How to Choose Your Motor Scooter

So you’re ready to get started in the world of motor scooters? I can guarantee that the trip will both save you money and expand your travel experiences in some fun ways. But buying a motor scooter can be a big investment, and you want to make the right choice. So how do you find the scooter that’s ideal for you? How do you choose the right model and type? The scooter market can seem intimidating at first glance, but have no fear! By answering some simple questions, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the perfect scooter.

Who will drive the scooter?
Will it be you (the homeowner, vacationer, urban professional, retiree, student, etc.)-or will it be your children? Or maybe a variety of people? Motorized scooters designed for kids are intended to bear a lot less weight and travel shorter distances. As a result, they cost considerably less. When you start shopping for motor scooters, make sure you’re in the appropriate market, kids or adults. If you're in the adult market, make sure you choose a model with an appropriate weight rating. If you weight 180 lbs. or less, you don't need to worry about this--any adult scooter you buy will be able to carry you.

How far do you want to ride?
Will you use the scooter mostly on off-road trails? On a campus? For an urban commute? In a residential neighborhood? If you need to drive further than 12-15 miles at one go, you may need to look at gas powered scooters, because electric scooters beyond the 12-15 mile range become very costly and somewhat difficult to find. A number of factors influence range ratings for motor scooters (rider’s weight, hilly terrain, tire pressure)--but usually the manufacturer will list a "range rating" that reflects the scooter’s ability under optimal conditions.

How fast do you want to drive?
I'm serious! The ability to put the pedal to the metal may seem like an afterthought for scooter use-–until you’re sitting on your scooter, watching joggers pass you. Electric scooters aren't known for their speed, and usually fall in the 8 mph to 25 mph range. If you want to go much faster than that, or ride on highways, you’ll probably want to consider a gas powered or hybrid model. Otherwise, prepare yourself to shell out some cash for a speedy electric scooter. Again, a number of factors come into play when companies hand out speed ratings. But as you would guess, a manufacturer’s rating will reflect the scooter’s speed under ideal conditions.

How much do you weigh?
Not to get overly personal, but every motor scooter has a carrying capacity--the maximum amount of weight it can carry. If you weigh 180 lbs. or below, this question shouldn't affect you--you will be able to ride the full range of scooters on the market and get peak performance. If you weigh over 180 lbs., make sure you educate yourself about the carrying capacities of scooters you look at. Rider weight is one of the factors that influence "optimal performance" issues like acceleration rate, travel range, and hill climbing ability.

Where do you want to ride your scooter?
On dirt paths or downtown streets? Over flat or hilly terrain? If you live in a city, and will ride primarily on asphalt or concrete, an electric motor scooter may meet your needs. If you want to go off-road now and then, or you frequently deal with hilly, uneven terrain that places higher demands on a motor, a gas powered or hybrid model might be in the running. Relatively flat, even streets are the ideal riding surfaces for motor scooters of all types, leading to maximum speeds and efficiency.

However, gas powered models are the workhorses of the scooter world. If you want a tough utility-type scooter, but still want to go the electric route, look for a scooter with a high watt motor (300 watts or above)--and plan to spend some money. If you weigh over 180 lbs., be sure to buy a scooter with an appropriately higher wattage rating.You might also want to consider a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds, gas and electric.

Where do you want to take your scooter?
As in, where do you want to pack it? Here's where portability becomes an issue. Motor scooters of all types are collapsible these days, and can be stored in a closet or under a desk. But there's considerable variety when it comes to weight, since scooters can tip the scales at anywhere from 30 to 100 lbs. How much weight do you want to transport? When the scooter is folded, what will its folded dimensions need to be in order to fit in a closet or trunk? Also, ask yourself whether you Will want to take your scooter on trips using public transit like planes, trains, or buses. Electric scooters are allowed in these instances, while gas powered models are usually not.

Are you beginning to get a handle on the world of popular motor scooters? Prioritize your "lists of demands," then eliminate any models or brands that don't provide what you want. (If "chrome paint job" is high on your list, more power to you!) Ranking your performance and style needs will help you evaluate your finalists. At that point, if you're starting to get a good idea of what you're after, all you need is some final advice on buying your motor scooter.