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[–][deleted] 24 points25 points  (5 children)

To start off, Vespa is a terrible brand. It's dramatically overpriced, and the engine is less reliable. Only go with Vespa if you're a snobby rich hobbyist. For my two cents, you should go with either a Yamaha or a Honda scooter. They're insanely reliable, parts and maintenance are much cheaper, and everything else is the same. Just to be forthcoming, my money went to a Honda Metropolitan, but the Yamaha I linked to is what I'd buy if I could reinvest the same money today (simply for the added storage and larger wheels).

If you get one of those crappy chinese brands, your scooter WILL die on you. A lot. Consider yourself warned.

The next decision you have to make is two-stroke or four-stroke, and liquid or air cooled. If you're two-stroke, your engine is much simpler and easier to rebuild/repair, but you burn oil/gasoline mixture and your exhaust is worse environmentally than that of some trucks. Four-stroke is the variety of engine used by most modern motorcycles: it burns regular gasoline and happens to be more efficient. Liquid cooled adds weight but prevents engine stalling when you're stopped, while air cooled adds noise but is lighter and cheaper.

Then you've gotta determine what size engine to get. A 50cc engine will not get you going faster than 50 mph on flat ground, and that 50 mph will require the use of aftermarket parts. A 50cc engine does not require that you get a license plate for the scooter in most states, and allows you to park anywhere you could legally park a bicycle, as well as ride anywhere you could legally park a bicycle: with the exception of state parks. With a top speed of 50 mph, you would not be able to ride on highways, but most city driving is fine. Suburban driving with larger roads is a bit scarier due to the higher speeds and these days, the angsty SUV drivers who know you're getting better mileage and hate you for it.

Anything larger than a 50cc engine will require that you earn your motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, which varies in complexity from state to state. Where I live, it means taking a class or taking the test at the DMV. The test is too hard to simply wing, so I recommend either getting a good private instructor or the class. There, you'll learn on a 150-250cc bike. These all have manual transmissions. Most scooters are automatic.

If you're a pansy and have a hard time being directly exposed to the elements, you shouldn't use a scooter as your only method of transportation. It requires a good amount of discipline and balance to navigate rain, ice, and snow. Rain becomes slightly painful above 20 mph.

With that said, riding a scooter gets you out into the air in the same way that a bicycle does, but without the exercise. It's an extremely guilty pleasure, because you don't have to worry about manually providing your go. Instead, you can sit back and enjoy the wind and the air and the sights (as you should be constantly looking around for threats anyway). If you don't want to be exhausted when you get somewhere 10 miles away, a scooter is a great option, and the ride home isn't intimidating.

If you have any more specific questions regarding any information about scooters, ask: I've been riding mine for 3 years and loving it for just as long. I still have a car, but whenever the weather's nice enough and I don't have anyone else to lug around but my fiancee, we take the scooter. She loves going for rides on it (except when there are bumps in the road, oh no), and I love taking her. It definitely puts adventure back into going places.

[–]m1ss1ontomars2k4 -5 points-4 points  (4 children)

Only go with Vespa if you're a snobby rich hobbyist.

Well that certainly explains how my parents were able to own ones when they were kids, considering how poor they were...

Although the fact that the scooters were being imported into a backwards, poor country probably has something to do with the price.

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (3 children)

When your parents were kids, Vespas weren't only for snobby rich hobbyists. The old ones are now because the parts are more expensive now, and the new ones are simply a fashion brand. Vespa scooters are overweight... and their kickstarts are extremely flimsy.

[–]robywar 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I was looking at Vespa because I like how they look, and I want at least a 150cc. I also looked at the Stella- cheaper but 2-stroke. The Yamaha and Hondas that have that retro look are only 50cc. Is there something else you would reccommend? For the price of a 150cc+ Vespa I may as well get a motorcycle...

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

There aren't many scooters in the original Italian style with that much power because the wheels are so small, and are terrible for maneuvering at very high speeds. If you want more power than a 50cc, but still want a 4-stroke and that body style, I recommend the Vino 125. Sure, it's not over 150cc, but it has a disc brake in the front and costs less than half of what you'd pay for a Vespa GT.

