Scooter Answers

Do I need insurance to ride a scooter in the state of Florida? And how much do you think a license tag for a scooter will cost for a 21-year-old who’s never had a traffic violation or ticket? — Marc-Jean in Florida

The state of Florida considers any scooter over 49cc to be a motorcycle. The law does not require you to carry insurance for a motorcycle or scooter, but personally I wouldn’t ride without it. It’s very inexpensive protection — often less than $100 a year.

As to a license plate, Florida charges the same price for every vehicle, regardless of your age and driving record. It’s currently $27.60 for a scooter license plate and all the associated fees, due annually just like your car registration.

In Florida, you will also need a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license if your scooter is above 49cc.

You can visit the DHSMV website at http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/faqmotor.html for more information.

I’m thinking about purchasing a scooter. I am interested in a 150cc but my biggest concern is purchasing one I am able to handle, able to touch ground without a problem. I am only 5′ tall with short legs. Inseam is 28″. I cannot find anything online to help me make this determination. I’ve looked into a Velocity, but not sure if it’s too big. There are few scooter shops around here. Can you recommend a reliable and manageable scooter that would not be much of a problem for me? Thx! -Mrs. Akens

Mrs. Akens,

Seat height was a concern for me as well, though I am a few inches taller than you are. The scooters I know of which have a good brand reputation and a low seat height are the Genuine Buddy, Yamaha Vino, TNG Low Boy, and Yamaha Morphous. The Buddy comes in 50cc, 125cc, and 150cc and sits at 29″. The Vino comes in 50cc and 125cc and sits at 29.8″ above the ground. The Low Boy is a 28.5″ 150cc. The Morphous sits the lowest, at 25.8″, and comes in a 250cc. It looks like they have discontinued it for 2009, but you could still buy an ‘08 or a used one.

I am not familiar with the Velocity, but based on its much lower price I would tend to question its reliability. Make sure you can test ride whatever you buy so you’ll know how it rides. You’ll want a local dealer who can service the scooter for oil changes and such. Sometimes motorcycle shops can do this for scooter brands they don’t sell, but it’s best to call around before you buy the scooter to make sure.

If you can’t find a scooter that fits just right, look into having the seat lowered. Usually you can find someone locally at a place like a motorcycle dealership - ask them who does seat mods in your area. There are also people online who will do them. I would stick with someone local if possible, since they’ll be able to judge what you need and make adjustments without shipping the seat back and forth.

Failing that, you could always consider a smaller moped, like the Honda Metropolitan. But you won’t get as big of an engine.

Hope this helps!
-ScooterGirl

Making the decision to hit the road on two wheels is a little more of an exercise, today, than it was when I began riding. Back in the dark ages, we got our hands on a machine any way we could, swung a leg over, and rode away. We were lucky to live through it. Bikes and scooters are smaller, less conspicuous among all the four-(and more)-wheeled traffic. And two-wheelers require more from you, physically and mentally, than lounging along in the car.

Today, conditions on the road are more dangerous than ever. There are more vehicles per square inch than ever before. And there are more driver distractions than ever, with cell phones, iPods, and DVD players. And, like I’ve said before, some of them really ARE out to kill you.

One part of complying with the motor vehicle regulations where you’ll be riding is not only a matter of “the letter of the law,” but just makes sense for your personal safety. Nearly anywhere you live and ride, you need an endorsement on your vehicle operator’s license that says you are qualified to operate a two-wheeled, engine-driven vehicle. Though it’s usually called a motorcycle operator’s license, scooters and mopeds fall under this category as well, with very few exceptions.

Before you start thinking you’re going to be one of the exceptions, check into the requirements set out by your state of residence. Here’s a link to a listing of these requirements.

Most scooters on the market in the U.S. today will require that you have a motorcycle operator’s license to operate them on public roads. For instance, in Kansas, where I live, scooters exempt from operator license requirements must: 1) be rated at less than 3.5 brake horsepower; 2) have an engine displacing less than 135cc; and 3) be incapable of exceeding 35 miles per hour. I would submit to you that a machine this small and slow has no business playing in traffic, anywhere.

Obtaining a motorcycle operator’s license will require you to demonstrate some sort of knowledge about the rules of the road, as well as proficiency in actually operating the machine you propose to ride. The means of doing this can vary from state to state, as well. Let me recommend an organized, competent way to go about this.

