Found at: http://www.nh-scooters.com/article/articleprint/139/-1/3/

Interview with Philip McCaleb of Genuine Scooter Company

Publishing date: 01.07.2004 16:11

I recently had the pleasure of talking to Philip McCaleb of Genuine Scooter Company. I asked if he would mind answering a few questions about his company, and he agreed to take the time to do an interview.

Philip McCaleb is the President of Genuine Scooter Company and also runs Scooterworks USA in Chicago, a successful supplier of parts and accessories for vintage scooters.

NHSC: Can you tell me a little background about your sister company Scooterworks USA and what made you decide to start Genuine Scooter Company?

GSC: We started SW in my basement in 1989, with an eye to providing a selection of parts and accessories for vintage scooters. We thought we could build a market demand for old scooters and create value for old Vespas in particular. After distributing over 500000 catalogs through this period, we realized how many people would want a "new" vintage scooter. The former Indian joint venture of Piaggio's had just gone independent, and we saw our opportunity.

NHSC: How have Stella sales been since your announcement back in Christmas of 2002?

GSC: Awesome. We are really pleased with our first year and look forward to selling lots more in 2004

NHSC: I know that getting the 150cc 2-stroke engine to pass in 49 of the 50 states was a challenge. Are you worried about the new laws imposed by the EPA to end the manufacturing of all 2-stroke engines by 2006?

GSC: It really wasn’t that difficult; we just had the right company doing the certifications. The motor was very clean from the onset, so we really didn’t have to work that hard to make it happen. No, we aren’t worried about 2006… ’cause we’ll have a new power plant for all our scooters by then. Look forward to a new model or perhaps 2 by the summer of 2004.

NHSC: Any plans to get a dealer up here in NH?

GSC: We are looking into it right now. we have a rep who covers your state and are pursuing it aggressively. “SCOOT FREE OR DIE”

NHSC: I believe that the scooter lifestyle and community is what sells bikes, without building a community of dedicated enthusiasts, it doesn’t matter how good your product is; no one will buy it. I really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Rick and Dave as they embarked on their “Second Chance” tour. Any plans to do something else? (Let me know if you need a volunteer)

GSC: We’re thinking about doing again this spring, want to go?

NHSC: ABSOLUTELY! Let me know when to pack my bags. :)

NHSC: Any plans to release a “custom” edition Stella with a special paint job? Or maybe offer a few more color choices?

GSC: Around April or May look for a “special edition”. Cool color scheme and some little changes in other hardware on the bike. Stay tuned, it’s guaranteed to be a winner.

NHSC: There have been rumors about “retagged” Stella’s popping up in New Zealand under the name “Belladonna” made by a company called the Retro Scooter Co. Is there any truth to the rumor? They do look a lot alike.

GSC: They are doing it with our blessing and the scooters ARE quite similar, despite having different sets of standards in New Zealand. They are a tiny company and only ordered 50 or so scooters, so we are hoping they grow in ’04!

NHSC: How do you feel about the current state of the scooter market? What do you think about all the “Made in China” scooters flooding the market?

GSC: It hurts a little, because most aren’t even DOT or EPA compliant. Consumers here are not stupid, though. Soon enough they will catch on and demand better quality for their money; that usually happens the first time they try to FIX their scooter.

NHSC: How reliable are the 150cc 2-stroke engines? (Life expectancy, cold-weather starting, top-speed)

GSC: So far, bulletproof. Cold weather sometimes makes the electric start lag a little, needing a boost now and again from a trickle charger. We recommend using the kick start under 35 degrees until the bike’s been ridden for 10 miles or so to fully charge the battery. Our engine’s shouldn’t need any major service for several years.

Hope that helps. I enjoy reading your newsletter; it’s a valuable resource for scooters. Keep up the great work!!!

NHSC: Thanks, I enjoy providing the scooterists with a place to get the latest info and more importantly a place to be part of growing community.

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