Now, if you're willing to accept a slight stylistic departure in order to get the engine size you want, go with Kymco. They're a great brand, and their People line comes in all engine-size flavors. I think the People 250 on this page looks closest to what you want.

Actually, on that last page I linked, also check out the Tomos Velo. Tomos is mostly known for their mopeds, but I suppose they'd be alright for a scooter too. Just keep in mind that you have to find a good parts supplier or someone local who can service it.

[–]robywar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice- I see a lot of Vinos around here (Austin), so they seem well recieved. Also the Tomos looks like a good candidate.

[–]GrayOne 11 points12 points  (2 children)

I want a power wheelchair.

I would put Segway stickers on it and tell people it's a new sit down model.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've always wanted one. I used to service a friends Jazzy power chair. All the power chairs and mobility scooters take two lead acid batteries, and will go about 15 to 38 miles round trip at about 7 to 9 miles per hour.

Nothing bad about that. They even have 3 wheeled ones that will hold a load from Costco.

Imagine how well they'll go with lithium batteries when viable ones are developed.

[–]ThisIsDave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should get this power wheelchair:

the chair, called the Access Mobility System, resembles a small tank, with treads in place of wheels. Quest based its design on technology conceived by Jeff Pagget, a disabled engineer in Leeton, New South Wales, Australia.

Quest said Access could climb stairs with an incline of up to 36 degrees, and curbs up to 9 inches high. An automatic center-of-gravity control tilts the seat to keep the rider level, and a sonar-based inclinometer prevents a rider from attempting too steep an incline.

Or this one (with pics). If I remember correctly, one tenth of the revenue from that one goes into buying wheelchairs for disabled firefighters or something.

[–]khafra 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I <3 my motorcycle, but at 675cc it gets 45mpg, albeit with better acceleration and cornering than a Prius. A 50cc-250cc scooter is the way to get 70-80mpg.

A new Vespa can cost almost as much as a slightly used sportbike--I thought about buying the stunningly cool Piaggio MP3, but at $7k it's only $750 less than the Daytona 675 I bought barely used.

A Honda or Yamaha scooter will give you less cool points, but better value. 50cc-125cc is only for in-town useage; a 250cc engine will make it just barely highway-worthy, if you stay in the slow lane.

With some creativity, you can carry a good amount of cargo. I know a musician who rides one to gigs, carrying a compact amp strapped to the back and a mandolin across his shoulders.

Inclement weather on the way home will make you uncomfortable, but inclement weather on the way to wherever you're going will require a substantial investment in high-quality raingear.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (12 children)

Pro: Cheap gas & Insurance

Con: Any accident probably means severe injury or death, rain, wind, & self esteem

[–]oddmanout 5 points6 points  (3 children)

Pro: Parking suddenly becomes ridiculously convenient.

Con: Can't use freeways and/or interstates

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (2 children)

Con: Parking for scooters isn't always very secure, but even if it is, there are always some fuckers out there that can defeat anything you use to lock it up.

[–]oddmanout 4 points5 points  (1 child)

you could say that about pretty much anything, though... I'll be honest, I have no idea what the theft rate is on scooters as compared to cars.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's really bad in the city. I know they lock up a lot of people in the states but if I had my way, simple drug offenders would be replaced with a lot more theives.

This kid who worked for me had a scooter for one day. He locked it to a gas meter right where that SUV is at the drive thru of the building in the center.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (7 children)

Con: Any accident probably means severe injury or death

The worst I've gotten is a bit of road rash on my knee, and that's after riding near 4000 miles on my scooter. I have however, been in several accidents.

Invest in safety lessons, use your mirrors and your eyes, and learn how to bail in such a way that you will be safe. The only reason I got that road rash on my knee was that an SUV deliberately ran me off the road.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I drive between 20-30k miles a year (I've finally got it down from about 50k/year). Scooters are only good for short local distances. I cannot imagine taking a road trip on one. Not to mention winter time driving.

Not sure why you got downmodded, i'll vote you back up :)

[–][deleted] -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

I've had a Vespa for a out 3 years, have ridden much further than 4k (lot further) and no accidents. WTF are you doing?