Since the late 1970s, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has been training riders to stay alive and healthy on the road. They offer training courses for beginners and experienced riders all over the country. In many cases you can ride either a scooter or a motorcycle through the course. In most states, proof of completing their training course relieves you of the requirement to take the riding skills test with the DMV. (You’ll still need to pass the written exam for your license). And you may qualify for a discount from your insurance company, as well.

ScooterGirl started out on a 50cc Buddy, which probably was legally exempt from special operator licensing under the terms I stated. But she wisely decided to attend the rider education course and learn whatever she could. As the Old Guy, who’s been riding since dirt was new, I already had the motorcycle license. But when I bought my current hot rod motorcycle, I signed up for the experienced rider course on the off chance that there was something new I could learn. (There was!)

Visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website to find a rider safety course near you at: http://www.msf-usa.org/

Riding the roads on two wheels is a lot of fun. That’s why we do it. If you survive, it’s also an exercise in continuing education. Go into it with all the advantages you can gather to yourself. I’ll leave you with this thought from Thomas Henry Huxley, the English scientist and philosopher:

“If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man (or woman) who has so much as to be out of danger?”

Here are a few tips to keep you safe out on the road:

Wear the gear. Even if you’re just going out for a short ride, if you go without gear you’re not protected from motorists, pavement, or the elements. Or big bugs that may fly into your mouth if you don’t wear a full-face helmet or a face shield.

Pick a highly visible color for your scooter and your gear. That silver scooter might look nice and shiny, but it also blends in with most surroundings. Red or blue is much better for daytime visibility. While you’re at it, pick out a white helmet: at night, it will reflect the most light and give other drivers the best chance of seeing you. And choose a reflective jacket or vest in a bright color, too.

Decorate your scooter. Reflective scooter decals are a great way to attract attention — and when everyone can see you, they’re less likely to hit you. Stick them on your helmet, too, since it’s at eye level for most other drivers.

Stick to less-traveled roads. Pull up your route on Google Maps and see if there are some smaller, less-traveled roads you can take. Also avoid any roads where you can’t go at least 10 mph over the speed limit. Why? Because you may need to avoid a bad driver, and you need to be able to get out of the way fast.

Don’t pick the most remote roads, either. Wooded areas with deer crossing signs are definitely places to avoid, especially at night.

Ride in groups. Take the time to find a local scooter group or a fellow enthusiast with some experience, and ride with them. They can give you all kinds of helpful tips, and it’s fun to ride with company.

Take an MSF scooter course. They’ll make sure you learn how to ride safely, which will free you up to pay attention to any potentially dangerous situation. Plus, you’ll save money on your insurance, and in some states you can skip the driving test if you pass the Basic Rider course.

Read “You and Your Scooter” from the MSF for more tips on how to stay safe and keep the shiny side up.

1. They get great gas mileage

Depending on the model you get and how much of a “lead wrist” you have, scooters can get over 100 mpg. Even many of the larger cruisers get 40-50 mpg. This helps offset the cost.

2. They’re easier to ride than motorcycles

The vast majority of scooters are automatic, which makes them very simple to ride. You twist the right handgrip to accelerate, and the brakes are like the ones on a bicycle - you squeeze the little bars on the front of the handgrips. You never have to worry about shifting, and you don’t have to brake with your feet.

Scooters usually have smaller engines than motorcycles, too, which means they weigh less and are easier to maneuver in tight spots.

3. They’re easy to park

While you shouldn’t park a scooter illegally, like small places where there are yellow stripes on the pavement, you do have a lot more options. In many places you can even park on the sidewalk or next to a bike rack. This can be especially convenient on college campuses, which are notorious for not having enough parking spots.

4. They’re very green

Scooters are very friendly to the environment, because not only do they use less fuel than most vehicles, they also put out far less emissions. There are still some 2-stroke scooters out on the market, which means the scooter burns oil and gasoline together, so if you’re looking to be extra environmentally sensitive just avoid these models. The majority of scooters are 4-stroke like your car, but they put out much less emissions.

5. They’re quieter than motorcycles

Some people seem to enjoy terrorizing quiet neighborhoods with their big hawgs. But you can barely hear most scooters running. You get a much quieter ride and much happier neighbors.

6. They’re less expensive than cars and motorcycles

The purchase price of a scooter is typically under $3500, unless you are looking at big cruiser models. The purchase price of motorcycles tends to be well above $5500. But the savings don’t end there. You’ll be getting better fuel mileage than most motorcycles, and you’ll also get cheaper insurance.

