Scooter Skirts
I was looking for something to help keep me warm in the winter. I try to commute daily and since it's only 5 miles or so, I usually can. I have a full Aerostich riding suit and while it goes on and off very quickly, it still seems a bit much for the short rides I often take in winter. I came across mention of scooter lap covers ( see the other write ups about them on the JerseyBiker site) and I also read good things about Scooter Skirts http://www.scooterskirts.com. So, I placed an order
I spoke with Ruben, the owner of the company. He advised me that he wasn't sure the skirt would work on a maxi scooter and that others had tried unsuccessfully to use it on a maxi scoot. Still, I asked him to send me one and he said he would. The skirt arrived in about 2 days.
It is much lighter than I expected (and much, much lighter than a termoscud). It has a strap that is intended to go around back and clip to hold it on. The top is Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex like material and the underside is sort of quilted. There is a pocket sewn in the top and the edging is a very reflective material.
Here's a shot of the top - note how the edging shines !
In the photo below note the 'excess' material in the middle - more on that later.
Below you can see the underside and the buckles.
Hard to see in the photo below but the skirt is almost lying flat. I simply folded it over 2 times. That's how light and thin it is. It would pack very easily and take up little space.
Below are 2 photos that show (in my opinion) why the skirt won't work on maxi scooters but why it must work so well on Scooter. Remember that 'excess' material mentioned above ? It's there to make the skirt fit over the riders knees when he is sitting on the scoot. Placed on a chair to demonstrate, the skirt drapes perfectly around what would be a riders lap and knees IF HIS KNEES ARE TOGETHER like on a scooter. Due to the large hump in the middle of most of our scoots, our knees are not together but probably almost a foot apart. Thus, the edges of the skirt ends up being lifted and, air is able to get under it. Since it is so light, it acts like a sail and blows up quite easily. When I tested it riding on a Helix the skirt blew up enough that I had to pull over and take it off. It just wouldn't stay down since it was so light. Maybe if it were cut differently or were much heavier it would work for us but as made, it simply wont.
So, unhappily this well made, very nice product won't work on our scoots tho' Ruben did say he is actively working to amend the design so it will. I look forward to him doing that since I'd love to have a lightweight, rainproof, packable lap cover that I could use all year long for warmth or rain protection. If anyone has a Vespa or similar scooter, I'd highly recommend having one of these tucked under the seat for quick use when the need arises.