How to Buy Gas Scooters
If you don't want to spend the extra cash for a motorcycle but desire a vehicle that gets great gas mileage, a gas scooter is an alternative to consider. Scooters consume less gas than motorcycles because of their smaller engines and are more maneuverable. In many states, depending on the type of scooter, you might not need a license, permit, or insurance to operate the scooter.
Instructions
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Visit your local Scooter dealer. You can also shop for gas scooters online through websites such as ExtremeScooters.com, GasScooters4U.com and NeoScooters.com. One of the downsides of shopping for a gas scooter online is that you can't actually see what you are purchasing, whereas in a store you can see, touch and get a feel for the scooter. You will also have to pay shipping costs for scooters that are purchased online.
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Determine what size engine you want your scooter to have. Scooter engine sizes range from 50 cc all the way up to 800 cc. The bigger the engine, the more expensive the scooter will cost and the faster your scooter will move. Some scooters can go as fast as 100 mph. A 155 cc scooter goes up to 55 mph. To determine engine size, consider where you will be riding the scooter. If you plan to use it on major roadways, you will need a faster speed to ensure it is "street legal." Anything less than 50 cc is considered a moped, or powered bike, and is not considered safe for major roadways.
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Review the mileage specifications to ensure that your scooter will get the gas mileage you desire. The smaller the engine, the better the mileage. The bigger the engine, the more gas the scooter will consume.
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Check the tire size specifications for the scooter. Scooter tire sizes range from 10 inches to 16 inches. The bigger the tire size, the faster speeds you can safely travel on the scooter. With the right tire size you can travel up to 168 mph, though that speed is certainly not recommended.
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Verify whether or not other options are available on your scooter, such as alloy rims, radio or MP3 player, anti-lock braking system and anti-theft system.
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Ask the retailer whether or not your scooter comes fully assembled. If it does not come assembled and you are not comfortable assembling it yourself, ask the retailer if he provides other assembly options. You should also ask about warranties and product guarantees.
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Purchase the scooter that meets all of your requirements. Also purchase a protective helmet, which is a requirement in all states. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles before driving off on your scooter to determine whether or not a license, permit or insurance is required to operate the scooter. In many states if the scooter's engine is 49 cc or less, you do not need a license, whereas 50 cc and above will require a license with motorcycle endorsements. These requirements vary by state. For example, the state of California requires a Class M2 license for scooters that are 30 cc or greater, as opposed to the 49 cc limit in other states.
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