Where can I rent go-karts and roller skates in the San Francisco Bay
Area? I'm setting up a company party that will be held in a large,
empty warehouse near San Jose. The party will last between 4-6 hours
and everyone who attends will be  over 18.

I'd like to rent at least 6 motorized go-karts to use indoors at the
party. I'm also interested in renting a bunch of the old-fasion type
of roller skates, not roller blades. I'll need about 20 to 30 pairs in
a variety of adult sizes. I have about $3000 to spend on both.

---

Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 16 Jul 2003 07:17 PDT

Hi Meggie:

Have you contacted Carol regarding the skate rental?  I'm wondering if
the information I provided in the Comment section was of use to you.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 16 Jul 2003 12:06 PDT

I'm sorry it took a couple days to respond, I was out sick yesterday
and didn't get a chance to see what you found.

This is a good start, but there are a few problems with what we have
so far.

The first issue is that San Francisco is about an hour north of San
Jose (where the party will be held) and I live 20 minutes south of San
Jose, so going up to San Francisco to pick things up would be too much
of an inconvenience for me. If I was only a party planner, I would
make the extra effort, but I'm going to be attending this party too,
and it would be really terrible if I had to spend the three hours
after the party returning stuff we rented. I want to minimize my
efforts so I can have fun too!

The second issue is that I don't have any large transport vehicle. The
biggest thing we have is a 15 passenger van with no seats in it. That
can carry a lot, but I don't think I could fit more than one of those
pedal four-wheelers and a couple choppers inside. So a delivery
service would be great.

But as far as the roller skates go, I think I could pay a courier
service to deliver them to me and arrange for a co-worker who lives in
San Francisco to return them for me. So that roller-skate lady may
work. But I do need an alternative to the go-carts.

Is there anything else small and motorized we could drive around at
the party? I'm not against the pedal 4-wheelers, those seem like fun,
but I would need them from a more convenient source, and I would like
to have a motorized something in addition to the human-powered things.

If you could find me a better source for the go-kart alternative, that
would be great. And if you have time, a closer skate-rental place
would be good too.

Thank you so much!

p.s. I appreciate all your efforts so far, but since I'm asking for a
lot more, will tip you well if you come through.

---

Request for Question Clarification by tox-ga on 16 Jul 2003 15:44 PDT

Hi there!

I've found a place in San Jose that will rent 30 roller skates, 6
hours, for $300.

I've contacted go kart/cart places all over california and beyond and
they do not seem to rent their go karts offsite.  The few (in other
countries or otherwise very far away) that do offer go kart rentals
offer karts that are large and suitable for plowing through rough
terrains or racing..quite dangerous indoors..and they do not appear to
be exactly reliable places.

However, with your budget, if you are looking for something small and
motorized, I have an idea: buying electric motor scooters.
Without going overboard on cost, they normally have a maximum 200lb
weight limit, has speed of 10-22mph, and has an average range of 13
miles (you can get a good ones for about $260).
If the weight limit is of concern, you can get gas scooters that can
handle maximum weight of 300lb to 350lb goes for $400.

Since you are buying them, not renting them, you can give them away as
prizes at the end of the party if you wish (or sell them off).

The several online stores for scooters that I've seen offer
discounts/free shipping within US.  Without considering the discounts,
you can buy 6 electric scooters for $1560.

I believe, with the information given so far, that electric/gas
scooters will be a much safer and environmentally sound solution,
especially for a party.

Please let me know what you think of it.  If you like the idea, I will
provide you with reliable and competitive websites to purchase these
scooters.  If not, if you could let me know of the reason, I will
research another solution.

Best regards,
Tox-ga

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 16 Jul 2003 16:10 PDT

Thank you, tox-ga. I like the idea of buying scooters! I will talk to
my other party planners and get back to you within a couple days.

---

Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 17 Jul 2003 08:14 PDT

Hello again, Meggie.  I received an alert that you had posted a
clarification for me but the question was locked by another Researcher
when I returned yesterday.  When you said "San Francisco Bay area" I
thought you meant the San Francisco area. Now that you have narrowed
it down a bit, I have now continued my search for San Jose and
discovered electric scooter sales and traditional roller skate rentals
in San Jose.

