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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good scooter to buy when starting?
How do Scooters differ from Motorcycles?
What are the advantages of Scooters?
What are the disadvantages of Scooters?
What are the advantages of Scooters over Automobiles?
What are the advantages of Scooters over Motorcycles?
What are the advantages of Scooters over Mopeds?
What will insurance and registration cost?
What kind of gas mileage do Scooters get?
Can my Scooter keep up with normal traffic flow?
Can I make my Scooter go faster?
A scooter is a group of motorcycles utilizing a distinctive structural design. These are generally two-wheeled vehicles originally based on the ergonomics of sitting comfortably in a chair. Motorscooters (or simply scooters) have been around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two has often been blurred.
The Scooter is identified with such qualities as stylish, fun, collectible, ease of use, practical, economical and individual.
The most commonly accepted definition of scooters requires two-wheeled vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified to have a rear axle) that have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-thru frames and typically engines that are low and close to the rear wheel.
Scooters also often incorporate full bodywork, including legshields and generally are designed to be easier to operate than standard motorcycles. It should be noted that scooters may be of any engine size, though historically they typically have ranged from 50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation to possible top speed inherent in scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph.
Storage capacity typically differentiates Scooters from bicycles and motorcycles. There are glove box compartments and/or underseat capabilities on most Scooters. Lockable top cases are a favorite accessory, often doubling storage capacity.
Scooters are easy to operate! Did you know that the highest percentage of scooters sold in the United States don’t require any SHIFTING?? That’s right! Most of the new scooters sold today don’t have a manual transmission. All you do is jump on, start the engine, twist the throttle and GO! It’s a lot easier for those who have never driven a motorcycle or ATV.
There are purists who love geared Scooters as a more interesting/engaging ride. The great news is that the choice is yours. Be sure to try a variety of models for fit, comfort, ease and stability.
Yes, we sell t-shirts.
What is a good scooter to buy when starting?
Almost by definition, all scooters are suited for "beginners" in that it's usually very easy to learn how to ride one. Typically, modern scooters are considered the easiest to learn, just because they have electric starters and automatic transmissions. They are essentially twist and go vehicles that take most people about 5-10 minutes to learn. However, even the manual shifting and kickstart of most classic scooters are not difficult to master, given about 30-40 minutes of practice. Of course, smooth shifting will take a day or two to master, but the basics are not difficult. And kickstarting is only a problem if the scooter has not been maintained properly -- it should start by the second or third kick at least, or something is wrong.
This depends entirely on what you'll be doing with the scooter. If you plan to do much highway driving, it will be highly desirable to buy the largest engine you can find -- at least 200cc. Around town, the engine may be smaller for most needs. Stock 50cc models really are only best if you will have minimal interaction with automobiles, as they typically have difficulty maintaining speeds much above 35mph, unless they have been modified to go faster. If you will carry passengers, weigh quite a bit or plan to ride up steep hills often, you will also want larger capacity, at least 70cc for around town.
Some 50cc models are specifically designed and equipped for kitting. This process increases the engine performance by modifying cylinder sizes, the exhaust system, etc.
All scooter engines typically have a shorter life span when they are constantly run full throttle, so you should take this into account also. Lastly, like any motorcycle, it is always advisable to have excess engine capacity to accelerate out of trouble and to pass safely.
How do Scooters differ from Motorcycles?
By definition, motorcycles are nearly any two-wheeled, motorized vehicle. Therefore, scooters are by definition simply a specific motorcycle design. The reason that scooters are commonly not treated as equals in motorcycle circles is simply because they generally are slower and not as performance-oriented as their larger cousins. So technically, all scooters are motorcycles, though usually only scooters that more closely resemble what are more commonly called motorcycles will be referred to as such.
What are the advantages of Scooters?
Scooters originated very early on in the development of motorcycles generally to address problems that some felt were inherent to common motorcycle design. Foremost was covering of the engine compartment. This was done to avoid inadvertent contact with hot engine parts, which is a common concern for motorcyclists. This concern went further with the covering of the rest of the body, along with a front legshield, meant to protect the rider from mud, water and road debris that might drift up from the road below. The common step-thru design initially was so ladies could wear dresses without compromising their modesty, but it has come to be welcomed because it allows the rider to sit on the seat much like a chair, instead of straddling the vehicle, as is common on motorcycles. This tends to be a more comfortable riding position for the short distances that most scooters were designed to cover.
