Glad to hear from you over yonder,
I ride a People 150cc over here in the Chicago area and I am seeing more and more scooters in my neighborhood. Right now I am a newbie and learning the ropes but enjoying every second of it. My dream is to get a 250cc and start touring. Right now I am happy taking 15 - 20 mile trips on weekends, that is about all my skinny heinie can take. Any longer and I get "Scooter Butt" (ow). No fault of the scooter, its just genetics, thanks to my no-butt dad.
I have to say that my People 150 handles like a dream and the 16inch tires make the ride pretty smooth. You should let us know what kind of trips you are taking in your area, or if you are just using your scoot to commute.
Take it easy and be safe.
-Belkwinith