New Bradenton Business Embraces the Scooter Lifestyle

For Csaba Nemeth, riding a scooter is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life.  That’s why the Bradenton resident of more than twenty years opened his own scooter shop, , at 3010 Manatee Avenue West last Tuesday.

Manatee Scooters’ unassuming storefront may be easy to overlook on the first drive by, but judging by Nemeth’s dedication to carrying only the high quality products and providing premier customer service, this fledgling scooter store has a promising future.

Nemeth, who was born in Hungary, has spent the better part of his life living in Bradenton. Prior to opening his scooter business, the Bayshore High School graduate spent ten years running a computer repair business, Fix It Etc.

“It was a hobby that turned into a business, and after awhile it wasn’t a hobby anymore. I was getting bored," Nemeth said. "On top of that, there’s a lot of competition in the industry, and we live in a time when people can buy a new computer at Wal-Mart for $299 instead of taking their old one in to be repaired, anyway. It was time for a change.”

Nemeth began riding scooters a few years ago for fun, and he’s been hooked ever since.

“I never knew how much fun it could be until I rode my first one a few years ago. It’s almost like a lifestyle – especially in Florida," he said. "The weather is beautiful here year-round. Up north, you have to leave a scooter in the garage for six months, but here, even in the winter, all you have to do is throw on gloves and a jacket and you’re good to go.”

Nemeth opened Manatee Scooters with the hope of making the hobby more accessible to others drawn to the breezy culture and cost-efficient perks of motorized scooters, which drive up to 100 miles per gallon.

“I wouldn’t necessarily go so far as to call scooters ‘green’ vehicles. They do create emissions,” said Nemeth, who owns a car but uses a scooter as his primary form of transportation. “However, you’re creating fewer emissions when you’re getting 100 miles per gallon on a scooter as opposed to driving a car. There is a definite environmental impact – and it’s less expensive. I only use the car when I have to put something in the back seat.”

Other perks include the “twist and go” ease of operating a scooter – no gear shifting necessary – and the fact that neither a motorcycle endorsement nor insurance is required to drive a scooter with an engine that runs under 49cc.

Manatee Scooters is the exclusive Manatee County dealer for scooters manufactured by Gorilla Motor Works, a family owned and operated distributor located in Clearwater.

“The family behind Gorilla Motor Works is really passionate about the scooter business,” said Nemeth, “so they’re a distributor that I’m really happy to work with. I wouldn’t sell anything in my store that I wouldn’t purchase myself, and they make a really great quality product.”

Nemeth added that Gorilla Motor Works proximity is an added bonus.

“When you go to most places, including dealerships, you often find that you have to order parts and wait for a week or more before they come in. I wanted to open a store where, most of the time, everything will be in stock. What’s great about having Gorilla Motor Works so close is that even if I have to order a part, I can have it in by the next day,” Nemeth said.

Along with selling scooters, parts, accessories, helmets, clothing and other scooter related items, Manatee Scooters also offers repair, upgrade and maintenance services. The store currently staffs two part time mechanics and expects to expand to full-time mechanic services as the business grows.

Although the business has only been open for one week, Manatee Scooters is already eager to pitch in for charitable causes.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the store is hosting its first “Save the Hooters Scooter Chance-Drawing” to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, which is scheduled to take place on October 22.

Raffle tickets are available for $10 each, or in package deals priced at 3 for $25, 7 for $50, and 15 for $100. They can be purchased at the Manatee Scooters’ 3010 Manatee Ave. W location or at the store’s official website.

“My girlfriend and I have been involved with the American Cancer Society for years now – we’ve participated in Relay for Life several times,” said Nemeth.

“One of the nicest things about having this business, so far, is being able to contribute in a whole new way. I can donate a scooter and get them some money. It’s cool to be able to help out like that.”

Nemeth said that he plans to donate scooters to to use on its driver’s course as well.

“Riding a scooter is just a really fun experience,” said Nemeth.

“Whether you’re 16 or 80 years old, it’s amazing how many people are into it. It’s really a shame to only see scooters’ popularity rise whenever the price of gas goes up. I just hope that my store gives more people the option to get out there and start riding.”