Further, the smaller wheels give faster turning response (which usually shocks first time riders used to larger wheels) and some scooter designs mount these smaller wheels on one side only, making removal extremely easy (unlike most motorcycle wheels) and making it feasible to carry a spare tire. The smaller tires also allow enough room so that underseat storage is possible for one or more helmets. Scooters by their nature also have far more bodywork available for custom paint schemes, and therefore lend themselves more to personal expression in their customization. Scooters also typically are easier to learn to ride than many motorcycles and scooters often have a more acceptable social image.
What are the disadvantages of Scooters?
To be fair, there are some disadvantages to scooters, but most are related to them also being motorcycles. This means you are more exposed to the elements like wind and rain, and dangers such as cars and trucks. Most scooters have smaller engines than most motorcycles, and thus you may have problems keeping up with the speed of traffic. This is why it's so critical to have a scooter engine larger than you really need, to give you the power to pull away from trouble. The wheels are also smaller, so there is more of a concern with going over potholes, for example. Scooters also have more bodywork than motorcycles, so you'll want to maintain that. Retail prices of scooters are generally higher than the same size capacity of motorcycle, so that's a factor also. Because scooters tend to be so lightweight, they are often easier to steal than many motorcycles, so that's a concern too.
What are the advantages of Scooters over Automobiles?
Scooters as two-wheeled vehicles have all the obvious advantages over automobiles. This would include lower operating costs, as scooters are more fuel-efficient, require less insurance and usually cost less to maintain. They are also easier to park, maneuver in heavy traffic and to store. Scooters are typically much less expensive to purchase than automobiles, and arguably are much more fun to operate. Many who operate two-wheeled vehicles call automobiles "cages", as they restrict the interaction with the surroundings to a degree unknown on a scooter. You can smell the air, feel the breeze, and pull over whenever the mood strikes you, wherever you like. It's also nice to be able to park right in front of the theater!
What are the advantages of Scooters over Motorcycles?
Scooters are actually just small motorcycles. However, there is still a clear distinction between scooters and the rest of the motorcycle family. Generally speaking, scooters have been designed purposely for those that are intimidated by motorcycles, on whatever level. Scooters are easier to learn to ride and often easier to operate. They also don't tend to carry the "rough" image that motorcycles often convey. Scooters better protect the rider from hot engine parts by use of extensive body panels, which also make it easier to customize the scooter to suit ones personal taste. Those same body panels also typically protect the rider better from road debris and keep passengers away from the rear wheel, which rarely on scooters have spokes anyway. Newer scooters are even easier to operate, as most are now electric start and have automatic transmissions, which furthers the scooter tradition of making an affordable vehicle that is extremely easy to operate.
What are the advantages of Scooters over Mopeds?
Many scooters are also legally considered mopeds. In all cases, this will mean they have engine sizes under 50cc. Traditionally, mopeds have typically had larger wheels and exposed engines, though obviously 50cc scooters would not have these attributes. The main advantage of the body panels is protection from the heat of the engine and exhaust. The smaller tires produce quicker handling response. And it's usually easier to change the tires on a scooter over a traditional moped, because many scooters have tires mounted on one side only, like auto tires. Of course, if the comparison is between a 50cc moped and a larger capacity scooter, the advantage of greater power will enable the rider to better maintain traffic speed and to stay out of trouble by accelerating out of a potential problem.
What will insurance and registration cost?
Though this is an extremely common question, there is no simple answer. It depends first and foremost on how your scooter will be classified. If as a moped, this will result in the lowest possible fees in all cases. It will also depend on your driving history, where you live and whatever other policies your insurance carrier will have with you. Most carriers discount for multiple policies, as when several family members carry policies from them or when you carry both auto and scooter insurance together. It should be noted that in nearly all cases, you will either register and insure your scooter as a moped or as a motorcycle and not as a "scooter". Whenever in doubt, inquire at your local registration bureau (usually the same one that handles automobiles) and with your local insurance agent. It is especially difficult to predict insurance costs and it is usually best to shop around for the best coverage at the lowest cost.
