If Market Motors is successful, brightly colored three-wheeled vehicles soon will be tooling around the Mid-Ohio Valley this summer.Market Motors is set to unveil Scoot coupes to potential customers in Ohio and West Virginia.
Bill Waldeck, owner of Market Motors, described the vehicles as a cross between a motorcycle and a Volkswagen.
"There is really nothing else like them." he said.
The three-wheeled, two-passenger coupes are similar to a motorcycle, with a set of handlebars instead of a steering wheel. Helmets must be worn and drivers must have a required motorcycle license.
Unlike scooters and motorcycles, the coupes are more stable and allow passengers to ride beside the driver. The coupe's features include seat belts, a locking trunk and glove box and a roll bar. Models can also be accessorized to accommodate an iPod.
The Scoot coupes can reach a top speed of 55 mph and gets up to 75 miles per gallon. Waldeck said a Scoot coupe will go about 110 miles on a tank of gas.
The vehicles are certainly eye-catching, manufactured in vived blue, green, yellow and red colors.
Market Motors has been stocked with the coupes since January and is ready to open its doors. Waldeck said they are still waiting on approval from the state.
"If we had our license, we would have sold about 36 of these by now," he said. "The hold up with the state getting the license has been a major headache."
Waldeck said Market Motors has been getting calls from all over, Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, from buyers interested in purchasing the coupes.
"We want them to come to Parkersburg," he said.
In addition to fielding calls from prospective buyers, curious onlookers stop by daily, peering inside their 925 Market St. location.
Waldeck said they clean the glass daily, but nose prints from people seeking a better look at the coupes quickly reappear.
"We get notes shoved inside the door from prospective customers," he said. "Most people that see it just can't believe it."
The Scoot coupe was created in 2004 by Panther Motors, a Florida company. Waldeck became friends with the company's CEO and was interested in carrying the line in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Waldeck said Market Motors will serve West Virginia and Ohio. He's optimistic the vehicles will eventually be assembled in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
"Maybe a lot of jobs," he said.
The Scoot coupes come with 50cc or 150cc engines and a Fiberglas body. Coupes have a one-year, 12,000 mile warranty. Models, which have a pricetag of about $6,000, are available in four bright colors and a limited edition black, all of which are on display.
Waldeck said the vibrant colors make the coupe standout.
"You can recognize them on the street and see them coming down the road," he said.
One of the drawbacks is the lack of a top, making it less than ideal for rainy days or cold weather.
"It is a late March to October vehicle," Waldeck said.
In addition to selling the vehicles, Market Motors has a parts department, including a mechanic and garage that can work on the vehicles. Market Motors also offers custom accessories, floor mats, covers, chrome package, shirts and hats.
"We are doing all the after market stuff," he said.
Once Market Motors receives its license Waldeck said it will be open Monday through Friday from 9 to 3 and on weekends by appointment. Once the operation begins running the company will add a second salesman and open seven days a week.
Market Motors will also add Micargi bicycles to its product line.
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