If you’re looking for more up-to-date scooter information, please visit ScooterFile, which I founded in 2012 partly in response to creating this guide. Also keep an eye on that space for ongoing updated versions of this content.
This essay was originally posted August 26th, 2008. Updated September 30, 2009.
People keep asking me about scooters. I’m hoping that they’re drawn to the practicality and fun of it as well as the economics, but I know better. Gas has been expensive this summer. But that’s a perfectly great reason to get into scooting.
So I thought a primer was in order. My obsessive researching tendencies and ongoing work to be a wealth of all semi-useless knowledge can now benefit YOU! So let’s get into the meat of it and answer the basic question of what is a scooter?
A scooter is not a motorcycle. A scooter is not a moped.
A scooter is indeed a motorized, two-wheeled vehicle. As such it is ridden in much the same way a motorcycle or moped would be ridden, but there are a few key differences. So let’s have some definitions.
Motorcycle
Large wheels and thick tires, the engine is between your legs and you straddle the whole thing like you would a horse. Generally the engine is open and exposed – thus exposing you to the grit and heat from the engine. Motorcycles tend to be at least 250cc’s in engine size, but go upwards of 2000cc’s. Motorcycles also tend to weigh at least 350 lbs without a rider.
- Pros: lots of power, very stable, highway capable, easily carry two people, lots of cultural cache.
- Cons: heavy and more complex to ride, although more fuel efficient than a car you’re probably only going to get around 40-50 mpg on most. Motorcycles require a separate endorsement on your driver’s license in order to ride. The vast majority of motorcycles also require you to manually shift gears.
Moped
This is basically a bicycle with an engine. Large wheels, thin tires, small tubular frame much like a bicycle. Most mopeds are 50cc’s or smaller, and top out around 30 mph. I personally wouldn’t want to go faster than that on a moped anyway. I think mopeds are awesome, but they do have a more limited use.
- Pros: mopeds are generally cheap to own and operate, they get fantastic gas mileage (upwards of 120 mpg), no harder to ride than a bicycle, and usually no special license endorsement is required.
- Cons: severely underpowered – which is dangerous in traffic, hard to find good models with dealer support, often hard to find parts for, and just plain strange looking. A moped is much more a toy than a truly practical way to get ’round, unless you’re twelve years old.
Scooter
Ranging in engine size from 50cc up to ’round 650cc’s, scooters differentiate from motorcycles in a couple of key ways. On a scooter, the engine is under your seat, rather than between your legs. This means that instead of straddling the vehicle, you sit on top of it. This “step through” design also means that you don’t have to throw a leg over most scooters like you would a motorcycle. You can just step on and off. Your feet sit on a floor board instead of foot pegs. This has a couple of advantages. All of the hot and messy bits of the engine mechanicals are out of the way and you generally have a “leg shield” in the front of the scooter that keeps a certain amount of the wind/rain off of your legs as you’re riding. Scooters also, at least these days, are almost exclusively automatic CVT transmissions. You simply twist the throttle and go – no shifting. This means one less thing you have to think about while riding, and I’ve found this to be a huge advantage as riding in traffic will require your full attention. There are a couple of models still available with manual transmissions, and vintage Vespas are all manual transmission bikes. Scooters also tend to have smaller wheels than their motorcycle cousins. This makes them much more “zippy” and maneuverable, but can also mean a little less stable and solid feeling at higher speeds.
Scooter history and geography
Where scooters came from really helps us understand the market today. So how did this all start? Actually, one of the first vehicles fitted with an internal combustion engine was not a car or a horseless carriage, but rather a bicycle. Its configuration very closely resembled what we now know as the scooter. Leave it to those Germans.
Scooters as we think of them have their birthplace in Italy just after WWII. Italy was on the axis side of things, and was subsequently laid to waste when the allies came to town. After the war, Italians had a serious need for cheap transportation, and its war machine industries desperately needed something peaceful to produce. Taking some basic design cues from the american Cushman scooters being used by the invading GIs, airplane manufacturer Piaggio built a prototype scooter in 1948 based on some specific criteria. That criteria is what we know today as the defining characteristics of a motor scooter.
- The engine should be hidden beneath the rider.
- All the controls on the handlebars – including the gear shifter
- The step-through frame and seat design.
- Ablility to easily swap the front and back wheels
- An overall mechanical simplicity so that anybody could own and work on one.
The final Piaggio prototype design had the classic hips we’ve come to associate with Italian scooters. From above, these hips looked like an insect stinger and the handlebars looked like antennae. So the scooter was called “Vespa”, the italian word for “wasp.” To this day, the word Vespa is synonymous with scooters. However, unlike its unassuming proletariat origins, the Vespa of today is much more the Lexus of scooters, but we’ll talk more about scooter brands later.
The Vespa soon became ubiquitous throughout the world as an easy and chic way to get around. In the states, the movie Roman Holiday started America’s on again / off again infatuation with scooters and solidified Vespa as the only brand name most Americans have every heard of even today.
The Vespa and scooters overall remained relatively unchanged until the early ’80s. That’s when we started to see the rise of asian manufacturers like Honda introducing scooters of their own, including models with automatic transmissions. These “twist-and-go” scooters have since eclipsed the old shifter scooters to the point that Vespa doesn’t even produce a manual transmission scooter anymore. The center of the scooting world also shifted away from Europe toward India and Asia where scooters are often more common than cars in most areas.
So with that brief background, who are the major players today? Most of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have at least one scooter model, but their scooters have only been a marginal part of their business in the states. Believe it or not, the center of high quality scooter manufacturing is not actually Japan, or even Italy. It’s Taiwan. The three scooter manufacturers with the best reputation worldwide all come from Taiwan — SYM, Kymco, and PGO. Thankfully, all three are available in the USA.
Why scooters are awesome, and why you should totally get one.
Okay, so the scooter craze is officially on. Shops are selling scooters faster than they can un-crate them and by the time I finish typing this, the local shop will have probably sold out completely. Why are scooters awesome? Here’s my list.
- Gas mileage: Depending on the scooter, you’re looking at between 60 and 120 mpg. No really, it’s that good. The rule of thumb is that the smaller the engine size, the better the mileage. However, keep in mind also that the smaller the engine, the slower the scooter. But you really can save a lot of money on gasoline. Understand also, that even riding a lot you won’t recoup the cost of the scooter for at least 2-6 years. It’s not going to have a huge or immediate impact on your yearly balance sheet, but in the good weather months, it can cut your fuel costs way back and help your cash flow tremendously.
- Simple, practical transportation If you’re just trying to get yourself around, a scooter is perfect. You can’t haul plywood, you can’t haul four passengers, and they’re kind of miserable in the rain and/or cold. But for just getting from here to there, you really can’t beat the simplicity of the scooter. You can even grab several days worth of groceries. Most of all, it’s perfect for your every day commute. Unless you live in a very temperate climate it won’t replace your car, but it can sure put a big dent in your transportation costs.
- Low cost of ownership: If you don’t fall into the “$800 chinese scooter death trap” (which we’ll discuss later) and instead buy an actual scooter with good dealer support and intact warranty coverage, your cost of ownership can be very low. You can expect insurance to only be about $10-$15 a month. Scooters are also very mechanically simple, relatively easy to work on, and the good ones are very reliable. Keep the oil changed on a regular basis and it’ll just run like a top for years and years. There’s an initial investment in accessories, safety gear, and other miscellaneous things, but the ongoing costs are much lower than a car.
- The culture of scooter riders: Scooterists, as they’re called, are simply awesome. It’s such a diverse group of people of all ages and all backgrounds with varied interests. This one thing brings them all together in an incredibly binding way. Scooter people are simply fun. You don’t even have to own a scooter to have a good time at a scooter rally. Did I mention that there are scooter rallies? There are. Seriously. People get together by the hundreds from all over the country for good times, group rides, scooter obstacle courses (I’m not making that up), and lots of good food and fun. There are numerous, highly active online communities where people swap ideas and experiences and just generally yack about scooters. The culture is truly bottomless and a whole lot of fun. See the end of this post for links to these communities.
- It’s so much damn fun to ride! Who needs a destination? There is a nearly indescribable joy you feel when riding out in the open air on a two-wheel machine. It’s as close as you can feel to flying without actually leaving the ground. And pointing back to the fuel economy, it’s cheap fun. $5 for a whole weekend’s worth of riding goodness? You can’t beat that. The Sunday drive lives again!
Now that said, scooters are not for everyone.
You there. It would probably be best for all involved if you just didn’t get a scooter.
