Entrepreneurs Hoping For Legislation To Pass
A group of young Bermudian entrepreneurs are gearing up to rent three-wheel rental scooters to visitors early in the New Year, and are hoping the law to allow it passes in Parliament.
“We’re very excited,” said TJ Clark, 33, one of four partners working on a project to bring Scootcoupe vehicles to the Island.
“We’re hoping for the Bill to pass and it’s just an overall great, enthusiastic feeling for the whole team.”
Half of the entrepreneur team team, Justin Robinson [left] and TJ Clark
Mr Clark and his business partner Justin Robinson won support for their idea from the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] in 2014 as a result of the Tourism Experiences investment process, but the lack of legislation put everything on hold.
They also encountered a set of local entrepreneurs with a very similar Scootcoupe plan. However, instead of competing they decided to collaborate.
Now Clark and Robinson have merged with fellow Bermudians Tulani Bulford and Paul Ross to create an experience slightly different than what was originally planned.
“Seven out of 10 tourists have never ridden a motorcycle in their life,” said Mr. Bulford, 36, “but most tourists have driven a car.
“So we felt this vehicle [Scootcoupe] was a slam dunk. It hits all the safety aspects and it gives the users the freedom to roam around the country.”
The group says safety is of paramount importance and the main reason they went with Scootcoupe. They cite the following vehicle specifications:
- 150cc engine
- Three-point safety harness
- Helmet required
- Roll cage to prevent riders being trapped and/or head and neck injuries
- Two-passenger maximum
- Lockable trunk and glove box
According to Mr Bulford, promoting the Scootcoupe rental experience to visitors under 45 years-old is a major part of their plan, especially given the double-digit growth in younger visitors seen in BTA air arrival statistics this year.
The new legislation, if passed, is expected to allow vehicles no more than 60 inches wide and 115 inches long, which would include Scootcoupe and other makes like the Renault Twizy.
“The BTA is on record as supporting the introduction of small rental vehicles for visitors. At the Annual Bermuda Tourism Summit, local hoteliers similarly voiced their support,” the BTA added.
A different model is suggested. This one is too low to the ground and doesnt fit in a bike parking bay. Everyday local vehicle owners should be convenienced more than tourists.
You sound like some rich troll in the OBA trying to give the young brothers competition. Give the small man a chance to make it for a chance.
2 Bermudas is real!!!!!!!
No, he sounds like a selfish PLP voter who thinks of me myself and I.
See how silly your post sounds now.
Good luck guys, I think it much needed and looks like a great product for Bermuda.
What part was selfish? Looking out for tens of thousands of daily road users? You sound like an OBA diehard that puts tourists first no matter the implications.
25% of their partnership is white. What’s your point after your thinly-veiled race card?
To your point about being given an opportunity, you’re spot-on. If legislation is passed, they should be in a great position to compete.
I, for one, hope it does pass and they make a great success out of the venture.
What’s interesting is that only you mentioned the word white! Feeling some type of guilt are we.
Why does every single comment have to come down to politics? SMITH, HMMMM, CONGESTION you have some serious issues. This article is about 4 young people that want to start up a business to help our tourists experience. I’m glad to see people my age trying to start up their own business in this tough economy we have right now and to help our tourism product. So to all the haters, politic trolls and nay sayers. lay down if you dont have anything good to say don’t say it all.
What, like the dishonest drivers who were not paying for parking in town, taking up spaces from people trying to park to shop.
Now we all have to keep a flimsy ticket in our wallet/backpocket and the COH had to spend our money because of them.
Tourists should be more convenience than people who know the lay of the land and the many parking places. That’s what a country that wants tourists does….you make things easier for them.
Suggestion about the “flimsy ticket in our wallet/backpocket”, try leaving it in your car. It won’t get damaged that way or lost, and will save you the potential hassle of paying the fine price for a lost ticket. You do not need to be carrying the ticket with you wherever you go.
I agree. dangerous as they are to low.
Tulani Bulford. I hope THIS idea comes to light
Guess de buff hup guys vill bee kapt beezy…………………………..
If they’re going to have to wear a helmet they may as well rent a scooter.
If these receive permission I’m sure it won’t be long before someone goes for the importation of the Twizzies
Is tad giving away rental permits?
these wont last a month with tourists.
So who will rent them.
Whats the cost.
Available parking at hotels and rental properties .
Will they be limited to a certain requirement of ‘berth-entry’.
They look great.
Can I get one next year.?
Can they be bought also by locals. I think it looks cool!
I too think that that this vehicle is too low, would hate for an suv or larger vehicle to slam into the back of it.
What happens when a semi comes up behind a Corvette? The speeds here are much lower. No excuse for tailgating anyway.
Dumb argument. If a driver slams into the back of a bright red vehicle, then said driver can do bird.
Where’s the taxi strike for this proposal?
Looks great! Good luck gents
Well done the 4 entrepreneurs – just what Bermuda needs. If they can also be bought by locals, I’d buy one. I gave up on a bike around 10 years ago after a couple of near miss accidents, but this would be great.
Wishing you the best of luck in your new endeavour!!
Great idea guys, I am sure Bermuda parking spaces will change to accommodate this type of vehicle. Give a new idea a chance Bermuda, we have to think and work outside the box.
You get into you an accident in one of these…YOU’RE DEAD lmfao!
Yes, let’s think outside the box! This is a beautiful Bermudian looking product. I love it. Wish it were electric! That would make it also more sustainable! Best of luck to these wonderful, young entrepreneurs!
How does making them electric, sustainable?
….what produces your electricity???
….what do you do with exhausted batteries???
….charging points???
I would be interested in seeing the Traffic Study that was done to show the effects of these new vehicles on the current traffic load, before the legislation was drafted. A traffic study was done right??
Great idea. Lets talk, talk & talk some more about it. Lets have a committee then lets have town hall meetings up & down the island then lets form some more committees after that. Perfect way of dealing with it. Meanwhile the entrepenures go bust waiting & waiting.
Lets put it in the same filing cabinet as gaming.
I had asked to have scooter-rounds as when I travel I rent one as I have difficulty walking long distances.
I was told that parking would be a problem and of there being too much traffic now.
The scooter-type vehicle is way smaller than these mini cars and the rent them on cruise ship and some people have their own.
Some styles fold down but are all electric.
Mr. Powell at the handicap facility opposite John’s Smith’s Beach has tried also and can give information on this.
Legislation for these large type or vehicles that these men are proposing is absurd.
Scooter-rounds / scooter bug companies have smaller vehicles.
our roads can not entertain these.
Why not consider both? Sounds like different vehicles for different purposes.
Just rent A class cars to tourists who want them, and can afford the ridiculous price they will no doubt cost. How much is a $I000 scooter per day again? What insurance company will cover them seeing as the risks and cost will be higher?
A quick look show a Mini Cooper rental on Marthas Vineyard for a base of $180 per day.
For Bermuda go figure at least the same price for the silly little vehicles that TCD is talking about so far.
Can’t compare Bermuda with Orlando, NY, MIA or any other major city. Need to compare with another somewhat exclusive destination where ferry service to take your own car is expensive or non existent.
zoom zoom!
This or any type of 3 wheeled or 4 vehicle for tourist in Bermuda is bad for the island Traffic is going to be even wirst then it is also the parking for theses things. We have a hard time parking now also if this passes for tourist then local will also be able to buy and rent them. This is not a good idea.