White Horse Whispers The Newsletter of The Motor Scooter Association of Victoria, August, 1962

Editorial: It was mentioned in the last copy of this newsletter that we are now known as the Motor Scooter Association of Victoria. Many of our older members will recall that we were originally called the M.S.A.V., until, about four years ago, a rift appeared between the officials and members. This caused us to break away from the M.S.A.V. and become the Whitehorse Motor Scooter Club. Eventually, the M.S.A.V. became non-existent as a scootering club. After negotiations with the last remaining committee members of the M.S.A.V., it was decided that the Whitehorse should resume the old name. We, the editors of Whitehorse Whispers, feel that this title is a name to be proud of and a name which holds respect in the scootering world. As was also stated in the last issue of Whitehorse Whispers, we are still keeping the White Horse as our club emblem. It is to be hoped that the club can carry on the traditions of the old organisation, an enthusiastic and happy one open to all motor scooterists, male and female.

White Horse Whispers November, 1962

Motor scooter rider is tomorrow’s good car driver: Motor scooters have almost eliminated motor cycles and, properly handled are safe, economical and time-saving. They have become widely popular since 1946. They are not only used as a means of personal transport, as between home and work, but have entered in a big way into the industrial and commercial fields — messenger services, transport of maintenance men or night watchmen, delivering parcels, documents or newspapers are a few of the great variety of jobs they are put to. Their riders go shopping or touring far afield at minimum cost. Motor scooters have a proven safety record, thanks to constant modifications and improvements by manufacturers, which have produced ease of handling and low centre of gravity.

There have been many refinements since these versatile little machines were introduced to Australia and you now find fluid drive, air suspension, electric starters, larger lights and better braking systems. No other form of transport gives anything like the convenience-economy combination of the scooters whose petrol consumption ranges upwards of 120 miles to the gallon. Purchase prices are very competitive and there is a very large range from which to choose.

The law on motor cycles or scooters is simple. A person learning to ride must get a permit from the police and show a learner plate. He or she then has the right to use the roads for three months and then must submit to a police test for a full licence. Learner permits are issued from the minimum age of 17 years, 9 months. The newly licensed rider may not take a pillion passenger for the first twelve months and all riders and pillion passengers must wear safety helmets whenever they are riding.

Perhaps the most interesting thing from the overall point of view is that the scooter rider almost always becomes a first class car driver. He or she not only learns how vulnerable a road-user can be but simply has to develop keen anticipation, deliberation, quick reaction, good knowledge of road laws and proper behaviour.

(Reprinted from The Australian Learner Driver, June, 1962)