There are several groups of people who should not buy scooters. For some, it’s a question of their own safety, and for others its a matter of not doing undue harm to the scooter community at large. It’s very important that the driving culture in this country take scooters seriously as practical transportation. This way the people in cars that we scooterists have to share the road with see us as having a real right to be there. I don’t want anybody getting killed, and I want to start undoing this notion that scooters are just toys. So these are the folk who should avoid scooter ownership, at least for now.
- People who can’t really afford it
This was me for a long time. I wanted a scooter, but simply didn’t have the cash. Realistically, you’re looking at an initial investment of no less than $1500 in the scooter itself when buying used. Buying new, expect to pay at least $2000 for anything worth having, plus setup fees, taxes, and licensing. That’s just for the scooter. You’re going to need $300-$400 worth of riding gear – i/e helmet, armored jacket, boots, etc. So unless you can swing $2500 or so, then it’s not scooter time yet.Now here’s where the $800 chinese scooter death trap comes in. Last year the market was flooded with a plague of cheap, chinese-made motor scooters that were all priced at least 50% below the MSRP of the major market players. So many well-intended people bought these scooters because they couldn’t afford better ones. It’s really unfortunate. First of all, you get what you pay for. We’ll talk about safety in a moment, but suffice it to say that riding anything two-wheeled in traffic is dangerous enough without the machine being a hazard in and of itself. Additionally, many of these scooters do not truly meet EPA regulations, which has led to a lot of states actually revoking their registrations and making them illegal to ride. So now you’re out $800 and you’re not allowed to ride the thing. Furthermore, the dealer support on these imported bike is little or none, and parts availability is even worse. So if something breaks or wears out, you’ll have a tough time getting replacements. Many of these scooters offer only a 90 day warranty on parts. Doesn’t that tell you something? The bottom line is, if you can’t afford a proper scooter, don’t waste what money you do have on something unsafe, unsound, and unsupported. New scooters from the big boys come with at least a full year of warranty support, if not more, and many include roadside assistance. - Bad drivers
You know who you are. If you’ve been the cause of more than a couple not-so-minor accidents in your driving career, you need to seriously reconsider scooter ownership. Riding anything on two wheels in traffic requires your undivided attention, a real gut instinct for where cars are around you and what they might do next, and a certain level of physical coordination. If you easily fall off of bicycles, stick to your car. On a bike you’ll scrape your knees, but on a scooter you can all too easily get yourself killed. You have to be able to drive for yourself and every other car around you. It’s not advanced calculus, but it isn’t riding a bicycle. - If you’re attracted to scooters solely as a fashion item
Then get yourself a Vespa branded toaster or lamp and spend your money on a good cruiser-style bicycle. Scooter riding is a whole lot of fun, but it needs to be taken seriously. If you’re unwilling to wear a real helmet or other protective gear because “well, it’s just a scooter” then you’re a danger to yourself and others. What’s more you’re going to be disappointed at simply being seen on a scooter. The riding experience is awesome, but it’s engrosing. You won’t have a whole lot of attention left to notice people noticing you. My first scooter purchase was more about style than the actual ride, but thankfully I was able to trade that old Vespa in on something I actually enjoy riding. Had I not made that realization though, I probably would have wound up with a very expensive piece of interior decorating that happened to be road worthy. Don’t go down that path. Have realistic expectations of what it really means to ride a scooter, not simply have one.
The reality of scooter safety, necessary equipment, and rider training.
I saw a video on YouTube a few months ago that was a compilation of motorcycle crashes and their aftermath. At the end of the video was an impassioned plea. “For God’s sake, John, don’t get a Vespa.” This was such a strange non-sequitor. Here’s all these videos of “crotch rockets” and Harleys going ass-over-tea-kettle and it turns into a “don’t get a scooter” beg-a-thon? It didn’t make sense to me. Then I read some statistics about how the number of motorcycle riders has increased over the last few years and that motorcycle deaths climbed right along with it. All with no mention of how that related to scooters. Are scooters safer? Less safe? Since a scooter is so much smaller than a motorcycle, are the risks the same? Do I even need a helmet? If the top speed of my scooter is only around 60 mph, do I need to be all decked out like a Moto GP racer? More fundamentally, is riding anything on two wheels just asking for a funeral? So I set out to wrap my head around the whole safety issue. Here’s what I’ve concluded after my research.
Firstly, let me lay a fact on you. Riding a scooter is 100% as dangerous as riding a motorcycle. Period. There is no aspect of riding a scooter that somehow makes it a safer or less dangerous machine to operate. Regardless of size, the real risks of riding anything on two wheels remain the same. You’re just as prone to injury as the guys on Harleys and the dudes on Ducatis. Many people see scooters as less risky and this is simply false. In fact, since scooter riding is mainly relegated to urban areas, it could be argued that riding a scooter is more dangerous. Is it because they’re slower? Many scooters today are easily capable of freeway speeds. Believe it or not, speed actually has less to do with your risk than you might think, but we’ll explore that later on. Bottom line: a scooter is not a toy, and the dangers are real.
So is that it? Don’t ride? It’s just not worth it? The dangers to a scooter rider are indeed the same as the motorcycle rider, but what counts is what exactly are those dangers and how do I mitigate them? Once you break down what the hazards are, they’re much more manageable.
- Physics
Newton’s three laws are a bitch. Riding something on two wheels is inherently very different from driving a car. You turn differently, you brake differently, your simultaneously more and less maneuverable than a car, and if you run into something, there’s no cage of steel and glass around you. No air bags. No seat belts. The second part of the physics equation is what happens if your body comes in contact with those hard surfaces like pavement or car doors, even at low speeds. We’ll talk more about gear later, but think about this: not wearing a helmet is the single most contributing factor to head/spinal injury and death in motorcycle accidents. Seems like a no brainer to protect your brain, but more than half of fatal motorcycles accidents involve people who weren’t wearing helmets.Dumb.The answer: Gear up. Also, take the time to become a really good rider.
- Cars
Two-thirds of fatal motorcycle accident happen as follows. A driver at a normal urban intersection doesn’t see you, or misjudges your speed, then either turns left in front of you or merges into your lane as if you weren’t there. They either impact you, dart into your path so abruptly that you hit them, or they force you to evade out of your lane or into other evasive maneuvers that take you off the road, into other obstacles, or cause you to lose control of the bike and lay it down – sending you sliding and rolling across the unforgiving roadway. “Damn cager!” [shakes fist]The answer: Approach every intersection as though it’s hazardous, and ride beyond invisibility. As fellow scooter wacko David Harrington says, “ride as though they’re trying to kill you.” Basically, realize that you’re going to have to ride for yourself, and drive for everybody around you. You have to anticipate their obliviousness to you and their poor decision making. Believe it or not, if taken with the right mindset, this actually becomes a fun part of riding. I look at it like battle. Me against the “cagers” (scooter-speak for people who drive cars). - The Road
The remaining one-third of fatal accidents are single-vehicle accidents. The rider loses control of the bike and impacts a fixed object such as a tree, a parked car, or a road sign. Ouch. There are a number of factors that account for this kind of accident.A. Rider inexperience
Something like 70% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur within the first five months of ownership. This factor is also believed to be at fault for the increase in deaths in the past few years. More and more middle-aged riders are buying motorcycles, not taking the time or getting the instruction to become truly proficient riders, and then wrecking their bikes because they’ve overshot a turn, or carried too much speed into a curve, or tried to brake and swerve at the same time. All of these things are avoidable with proper rider training and controlled practice.B. Road conditions
Our old friend physics can do a number on us when the road gets wet, slick with snow/ice, or simply when there’s loose grit or gravel on the road. I’ve heard of people dumping their scooters at stop lights by putting their foot down on a bit of oil or on the white stripe! If you come upon an unexpected patch of sand or gravel, especially in the middle of a curve, you could be in for a wild ride. There are things you can do, such as loosening your grip on the handlebars and slowing down as much as you can before you get there, but much of the time you’re simply at the mercy of physics and gravity.The answer: You have to simply be good at riding your machine. Be humble about your abilities. Take things slow. Practice in a big parking lot for a few weeks – do all your big maneuvers and panic stops over and over again until they’re second nature. Take the MSF rider course. Then venture out onto light-traffic back roads and work your way up from there.
- The Machine
If you blow a rear tire at 60 mph, hang on! You’re not going to automatically dump the bike, but it’s going to get hairy! Thankfully though, mechanical failure causing serious accidents and injury is actually very rare. The larger hazard can be simply being unfamiliar with the bike. For example, having to look down to see where your turn indicator switch is can get you into trouble very quickly because you’re watching your hands and not the road.The answer: Know your controls by feel, get to know your bike, and keep your bike immaculately maintained. Airplanes have a really good safety record because every time they fly — every time — the key components are inspected and no worn out parts are allowed to remain. Think of your scooter this way. Check your tire pressure, make sure your turn indicators and brake lights work, check your major fluids (oil, brake fluid, coolant) at regular intervals, and keep current on all preventative maintenance.
