Taking advantage of new provincial regulations and a more affordable alternative to motorcycles, many Calgary Motorcycle Show patrons were asking questions about scooters, according to event officials.

Blackfoot Motorsports representative Edward Magat said many visitors were asking questions and browsing the scooters because they are street legal and don’t require a motorbike licence if they are under 50 cc’s with new Alberta rules.

“Even 15-year-olds are using the scooters as a learning tool for motorcycles and the older crowd likes to keep on the road with scooters, too,” he said, but also added scooters are more affordable.

“They are a lot cheaper on gas, and you don’t have to fill up very often. I think more people are looking for cheaper alternatives.”

But another option people are really picking up on is the electric bicycle, which can go anywhere a bike can, he said.

“They are becoming quite popular and they are environmentally friendly, too,” Magat added.

Show manager Laurie Paetz said 31,000 Calgarians took in the event over the weekend this year and believes motorcycles are as popular as ever despite the short bike season in Calgary.

“People are passionate about their bikes. It’s just like golf season or baseball, when it’s in season you do it as much as you can and get in as much time as you can,” she said.

“It’s a passion to ride, and a lot of people don’t let that stop them at all.”