Photos by Sam Dean | The Roanoke Times

George Hunter has nine modes of transportation, but the favorite for his commute to work at the Bonsack Wal-mart is a scooter that gets up to 80 miles per gallon. As the price of gas continues to climb, the scooter is becoming more popular around the country.

George Hunter is a retired school teacher who enjoys taking his scooter to run errands and to commute to his job at Wal-mart.

George Hunter may not be fast, but he's ahead of the sport utility vehicle, especially when it comes to saving money on gasoline. He's also a Roanoke Valley face on a national trend, as many people around the country look for cheaper ways of getting around.

Editor's note: This version of the story has been changed to clarify regulations for larger scooters.

A pickup truck, motorcycle, six bicycles and a scooter sit in George Hunter's garage and driveway.

But for the retired schoolteacher, the scooter is the preferred choice.

"The scooter is just the best choice for what I need -- it's cheap on gas and easy to get around in," the 61-year-old said.

According to Roanoke Valley bike merchants, Hunter is just one example of the scooter craze in America that is infiltrating Southwest Virginia.

The number of registered motorcycles and scooters in Virginia increased 81 percent from 2001-07 to 166,806, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Their low price, low maintenance and high fuel mileage have caused an average of a 50 percent sales increase on scooters and motorcycles, according to three area dealers.

Sales on brand-name scooters such as Honda, Yamaha, Vespa and Suzuki rose 24 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council trade group.

Michael Bower, general manager at Star City Powersports on Peters Creek Road, said on Friday that he had one scooter left and anticipates a new shipment.

This two-wheeler trend can be seen across the board, from the smallest motor scooters that don't require a license or insurance to small motorcycles.

The fuel-stingy scooters have a 50cc engine and can get anywhere from 75 to 100 miles per gallon. Their prices are as low as $1,300 and they require no insurance. Most of these scooters max out at 30 mph, though, making interstate driving impossible.

Larger scooters are also available that have more powerful engines that can reach 60 to 80 mph. They require a license and insurance. They cost between $5,500 and $7,500.

The two-wheeler selling season usually begins toward the end of February and drops off toward the beginning of the summer, dealers say.

However, with fuel prices pushing $4 a gallon, the Roanoke bike shop owners say they think they will continue to see high sales throughout the summer.

Brandon Harper, president of the Cycle Shack on Williamson Road, said he is selling out of scooters and already has a new order placed for fall.

He said scooters first became popular earlier this decade, but they took a hit in 2005. But now, with the nation becoming more gas-minded, business is back up by 60 percent, he said.

"It's gone up dramatically," he said. "Nowadays it's just gas prices. It doesn't matter who you are, gas prices are affecting people."

He said he has seen his customer base grow over the years to include white-collar professionals and retirees.

"People are just saying this is just crazy -- I'm not paying the prices," he said. "It's kind of like a boycott against gas prices."

His most loyal customers are still mostly blue-collar workers, he said.

"Let's be realistic -- people making $100,000 a year are not being affected by gas prices yet," he said.

Bike retailers agree that there is definitely a higher interest in scooters and they have noticed higher traffic in stores with people coming to look out of curiosity.

"There's still tons of people looking and looking," Harper said. "It's just a matter of time before they eventually buy it."

Marvin Chambers, general manager at the Scooter Outlet on Melrose Avenue, said he has seen a sales increase of about 40 percent. "The demand is just high, can't keep them in stock," he said.

He said his most popular model is the imported JonWay at $1,300. Many of the Chinese scooters are cheaper than brand-names such as Yamaha and Honda.

As more scooters show up on the road, there are some safety concerns, however.

The DMV reports that in 2007, 2,284 people were injured in motorcycle and scooter accidents in Virginia, and 126 people died.

Carlton Mabe, coordinator of the Virginia Western Community College Motorcycle Rider Safety Program, said he is concerned about the number of scooter riders on the road without training.

While many say riding a scooter is like riding a bicycle, Mabe doesn't agree.

"Riding a scooter and motorcycle involves some risk," he said. "They don't have the stability of a car, and other motorists are concerned about their size."

Mabe, who has been involved with the weekend riding safety classes for 20 years, said: "I wish someone would do something about making a safety class for scooters required."

Although classes are required for motorcycles, they are not for scooters. He said most scooter accidents happen at intersections.

"There are certain preventive maneuvers that need to be taken at intersections, such as surveying the scene," he said. "These are things you need to know to keep yourself from getting in trouble. ... Some of those folks have not had a chance to have that training."