Scooters tend to be involved in less accidents than motorcycles, and they have less power (who really needs 1500 ccs anyway?), so the insurance is very cheap. You can even get a discount if you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which is a good place to start in any case.

7. You’ll put less miles on your car

Most scooterists prefer to keep a car around for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, not to mention for trips to the grocery store. But if you’re riding your scooter even half the time, that’s half the wear and tear on your car. The car will last longer and it won’t require maintenance as often, which saves you even more money.

8. If you’ve always wanted one

There has never been a better time to buy a scooter. They have become so popular in America that dealerships are everywhere, and prices are competitive. This popularity also means there are lots of used scooters on the market, for a cheap way to try it out and find out if you really like scooters. And as gas prices continue to creep back up and the economy presents problems, any savings you get from riding a scooter will become that much more important.

9. Scooter groups are awesome

Scooter groups are just great all around. Now that scooters have become popular in the U.S., there are local riding clubs in almost every metro area. These local groups are an invaluable source of information when you’re new to scooters. It’s a great idea to join at least the online forum before you buy a scooter, because they can give you advice on which dealerships in town to buy from, what brand and model will work best for you, and great roads to scoot down that you might never have discovered on your own.

Scooter groups are also a blast. Many are very active, with group rides once a week or more. These group rides are an excellent way to make friends and also ease into the learning process of how to ride a scooter. You will be safer with experienced riders all around you to coach you and offer tips on how to be more comfortable. And you wouldn’t believe how much more fun you’ll have with a group.

You may want to check and see which rides allow 50cc engines - if you have a larger engine, you may find these rides a little tedious. You should also check and see whether the local groups cater to a specific style of scooter; there are quite a few vintage scooter groups that may not welcome your fancy new cruiser with open arms. But as long as you arrive with an attitude says “I’m here to be safe and have fun,” almost any group will welcome you.

In addition to the local groups, there are many scooter rallies for those who want to make new friends and play scooter games.

10. Because they’re fun

Scooters aren’t just a good, environmentally friendly way to save money, they’re also a joy to ride. There’s just nothing quite the same as the freedom of riding on two wheels. Whether you plan to ride alone, ride with a spouse, or join a group, whether you’ll be cruising around a small-town college campus or commute across a major metropolitan area, there’s just nothing like a scooter.

Make sure you read 10 reasons not to buy a scooter for other considerations before you buy a scooter.

1. Because you can get it for $700 on Ebay

Buying a scooter is like buying a car. There will always be deals that are too good to be true, and this is one of the worst. You can’t test ride it to make sure it’s comfortable or even to be sure it works, and a lot of dealers refuse to service these cheap Chinese no-name scooters.

2. When there is no local dealership

Do your research, and choose a scooter that a dealership near you will service. Not only will they be more familiar with your particular scooter, it will be easier (and cheaper) for them to get parts for a brand of scooter they already service. Many of the brands out there are just as good as each other — so if you like two scooters equally, go with the one that will be easier to have serviced.

3. If you have trouble focusing on driving

Riding a scooter or a motorcycle takes a lot of focus. Since your vehicle is so much smaller, a lot of drivers will not see you, and you need to be paying attention so you can get out of their way fast. It can also be tiring holding the throttle open or fighting the wind.

4. If you can’t afford the gear and insurance

Besides the purchase price of the scooter (and tax/title/registration), you also have to pay for property tax, motorcycle insurance (yes - even if it’s a 50cc engine, you need motorcycle insurance), and riding gear. A bare minimum is a helmet that fits properly ($90+), a good pair of riding gloves ($20+), and sturdy boots ($35+).

You ought to be wearing a protective jacket, too, and that will set you back anywhere from $80 to 300. You might be able to get by with a used jacket, if there are no marks from previous accidents.

5. If you can’t really afford it

Scooters are affordable, but unless you want to start out on a used 50cc scooter to ride around streets with a low speed limit, you’ll be looking at at least a $2,000 purchase price (plus the other expenses above). With fuel prices low again, you can’t really justify owning a scooter just because it saves gasoline.

It’s better to save your money and start out on a 125cc to 250cc engine if you know you want to go 55 mph or higher. If you jump too soon on a 50cc, you’ll be very disappointed because it will slow down to 30 mph on many hills, even if you start out at full throttle.

6. If you need to carry a lot of stuff

You may be used to a small car, but storage on a scooter is like storage on a bicycle: there’s not much of it. Scooters typically have enough room under the seat to hold your helmet, some have a glovebox (and by “glovebox” it really means only one pair of gloves will fit), and that’s about it.

