How to Compare Touring Scooters

As scooters have become more popular, manufacturers have offered more features.

The scooter of today still is a step-through, engine-powered two-wheeler with a low platform for your feet, but design and performance have changed dramatically even in the last decade. Scooter popularity began in earnest with the Piaggio Vespa, first patented in 1946. Although sleek in design for its time, the 98cc scooter now seems tame when it comes to performance compared to today's more powerful scooters. Besides performance, buyers also want to compare storage space and comfort.

Performance

To decide on how powerful of a scooter to buy, think about how you plan to use your scooter. For commuting across town or a few miles along country roads, you can stick to the lower engine displacement sizes, 50-250cc for example. However, if you need to travel on a highway or carry a passenger, you will want to consider the newer, more powerful scooters with engines as large as 650cc. Even the 278cc Vespa of today can reach speeds of almost 80mph.

Comfort

Suspension and seats in scooters traditionally have been designed for the shorter trips for which the scooter was originally intended. This is important to consider when buying a used, older model scooter. However, with owners using scooters for longer distances, seat comfort and suspension have greatly improved. Look for seat descriptions that include phrases like "foam cushion padding" or "no-slip vinyl." You also can use an after-market gel pad. Be sure your scooter has some wind protection in the form of a windshield, or "fairing," especially for speeds over 30mph.

Storage

To use your scooter for trips to the grocery store or other shopping excursions, look for a scooter that offers lots of built-in storage. Many have storage compartments built into the area in front of the seat. You can buy add-on and removable storage, such as hard trunks that sit on the seat behind the driver and soft storage pouches that attach under the seat.

References

• Skeuter: Scooter History
• Australian Cumfy Motorcycle Seats: Motorscooter Seat Comfort
• Parts for Scooters: Storage for Scooters, ATVs, Dirtbikes, Mini Scooter Gas Powered Vehicles