- Motor scooters today come in a dazzling array of styles that are tailored to specific motorist needs. Scooters can be purchased with two wheels, three wheels and four wheels. Scooters can be so light that they can literally be picked up and placed into a vehicle, or they can be as hefty as a small motorcycle.
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GP200 scooter. Credit: Blubrit, Wikimedia CommonsThe size of the ideal motor scooter depends on the need. If the scooter is needed to get the driver quickly over a limited distance, then it may be worth sacrificing stability and comfort for price. If the scooter will be used for longer trips, then a heavier model provides greater stability and comfort. The most stable motor scooters are the four-wheel types, but stability is achieved through the sacrifice of maneuverability. - The primary benefit of owning a motor scooter today is that you can easily save thousands of dollars a year in gasoline. Electric scooters completely do away with your dependence on fossil fuel. Gasoline prices may fluctuate unpredictably from time to time, but the general direction for the near future is clear: up. Owning a scooter gives the driver a sense of financial independence.
- The foremost misconception about motor scooters is that they do not provide enough horsepower except for inner-city driving. That is certainly true of the smaller types, but the larger scooters provide 600cc of power, making it as powerful as a smaller motorcycle. Most scooter owners would not need that much power, however.
- The price for a powerful scooter can be steep. A 600cc scooter can easily cost around $10,000. On the other hand, it is possible to buy a street-legal scooter that will get you quickly from one place to another for as little as $2,000. When the money that is saved on gas is added to the low maintenance cost of owning a scooter, the economics of ownership become crystal clear.
- Except for the smallest sized scooters, most can easily transport two passengers. Most scooters also come equipped with enough storage space to carry work-related items or the needs of a student. One of the ideal features of a scooter is that they do not require much parking space, which can really come in handy for inner-city owners.
- Like motorcycles, the biggest downside to owing a motor scooter is that their size make them dangerous. The lack of exterior protection means that even an otherwise minor accident can be devastating. In addition to safety concerns, anyone considering the purchase of a scooter needs to take climate into consideration. Riding a scooter in the rain or in freezing conditions should be considered anything but fun.
