In 2016, I started a new job which meant a new commute. My previous commute was a 12 minute walk which I enjoyed year-round, in any weather (rain, snow, cold, heat, etc.). I knew my new commute would be quite different but I was determined to find a way to avoid getting in my car and to include some time in nature each day.

Hence, this is where the scooter came into play. So after some research online, I bought a Razor A5 Lux in blue and began playing with it. Fortunately I had a few weeks in between jobs to test it out and pick out my ideal routes.

My commute then included a 1.7 mile scooter ride in the morning through my quiet neighborhood and then down a beautiful bike path full of wild life to where I catch the county bus to work. In the afternoon, I alternated between taking the county bus followed by that same 1.7 scooter ride from the morning or taking the coach bus to the park and ride followed by a 2.5 mile scooter ride on the sidewalk along a busier road. They both had their advantages and I liked the flexibility.

Now you may ask yourself, how much of the year could I really scooter in such a cold weather state? The answer is most of it. The cold didn't stop me. It never has. Snow covered trails would stop me though but fortunately my city plowed the bike paths, so they don't stay snow covered for long. And I don't scooter on wet pavement in the morning as the spray up turns the back of my dress a bit muddy. (In the evenings when I can go home, clean up and change, I don't mind the rain or wet pavement.)

In November of 2018, I moved to a new city, Birmingham, AL in a much warmer climate, where my commute is now 7 blocks. It is amazing to now have a 4 minute commute to work! Such a change from my one-way hour commute in Milwaukee!

In late June of 2026, I made my next leap to Atlanta where I think I will retire the scooter and continue these adventures on foot.

Let me tell you how I came up with the name for this blog, "The Scooter Lady". I was downtown Milwaukee afterwork one day riding my scooter. (I don't even remember why I was hanging out downtown that day.) I stopped in the local mall and was carrying my scooter when someone yelled out, "hey there's the scooter lady!" When I told a colleague at work this story, he told me I needed to create a webpage for The Scooter Lady. So without further ado, read on for my experiences commuting by scooter.





Saturday, July 18, 2026

Three week update

I've been here three full weeks and what a full and exciting three weeks they have been!

I don't see a regular use for my scooter anymore so I updated the blog heading to clarify I'm now on foot.  But the spirit of the scooter is still inside of me.  And maybe I'll find ways to take it for a joy ride on the beltline from time to time.  Or maybe I'll land at a church a bit further out where it comes in handy.  But for now it is parked and I'm okay with that.

I'm all settled in.  Well, except for the soap dishes I still need to mount in the bathroom and some hooks I bought for the entry way.  But those are so minor.  My space feels like home regardless.  And I'm finding really good routines.

I feel official now that I have a library card, driver's license, and car tag from my new county/state.  I got a little emotional when the driver's license arrived.  Some days I still find it hard to believe that I'm really here and this is such a tangible reminder that my dream did come true.

The MARTA is easy and makes for an interesting commute.  I really appreciate having better public transit.  It makes it so much easier to leave my car parked.  I do have to say though that it is interesting listening to the locals who have been here long enough to remember the discussions about mass transit planning.  At one point, there were plans to make a system that would have been even more expansive and benefited so many more people.  I see a city with more than I have ever had the privilege of accessing.  They see a city that hasn't done enough.

My neighborhood is so walkable and pedestrian friendly.  There is an intersection right near my place that includes pedestrians in their own cycle and thus allows diagonal crossing.  Other intersections give pedestrians a head start.  And there are dedicated lanes for bikes and scooters that are often separated from traffic and pedestrians.  It is such a refreshing change of pace.

The neighborhood also has just about everything one can need.  There are more restaurants than I will ever be able to try.  The Post Office, UPS store, pharmacies, many grocery stores, and so much more are all here.  And there are so many entertainment options - museums, theaters, parks, activities, etc.

I have found a Saturday morning walking group that is meant to help people build connections and have deeper conversations.  Today, I ended up having lunch with four women I met in that group.  I found a book club, a bocce ball league, and maybe even a community choir all in the area.  I'm still exploring the many church options.  And I think I have just scratched the surface.

The people are diverse.  I hear multiple languages.  I see people from all walks of life.   And there is a sense of freedom to be who you are.  If I can't find my people here, it means I didn't try enough because I guarantee they are here.

This was a good move.  I feel it in my core.
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