So if the danger comes from physics, cars, the road, and the scooter itself, those are all manageable factors. Then what’s all the fuss about? Why did my parents freak out when they found out I bought a Vespa? First of all, I think a lot of people operate under the logical fallacy that cars are safe, and therefore motorcycles are very unsafe. This simply isn’t true. Cars are only crash tested at 45 mph. How well does that airbag work at 70 mph? The number of people killed in automobile crashes is in the tens of thousands every year. True, you’re safer wrecking a car than wrecking a scooter. But you’re also safer wrecking a car than wrecking an airplane. Or wrecking a tractor. Or wrecking a semi truck. Or wrecking a hang glider. Safer doesn’t equal safe. For me, I needed to embrace this fact, and scooting was a great way to do that. “Somethin’s gonna get ‘cha.” Be smart about things, but I know I for one have done many, many more stupid things in cars than I have on my scooter. At some point, as you follow the super-safety train all the way to the station, you’re living inside your panic room eating nothing but organic bananas surrounded by a small arsenal of automatic weapons. Let go. Wear your safety gear, watch your intersections, maintain your bike, ride like you’re in enemy territory, and get really good at riding — then go have fun.
Let’s talk about specific safety gear.
You need protection against (A) impact and (B) sliding abrasion (also known as “road rash”). Concrete is not forgiving stuff. It’s hard and it’s a bit scratchy. However, protection is actually pretty easy. You’ll need to have the following gear and wear it every time. (ATTGAT = All The Gear All The Time)
- A full-face helmet
Your helmet when you ride your scooter is like your seatbelt when you drive your car. If you’re not wearing it, you shouldn’t be riding. There are half helmets and 3/4 helmets, 3/4 helmets with visors, and everything in between. People wear these partial helmets much of the time because they think a scooter doesn’t carry the same risks as a larger motorcycle. This is false. As we’ve said already, the reality is that you need just as much protection as “the big boys.” Why would you leave your face exposed? I won’t go into the gory details, but there are specific, fatal injuries you can receive from taking impacts to the face that can be avoided by simply wearing a proper full-face helmet. But even before we get that far, do you really want to take concrete to the face at 50 mph? I sure don’t.That said, speed isn’t actually the big issue in wearing a helmet. It’s the vertical fall. For example, you can put your foot down at a red light, step in some oil, slip, fall over, hit your head, and give yourself a pretty nasty concussion if you’re not wearing a helmet. In this case, you would be going zero miles per hour. Zero! Yet you’ve still hurt yourself pretty badly. Likewise, if you fall off your motorcycle at 100 mph, it’s the vertical fall that’s actually most immediately hazardous to your head. You need the abrasion protection as you slide and roll and slow down — and especially if you slide into something. But it’s your height, not your speed, that is immediately hazardous to your skull. Think of it this way. Which will be more dangerous? Jumping out of a car at 50 mph or jumping out of a plane at 50 mph? How fast the vehicle is going doesn’t seem to matter so much anymore does it? Crash studies have shown that it’s falling down that’ll get your head, not speed. Appropriately, they test and certify helmets with a simple, free fall drop test. - Armored Gloves
Back to our slippery fall at the stop light. You can tear your hands up pretty bad simply falling over. Add speed to that equation and you can easily lose fingers falling at 30 mph and less. I wish that were an exaggeration. I’ve seen post-fall armored gloves that nearly have all three layers of leather torn off of them. I can’t imagine what that hand would have looked like without the glove. It’s especially important to have extra layers of leather or even hard armor over your knuckles. Punching the roadway wouldn’t feel good at all. - Armored Jacket
If you go down you’ll need impact protection for your joints/spine and abrasion protection for your hide. A good jacket will let you roll or slide and keep your vertebrae, elbows, and shoulders protected. Having some gnarly man-made materials between your skin and the pavement is good stuff too. Road rash takes more than aloe to heal up well. Tough leather jackets are great for abrasion protection, but they won’t protect your joints from impact unless they’ve got armor in them. For summer there are great mesh material jackets with armor in the shoulders, elbows/shins, and spine. Mine even has slide pads that cover the tail bone and flanks. Surprisingly enough, you can also get a great variety of safety wear that doesn’t look like you’ve just come from a biker bar or the racetrack. Options abound, so find something that suits your style and saves your hide. - Heavy duty leather boots that come well above your ankles
A good pair of lace-up Doc Martens at minimum. Just like you’ll tear up your hands without good gloves, your feet will go to waste very quickly if you come off your bike. There’s a girl who works the scooter shop in Richmond, VA who lost a couple of toes and just completely mangled her foot because all she had on were a pair of Converse All-Stars when she went down. It makes sense. Toes are tender things, and ankles are so boney that they’re not going to take much impact or abrasion before bad things start to happen. The high-ankle boot will help keep you from twisting your foot in a bad way and the thick leather will help you keep your toes and skin intact. - Long pants
At minimum you should be in jeans, although armored alternatives are available and preferred. You’re a rock star, and it’s time to put on your leather pants. Joint protection for your knees is highly recommended. - Eye protection
If you’re wearing a full-face helmet, it should have a visor or face shield built in. If not, you need a good set of goggles or safety-rated glasses. Remember that you’re out in the open. Taking a piece of road gravel to the eye would not be pretty. But at a more basic level, getting bugs, wind, or just grit in your eyes blurs your vision and takes your eyes off the road. That’s bad.
The last thing I’ll mention about safety gear is that your visibility as a rider is one of your best defense mechanisms. If cars can see you, they’re that much less likely to run you over. Black is “bad ass” but more visible colors are your best bet. A white helmet, for example, dramatically increases your visibility. Pair that with a white jacket and maybe even one of those orange road worker vests and you’ll be that much safer (safe is sexy, right?). White garb will also keep you cooler in hot weather. There’s no A/C on a scooter but to keep moving!
So switching subjects from gear back to what you’re riding. You’re probably wondering which scooters you ought to be looking at. This is my list of manufacturers to consider. If it’s not on this list, avoid it.
Keep in mind that the worth of a scooter manufacturer is more than just the scooter itself. There’s the dealer network, the history of the company, parts availability, the stability of the company importing the scooters, and the stability of the companies oversees producing the scooters. Stick to scooter shops or powersports and motorcycle dealerships where they specialize in things on two wheels. Don’t buy your scooter at the local tire shop. When it breaks down, they’ll want nothing to do with you. Keep that in mind, and go with these folks:
- Genuine Scooter Company (visit their website)
Genuine is “America’s smallest scooter company.” They import a classic Vespa clone from LML in India, and a sampling of PGO scooters from Taiwan. Genuine is a spin-off sister company of Scooterworks, the Chicago-based parts supplier for classic Vespa parts and scooter accessories. Genuine has the largest scooter-only dealer network short of Vespa/Piaggio in the states. They also sell some of the best scooters available anywhere, with the longest warranty, at extremely competitive prices, available financing, and even free roadside assistance. There were two Genuine scooters in my garage when I originally wrote this post. I really can’t recommend them enough. - Kymco, PGO, or SYM (Kymco’s website, PGO’s website, SYM’s website)
The Taiwanese “big three” are reputed to make the best scooters in the world. Kymco and SYM sell under their own name in the USA, but PGO is imported and rebranded exclusively by Genuine Scooter Company. Kymco has defined the “modern” scooter market around the world with its fleet of sporty, not-at-all-cute scooters. SYM is a relative new comer to the US market, but holds a solid reputation as being the performance leader in the international scooter world, offering unique features such as ceramic coated engine cylinders, immaculate fit-and-finish, and the same paint process as Mercedes Benz. PGO is recognized around the world for its quality, innovation, and reliability. All three of these Taiwanese builders offer a diverse range of scooter styles and sizes. - Vespa/Piaggio/Aprilia (Vespa’s website, Piaggio’s website, Aprillia’s website)
The brand that defined the scooter as we know it is still a major player in the worldwide scooter marketplace. Vespa continues to design and build its scooters using the aircraft methods of its heritage. Steel bodies, landing gear style front shock absorbers, and those classic curvy lines. I consider them essentially the Lexus of scooters and they’re priced accordingly. They truly are a very fine line of scooters, but you’re going to pay for what you get, including that famous Vespa name. Vespa has probably the highest level of design and craftsmanship of any scooter available. Their engines are tuned to be powerful, and therefore aren’t quite as fuel efficient as most of their competitors. However this isn’t actually much of a trade off. Although the difference between 60 mpg and 90 mpg sounds like a big deal, the mathematics (specifically the “law of diminishing returns”) show us that the fuel savings between 60 and 90 aren’t actually very much at all. (Side note: the sweet spot is actually right around 60 mpg. Anything below 60 is a significant cost difference, but anything above 60 is pretty marginal.)Vespas are expensive, at least relatively speaking. The price point can be twice what you’d pay for a Taiwanese scooter of the same size. However, I really do think you’re getting what you pay for. You get the monocoque metal frame/body, premium paint and upholstery work, single sided swing arms, and adjustable suspension components on many models. Vespa scooters also offer a handful of very nice creature features that really do help set them apart as the premium scooter choice, such as push-button storage compartment releases and electronic anti-theft ignition immobilizers. Bottom line, Vespas are gorgeous pieces of Italian moto sculpture. Nothing else on the market matches the detail, features, and character of a an authentic wasp. “It is so choice. If you’ve got the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”Although more famous for its Vespa subsidiary, Piaggio now sells a whole line of separate scooters under its own name. The parent company of Vespa is now also running Aprilia. The Piaggio line of scooters is slightly more economically-priced than Vespa, but also includes some very unique offerings such as the 3-wheeled MP3. Price point is generally lower than Vespa, but still more expensive than arguably better scooters from Asia. Powerplant sharing with the Vespa line means lots of power, but the same lackluster fuel economy as their prettier cousins. Piaggio scooters also lack many of the premium features of the Vespa line — most notably the all-metal monocoque construction.
