Off-road dealership adds motor scooters

A local off-road vehicle dealership recently expanded inventory to sell street-legal scooters.

Vansant Motorsports in Spokane Valley continues to grow for owner John Vansant, who first began selling all-terrain vehicles in 2007 part-time from his garage. With practically instant success and because it was “a lot more fun,” he quit his job as an electrician to open the business.

Now, the licensed and exclusive dealer for Roketa of China is carrying two-wheeled scooters in addition to the four-wheeled ATVs.

“When we first moved in, it was practically a bare room. Slowly but surely we’ve built our inventory up,” said Vansant, a longtime Valley resident and avid motorcycle and recreational vehicles rider. “The scooters have been popular and we’re starting to get the word out.”

Street-legal scooters of all kinds have been growing in popularity as an alternative choice of transportation, in part to take advantage of the nearly 70 miles per gallon gas mileage. Vansant said he has sold 20 scooters over the past two months.

The Roketa line comes in several colors and features 150-cc and 250-cc engines. Prices range from $1,099 to $2,500.

Vansant said the Valley has been a great location for his business and he’s had customers from Montana to Central Washington. He’s building a Web site, too, and hopes to grow with online sales.

He said he remains competitive by offering vehicles that are priced to sell, and the listed price includes set-up and delivery fees.

“I’d rather sell more scooters than less scooters at a higher price,” he added.

Vansant’s daughter Shandell, a recent Central Valley High School graduate, often works alongside her father at the shop, just as she did when it started from their home.

The business also carries helmets and common parts such as carburetors and coils, and other parts can be factory ordered when needed.

In addition to the sales floor, the Valley location along Sprague Avenue east of Sullivan Road includes an installation and assembly room. And a mechanic is available off site.