Take off on a moped and you are freed from the burdens of walking, while avoiding the headaches of on-island driving. Mopeds are easy to operate, and require no special license to drive. Mike and Dara Fugett are the owners
Take off on a moped and you are freed from the burdens of walking, while avoiding the headaches of on-island driving.
Mopeds are easy to operate, and require no special license to drive.
Mike and Dara Fugett are the owners of Kaua’i’s newest moped dealer, Island Mopeds Rentals and Sales.
The Fugetts recently sold their Kauai’s Best Hot Dogs stand that was located at The Home Depot.
They now offer high-quality and inexpensive mopeds for sale or rent at their new, family-owned company, located at Aloha Center in Nawiliwili.
They are perfect for residents commuting for work or play, Mike Fugett said.
Young and old can enjoy the thrill of riding in the wind, and save money on gas at the same time.
Mopeds are a great way to avoid the notorious Kapa’a and Lihu’e traffic back-ups, he said.
Mopeds are classified as bicycles, and they have the ability to ride the shoulder of the road to bypass traffic jams.
Depending on where you are, travel by moped may at times be the quickest means around.
Kaua’i’s year-round summer climate, combined with high gas prices and high cost of living, makes for the perfect location to travel by moped, he feels.
Island Mopeds leaders rent and sell the Tomos brand, a European maker.
Tomos is a European moped manufacturer whose employees have been making and selling quality mopeds all over the world for over 50 years.
It is the No. 1-selling moped in the United States. All Tomos mopeds have the simple, time-tested, two-stroke, oil-injection, 49 cc engine.
They go about 32 mph, and get more than 100 miles per gallon of gas. The $3 for a gallon of gas these days goes a long way, he added.
Tomos mopeds are also the safest-handling mopeds available, with 16-inch tires for going over bumpy terrain, and the clear viewing of the front tire from the sitting position for negotiating obstacles in the roadway.
The mopeds require no license plates or insurance to operate in Hawai’i. They can be driven on any road with a regular driver’s license.
The Fugetts have a variety of models and colors to choose from. Prices range from $1,400 to $1,800. They also provide for parts, accessories, and repair and maintenance service.
Rental mopeds come equipped with large baskets. Visitor information and maps are provided. Mopeds can be rented hourly, half-day or full-day.
A kama’aina discount is available with a Hawaii driver’s license.
The showroom and rental shop is located in Nawiliwili, at the Aloha Center Marketplace (the old Hale Kauai lumber store), 3371 Wilcox Rd., Lihu’e. It is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 245-7177.