The businesses are not open yet but I will be happy to make more long
distance calls on your behalf to them as soon as business hours
arrive.  Also, there is a company headquartered in San Jose, Electric
Wheels International, and the contact information is:

Electric Wheels International
2240 Quimby Road 
San Jose, California 95122 
USA 
Phone: 408.270.3724 

You may be able to purchase at a discount if they have scooters in
your price range.

My suggestion on scooters would also be to purchase.  I shopped
extensively in my area (southern US) with my father who finally
purchased an electric scooter about 2 months ago.  He really enjoys
it.  He purchased a 3-wheeler and there are 2-wheelers available (the
2-wheelers were much easier for me to ride).  The Raven 250 (shown at
http://www.poodee.com/scooter_scooters.html) is the style my dad
purchased.

If you would like me to continue assisting you, please let me know.

Best regards,
journalist-ga
  

SEARCH STRATEGY:

San Jose roller skate rental
"San Jose" roller skate rental traditional skates
San Jose rent traditional roller skates
"electric scooters" San Jose
San Jose electric scooters
"San Jose" scooters
Electric Wheels International

---

Request for Question Clarification by tox-ga on 18 Jul 2003 18:28 PDT

Hi there,
I'm glad both you and journalist-ga like the idea of electric
scooters!

In case you and the other party planners decide to go with this idea,
I have researched and prepared information regarding electric
scooters.

I have called various places in San Jose that I thought might sell
electric scooters and I believe buying them online will be better in
terms of cost and selection, unless you are in immediate need of them.
 The discounts and promotions can change from week to week so I am
keeping track of several major online stores.  In any case, if you
decide to buy electric scooters, I will give you contact information
to both offline and online stores and what I've found out from them
during my research.

I am also continuing the search for places to rent roller skates.  As
mentioned before, I've already found a place in San Jose that will
rent 30 pairs of various adult size roller skates for 300 dollars...I
am checking to see if there are any places that offer a better price.

So, in your clarification, if you could let me know of 
1) your decision on the electric scooters, 
2) how much time you have until the party date, and 
3) any further information about the party that might be useful to us
when providing your answer,
then I will do my best to accomodate those needs. 

Best regards,
Tox-ga

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 18 Jul 2003 19:10 PDT

I feel so lucky, I have two researchers taking care of me!

Well, I still haven't heard back from my other party planners, but
I'll update you  guys with the requested information. The party isn't
until August 22, thank goodness, so we do have time to spare. We're
definitely going to get some scooters, I'm just waiting on the
question of how many of which kind, as we'll need both gas and
electric. And if you can think of anything else that might be fun to
play with, that would be great. I found an interesting super-jumping
boot called the poweriser
(http://www.superdairyboy.com/poweriser.html), but it seems too
expensive and too long of a shipping time to suit my needs. But just
shout out ideas and I'll see if they work for me, as I do want to use
up all the $3000 I have to spend!

---

Request for Question Clarification by tox-ga on 19 Jul 2003 04:01 PDT

Hi there,
I will try and brainstorm/ask around for more ideas for your party.
One item that is quite entertaining, is an electric skateboard.  A
coworker of mine rides this to work everyday and he seems to be having
the time of his life when he's on it.  The unfortunate downside is the
price..it costs just over $1,000 each.

Will get back to you with more ideas,
Tox-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 19 Jul 2003 15:18 PDT

Since you will have a large space, have you looked into renting one of
those inflatable domes where persons jump around inside?  Also,
consider again the fumes of gas-powered vehicles indoors.

As far as skateboards go, why not have regular non-powered skateboards
and conduct little races with employees?  Those would be nice to be
given away, too, and possibly a bit safer than roller skates as they
aren't secured to the feet.

I'll keep thinking on this.  :)

Best regards,
journalist-ga

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 23 Jul 2003 16:10 PDT

It looks like we're going to go ahead and purchase a bunch of the
scooters and rent the roller skates, so I'll take all the information
you can give me. We're also going to have a band and food too, so
those four things should keep people busy for 4 hours.

---

Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 24 Jul 2003 15:16 PDT

I was thinking...as opposed to renting skates, would you consider
purchasing them?  There are numerous types of business like
http://www.usedrentalskates.com/used.htm that sell used
rink-regulation roller skates for $18 and up.  Even at $20 per pair,
you could purchse 30 used pairs for $600 and the employees can *keep*
the skates!  That would still leave $2,400 for scooters and other
entertainment.