You can buy a trunk (a.k.a. topcase) for many scooters which will hold an additional helmet or one to two plastic grocery bags. You can also purchase saddle bags in some cases. But keep in mind that adding any extra storage changes the weight and feel of the scooter. You’d be surprised how much differently you have to lean when you have a couple of bags in a trunk, versus having no trunk.

7. If you can’t test ride it

A Kymco People S 250 on Craigslist for $1500 may sound really enticing, but unless you can test ride it before you commit to buying, it’s just too good to be true. (That particular scooter should sell for over $3000 if it’s in good shape.) Ask if you can see the service log to make sure the owner changed the oil every 500 miles and performed other routine maintenance.

Also keep in mind that for anything above 50cc, you will need a valid motorcycle license in order to test ride. Dealerships won’t let you take a test ride without it, and most private sellers won’t either.

8. If you’re not willing to practice and take a safety course first

You wouldn’t want your 14-year-old to drive right out on the road when he gets his first learner’s permit. And the rest of us don’t want you to buy a 400cc cruiser and just jump straight into traffic. Even if you have previous riding experience, scooters take some getting used to.

The best thing to do? Before you buy a scooter, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider course. Some locations provide scooters for you to go through the course, but even if you have to go through on a motorcycle, you’ll get a feel for how to lean into turns and stop safely. After you take the course, keep that scooter restricted to parking lots and less-traveled roads until you get a feel for it. And try riding with a local scooter group — they’ll give you some great tips.

9. If you’re only buying a scooter to save money

As mentioned above, you’ll be paying quite a few costs besides the basic purchase price of your scooter. If you’re really set on saving gasoline, check out “Will a scooter save you money?” on MSN. Make sure you include safety gear, dealer prep, tax, title, and registration in the “price of the scooter” column to get the whole picture.

10. If you think a scooter is just a toy

A scooter is a vehicle. It needs oil changes, it needs brake adjustments, it needs all sorts of TLC. It’s also more than just a really fun vehicle: it can be dangerous. Even if you ride responsibly, there are thousands of other drivers out on the road who may not be paying attention. You really have to keep your guard up at all times.

It’s not that you can’t have fun on a scooter. Actually, having fun is the main reason to but a scooter! You experience an awesome sense of freedom when you’re not enclosed in a big vehicle, and it can be really enjoyable to ride with a scooter group. But please keep in mind that while you’re out there having fun, you need to be careful too.

Make sure to read 10 reasons to buy a scooter for the bright side of scooting.

When you begin thinking about which means of two-wheeled transport is right for your interests and circumstances, there’s a principle of safety to learn. No matter whether you ride a modest little scooter in residential areas, or a big road-burner on the interstate, there’s an acronym you must learn, and a principle you must follow.

ATGATT. Say it aloud, and learn the meaning: All The Gear, All The Time. “Gear,” in this context, means the personal safety equipment you use when you’re up on two wheels. When you venture out into the world of motorized transportation without an automobile wrapped around you, you need some armor to protect you from the assaults made on your person by the road, by other vehicle operators, by animals, by the weather. Oh, you can ride without using gear, and get away with it sometimes. But other times, you stand to lose some skin, or worse. “Stuff happens,” as the saying goes. And, they really ARE out to kill you.

All The Gear:

Helmet. Protect your head by using a name-brand helmet that fits you and remains comfortable for an extended period. (You won’t wear it if it chafes, or irritates some pressure point on your head, neck, or face). Make sure you get one that’s listed by the Snell Memorial Foundation, so that it meets a recognized safety standard. The best are full-coverage types that protect face and jaw, as well. Estimated cost: $150-$300.

Gloves. Only full-grain leather will do. Elk hide is one of the toughest, and will resist abrasion well, if the worst happens. Fabric, even the toughest nylon, has no place here. Again, they should fit perfectly, and remain comfortable for extended periods of use. Estimated cost: $40-$60.

Jacket. The best choice is, again, full-grain leather. NOT a decorative garment to be “seen” in, but a riding jacket with appropriate closures to fit closely at the neck, wrists, and front, to seal out the wind, and to stay on you in the event of a mishap. Estimated cost: $150-$300.

Heavy nylon mesh jackets with armor and padding inserts are to be had, as well. While not offering the protection of full-grain cowhide, they offer a compromise you may wish to make in the heat of summer. They do let air circulate to cool your body while you’re in motion. I’ve read reports of these protecting adequately in on-road mishaps, and I wear one myself when it’s hot. Just be aware that it IS a calculated risk. Estimated cost: $150-$200.

