a year (purchased there), and whenever I need help I can count on these guys. Recently, someone in my neighborhood stole my battery and did some relatively substantial vandalism to my scooter while they were at it. Philadelphia scooter went above and beyond when I needed someone most, staying open beyond their store hours, and helped me get back on the road. I refer all my friends to them, and no one has yet been disappointed with their service or prices. We’re pretty damn lucky to have them in our city.
Oh, and sooo gay friendly, which is kind of a big deal for conscientious dyke-​mos such as myself.
(I told you guys. I’m going to Unilocal you SO HARD!)

I went in here with my girlfriend so she could get a helmet. Immediatly I was met by an uppity hipster. He was not very helpful, and talked down to us for not buying our helmets before we bought the bike. He scowled when I told him what kind of scooter I bought, and asked why we didnt come into the store before purchasing. I actually did, and their prices were extremely high.
My GF wanted a half helmet, but was pressured by the hispter to get a «cool» ¾. He pushed that if a motorcycler needs a full helmet, so do scooters. true, but its not his call to make. PA doesnt have a helmet law. He shoudl have been happy we wanted to spend money in the store. He tried to sell me a helmet, which I did not want, and when I told him I had one orderd and in the mail, he scowled again at me and turned away to my gf.
Very pretentious here. They were not very pleasant, and have a «holier than thou» attitude. I wont go back, even though they are iin my neighborhood.

Stopped by one night after dinner to see their inventory. I explained to them that I just started thinking about getting a scooter and not ready to buy. The guy spent about a half hour talking to me about their scooters, giving me advice about the different kinds, motorcycle licenses, etc. Very very helpful! Any other shop would have said «take a look around, let me know if you have any questions.» He took the time to help me. A+ customer service!
I will be back… :)

I have purchased two scooters from this shop. Sure, the scooters are awesome, but the staff made the buying experiences great. I didn’t feel rushed into either purchase, and everything — from the components of the scoots to different models and payment arrangements and where to get the bikes tagged — was explained to me clearly.
This shop also does (or at least did when I bought my last scooter a few years back) maintenance like oil changes and repairs.
No need for a super expensive Vespa when the brands they carry here are just as reliable and adorable.

These guys eat, live, and breathe scooters down to the pavement.
If your buying your first scooter then don’t worry. You will never feel like an idiot around these guys. They will drop their tools and anything they are doing to help you. They will explain the pros the cons, engine size, makes, models thoroughly so you’ll understand exactly what you need and what your paying for. Philadelphia Scooter is very much connected with the scooter community and eventually you may even become part of the family by joining them in one of the many scooter rally’s in the area.
For Scooter enthusiast, Philadelphia Scooter can order a long list of parts and upgrades and even install them for you. While they may have many essentials item in stock, if they don’t they will be glad to order it or point you in the right direction.
Philadelphia Scooter = Helpful, Knowledgeable, Friendly, Professional = A+