Aprilia is Piaggio’s sport line. The fit and finish on these bikes is immaculate for tube-and-plastic machines. The style is not for everybody, and do remember that you’re buying an italian bike. As David Harrington says tongue-in-cheek, “Italian motorcyles: making riders into mechanics for generations.” Much like the major Japanese manufacturers, scooters are a side interest of Aprilia, whose main focus is in proper motorbikes. Yet what few scooters they do make are unique and generally high performing.
- Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki (Honda’s website, Yamaha’s website, Suzuki’s website)
For these well-known Japanese motorcycle producers, scooters are a bit of an afterthought, but the quality and reliability are undeniable. Another major plus is that there isn’t a Vespa or Genuine dealer in every city and especially in more rural areas. However, you can find a Honda motorcycle shop almost anywhere that could work on your Silverwing or your Ruckus. That’s pretty valuable. Their product offerings are pretty thin, but some have become class leaders and sub-culture hits.
Now we know the names, but what kind of scooter should you get? Let’s break down your options.
Size does matter
Size classification in scooters refers directly to the displacement size of their engines, measured in cc’s (cubic centimeters). The size of the engine will actually clue you in on the relative physical size of the scooter. There are essentially four size classes of scooter.
- 49cc Scooters
Generally referred to as “a fifty”, this smallest class of scooters are legally considered mopeds in most states, even though their physical configuration makes them scooters.Pros
You usually don’t need a special motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license
You can park them anywhere it’s legal to park a bicycle
Gas mileage can be upward of 120 mpg!
New ones start at about $1700Cons
These are physically small scooters, so if you’re a taller rider, these will rarely be a comfortable fit for you
They’re often mechanically limited to be less than 2 hp and/or have a top speed of 30 mph – not very practical in real traffic
These scooters also often have the smallest wheels in the scooter family, making them a bit darty and rough-ridingGood Examples
(recommendations in bold)Yamaha: Vino Classic, C3, Zuma Honda: Metropolitan, Ruckus SYM: Mio, Fiddle II, RS, JetEuro 50 Kymco: People, People S, Agility, Super 9, Vitality Genuine: Buddy 50, Rough House Vespa: LX 50 Piaggio: Fly 50
My favoritesI’m partial to the Honda Ruckus because it is just so basic. But be warned, it’s a dog – just barely gets out of its own way. However, there is a huge tuner community and aftermarket support to make a Ruckus scream if you’re looking for something to tinker with. If I were going to buy a 50 cc scooter and mostly leave it alone, I’d go with a de-restricted SYM Mio. It’s got the most power and performance for any 4-stroke 50cc around and a very nice price point. A de-restricted Genuine Buddy 50 is also a great choice because it’s a 2-stroke. A scooter friend of mine here in the twin cities has her Buddy 50 kitted out to 70cc with all the trimmings and she can almost hit 60 mph! One trick you can pull with a 49cc scooter is that you can get it registered as a moped and then de-restrict it and get upwards of 45 mph out of it. That will make it much safer in traffic. I really consider being “in the way” a bad thing when you’re at the mercy of other drivers. You can also “kit out” a 49cc scooter with intake, exhaust, and transmission upgrades or even do a “big bore” kit out to around 70cc’s. These kinds of modifications can produce a top speed of 60 mph or more. However, by the time you’ve done it, you could have just bought a bigger scooter for the same money. Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to follow (or not) the laws where you live!
- 80cc – 150cc Scooters
This class of scooters is what everyone usually thinks of when they envision a scooter. The classic vespas ranged from 90cc all the way up to 150cc, although larger engines were available later on. This is the ideal engine class for the beginning rider. Most scooters in this size have enough power to get out of their own way and let you flow either with or ahead of most urban traffic. These scooters fall into two basic categories: retro/vintage and modern/sport.This 80cc-150cc category is the range of scooters that I recommend most, especially to new riders. You’re going to get the best performance, the best economy, for the least amount of money. You won’t be able to really road trip on a Buddy (although people do), but for economical transport and good clean fun, it can’t be beat.Pros
Top speeds range from 50 mph to 70 mph depending on the scooter.
The physical size of these scooters is comfortable even for me at 6’4″ and most of these scooters can comfortably carry a passenger.
Bigger wheels, for a more stable, comfortable ride
Still get great mileage: 60-90 mpg in real-world conditions
Still very affordable starting around $2,500 newCons
You’ll need your motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to ride one. But this really isn’t that difficult. Most states allow you to get a rider’s permit for up to a year without a riding test.You’ll move great through urban traffic, but these are not freeway scooters. You can cruise above 60 mph on most 150cc scooters, but that’s all it’s got. You won’t be able to pass anything and you won’t have any power left if you need to make a quick maneuver.