Boots. Riding boots are not the same as walking boots. They’re usually heavier, and fasten differently. And they must extend upward from the ankle, to give support and protection. Some have armor protection. All have closures that are likely to remain secure if you get into trouble. Note: Velcro, and dedicated-purpose closures and snaps are good; exposed laces are bad. These are not primarily for just walking around in, but should be comfortable enough to do that. Estmated cost:$150-$300.

Pants. This is an area where most riders find a compromise between cost, safety, and comfort. The best choice is, again, leather, but the cost keeps most people away. On shorter rides, I usually wear denim jeans. That’s really no protection for sliding on asphalt, but it’s a risk I take, knowing I could lose.

For longer trips, I use nylon mesh pants with armor inserts at the knees and hips. They allow for some cooling in the summer, and they do provide a degree of protection against “road rash.”

The all-out best for this purpose would be a one-piece leather riding suit. That’s also the all-out most expensive choice. They’re usually used by professional racers, and the rare sportbike rider on the highway.
Estimated cost: Full leathers $700-$1000. Leather pants $300-$500. Nylon mesh with armor $120-$200.

All The Time

The worst injury I ever suffered on a bike happened a block from my house, on a two-block trip to the grocery store. “It’s only two blocks” turned into two MONTHS of bandaging and picking sand and dirt from a skinless forearm. I was wearing a cotton shirt. I can’t emphasize it enough: The time you let down your guard, the time you get careless, IS the time when you’ll get bitten.

Other riders not wearing much in the way of gear (I call them “Hamburger on the Hoof”) see me in a parking lot or at a stoplight, and ask “Don’t you get HOT in all that stuff?” They get really quiet when I answer, “I’ve been hot, and I’ve been hamburger. And one is better than the other.”

ATGATT. And keep the rubber side down.

Can you give me some hints/tips about scooters? Oddly enough, I had been contemplating getting one before I found out you had one. I think the biggest thing that stuck in my mind from your web site was the size issue for us girls. I don’t want something I can’t handle. Well, the biggest issue beyond safety — that’s by far my biggest concern. I don’t know how visible I’d be, even if I got a big red coat and a couple of massive fluorescent orange flags to go on the back of the scooter. And there’s the rain/snow issue.

Okay, so I honestly don’t think I’m just going to ditch the car for a scooter — again, I just think safety/visibility would be too big an issue in Wichita, and then there’s the whole visiting my parents thing, but perhaps if I do a little research I can convince myself. :) — Sarah in Kansas

Dear Sarah,

In Kansas, you won’t be able to totally replace your car with a scooter. It’s simply not possible to ride when it’s icy or snowy, and by that I mean you can’t even do it if you’re a crazy person wanting to freeze. The brakes are not as strong as car brakes, and you’re on such a lightweight vehicle that you wouldn’t be able to stop.

It is possible to ride in the rain, although with a similar traction problem it’s risky and you wouldn’t want to try it until you got a lot of riding experience.

That being said, scooters are great gas savers. But with gasoline low again, I don’t think it would feasibly save you money to buy a mid-sized scooter in addition to your car. Not for 5 years, anyway. If you were ever to buy a scooter, I would highly recommend taking the Motorcycle Safety Course and getting a motorcycle license first of all, and that would allow you to get any size you wanted.

I started out on a 50cc engine, which was great to learn on, but I could only go 45 at top speed and I would slow down to 27 on some hills. They just don’t have enough guts. But I did feel safer learning on one, because it was physically smaller. It was a Genuine brand Buddy 50.

Hubby got a bigger scooter so he could scoot to school, and as soon as that happened, it wasn’t fun to ride together anymore. His was just so much more powerful, so I got a replacement too. This time I got a Kymco People S 200. Although the model is a 200, it was actually 165 cc. But it went 70 mph with me on it, or higher if Hubby was on it (something about weight and momentum). I only went 70 once because it was a bit too fast for me. But on the bigger scooter I could go up hills without slowing down, and I could always get out of the way of stupid drivers really fast.

This was the perfect size for me because the seat was low enough to the ground, and the weight of the scooter was low enough for me to handle it. Hubby has the People S 250, which is actually 249 ccs, and it weighs something like 100 pounds more than mine did. If I fell over, I could not pick his up. And it was higher off the ground, so I’ll never be comfortable riding it except on the back.

