About Motorized Scooters
In the modern era, there are many different motorized transportation options available. While cars, trucks, and SUVs may be the most popular, other options are beginning to prove their advantages in comparison. Motorized scooters are a fine example of this. Although motorized scooters definitely have certain drawbacks when compared to traditional automobiles, they certainly offer many unique advantages as well.
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Identification
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A motorized scooter is a type of two-wheeled motor vehicle that is similar to a motorcycle but is generally smaller, lighter, and less powerful. The majority of scooters include a floorboard and step-through design, both of which vary from standard motorcycle design. In most models there is a rear-mounted engine producing between 50 cc at the low end and 800 cc in much larger models.
Types
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There are two major types of motorized scooters on the market today. The first, and the newer of the two, is the stand-up scooter. Stand-up scooters sometimes include a seat but are designed for the user to stand as they ride along. Stand-up scooters also generally include handlebars and are usually less powerful than other motorized scooters. The other major type of scooter is the conventional sit-down scooter. These scooters are built to be ridden in a seated position and usually have a smaller floorboard, comfortable seat, and more powerful engine.
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History
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The first recorded step-through motorized vehicle was built and demonstrated to the public by Hildebrand & Wolfmuller in 1894. The Hildebrand & Wolfmuller vehicle was probably the first vehicle that fits into the category of "scooter," though that term did not exist at the time. In the beginning of the 1900's many different scooter designs were built and tested. Scooters competed with both the automobile and motorcycle for popularity but soon lost favor. Scooters have been making a steady comeback in popularity in recent years and are extremely popular as a daily means of transport in some nations.
Benefits
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There are many potential benefits that are offered by motorized scooters. The tend to be inexpensive compared to other automobiles and to get significantly better gas mileage. They are also lighter, easier to drive, and less expensive than motorcycles. In many legal jurisdictions citizens can drive a motorized scooter using a standard license and don't need to get any special certification. Also, because of their smaller size it is much easier to store scooters and to park them in cramped urban areas.
Considerations
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There are certain downsides to motorized scooters, though. For one thing, the small size of scooters and their relative lack of protection makes users extremely vulnerable during traffic accidents. Scooters also generally offer little or no cargo space, and they can usually only transport one person (in some instances they can transport two or more, but such scooters tend to be specialty items). Likewise, they are as inconvenient to drive in inclement weather and motorcycles, and should not be driven in snow or heavy rain. It is important to soberly evaluate these potential pitfalls before deciding to make a motorized scooter your sole means of transport.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
