Scooter categories and tax

I currently am trying to sell a scooter on Craigslist, Buy and Sell and on Kijiji. As a result I have received some questions and I thought I would use this blog to address some of those questions.

TAX:
One person wasn't sure about the taxation on the personal sale of a scooter. A dealer had told him that if he purchased a scooter from a private seller he wouldn't have to pay tax. Well, in British Columbia that just isn't true. As a matter of fact auto dealerships persuaded the BC Government in 2010 to demand that private sales be subject to both GST and PST (previously on GST was payable). The Dealers felt that private sellers had an advantage over dealerships who had to charge both taxes. It's a moot point now because it is July 1, 2010 and the HST has leveled the playing field anyway.

What the dealer might have meant is that some private transactions are "gifted". The seller in this case declares that no money was received for the vehicle.

SCOOTER CATEGORIES:

I place scooters into 4 categories:

1. Electric scooters: These are powered by a 300/500 or 800 watt motor and are considered bicycles. They do not require vehicle permits or insurance. Although you might consider asking your household insurer if you can add your electric as a rider on your existing policy. They can range in price from $300 for used to $3,000. These scooters can ride on streets, bikes lanes and can be parked with regular bicycles.
   
2. 50 cc: The 50 cc scooter is the most popular type in Vancouver and their popularity continues to grow. Insurance is relatively inexpensive. Riders in BC need to know that their road star rating does not apply to this scooter series. With full coverage - $3 million liability, collision and theft I was paying about $500 per year. To operate a 50 cc scooter you require a class 5 or learners license in BC.
   
3. Scooters over 50 and under 400 cc: Because insurance rates go up significantly over 400 cc I have separated them from this group. Most of the scooters over 50 cc are highway capable, but depending on the engine size the amount you ride at full throttle (on the freeway for example) should go down as the # of cc's decrease. Insurance rates are a bit higher but still not as high as for cars and motorcycles. To operate these scooters a Class 6 motorcycle license is required in BC. However, you can get a Class 6 restricted to scooters if you take your final road test on a scooter over 50 cc.
   
4. Scooters over 400 cc: These high end scooters, also called maxi-scooters are often as or more powerful than some motorcycles. I am aware of scooters up to 650 cc. Although I hear there are more powerful ones out there. These are heavy bikes - some weigh over 600 pounds (272 kg.). Insurance rates can be high in BC if you don't have the full 40 % discount. But worth it!