Scooter Answers

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.