What kind of gas mileage do Scooters get?
Besides the obvious FUN of zipping around town, through curves, down straight-a-ways and then coming to a stop on a dime, scooters are EXTREMELY economical. Some scooters get as much as 125 MPG (YES! That’s MILES per gallon!). For the popular TN'G Venice, mileage varies from around 60 mpg to over one hundred mpg, depending on how you ride.
Most scooters have a small gas tank of usually not over 1.8 gallons. The Stella's tank is about 2.1 gallons. Range varies from 70 miles to about 150 miles. That may not seem like a great range, but most scooters are ridden closer to 170 to 200 miles between refills.
About 4,000 miles for the rear and over double that for the front.
A well cared-for scooter should be able to go about 25,000 miles before it needs a major rebuild. The 50cc two strokes work harder, so I'd think they should be overhauled by 15,000 miles.
Can my Scooter keep up with normal traffic flow?
The bigger scooters (over 125cc) have no problem keeping up, at any speed below 55 mph. You'll lose a little acceleration if you carry a passenger or if you a climbing a hill. The smaller scooters may have some trouble keeping up with fast traffic. I really haven't had any problems riding 50cc and 80cc scooters in traffic, but you have to be ready to accelerate quickly at green lights. I've found that if you can't keep up, pull over and let the traffic pass and you won't be blocking anybody. Use those great rabbit tracks (those less-travelled roads across Tucson like Columbus, Fifth/Elm, Mountain, Pima, Roger, Fairview, Harrison...) if you're at all intimidated.
Small wheels provide very responsive and nimble driving in traffic and provide easy maneuvering for parking. Contrary to common myth, the smaller wheels on scooters do not make them noticeably less safe and an argument can be made that this very trait makes them *safer* than their larger-wheeled cousins. Smaller wheels result in greater handling responsiveness, which can keep the scooterist out of trouble more readily. Scooters simply maneuver more easily than motorcycles generally. While it's true that smaller wheels are more vulnerable to getting caught by large potholes, you should also know that those same smaller wheels result in more lower end torque, which will more readily pull you out of that same pothole. This is why a scooter of the same engine size can often outperform a motorcycle from a dead start.
Likewise, the smaller wheels on scooters help when cornering, as there is not the need to slide the back wheel as on motorcycles and there is less gyroscopic effect. These aspects give scooters an advantage over motorcycles on racetracks and is why they were banned from motorcycle racing. Also, those same smaller wheels allow for a lower center of gravity, which is a definite advantage. Lastly, you'll find smaller wheels noticeably cheaper to replace. All in all, there are advantages to small wheels!
In spite of common myth, scooters are not slow by design, unless they are also speed-restricted mopeds. The world speed record for scooters is thought to be held by Marlene Parker of England who in 1965 ran her 200cc Lambretta at over 130mph on a racetrack at Monza, though it was deemed an unofficial time. It is very common now for Vespa and Lambretta scooters to exceed 100mph on racetracks. Many scooters without modification will go over 70mph and speed varies widely depending on various aspects like engine size, exhaust flow, gear ratios, etc. The fastest current production scooter as of July 1999 would be the Gilera Runner 180, which creates 21hp and 85mph, totally stock. Many of the more popular 50cc scooters in Europe have commonly available racing kits that allow them to go much faster. A good example is the Italjet Dragster, which will reach 80mph after kitting.
Can I make my Scooter go faster?
All scooters can be made to go faster. First, it's critical to know if your scooter has a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. By their very nature, 2-stroke engines are much easier to modify for greater power and speed than are 4-stroke engines, though the basic concepts to increasing speed on any scooter are the same. Essentially, you need to improve fuel, air and exhaust flow. Further, many 50cc scooters (speed-restricted mopeds) can be de-restricted fairly easily also, allowing very noticeable increases in speed. It should also be noted here that typically performance kits void manufacturer warranties. They often also make reliable engines less trustworthy, usually in proportion to the extremeness of the modification. And lastly, if the increase is very large (as on 50cc models, for example), there will be serious issues as to whether the brake and suspension systems will still keep the rider safe at these new higher speeds.