Above 63

Really, they are good for getting around

One of the running jokes between Kathleen and me is about taking scooters. Speed, rough terrain, balance, and the fear of mowing down some unsuspecting pedestrian has kept us from renting them. So when I texted her this image and the “did a thing this morning” message–her reaction was not entirely unexpected.

To be honest, I knew I would try this at some point while I was here, but I didn’t expect to do it so soon. I had to pick up my National ID card from the immigration office. I took the bus up to the office which was easy and I made the bus transfer easily. After I got my card I walked out of the building and saw my bus pull away across the street. I knew the next one wouldn’t be here for another 30 minutes. I had walked home the previous week–but I had things to do and couldn’t take time for a 2 hour walk. There was a scooter sitting next to the bus shelter. I had the hopp app on my phone already. I added Google Pay to the app, scanned the QR code on the scooter and it was mine to use.

I am now faced with the problem of how to operate this thing. It is not that complicated, but it does require some coordination and motor skills I have not practiced. Yes, it is like riding a bike–but with a different set of reflexes. I made sure I checked the brakes first–they worked fine. The bell worked (I was worried that I would have to use it a lot). I found the turn signals and the headlight–I didn’t thing I would need or be coordinated enough to use those. Time to try the throttle and get going.

The trip was successful and I made it back to downtown in under 30 minutes. I had time to run some errands and shop for groceries.

The trip was so successful that over the weekend it was such a beautiful day I wanted to go out to the lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. I knew it was an 8K round trip and I really was only up for about half that walk. I took the scooter out to the point, spent the afternoon taking photos, and walked home (even though my ride was still waiting for me when I was done.

Although I’m still more likely to walk or take the bus most places–this does open up some travel possibility for me in the coming months–particularly with this fleet waiting for me outside my office door.