Scooter Carrier Question April 23, 2020, 07:10:40 pm I currently have a bicycle carrier on my Lazy Daze, but I think I should be prepared for getting a scooter. I'm thinking about a small scooter between 50 and 150 cc with a dry weight not higher than 250 lbs.Is it possible to have such a scooter on a bought carrier that gets only attached to the receiver hitch, or do I definitely need a special construction with more than one fixation point? Is it maybe possible to replace the current receiver hitch (or is it hitch receiver?) which is apparently attached to the bumper to a different hitch receiver that is attached to the frame? When I talked today to Buddy from Buddy's Welding & RV in Flagstaff (who also installed my solar system) he told me that he has put even 400 lbs heavy motorbikes onto simple hitch receiver carriers for as long as these receivers were attached to the frame.I know that the bike carrier question has been in previous topics, but I could not find any of those that were answering my question. I therefore hope that it is ok that I started a new topic about it.Klaus
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #1 – April 23, 2020, 07:33:22 pm Klaus,Friends have had good things to say about Joe Hauler hitch carriers. The best ones use two hitch receivers and don't wiggle. Make sure to get one with the ramp included and a place to store the ramp.Joe Hauler Motorcycle Carriers and AccessoriesHarold 1 Likes
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #2 – April 23, 2020, 08:04:23 pm Klaus, the standard LD hitch receiver attaches to the frame with 4 1/2" Grade 5 bolts and to the bumper with 2 3/4" Grade 5 bolts. Larry has posted quite a bit of info about that system. If the holes through the frame or bumper are not smoothed, the bolts may allow shifting, which in turn allows the holes to enlarge. He has recommended that the bolts be removed and the receiver dropped so the frame and bumper surfaces can be smoothed if rough, then re-install the receiver with Grade 8 hardware and add welds so that there is no possibility of movement of the receiver. (Larry, if I got any of that wrong, please correct me.) I feel confident that the stock hitch could handle a 250 lb scooter, but strengthening per Larry's suggestions is not terribly expensive.That being said, I added a Curt 2" receiver to my Subaru Forester. I put an 80 lb track carrier on it, and used that to carry my 220 lb HPC Typhoon electric dirt bike. It worked just fine. With a single receiver and a track carrier for a scooter, you can expect it to have some rocking when in use. Ken F in NM
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #3 – April 23, 2020, 08:26:32 pm Jon Calhoun had a two-point hitch fabricated to carry his Vespa; this link explains and give the fabricator. There are additional posts on this topic; a search will bring up several threads. AZ/NM Trip Advice now Vespa 1 Likes
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #4 – April 23, 2020, 08:41:29 pm I'd have Buddy weld you and additional or better yet, two additional receivers.Then make you a rack that fits into those receivers to carry whatever you get.I had one made many years ago in Nevada to carry the 250cc motorcycle I carry still.It's been rock solid back there, no wobbles and gives me peace of mind carrying my bike. 2 Likes
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #5 – April 24, 2020, 02:40:16 pm If you go to “media” on this forum, click the “search” icon, then key in “albatross” (without the quotes), there are photos of our Vespa carrier setup. Unfortunately, the photo captions aren’t synced properly, but you’ll get the picture. — — Jon
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #6 – April 25, 2020, 02:27:47 pm Quote from: Jota - April 23, 2020, 08:41:29 pmI'd have Buddy weld you and additional or better yet, two additional receivers.That is similar to what Buddy suggested to me.However, I changed my mind. I don't want to have a scooter or scooter carrier right now. I am considering a fat tire e-bike now, and for that my existing bicycle carrier would be good enough; I would only need different wheel holders, which are easy to get.Nevertheless, thanks for all the input here. It might come handy at a different time or for somebody else.Klaus
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #7 – April 25, 2020, 03:16:55 pm [quote author=Klaus date=1587839267 link=msg=214965However, I changed my mind. I don't want to have a scooter or scooter carrier right now. I am considering a fat tire e-bike now, and for that my existing bicycle carrier would be good enough; I would only need different wheel holders, which are easy to get.[/quote]A fat tire e-bike can weight three times more than a regular bike, check with the bike rack's manufacturer to see if it can safely carry the extra weight.Many rack manufacturers sell heavy-duty racks, made for the weight of e-bikes.Also, consider how you will lift and load the bike, they are heavy (most in the 60-70-lb range) and can strain the back.Wheel holders require lifting the bike up and over the holder, a wheel tray, with a ramp may be a better choice .Larry
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #8 – April 25, 2020, 05:25:27 pm We use a front hitch mount with motorcycle rack to haul our honda ruckus. We have had zero issues with this set up. The honda weighs 194 lbs. dry. comes in very handy and we use it all the time. After the ruckus is unloaded we use the motorcycle rack for fire wood storage to keep it off the ground or drying wet swim trunks or a place to sit and put on boots/shoes.hitch https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Hitch/Draw-Tite/65049.htmlrack https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/MaxxTow/MT70101.htmlscooter 2020 Ruckus OVERVIEW - Honda Greg 1 Likes
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #9 – April 25, 2020, 10:22:59 pm Quote from: buggy - April 25, 2020, 05:25:27 pmWe use a front hitch mount with motorcycle rack to haul our honda ruckus. We have had zero issues with this set up.I certainly would like to see pictures of that! Not just the products, but installed on your rig, with and without the scooter. No hurry from my side - but I would appreciate it.Klaus
Re: Scooter Carrier Question Reply #10 – April 26, 2020, 04:03:11 pm Here is one with it loaded. 2 Likes