Isle Of Palms Magazine April 2018

29 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com H istory means a lot to Jordan Chaplin, owner of Port City Moped in Isle of Palms. It is, after all, his inspiration and a big reason he decided to start the business – it was his family’s history that encouraged him to succeed. Way back in 1912, Isaac Brauer opened a Schwinn bicycle shop at 75 St. Philip St. in downtown Charleston, now the College of Charleston’s bookstore. He was Chaplin’s great-great-great grandfather. “He was actually putting motors on some of the bikes back in the 1930s and 1940s,” Chaplin said. “It just seemed natural for me to carry on this family legacy. I think he would be proud.” Logistically speaking, though, Chaplin said he was drawn to the business because he traveled by moped around downtown Charleston when he was in college. “It was the best way to get around the city,” he said. “Plus I really enjoyed commuting that way.” He said it even saved him a whole semester of college when he broke his leg and couldn’t walk well. “I would put crutches around the handlebars and head to class that way. I definitely would have taken the semester off if I didn’t have the moped to get me around,” he explained. Chaplin’s business has been serving the area for six years. “We’ve been featured on Travel Channel and HGTV,” he said. “It has been pretty exciting.” Chaplin’s staff consists of three part-timers, including a mechanic who he said is the best in town. Along with moped rentals, the bulk of Chaplin’s business, he also sells, repairs and even stores mopeds for customers who leave the area for an extended period of time. He even rents scoot coupes, which look like tiny cars that can fit two people side-by-side and have a small storage space. When it comes to rentals, however, Chaplin takes safety seriously and is ready to give every customer a short training session before they hit the road. Not only does he tell them how to operate the moped, he also provides them with scenic route maps so that they can avoid the main roads. Helmets are also included in the rental agreement, along with a full tank of gas. “The most important thing to me is safety,” he said. “If I don’t feel comfortable about someone going out, I don’t let them go.” The speed of Chaplin’s mopeds top out at 20 to 30 mph. Renters must be at least 16 and have a driver’s license, and those under 18 need a written agreement from their parents. There are many reasons why getting around on a moped is a good idea, according to Chaplin. Parking is definitely one of them since up to four mopeds can fit in a parking spot, and they also can wedge between cars. Chaplin said that he hears from customers that it also is a more enjoyable way to see IOP since they can take in the sites easier than when they are riding in a car. And, of course, mopeds get 70 miles on a gallon of gas. “It just makes sense,” Chaplin said. “Freedom and fun – what better way is there to experience the beach than on a moped?” Port City Moped is located at 1220-B Palm Blvd. For more information, visit www.portcitymoped.com or call 843-242-8739. Photo courtesy of Port City Moped. A More Enjoyable Way to See IOP Port City Moped By Theresa Stratford [ Playing ]