Good Examples
(recommendations in bold)Yamaha: Vino 125, Zuma 125 Honda: Elite 80 SYM: HD 125, Symba Kymco: People S 125, People 150, Bet & Win 150, Agility 125 Genuine: Buddy 125/150, Rattler 110, Blur 150, Stella 150 Vespa: LX 150, Vespa S Piaggio: Fly150
My favoritesIn the retro/vintange category, I must highly recommend the scooter my wife has, the Genuine Buddy 125. I especially like the new International Series Buddy 150 It’s the best introduction to scooters I think anyone could ever have. It’ll do 65 mph, gets 90 mpg on a daily basis, and has great, semi-vintage looks. The price point is also fantastic at $2,499. If you’re willing to pay the premium, the Vespa S is downright sexy. The economy isn’t quite as phenomenal as the Buddy, but still very good. You’re looking at $4,199 to buy new, but it’s just a work of art. The Vespa S is, in fact, a Vespa LX-150 with some simpler body work, but there is a small cost savings in that simplicity. I do firmly believe that you get what you pay for and that the all-metal body structure and paintwork of the Vespa is worth the premium price. I also recommend the Yamaha Vino 125 as a great alternative to the Vespa S or the Buddy for those who don’t have a Genuine or Vespa dealer near them. The mileage isn’t as good, nor is it as quick, but the price point is the same at $2,499 and chances are there is at least one Yamaha dealer near you. In the modern/sport category, I’m very partial to the Genuine Blur 150, since that’s what I rode all of the 2008 riding season. I don’t think there’s a better 150cc scooter available anywhere. However, the Blur didn’t come back for 2008 or 2009. There are ongoing rumors of a return of the model in the next couple of years and if that happens, put the Blur on your short list. In the mean time, Blurs are available second hand from time to time. The scooter that started the american scooter renaissance as we know it, the Genuine Stella is one of my absolute favorites. Its 150cc 2T engine is mated to a fully manual 4-speed, complete with left-hand clutch and shifter. Manufactured by LML in India, the Stella is almost bolt for bolt a vintage Vespa PX-150 with a handful of modern amenities and an upgraded engine. If you’re into vintage italian iron, but want something with a warranty, the Stella may be just the ticket. A newcomer for 2009 is the Yamaha Zuma 125, the big brother to their iconic 50cc Zuma. It’s not really my style, but with fuel injection and Yamaha dealer support, it would be a great purchase for someone who digs its particular mojo. There is a growing stable of modern clones of classic scooters. The SYM Symba, is the latest and perhaps greatest. A premium reincarnation of Honda’s iconic Super Cub, the Symba features a clutchless 4-speed manual mated to a 100cc 4T engine — all with SYM’s renowned fit and finish. I want one. - 200cc – 300cc:
Scooters in this size range tend to be simply bigger versions of their 125cc or 150cc siblings. However this is where you start being freeway capable in a truly practical way. These scooters are bigger in physical size, but only just. This range of scooters is at the bottom of what are commonly referred to as “maxi-scooters” – maxi being the opposite of mini.Pros
Top speeds range from 70 mph to 100 mph, so real freeway use is within reach
Lots of extra power for urban riding
Still small and manageable for the most part
Bigger wheels = more stabilityCons
Price point at least $4,000 new
Gas mileage not as good as smaller bikes, usually 40-70 mpg
Larger, heavier scooters a bit less agile and easy to maneuverGood Examples
(recommendations in bold)Yamaha: nothing in this size Honda: Helix,Reflex SYM: HD 200, RV200, CityCom 300 Kymco: Xciting 250, Grandvista 250, People S 200/250 Genuine: nothing in this size right now (although there are rumors of a 200cc Blur or even a 200cc CVT Stella) Vespa: Granturismo, GTS 250, GTS 300 Super, GTV Piaggio: MP3 250, BV250 Aprilia: SportCity 250, Scarabeo 250
My favoritesMy first choice in any of the scooters is Vespa’s GT line, such as the Vespa GT-V. I ride a Vespa GT 200L, which didn’t come back for 2009, but shares all the chassis, suspension, and brake components as its 250cc+ descendants. The GT-200L, GT-S 250, GT-V 250, and GT-S 300 Super are each superb machines and are in my opinion the quintessential premium modern scooter. Unlike most of the bikes in this class, the GT series Vespas have 12″ wheels, which in my opinion strike the perfect balance between high-speed stability and light, nimble handling. Even the smallest of the powerplants, the 200cc L.E.A.D.E.R. engine in my 200L, propels this sizable and comfortable scooter well over 70 mph. You can read more of my thoughts on the GT in my NS first ride post. I also highly recommend the Aprilia SportCity 250. It’s compact yet fits taller riders, is downright fast, has massive brakes, and is hands down better looking than similar offerings from Taiwan or Japan. With a price point of $4599, it’s also one of the lowest priced scooters in this class. The SportCity is also not much heavier than my Blur 150, but with all the big scooter advantages. Its only real downside in my mind is somewhat meager under-seat storage. I have yet to ride one, but on paper my third choice would be the SYM CityCom 300i With what appears to be massive amounts of under-seat storage. Great looks and key features. My biggest complaint is that it’s nearly $1000 more expensive than the Aprilia and it’s not a true 300 (268cc’s). But with SYM’s reputation for performance, I bet it just goes like stink. - 400cc – 650cc
The largest remaining class is essentially to scooters what the Honda Goldwing is to motorcycles. Big cruiser scooters that you could easily road trip cross-country with a passenger. They’re often called “sofas on two wheels.” It’s not really my style as I like the zippy nature of smaller scooters, but I understand the appeal of being able to ride the highway in comfort.Pros
Very comfortable to ride, even for long distances
Lots of power on both city streets and the highway
Bigger wheels still = really stable high-speed riding
Lots of storage for gear, helmets, luggage, groceries, etc.Cons
Large, and much heavier than smaller, more traditional scooters
Less maneuverable – definitely not “zippy”
Expensive – at least $5000 new and as expensive as $14,000 for some models
Fuel economy not much better than a motorcycle – 40-60 mpgGood Examples
(recommendations in bold)Yamaha: Majesty, T-Rex Honda: Silverwing SYM: nothing in this size Kymco: Xciting 500 Genuine: nothing in this size Vespa: nothing in this size Piaggio: MP3 400/500, BV 500 Suzuki: Burgman 650
My favoritesI can’t really ever see myself on a big scooter, but for those who are into that, I really like the Piaggio MP3 500. It looks like something out of Mad Max and the three-wheel format is just so innovative. It gets basically motorcycle gas mileage and tops out around 80 mph, but geez it looks mean! Otherwise the Kymco Xciting 500 is a really nice bike for a lot less money than its competitors. I must admit no real interest in these big maxi scooters whatsoever, so they all kind of look the same to me. The Kymco is at least very reasonably priced and available in interesting colors. For 2009, the Yamaha TMax boasts sport bike handling in a maxi-scooter format. Good looking, but a bit pricey, even for this segment. Not too many twin-cylinder scooters out there, but I think there’s a reason for that. I’m sure it’s a fine machine, but again, it’s a big lumbering beast of a thing and it just doesn’t interest me. - All-electric scooters
Right now there is just one choice – the Vectrix. It’s the size and basic outline of a 500cc maxi scooter, but it’s all-electric.This segment is sure to grow. Although not on the market yet, I’m keeping a very watchful eye on the KLD E-165 electric scooter set to debut next season.
So that’s my view of the scooter world.
Let me emphasize that these are my opinions. Do your research and choose the best scooter for you. All the factual information is available online and from the manufactures. I’ve included links to much of that information at the end of this post. The biggest thing in choosing a scooter, especially your first one, is to have realistic expectations. Only get what you need and what you can handle as a new rider. Don’t make aspirational purchases. Start simple and move up over time. I’m actually on my third scooter. When you visit your local scooter shop, make sure you sit on all of the scooters you’re interested in. Rock them off the center stand and make sure your feet touch without leaning or tip-toeing. Imagine yourself sitting on that bike for hours on end. Will you be comfortable? Comfort matters more than character. Sure, you may love the look of that scooter over there, but the seat is hard as a rock and your feet don’t touch the ground when you sit on it. Not a good choice. Use your head, then put a helmet on it and have fun!
Manufacturers
Genuine Scooter Company
SYM
Kymco
Vespa
Piaggio
Aprilia
Resources
Just Gotta Scoot
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
MSF Scooter Safety Guide (PDF)
The Hurt Report
Communities
ModernBuddy
ModernVespa
The International Scooterist BBS
Scoot.net
Vespa Club of America
Scooter Blogs
P.E.A.C.E. Scooter
The Scooter Scoop
2storke Buzz
Safety Equipment
Fulmer Motorcycle Helmets
Corazzo Scooter Riding Gear
New Enough
Nathaniel! This is impressive in every way. Now I know why you haven’t been around on modernbuddy! You’ve been bussssssssy!
Good job.
Nice article. I ride a SporCity 250ie and I second your recommendation.
Kudos on a truly informative and honest article!
I do have on question though. And I cannot state enough how much I am NOT trying to start an argument-I would rather have you not post this and respond to me directly if you don’t want to start a storm of e-mails than not know-why such hatred for those of us who choose not to wear a helmet? I have a Buddy 50 that is modified pretty much to its limit. I am going on 3 years riding it and I live in a state that does not force us to wear helmets. We are required to have insurance, license plates and city tags. What I want to know is how I am perceived as a threat to others?
As the scooter phenomenon grows we should strive toward some solidarity within our group as the larger the group, the larger the target for scrutiny and legislation. I have also not heard a louder voice within the two wheeled community than A.B.A.T.E.. Their motto is “safer riding not safer crashing.” You are allowed to think that is ridiculous, but again, how is that hazardous to others?
I find it incredibly sad that I get snubbed by a lot of scooterists, but get nods and waves from bikers, and I can only attribute that to the fact that I choose not to wear a helmet.
I understand and agree with the silliness of those who think that a Vespa with flip flops, shorts and a polo shirt are a fashion statement and do not take riding seriously. Just know that just because I have made a legal choice to deal with my own safety my way does not make me “dumb.”
ATTGAT = All The Gear All The Time
How about AGKLM?
Aim high in steering
Get the big picture
Keep your eyes moving
Leave yourself an out
Make sure they see you
If you follow these guidelines you will be doing all you can to avoid an accident in the first place.
And I have zero ill will toward anyone who chooses to wear whatever safety gear that they want, I just want the hate to stop.
Nat,not to bad,but I would point out that my BMW F650CS gives me better than 70mpg-even towing the trailer.That’s real everyday riding in the city and suburbs-even better out in the country.And no,it ain’t babied around either.