Even with bigger scooters, you do still have a visibility issue. That’s one reason I stuck decals all over that little Buddy and my helmet. And another reason I bought the bigger scooter — to be able to dodge out of the way. And another reason to take the Motorcycle Safety Course. (They provide bikes or scooters, and you spend two days both in class and learning to ride.)

The main thing is you just have to focus all your attention on the other drivers; you can’t space out like you can in a car. (Not that that’s totally safe in a car, but it’s much more likely someone will see you and avoid you in that case.) As long as you’re aware of the others and what your escape options are, you’re okay. Hubby and I have both had several times where someone would have run over us, except we were watching and avoided it.

I hope that gives you a good basic idea of what to consider before buying a scooter. As always, please contact us if you have other questions about scooters!

When I was first considering buying a scooter, I needed a lot of help figuring things out. How fast could a scooter go? Would the gas mileage make the scooter a worthwhile purchase? What brands were out there, besides Vespa?

Fortunately, I had lots of help: the people at the Motorcycle Shop and the Texas Road Rats offered me lots of free advice. Thanks to their expertise, my husband and I were both very satisfied with our first scooters.

Since you may not even know of a dealership where you can ask for this sort of advice, I’ve compiled a list of the things I didn’t even know I should be considering. This should give you a starting point so you know what questions to ask.

1. Roads and traffic

First off, you need to consider where you want to ride your scooter. Do you live in a big city, with a lot of traffic? Are you used to taking the highway to work? Unless you want to invest in a larger scooter, you might need to change your commuting habits. The smallest scooters - mopeds - are great for college campuses, but they often only go 35 mph. The largest scooters - touring styles like the Suzuki Burgman - cost and weigh a lot more, but they can get up to high speeds, often in excess of 80 mph.

Lower speeds are safer, and you also have to realize that many drivers don’t see scooterists and motorcyclists, so you’ll have to be much more alert and practice good defensive driving, especially at higher speeds or in heavier traffic. Consider what alternate routes would be safer. You might realize you will have to spend an extra 15 minutes on the drive to work in order to lower your risk.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you might live in a rural area. Gravel roads are not as safe because you lose traction, and you might end up breathing a lot of dust. Commuting for a longer distance also means you’re likely to get tired on the drive. Many people enjoy riding scooters for long distances, but it’s something to consider.

2. Weather

Across most of the U.S., it is not possible to completely replace a car with a scooter. Why? Because of the weather. It is possible to ride in the rain, but it’s uncomfortable at best, and because scooters have smaller tires than cars it’s a lot harder to brake when the pavement is wet. If you live in an area where it snows or ices, you won’t be able to ride at all during bad weather. You simply won’t be able to stop on snow or ice.

Hot weather may make it less attractive to ride your scooter, too. It is important to wear safety gear during every ride, and during the hot summer months this may make you pretty uncomfortable. If you’re planning to replace your car with a scooter, you need to have a backup plan: have your spouse drop you off at work on days when you can’t ride, or find public transportation that will get you where you need to go.

3. Affordability

In general, scooters have a low sticker price and tend to get very high gas mileage. Of course, this all depends on the brand and size of the scooter you buy. Vespas are reliable and attractive scooters, but if you’re looking at them you should realize you will be paying a lot just for the name. You can buy comparable scooters in other popular brands, such as Kymco and TNG, for thousands of dollars less.

You’ll want to research the different sizes, styles, and features of scooters in order to get a ballpark idea of how much money you are going to spend on your scooter. You’ll also want to consider whether to buy a new or used scooter, since a used scooter can give you a chance to decide whether you really like riding or not, before you invest a lot of time or money.

Sizes and features will impact your fuel mileage. If you don’t have far to drive and you choose to go with a small scooter, like the Genuine Buddy 50, you may end up getting 100 miles per gallon. If you live outside of town or plan to go on longer pleasure rides, you might end up buying a Suzuki Burgman 400, which will get a much more modest 50 miles per gallon. And just like cars, scooters come in so many brands, sizes, and styles that you could end up anywhere in between.

In general, most people choose scooters somewhere in between the Buddy and the Burgman. Scooters such as the People S 250 get a good balance of fuel mileage - 85 mpg or so - while still having enough power to get you up to highway speeds.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve considered how owning a scooter may require you to change your driving habits, the next step is to start narrowing down what kind of scooter you want to buy. Stay tuned for our upcoming series on how to choose the right scooter for you.