Scooters

If you had to choose between a scooter and a motorcycle, the majority would likely go for a motorcycle. We have nothing to support this claim outside of global sales figures. Motorcycles sell more than scooters, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more popular or even desirable. Yes, they’re faster, and many employ a racing design which makes them desirable. But away from that, the scooter and the motorcycle are remarkably similar and both excellent alternatives to a regular car if you’re hitting the road with no baggage and no more than two people in tow.Scooter popularity can be explained geographically. In high-density cities, for example, you’ll generally find more scooters. They are also more popular in Europe and Asia as compared to North America. Early versions of the scooter can be traced back to Munich in the late 1800s. The maximum speed was only 25mph, and it was basically a step-through bicycle with a motor attached. As the decades progressed scooter technology improved. The “third scooter generation” (1946-1964) is widely acclaimed as the generation that launched the scooter into the minds and hearts of millions worldwide. Vespa and Lambretta (out of Italy) debuted their models at the Paris Motor Show and scooters were immediately transformed from simply practical transport items to chic. Commercials with slick Italian men lounging next to their scooters, smartly dressed and renaissance men of their time were suddenly everywhere. The interesting wrinkle here is had it not been for Italian culture moving the scooter along into more of a cultural phenomenon, it’s hard to say if scooters would have had as much success as they currently enjoy. If you’re considering a scooter, like a car the first thing to decide is whether you want a new or used one. Anything used is obviously cheaper, but scooters are already rather inexpensive so the difference (in terms of your budget) might not be that great as compared to a new model. If you do choose to opt for a used scooter be sure to scrutinize it well. The used car market is massive and there are tons of options. The used scooter market is small and making the wrong purchase could result in costly maintenance. Make sure all of the seller’s documents are in order, have a trusted mechanic look it over, and try your best to purchase from a trusted seller. There are a host of second-hand scooter websites that filter their sellers carefully. One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid is something known as clocking. This is the manual reduction of mileage off a scooter, designed to increase the asking price. Another issue in the scooter world is scooter cloning. Like cars, replacing plates and VIN numbers can be falsified, thus erasing the real identity of the scooter in question. In terms of the types of scooters typically available, you’ve got 50cc, 110cc, and 150cc scooters. The former can hit a max of 30mph while the latter will rev up to 70mph.  One of the best-reviewed scooters on the market is the X-Pro 150cc Moped Scooter. If you’re serious about using your scooter on a daily basis, traveling to and from work perhaps but not lugging a whole lot, this is a fantastic option. The 10hp engine is just enough to whip you through traffic, and the DOT-approved tires provide exceptional traction. Equipped with hydraulic ABS disc brakes, this puppy stops on a dime, something very handy when traversing roads with giant machines (cars) that outweigh you considerably. The Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter is another popular pick. Sportier than the X-Pro, but not nearly as powerful, if you don’t need to exceed 35 mph then this is a good option as well. Cheaper than the X-Pro, the Thunder 50 is great for navigating city centers and is extremely fuel-efficient. From here, brands like Razor, E-Wheels, and Burromax are also fine picks. Scooters are fantastic alternatives to cars. Just make sure you don’t plan on making any grocery stops and the kids don’t need to get to soccer practice. Otherwise, they’re just as good!