Gra
scooterer,sidecarist and professional motorcyclist
Excellent article, but one thing about the motorcycles. Any 250cc motorcycle should get about 65 mpg, significantly higher than the “around 40-50 mpg tops” that you mention above. Even a 500cc should get 55mpg. The only motorcycles that are only getting 40mpg are 1,000cc cruisers.
I’ve got no hate for bare heads. It’s simply my point of view. And no argument necessary. I’m pro helmet but equally anti helmet law. I can’t help but feel like lot of people neglect to wear a helmet out of a sense of “you can’t tell me what to do!” but to each their own. It’s no skin off my chin if you don’t wear a helmet, man. That’s up to you to decide. It’s unfortunate that the pro-lid among us have been less than courteous about it, but if nothing else, maybe you can take it as passive aggressive concern for your well-being. I am personally of the opinion that riding without a helmet is like driving without a seatbelt. No hate on you though, seriously, you do what you like. I’d still ride with you. I don’t at all intend to be smug about it. That’s simply my view on the subject. But what that means — and this is the part I think a lot of people miss — is that I am going to wear a helmet. It doesn’t mean that you must wear a helmet in order to make me happy. More than anything, I want people to understand the reality of the risks and make informed decisions. As for being pro-helmet, I get to advocate my point of view because, well, it is my blog after all.
In this context though, I’d also be remiss not to advocate helmet use as this guide is intended mostly for first-time owners and riders. I agree with you that riding skill and experience definitely make you safer in the long run, but with most major accidents happening in the first 3-5 months of ownership, I really want to encourage helmet use for new riders. But beyond that, I have to advocate helmet use period, just out of my own experience. Previous to riding scooters I’ve ridden longboards, mountainboards, had a DirtSurfer for a while (oh my!) and I’ve got enough marks, gouges and scrapes on my skateboard helmet to tie the case up for me. I’ve had people ask me while on the longboard about why I wear a helmet, but all I have to do is take it off and show it to them. Beyond that, I recognize that on an empty road, an experienced rider could probably get by just fine without a helmet. I’m not worried about wrecking a scooter because I’ve ridden it wrong. The helmet isn’t really really for me at all. The helmet is for the guy in the van who nearly merged into me yesterday. It’s for the Corolla that almost pulled a lefty in front of me about 20 minutes before that.
It’d also be a different story if wearing safety gear didn’t really make a difference. But the statistics I’ve read and the friends I have who have actually wrecked make a pretty clear case that ATGATT can save your life. So for me, I wear the gear. You do what you like, though. I can totally appreciate the fun factor and the freedom of going without.
That’s awesome! Leave it to BMW. My understanding of motorcycle mpg is highly anecdotal. I’ll be the first to admit it. It’s a selling point on scooters, so most of the scooter websites will give you a mileage estimate, but very few of the motorcycle sites do. So I’ve based that number simply from asking sales people at motorcycle shops. Truth is, they don’t know very well either, probably, so they’ve been giving me pretty conservative estimates.
Good point. I’ve read that the Ninja 250, for example, gets about 60 mpg in the real world, which isn’t bad at all. I was talking about motorcycles as a whole and in very general terms, but thanks for contributing a better breakdown.
Wow… what a great article! found a link in the Aprilia Forum. I used to have a Suzuki 650 years and years ago. got rid of it and now have an Aprilia Scarabeo 200. I love it. Again… Great Article!
Don’t lump the Yamaha C3 in there, 44 mph stock, 48 de-restricted.
Was wondering what you think of Daelims quality and reliablity. They used to make motors for Honda didnt they? Its sad they dont keep up with the times and come out with some new models.
Definitely the exception, but really that puts it into its own category. In Minnesota, for example, you’d need your motorcycle endorsement to ride a C3. There’s another 50cc exception scooter out there, but I can’t remember which model it is.
From what I’ve seen of Daelim, I think of them as second-tier scooters. Not as high of quality as the Taiwanese, Japanese, or Italian big names, but not as awful as the mainland China bikes that you can pick up for $800. I wouldn’t be quite so worried about the initial quality of a Daelim scooter as I would be about my ability to get service and support in the future. That makes it sort of a dealer by dealer question. Fly Scooters and CF Moto also come to mind as second tier manufacturers. From what I hear from dealers, CF Moto is doing a better and better job of supporting their dealers. I still wouldn’t directly recommend them, but they’re definitely a big step up from the death trap mainland china bikes.
Your question actually makes me realize that I need to add a paragraph about the basic criteria by which you can grade a scooter company. Things like longevity, stability, history, quality, dealer network, and long-term cost of ownership.
If you’re looking at Daelim, I’m guessing that you’ve got some price sensitivity? Look around perhaps for a used Genuine Buddy or Yamaha Vino. My recommendation is to either save up longer and invest in the better new scooter from an established brand, or buy a previously owned reputable scooter. A second-tier scooter may be cheaper up front, but is a little more likely to cost you more in ongoing repairs in the future. There’s no such thing as a free lunch and you really do get what you pay for.
Thanks for the response- I hope the newest post doesn’t mean that I have cause a lot of trouble- but that was why I asked that if you didn’t post that you could still answer that question directly. That is the first rational response that I have received from a scooter site. Most people are so aggressively pro helmet that they cannot have a rational conversation about it. Again, I have no issue with your wanting to wear a helmet or advocating it. And I don’t wear one because I prefer to ride without it. I know that safety gear works, I just would like to see more accessible education for riders and more education for everyone with a license to drive anything.
More power to you, R Groth.
Thanks for the information…great blog! I have a 50cc scooter that I love. One comment about them though…in NY it is ILLEGAL to park scooters on sidewalks or certain places where bikes park. People get away with it, but it is not permitted. Just thought that should be known before people get tickets.
Great article filled with gems.
I compared the Kymco Agility 125 to the Yamaha Vino 125 and the price point was significant to me. I am curious about your honest opinion.
I haven’t ridden the Agility, but I’ve seen it on the showroom . I’d say head over to the local shops and sit on both for at least 15 minutes. Are you comfortable? Push it off the center stand. Can you touch the ground flat footed? Move the handle bars back and forth through their full range of motion. Do they hit your knees?
Fit needs to trump price. If the fit isn’t right, the novelty of riding will wear off and you won’t want to ride it as much. If they both fit you fine, then I think you really can’t go wrong choosing between those two. The Agility is one of a few Kymco’s that are manufactured at mainland China facilities, but I expect Kymco is all over the quality control. The Vino hasn’t really changed much in the last several years.
The two are pretty even on paper. The Agility is about 10 lbs lighter, but more significantly, has 12″ wheels as opposed to the 10″ wheels on the Vino. All that means is that the Agility will feel a little more solid, at least in theory. I personally like the Vino better, but that’s mostly on style.
Why not the Buddy? The advantages are plentiful, but chief among them is a plethora of accessories like racks, baskets, and windshields. Just a thought.
Anyway, I’ll refer you to fellow Minnesotan and scooter wacko David Harrington, and his review of the Agility 125 on his website Just Gotta Scoot. He’s also got a very comprehensive review of the Genuine Buddy that compares it feature for feature with the Vino. Between the two, you should have a lot of good info.
I don’t understand why you did not recommend the Kymco People S250. They have 16″ wheels, twin front disc, and rear disc. They are 4 stroke liquid cooled. At $4300 msrp, they area deal, although I picked mine up for $3600 otd.
David Harrington and I quibble about this all the time. He’s a huge fan of the People. They are indeed fine scooters, but they are ugly! The People S especially so. To quote Jeremy Clarkson, “It was designed by a man who only had a ruler.”
The Aprilia SportCity 250 is nearly the exact same spec, a bit more compact, and only a couple hundred dollars more. Plus, it’s gorgeous. If the Kymco were better looking, I’d be able to recommend it. But as is, I couldn’t bring myself to pay money for one. It does deserve a bold in the list though, I’ll give you that much.
Great article! What a stellar place to steer all those questions I get from friends, family. co-workers, and total strangers.
I know a lot of work went into this.
Very thorough article. Your product comparisons reflect what I found in the 4 months I spent researching scooters prior to buying my SportCity 250. Having a dealer with a well-qualified service department was a key consideration.
Even though the Kymco People 250s is quite similar to the SportCity 250 in terms of mechanical specifications (dual front discs, water cooled, etc) Kymco scooters just don’t appear to have the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail I require when forking out several thousand dollars for my 3-season daily driver. Only the scooters from the Piaggio Group (Piaggio, Vespa and Aprilia) have it. Every single component is well designed and feels substantial.
