scooter in paris

Barbara, The "short" answers to your questions... No Yes!

1: Nope
2: Yup

1. Yes (used, but not rented) 2. Yes I'll leave the traffic issue alone except to suggest that you'll probably get squished. The real issue is that it's going to slow you down. You'll go around in circles trying to find a place to park it, then you'll have to jump a curb with those small tires, which won't be pretty. Once you find a stanchion or one of those upside-down 'U's that has a free space, you'll have to tie it up with a greasy, filthy cable that will mess up your clothes, hands, and eyebrows. Paris is small, you can walk anywhere faster than you can drive and park anything except maybe, just maybe, a bike.

Barbara If you are not used to driving a scooter, Paris or other big European cities are not the place to learn! You want to be confident on the scooter and not be worrying about the mechanics of driving it. It is a safety issue even without the crazy traffic, parking issues, different traffic signals, poor street signage, etc.
And Parisian drivers are NOT patient. Bobbie

I have a rule for driving a car in France and Italy. I watch out for other cars. I let people on the scooters watch out for themselves. As far as I'm concerned, they're on their own in traffic. I don't think I'm the only one driving with that attitude.

Doug, I'd add Spain to that list. Boy, did they ever try squeezing their scooters in between cars. Your side mirrors are your best bet to keep you safe. The only place that I have driven a scooter in the EU; and felt safe was. on the island of Lipari in the Aeolians off Sicily. Now, that was fun! But anywhere, with traffic, is just plain crazy. (but sure entertaining to watch if you are not driving!)

OK!!!! I get the point(s). Thanks to all. Sounds like I've DEFINITELY had better ideas than a scooter in Paris! Come to think of it, vespa drivers in Italy were the object of some choice adjectives by my husband when we were there too! As Roseann Rosannadana would say...Nevermiiiind. Thanks again.

OMG, someone actually took our advice not to do something! And thanked us for it. You're welcome, Barbara!

Smiles for everyone. ; ) Pam