So what's all the buzz about motor scooters in the news? Motor scooter sales are skyrocketing as consumers struggle to deal with rising fuel costs. In the past 5 years we've seen gas prices almost double and many drivers believe they have no other choice but to pay the high cost in order to get to work. Resourceful drivers have been searching for ways to reduce their fuel costs and this had lead to the increase in motor scooter sales.
Gone are the days of underpowered little scooters that had little use other than being a fun toy. Manufacturers are listening to consumers and building motor scooters that you can drive just about anywhere that you would drive a car. Small motor scooters with 50cc engines are still available and are still selling well, but newer, larger motor scooters are all the rage. With engines over 100cc's and features such as windshields, radios and larger tires, these new generation motor scooters are giving consumers new options when it comes to personal transportation.
Here's a few things that you need to look for when buying a Motor Scooter:
Engine Size
Engine size quite possibly the most important factor in deciding on a motor scooter as this will dictate where you will ride your new scooter. If you buy a small motor scooter with an engine size below 100cc, then you will want to stay away from highways and in many areas may be prohibited from driving on the highway. If you plan to use your motor scooter on major highways, you will want a model above 100cc, and possibly as large as your budget will allow. The larger the engine, generally the faster it will go. If you don't want the feeling of not having enough power, go for the larger engine sizes.
Features
This again will depend on what you plan to do with your motor scooter. If you plan to spend a lot of time driving your scooter, opt for a model that comes with a decent amount of storage, an advanced suspension system, larger tires, a radio and a windshield. Also, make sure that the seat is shaped properly for your body type and that it provides you with enough support for a long trip.
Cost
Usually cost is one of the most important factors in choosing the right motor scooter for you. If you just want a cheap motor scooter that will get you from point A to point B, an off-shore model will likely suit you well. Models made in China are available on the internet for less than $1000 and are made for the truly budget conscious consumer. If you have a little more money to spend, opt for a more mainstream model such as a Vespa, Honda or Yamaha. Lastly, if you want "the mother of all scooters", you can easily spend over $5000 and get a Suzuki Burgman. These big boys are about the size of a regular motorcycle but offer the uniqueness of being a motor scooter.
How Long Will You Keep It?
The last factor to think about is the length of time you plan on keeping your motor scooter. If you are planning on keeping it for a number of years and want it to last, with the ability to drive thousands of miles, opt for a larger engine model. Larger engines will be better suited for high mileage, whereas a small, cheap motor scooter would be better suited to occasional driving or a specified time period. Many students purchase motor scooters as a reliable and economical vehicle to drive during the summer months and a small, 50cc model would be well suited for this purpose. Brand is also a consideration in determining the quality of a motor scooter. You will note that there are many motor scooters still on the road that were built in the 70's & 80's and they're still going strong. Just like anything else, if you maintain it properly, it will last much longer.
I hope that I have provided you with a number of things to think about before heading out to purchase a motor scooter.
