Midwest Scooters

Midwest Scooters

Bringing eco-friendly transportation to Irvington

By Beth Williamson

With concerns growing about high gas prices and the environment, fuel-efficient scooters have become more popular than ever. Midwest Scooters is dedicated to meeting that demand at their new location at 5541 E. Washington St. in Irvington.

“We’re seeing a lot of higher-end clients, such as attorneys, engineers and doctors, as scooters become more standard,” says Steve Shafer, general manager. “Customers like the fact that scooters are green. They get great fuel economy and reduce our overall footprint on the environment.” His wife, Heather, adds, “People like the fact that they’re not harming the planet any further, and they’re relieving the need for huge parking lots.”

Family operated Midwest Scooters has been in business in Indianapolis for six years and relocated from North Sherman Avenue to Irvington in December. In addition to Steve and Heather, the company is owned by a silent partner and Heather’s brother, Dustan Russell, Midwest’s parts and service manager. Steve’s brother, Craig Stewart, and Vernon Long, a longtime family friend, also work as technicians in the store.

Already living on the Eastside with a daughter of their own, Steve and Heather were drawn to the small, family friendly feel of Irvington. They were also excited about the Washington Corridor Streetscape Project, the variety of businesses in Irvington and the opportunity to renovate their 8,700-square-foot showroom.

The community and nearby merchants have welcomed them with open arms and business has been very good in their highly visible location, says the team at Midwest Scooters. “We’ve increased our revenue because we’re more visible,” Steve says. “The foot traffic is tremendous, and Irvington puts on events that can draw attention to our business.” Midwest Scooters is trying to return the favor. “There’s a prep period for each scooter we sell,” Heather says. “During this time, customers walk around to other stores nearby to shop or have lunch.”

Midwest Scooters’ full line of gas scooters start at less than $1,000, and the licensing requirements vary depending on the size of the scooter. The amount of noise a scooter makes also depends on the model. To keep vehicle noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing the community’s quiet residential streets, Midwest Scooters asks customers to test drive on Washington Street where such noise is commonplace. “The 50cc scooters are our top sellers,” Steve says. “In a recession, they’re one of the cheapest forms of transportation. They can get up to 65 to 75 miles per gallon. Plus, they’re safe and roadworthy.”

To find out which model is best for their needs, customers can consult with the knowledgeable Midwest Scooters staff in the bright and spacious showroom. Plus, Midwest Scooters offers more than just gas scooters and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the shop. “We’re a full one-stop shop offering sales, maintenance, repair and warranty work,” Steve says. “Everything is done all in one building.”

Midwest Scooters also has a booming Internet business. Customers from all over the country purchase ATVs, motorcycles, off-road gas toys, helmets and parts from Midwest Scooters website, www.midwestscooters.com.

The Midwest Scooters family hopes to remain at their new Irvington location for many years to come. Having already spent more than $20,000 renovating the inside of their store, they are looking forward to updating their façade as part of the IDO—Commercial Façade Improvement Program this spring.

They are also excited about participating in upcoming Irvington community events. On May 18, they will be raffling off a scooter as part of a fundraiser at the Kitley Inn benefiting battered women. “We’re family-oriented and community-minded people,” Steve says. “We hope to pass this business down to our children some day.”

For more information, contact Midwest Scooters at (317) 541-3700 or visit www.midwestscooters.com.