Rage Quad Skates are available new from J C Penney for $19.98 a pair. 
See http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=11&CatID=2985&CatTyp=&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=0540e28&ProdSeq=3&OffSet=3&ProdCount=5&Cat=roller+skates&Dep=sports+%26+leisure&PCat=&PCatID=909&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&NumMatches=5&RecPtr=&SearchIn=0&ShowMenu=T&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&PersistenceID=INETMER211+282669+276993656&RecordID=M+1+0+Aqc0000800+282669++Aqc0000800&SearchString=roller+skates
for details

Chicago Skates have been the leaders in skating innovation for years. 
You may be able to purchase their low-end line directly from them. 
The contact information is:

National Sporting Goods [Chicago Skates]
25 Brighton Ave,
Passaic, NJ 07055
Tel: 973 779-2323
Fax: 973 779-0084
E-mail-skater@chicagoskates.com

I wasn't certain if your last clarification was for me to answer or
for Tox to answer so I am continuing my responses to you in the
clarification section.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

SEARCH STRATEGY:

J C Penney online
"Chicago skates"
used roller skates
"discount quad roller skates"

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 29 Jul 2003 17:25 PDT

I definitely going to rent the skates, it will just work better for my
purposes.

As for who answers the question, do I have to choose? I thought there
must be some kind of policy already in place on having multiple
researchers answering questions.

---

Clarification of Question by meggie-ga on 30 Jul 2003 16:03 PDT

If I have to choose who gives me the answer, I would have to say
Tox-ga, because he(she?) gave me the answer I needed first. Thank you
both for your research, I can't wait to start ordering the skates and
such for the party!

---

Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 30 Jul 2003 16:14 PDT

Greetings again, Meggie:

Thanks for letting us know and I hope to be able to assist you on a
future question.  If I'd know it was San Jose instead of San Francisco
(as per my first comment), I'd have won this brass ring!  :)  Good
luck on a safe and wonderful party!

Best regards,
journalist-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by tox-ga on 30 Jul 2003 17:37 PDT

Hi there,
Thank you for your clarification!
I will organize the information I have and post it here as soon as I return home.
Thank you for your patience,
Tox-ga

Meggie,

Thank you for your patience!  

When I was researching for roller skate rinks in San Jose, the one
place that kept popping up was San Jose Skate (formerly Golden Palace
Skate).  I’ve confirmed twice with two different representatives that
renting 30 or so adult sized skates on August 22 will not be a
problem.  What you need to do is call them, give them a list of sizes
that you need, and the time frame.  The one condition for taking the
skates off-site is that you have to leave a credit card with them
until you return the skates.  I’ve left the name “Meggie” with them;
when you call them, just tell them your name and let them know that
you’ve previously spoken to others about renting skates off-site on
August 22nd.  Although they were confident that they would be able to
handle renting out that many skates without a problem, I would still
call as soon as possible to make a formal reservation on those skates.
Again, the price for renting 30 skates for 6 hours is 300 dollars. 
They will let you know how much it will cost for any different amount
of skates/time.

San Jose Skate
397 Blossom Hill Rd 
1.7 miles west of the Hwy 101 & Blossom Hill exit
0.7 miles east of 85 & Blossom Hill exit
408-226-1156(office)
408-226-1155(message) 


SCOOTERS:

There are several online stores that you can purchase the scooters
from.  Although there are quite a few sites out there, to avoid being
scammed, I will only list sites that have exceptional number of
positive customer ratings.

====Electric Scooters====
MC Sports 
http://www.mcsports.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=712970
According to Bizrate.com, this store has been rated by over 10,000
customers and has an overall rating of “Good”.
For details:
http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/merchant_detail__mid--19535,cat_id--.html



The Sports Authority
http://www.thesportsauthority.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=712970
According to Bizrate.com, this store has been rated by over 100,000
customers and has an overall rating of “Good”.
For details:
http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/cust_reviews__mid--19533.html


GIJoes.com
http://www.gijoes.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=936138
According to Bizrate.com, this store has been rated by over 2,500
customers and has an overall rating of “Good”.
http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/cust_reviews__mid--29260.html

I’ve called the store that Journalist-ga previously mentioned,
Electric Wheels.  They have one model of scooters, for $399 that
handles up to 250lb weight.


