Pelican Parts Forums - TaoTao Scooter...is it worth fixing?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rinty (Post 8068487)

When I was 14, the Woodruff Key slot on the drive axle of my Lambretta wore out. I managed to get my hands on a used axle, and with some limited help from my dad, managed to install it into the driveline (with non-metric tools!). I was too young to figure out how difficult a job this was, and I've never forgotten the satisfaction of getting it back on the road.

http://rinty.smugmug.com/Other/edite...bretta2-XL.jpg

So yes, I would suggest that it's worth it.

And how much is a vintage Lambretta worth now? Potentially thousands. I understand the importance and worth of father son projects, don't get me wrong. My point is this. This is the point where dad steps in and talks to the son saying "son, I understand your interest in fixing this bike." Then explain the economics of it all - ie, you may end up spending more than its worth in the end. Then dad uses some of his money to buy a project that stands a chance of being with something - vintage Honda or similar bike. He can bring that back to life and part out the Tao Tao for some extra spending money or to put towards the vintage bike. This way he actually gets three life lessons. Don't waste your effort on a something that won't pay you back; learns how to work on something; and how to part out something to make some money. To answer your question, no, I don't think its worth sinking any money into the Tao tao - especially $200.

Also consider this, he would use his money...ultimately I want it to be his choice. I can get between his ears but I am not going to. He knows his options. I want him to make a decision. If its the wrong one then he just paid tuition to the school of hard knocks...if not then all the better. Either way its a win.

Mike, your kid is so lucky to have a father that encourages learning projects like the mower & scooter. Even if it costs a couple of bucks, you couldn't get a better bargain on the learning projects he seems to be continually working on. Keep it up.

It may be a better idea to get a different project but I do think these decisions don't have to be financially sound.

See also the 599 threads in the tech section where guys are spending 40k restore ing cars that will be worth 30k when done.

Tao Tao 502m scooter

Hi, yeah my name is Victor Contreras & I just wanted to say that if your son needs another scooter exactly like the one he's got I got one that I just bought 4 new batteries & a charger but it still didn't do it any good so if he want's this one he can have it I'm now partially paralyzed & don't feel like dealing with it so I'm done with it but I'm in San Diego, CA & you would have to figure out how to ship it but hey it's free so cant beat it. so if you want it let me know otherwise it'll be donated to the Goodwill, so let me know, & take care...