I have to disagree with you on your devaluation of Kymco. I definitely agree that the build quality and fit/finish of the Vespas and Aprilias is top notch, but Kymco makes a fantastic scooter. With the Vespas especially, you’re mostly getting what you pay for in an all-metal body and really high build quality and paint work (and that famous name). But that’s at $1600 more than an equivalent scooter from Kymco (LX-150 vs People 150 for example). The SportCity has a great price point right near the Kymco and I definitely agree that it’s built from more substantial-feeling components. But from a standpoint of ongoing quality, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Kymco I actually liked the looks of.
There’s simply more to it than the weight of the plastics or the seeming substance of other components. There’s the sheer reliability factor. And in that respect, the Kymcos have the Piaggio group beat on reputation for reliability, parts availability, and cost of ownership. The Piaggio scooters are also consistently poorer in fuel economy. Not poor, just poorer. The Piaggios aren’t unreliable either, but reputedly a little less reliable than their Japanese and Taiwanese counterparts. Likewise the Kymcos are not poorly made, just not as pristine as the offerings from the Piaggio group. I’ll definitely give you that one. You’ve just got to balance what’s most important to you.
I liken it to comparing a BMW 325 to a Honda Accord. Sure, the BMW is sexier, meticulously put together, and goes like stink. Overall, it’s just nicer. But it also has a very different wear-out point than the Honda. The Accord is dead reliable, but about as sexy as a toaster. The fit and finish, though adequate, are nothing to write home about. But I know I can drive an Accord to 300,000 miles without trying too hard, and I can get parts at any AutoZone. I think the Aprilia vs. Kymco comparison is similar. I’m with you, I’d totally buy the SportCity over the People S, but I wouldn’t write Kymco off completely. If the looks of the People S don’t bother you, I think it’s a great scooter and it comes very highly recommended by folks who have them.
i own 2 scooters one is a 50cc and the other is a 150cc the 50cc gets 140mpg and 150cc gets 100mpg. however there is one problem they are really both getting half of the mpg i stated. i noticed one thing after all this time. i took a ride on both that i know is only 25 miles. however both scooter recorded 50 miles!!!!!!! now that is not possible because i know my car says the same trip is 25 miles. so in actualality the 50cc scooter is getting 70mpg and the 150cc scooter is getting 50mpg. so the real story is they are getting 140km per gallon and 100km per gallon. i even sent an email to Tank and SUNL stating how can you say the 50cc scooter is getting 140mpg and the 150cc is getting 100mpg when the odometer is recording twice the actual mileage. what are your thoughts on this? could you reply to me personally as i would like your thoughts on this.
I have the exact same issue with my Blur. The odometer reading is right at 1.68 clicks to a mile — so it’s not really kilometers either. On the message board, we call them BDUs (Blur Distance Units). So every time I calculate my mileage, I have to convert it by that number to get actual mpg. In my case, that’s around 70 mpg most of the time.
Unfortunately, that’s just sort of the a scooter thing. It’s not unique to one manufacturer and I have yet to hear of a scooter that didn’t have either an optimistic speedometer or an inaccurate fuel gauge. The speedometer on my Blur is way off also, by a good 15% or so depending on how fast I’m going. However, my wife’s Buddy, which is from the same manufacturer, has both an accurate speedometer and odometer and gets a true 90-100 mpg.
That your Tank scooters are reading in kilometers is probably just an oversight. They are from China, after all. We’re the stubborn ones still working everything in miles. It’s something that the importers should have addressed, but I’d wager it’s still labeled miles on your scooter? That’s something the importer probably should have checked and addressed. Tank and it’s cousin Baron don’t have great reputations, sad to say. Do you have any warranty coverage that’s tied to mileage? That’d be especially bad and could actually give you some legal recourse if you got into a jam with it.
Also keep in mind though that any mpg rating on a scooter needs to have an asterisk* on it (and most do) because they’re not verified by an independent body like the EPA (where we get our car fuel economy estimates). 50 mpg, although not what some scooters are getting, is still pretty darn good mileage.
my speedometer is in both kmh/mph the top numbers are in kmh and the bottom numbers are in mph. yesterday i again took my car 3.1 miles and took the same trip with the scooter. scooter says i went 6.2 miles. so i filled up yesterday and the odometer said i went 74 miles and i used .70 gallons. now if you do the math bottom line is scooter is getting around 50 mpg.
if i went another 25 miles that would use the remainging gas to make one gallon and that would be 100 miles on 1 gallon of gas cut in half is 50 miles. so the mfg is claiming mpg it does not get or even come close to. says it should get 70 to 100 mpg. yeah right. so the odometer always is recording the mileage twice what the actual trip is.
Wow, chris, I am sorry to hear that. One of several reasons why Tank and many of the other second-tier scooter manufacturers aren’t recommended anywhere in this guide. The word on the street is that they’re getting better over time, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Great article. You stated that 50cc scooters didn’t require a motocycle endorsement. In Ohio it is required. I am sure that it varies state to state. I just ordered a 2009 Kymco People 150 and think they are beautiful!
Thanks Amy, but I’m not going to worry about the endorsement requirements of all 50 states. It’s up to you folks to figure out what you need to do in order to be legal where you live. This is but a guide.
Enjoy the Kymco People. It’s a great bike, I just can’t stand the site of them!
Great guide, Nathaniel, thanks! Now if only I can find a dealership in SoCal with a Buddy 150 in stock…
This article was so informative and helpful. Thank you. I was actually using a search engine to look up the differences between the 2008 and 2009 edition of the scooter I have (see below), and while this article had nothing to do with that, it was still a fantastic, eye-opening read.
I just recently bought myself a new 2009 Piaggio Fly 150 (both my first scooter, and my first vehicle), and while I absolutely love it, I do wish I had given this article a read before hand, if only to know that there are so many great options for scooters. Chuckled to myself on the bit about how most people have only heard of the Vespa brand of scooters, because that was me, until a month or two before I bought my scooter. The safety gear section is still very relavent to me, though. As soon as I post this I’m going to look/shop around at/for some armored jackets. And I’m sorta regretting the 3/4 helmet I bought only two days ago!* So a sarcastic thanks for that, and couple of big, genuine “thank you”s for the rest.
Oh, and I feel exactly the same about driving for yourself and everyone else. It’s the same mindset I had when driving a car, actually.
* – while it’s true that I’ve had my scooter longer than two days, don’t worry, I’ve been using a (borrowed) helmet the whole time.
Oh, I meant to ask on the first go around what you mean by “fit and finish,” of the Vespa/Piaggio/Aprilla brands, specifically. Is it just how they look? I mean personally, I think my Fly 150 is the sexiest scooter I’ve ever seen (which is funny, because I used to love the look of the retro/vintage Vespa scooters, and thought I’d accept nothing but the kind that looked like them), but I actually bought it at first because It had everything I needed/wanted at a price I could afford. Really, at first I didn’t much like the looks of it.
i had a flat tire the other day and went out and got a new tire for it. the manual said it has a front tire of 120/70-12 and 130/70-12 for the rear. well i get home and go to mount the tire its too big!!!! well come to find it the rims and tires are 10″ not 12″ i sent an email to the company and demanded they send 12″ rims and tires. no wonder this scooter handles the road like crap. its also very unsafe to have 10″ tires on a 150cc scooter considering the combined weight of the scooter and driver exceed the weight limit of the tires. maybe thats why the rear tire blew out!!! you think!!! i am waiting to see if they tell me its not covered under the warranty and then i am going to be very angry and i will contact the BBB because the scooter clearly states it comes with 12″ tires and rims and i got 10″ tires and rims. so i want to hear them feed me that crap its not covered under the warranty and i will be in touch with the BBB faster then they can pour a cup of coffee.
What is meant by “fit and finish” is a combination of just those two terms. It’s a gauge of the quality of the materials used to construct the vehicle and how well those pieces fit together. Things like quality of paint finish, panel gap between components, how much the vehicle rattles or vibrates, and the overall weight and even texture of the detail pieces like the hand grips or the brake handles. How much play is in the brake levers? Where two body panels come together, is the gap small and consistent? Does the scooter rattle when it’s running? Do the switches feel solid? It’s a measure of the details. It’s often times a good measure of overall quality because things like the weight of body panel plastics, hand grips, footboard rubber, and other small details are the first corners that get cut in the name of cost savings. Less than amazing fit and finish doesn’t mean that the fundamental things like the engine, transmission, and suspension are bad, but attention to detail in manufacturing and the use of higher quality tactile materials are a good overall indicator as to the quality of a vehicle, scooter or car alike.