====Gas Scooters====

BNS Scooters
http://bnscooters.com/default.htm
This store has not been rated yet but appears to be reputable and
provides a real contact information to the offices, as well as being
sponsored by BNS Computers.

ToysRUs/Amazon – Bladez Moby X-25 Gas Powerboard Scooter ($499)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000798LG/qid=1060034410/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-6707839-7863344?v=glance&s=toys
ToysRUs and Amazon are both well known companies.  The only problem
with this store is that they only have 1 item in stock and states that
they will order more shortly.


Unfortunately, I could not find any other rated stores (in both
epinion.com and bizrate.com) that sell gas powered scooters.

The one store that seems to specialize heavily into both gas and
electric scooters, and comes up at the top of the search results is 2
Wheel Electric Scooters (http://www.poodee.com)
They have a wide range of selections for very competitive prices. 
They also have a special for free 2-5 day delivery and 10% off the
second scooter when you buy two.


Considering the price and availability, I would recommend buying just
electric scooters, unless you require scooters that can handle 250lb
and over.

If you require any further assistance or would like clarification on
any part of the answer, feel free to request clarification!  I would
be more than happy to keep working with you until you are completely
satisfied.
Best regards and hope your party is a huge success!
Tox-ga

Great ideas, quick response. Thanks!

Greetings Meggie:

Gosh, this sounds like a fun company to work for!  :)  What a neat
idea.

I first phoned the Jim Russell Driving School in Sonoma on your behalf
(800.733.0345) and discovered from Del at EXT. 14 that they would
probably not rent out go-carts without the inclusion of mechanics
because of the safety factors and any on-site repair.  Del said they
never had done this type of off-site rental and that their corporate
functions on-site were between $200 and $500 *per person* for a group
racing activity.  This also includes driving instructions because some
of their go carts can travel at speeds of up to 100 MPH.  I asked Del
for a reference to someone who might do this type of rental and he had
no ideas.

Also, you may want to consider that indoor gas-driven carts could
cause a dangerous breathing atmosphere for some attendees.

I did find you a bargain on some pedal choppers and pedal
four-wheelers as shown at
http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/locations/goldengatepark.cfm - they are
normally $10 per hour per unit but I spoke with Nick and he said he
would rent you 3 choppers and 3 4-wheelers for a total cost of $200
for a period of eight hours.  You would be required to leave a credit
card to secure the return of the units.  $200 is an excellent discount
(n't bad - double that for $400 and rent 12 units.  You would pick
them up and deliver them back to the location - they have no delivery
capabilities.

The contact info is:

(415) 668-6699
(ask for Nick)
Wheel Fun Rentals
50 Stow Lake Drive
Next to Boat House
San Francisco, CA 94118

********

Regarding roller skates, I located an establishment from
http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=308 - I spoke with
a very nice lady named Carol Sloane who verified that they will rent
out adult size traditional (not inline) style roller skates
**including knee and elbow pads** for an eight hour time frame for the
following prices:

Weekday $300 total
Weekend $600 total

Carol said a credit card would not be necessary but that she would
request the company give her a letter stating they would be
responsible for any injuries of skaters and any loss or damage of the
roller skates.

Contact information:

Ask for Carol Sloane
1818 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117308
• Neighborhood: Haight/Cole Valley/Hayes Valley
• Phone: 415.752.8376
• Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat, Sun 10am-6pm

I used the eight hour time reference to give you time to pick up and
return the rentals.


I would have liked to have posted this as an answer but I did not
fulfill your requirement for go carts and another Researcher may be
able to find that for you.  If my research is acceptable as an answer,
please post thusly and I'll be happy to claim the fee.  Whatever your
decision, I hope your company party is a resounding and safe success. 
:)

Best regards,
journalist-ga


SEARCH STRATEGY:

off-site go cart rental San Francisco
off-site roller skate rental San Francisco
"San Francisco" "go cart" rental
"San Francisco" "roller skates" rental
"San Francisco" "roller skate" rental

PS  The roller skate price quote is for 30 adult pair of the
traditional roller skates per your request.