How to Winterize a 50cc Scooter

Winterizing your scooter ensures that it will run well in the spring.

When the weather turns cold, riding your 50cc scooter back and forth to work is not a prime choice. You will probably opt to drive in a toasty warm automobile instead of feeling an icy chill across your face. Before you abandon your scooter for the winter months, there are a few measures you should take to protect your scooter from damage. When properly winterized, your scooter will start up and run smoothly when warmer weather returns.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Dish soap
• Clean rag
• Dry towel
• Gas
• Fuel stabilizer
• Trickle battery charger
• Scooter cover, tarp or sheet

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with soapy water and thoroughly wash your scooter with a clean rag. Rinse well from a garden hose or bucket of fresh water. Then, dry with a towel.

2. Fill your gas tank, and add a fuel stabilizer according to the product's directions. Start and run your scooter for a few minutes to allow the gas mixture to fully circulate throughout the carburetor.

3. Attach a trickle charger to your battery; this charger helps maintain the battery's charge throughout the winter. If you do not have a trickle charger, you may consider removing the battery for the winter. Refer to your scooter's owner's manual for steps on how to remove the battery.

4. Cover your scooter with a scooter cover, tarp or even a sheet. Although it is ideal to store your scooter in a covered area, such as a garage or shed, you can leave it covered outside as long as the cover is waterproof and secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically move your scooter during the winter in order to prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.

References

• Scooter Diva: Winterizing Your Scooter
• The Scooter Lounge: Winterizing Your Scooter