Motor Scooter Primer

A motor scooter is a two-wheeled motorized vehicle differing from both a moped and a motorbike. Mopeds, which are bikes with a motorized pedaling that look more like bicycles than motorbikes, do not carry the same weight, structure or modern advancements. On the other hand, a motorbike can be distinguished by the tank, which is located between the handlebars and the rider and the engine located beneath the rider and closer to the front of the vehicle. Motor scooters typically have a step-through frame, with an engine located behind the rider at the rear of the vehicle and a platform or integrated footrests for the driver's feet.

Engine sizes range from 20 cc to as much as 500 cc's.

Some of the finest manufacturers include:

* Vespa
* Honda
* Piaggo
* Yamaha
* Suzuki

Due to the rising cost of fuel, scooters are typically used as alternative transportation. They are excellent for quick runs to the store or for visiting family and friends around the city because they are fuel-efficient. They are also easy to store and have good maneuverability. However, some use their scoot for daily and long-distance travel such as for business commutes or when touring vacation areas.

Before buying, answer the following questions first:

* Will you be using to travel for business or pleasure?
* What distances do you plan on covering on your scooter?
* Will it be traveling on a highway?
* What areas of town do you plan on traveling in?
* How important is speed?
* How important is power?
* How much do you want to spend?
* What special considerations need to be met?
* Where do you plan to keep it?
* How many different individuals will it?
* What weight/size requirements might you have?
* Do you plan on taking a passenger with you?

Scoots can come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Motor scooters used for business travel will need to be more reliable than ones used for pleasure. A larger engine might be needed for longer distances, reliability as well as for higher speeds, highway use and inclines. However, they also may be more expensive and harder to maintain. Passengers add extra weight and depending on the operator's size, weight and height will be a factor as well. They are created to be compact; taller and larger individuals may find them uncomfortable to sit on for multiple hours and long-distance travel.

Finally, before buying always look for consumer reports and word-of-mouth advertising. Individuals who use their scooter often will be able to give information on smaller features and seemingly minute details as well as remind a prospective buyer of the extra costs such as insurance and maintenance that need to be considered. Consumer reports can also apprise a buyer of manufacturing problems or structural differences that are sometimes over-looked when considering the big picture.