A great example is the difference between a Vespa S and a Genuine Buddy. On paper, they’re essentially both the same great bike. However, the Vespa S wins the fit and finish category every time. The metal body construction is more rigid. The paintwork is thicker and has a lot more metal flake. The switches are heavier. There’s more care taken in the look and materials used in the instrument panel. On some models, you get color-matched stitching in the seat. Now all that said, the Buddy is arguably the better scooter simply on value. Sure, it’s got plastic body panels over a tube frame, a more generic feel to switches and hand grips, and paint on plastic never looks as good as it does on metal. But it costs significantly less money than the Vespa, gets better mileage, and has a much more economical and extensive line of accessories.
So though fit and finish isn’t everything, it is a great indicator of how much care is being taken by the manufacturer to create a good product. Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, and SYM have the best fit and finish I’ve seen so far in the scooter world. But PGO (Genuine) and Kymco have solid reputations for quality scooters that they’ve earned through consistent reliability and performance.
the company said that it was a typo error on the website and that the 10 inch tires and rims are what come with that scooter. have you ever heard of a 150cc scooter with 10 inch tires and rims?
Actually yes. All of the classic large frame Vespas were 10″ wheels, including my old 200cc 1979 P200E. The Genuine Stella, the International Series Genuine Buddy, the Vespa S and LX,, and many others are 10″ scooters with 150cc or larger engines. Not really a big deal. They’re a little darty, but that is part of what makes them scooters.
Wow, Nathaniel, great blog.
Now just why is it that scooter odometers and speedometers are optimistic? I can understand this in a crap Chinese bike but Kymco and Genuine cant get correct speedometer gears for the tire size they use or what?
Thanks!
Yeah, I don’t get it either. It varies from model to model too. My wife’s Buddy is pretty accurate, but the Blur was just WAY off. I haven’t verified the accuracy of my Vespa odo yet, but I have higher expectations there. I bet on the Blur they couldn’t find an odo gear that was the right ratio to the front wheel speedo gear. The speedometer was way off too – by at least 10%.
Great article. I’ve talked with Dave Harrington once at Scooterville in Minneapolis. Extremely knowledgeable fellow; great website too. I’m trying to figure out which scooter to buy for my urban commute(26 mi. RT) and to run errands. Also, I’ve been thinking about a 250cc dualsport (a whole other story).
I love the Buddy 125 for it’s size/maneuverability, reliability, dealer network and most report 90+ mpg. Hard to beat. But if the wife wants to ride two-up like I know she will, the Buddy is limited. And 10″ wheels aren’t the best on potholed streets.
I was looking at Kymco’s 125cc offerings, but then I found out about SYM. As a company, SYM is tops over Kymco everywhere in the world except in regards to dealer networks in the US, although Carter Bros. (the US SYM importer) is doing a fantastic job. The SYM HD 125 is a scoot I am seriously looking at. It really compares closer to other 200cc scooters because of it’s performance and design. SYM has been making parts and engines for Honda since the early ’60s. Just ask anyone who’s owned a Honda Passport/Cub/Supercub. One of the most reliable, efficient, easy to maintain small motorbikes the world has seen. I can’t wait to see the SYM Wowow in person.
Anyhow, decisions, decisions.
Sean,
The Buddy is a great scooter. It’s just so basic in so many good ways and just so stone reliable. I wouldn’t worry too much about the 10″ wheels in terms of potholes. If anything, you’ll have an easier time dodging them. Especially on the Buddy, what would make potholes an issue is the suspension, not the wheel size. As for riding two up, that’s more a question of your and your wife’s size an ability to physically fit on the scooter comfortably. The Buddy does better than say the Yamaha Vino, but if you’re serious about riding two up a lot, I’d go for at least 200 cc and something on a little larger platform. I’m not sure what your budget is, but you certainly can’t go wrong with SYM. Since buying my Grantoursimo 200, I have a new found appreciation for Vespa. They’re spendy, but worth it in my opinion. The power, the rigidity of the steel monocoque, the comfort, and the nice little details like a under seat storage release button are just that little bit extra that I think make it worth the extra money. No matter which way you go, there are some great options in this market that a year ago would have been really tough to find.
Terrific article Nathaniel!
I spent about 2 weeks reviewing SYM and Kymco on web sites in Australia, England, Canada and USA. I decided to go with the SYM RV250. I ordered one from Blue Cat Motors in St. Paul, MN Oct 31 (still haven’t received it.) What sold me on the SYM are the HID front lights, fog lights, hazard lights, the huge LED rear lights, large storage under the seat, storage below the handlebars for a pop can, 12V plug in the front right console compartment. The linked front and rear disc brakes. Huge downside, lack of dealerships which means I’am about 250 miles from Blue Cat, but neither Honda or Yamaha appealed to me because of the $$$ and nothing in the 250cc range.
SYM makes fantastic scooters by all accounts. Were I in the market for something in their range, I’d be hard-pressed to find reasons to go anywhere else. The RV250 is a particularly interesting bike, too bad I’m too tall for it. My Vespa GT, at 200cc, pretty much fills my commuting needs and then some, but there are certainly more scooters in my future. I want a fleet! I’m thinking a Stella is in order. I’d also be pretty tempted to take an SYM Mio and mod it out to 70cc and all that jazz just for the sake of toying with it.
I’ve also got to really recommend the guys over at BlueCat. We’re really fortunate here in the Twin Cities to have them and Scooterville both. Really great folks to work with. I especially like that BlueCat does classic motorcycle stuff as well as scooters. I’d like to do a Cafe Racer with them at some point.
Very nice overview. You might consider breaking out the Scarabeo line from the mainline Aprilia scooters in the manufacturer section. The Scarabeos are what a plastic Vespa might be – my ‘Beo 500ie has a classic look but modern design without pandering slavishly to the past. It manages to be a maxiscooter without looking like an alien spaceship. They can be had lightly used for $4,000, an incredible bargain for a 460 cc machine with integral braking, remote seat release, trip computer, alarm, and included windscreen. I’ve found it reliable and well-built.
@Ty
That’s a hilarious description! Well done.
Anybody else had their foot cought under the SYM HD200 and broken?
If so please contact me.
PS: Maybe boots – but Im not sure.
Joe,
I bet it’s not anything unique to the SYM HD200. Were you “walking the bike” along? I jammed my heal/toe on my Blur a few times and that broke me of that bad habit. Thankfully I didn’t hurt myself. It’s a tempting thing to do, walking the bike along, but that injury is pretty common from doing that which is why motorcycle instructors label that as a big no no. If you feel like you absolutely need some foot-down support, stick to sliding your feet flat. Sorry to hear that you’re injured though. How long are/were you laid up?
while there is a large tuner community for the ruckus; there are very few performance options that will make a ruckus go considerably faster.
a ruckus will never ‘scream’.
the vast majority of the upgrades are merely cosmetic.
though if one lives in an urban area, and the bike never needs to break 60 kph; the ruckus is super cool; and looks awesome with a few mods…
Hello, We are Seniors and having a very hard time finding a scooter for my wife, can you help us please. We already lost money with dealers. My wife is short 4″11 in seam about 27″.The Yamaha Morphous would be great
for her with a seat height of only 25 inches. That is exactly what we need, but the scooter is too long. We need a 250cc for our needs of were we wnt to travel. The Kymco ( 2009 ) Grand Vista has a seat height of 30.3 inches and it is a nice scooter. Her riding shoes have a 1 and 1/4 inch height that brings the seat height down to 29 inches. We need 3 more inches more for her to feel safe and touch the ground. We tried Corbin Seats but the don”t make a custom seat for the Kymco Grand Vista 250. WE need a scooter with 250cc, are we looking at the wrong scooter, we don’t know anymore, we are in our 60″s and want to ride again, Can you please help us. Thank You so Much.
Donna and David Marrow / Central Florida / seapirate300@gmail.com
Hi Donna and David,
With your specifications of seat height and 250cc engine size, I’d actually recommend you take a look at a used Honda Helix. Honda has only this year stopped making them, so there are plenty of late model examples available if you check your local Craigslist or eBay. The Helix has a seat height of 26″ and a 250cc engine.
If you must buy new, a clone of the Honda Helix, called the Fashion, is produced by CF Moto. CF Moto is what I’d consider a second tier manufacturer that although they’re a chinese bike, they actually have a decent dealer network and I’m told the bikes are very reliable and parts availability is good.
Sure, that little 50cc is doing about all it will do from a power standpoint. I’d love to take a Ruckus and do an engine swap up to 150cc. I saw one guy online who took the 250cc engine out of a Honda Silverwing and Frankenstein fit it onto his Ruckus. Oh my!
Nathaniel,
Thank You So Much
David and Donna