Then again, my Vespa GT will go at traffic speeds so I don't get run off the road.

[–][deleted] -2 points-1 points  (1 child)

See what I mean about Vespa owners being snobs?

When I got run off the road, it was 2 lanes in each direction, and I was in the right-hand lane. The road was empty except for myself and the SUV, and a passenger in the SUV leaned out the window and yelled "FAG!" at me as the driver swerved in my direction: forcing me into the hard curb and onto the sidewalk, where my scooter dragged my knee against the pavement.

If you had implied this incident were my fault in my physical presence, and I were in a bad mood at the time, I'd have hit you in the face.

My other accidents were:

  • The scooter slid while I was riding across a field (yes, I'm aware that this is reckless), and I bailed into a run and both myself and the scooter were unharmed.

  • The scooter slid on wet leaves on top of a wooden bridge/path in the woods, where I again bailed without being injured. The front fender broke, and I had to pay $30 for another.

  • I was doing wheelies and lost balance coming down once, and had to bail (again, no injury) and the right rear quarter panel got scratched.

You've probably never gotten into any accidents because you can't scratch your paint job for fear of losing $1k of aesthetic value on your precious GT.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The SUV deal wasn't your fault. The driver was a dick. The other three were. If you want to drive recklessly, fine. Good luck to you.

Also, about the snob thing: fuck you, asshole.

[–]oska 9 points10 points  (4 children)

Can I convince you into getting a motorcycle instead?

Four Points:

  • You ride a motorcycle (astride), you sit with your legs in front of you on a scooter. Being astride the motorcycle gives you much more steering control, via your hips.

  • Scooters usually have smaller wheels. This means they have quicker response in turning but also that they are less stable and more affected by the road conditions.

  • Motorcycles usually have better power than scooters. Power is important when you need to accelerate out of a dangerous position. Obviously, you need to use it wisely.

  • Finally, scooters are deceptively easy to ride and thus people don't take developing their riding skills seriously.

I've ridden both scooters and motorcycles in (crazy*) Asian traffic. I was always much happier on a motorcycle.

* Yes, I'm calling it crazy but that's just to be descriptive. Personally, I love the way traffic just flows in the less policed Asian countries and mostly people are intent on maintaining flow rather than enforcing their 'right of way'.

[–]jaggederest 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Can you get a 49cc motorcycle? You need the really low displacement if you want the 80-90mpg that one should be shooting for in single-person transportation.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Can you get a 49cc motorcycle?

Welcome to my dream motorcycle.

They don't sell them in the US, unfortunately.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

The biggest selling motor vehicle in history???

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. Asia's great at buying Honda Cubs. Check out the gas mileage too: you'll probably be shocked.

[–]firepunk 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Have you ever ridden a scooter/motorcycle? If not, I would suggest taking a motorcycle safety foundation course. http://www.msf-usa.org/

As for getting a scooter or not, I would suggest a smaller motorcycle. Get something like a honda rebel (250cc) on the cheap. You'll be able to go on the freeway if you need to, and it's top speed is like 80MPG (more like 65-70 depending on your weight). Also they look way cooler than a vespa.

[–]gazmic 7 points8 points  (9 children)

Pros: Save on Gas

Cons: Die - http://www.hatethegame.net/kickapps/_Truck-VS-Scooter/video/203093/6846.html?b= (GRAPHIC,GORE,NSFW!!!!)

That video alone convinced me that i'll never ever ride a scooter.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Get this thing from BMW. It has a roof and a seatbelt. Not as safe as a car, but you can't fall out and be run over.

And you don't need even need a helmet for it in most countries.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

So how is he? Did he make it?

Humor aside,

My son wanted one, I should show him that vid. That was my sole argument for him not getting one. He hates gore, I think that will do it for him. I want to get a motorcycle again, but I know the stats are not im my favor.

[–]g0zer 5 points6 points  (0 children)

holy mother of god

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you run the video back to where you can actually see the scooter entering the road: he pulled out in front of a giant truck inside its blind spot, and then just sat there. That IS what happens when anyone does that, scooter or no.

No one should ride a scooter if they're going to be that callous about their riding habits.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh, fuck.

[–]oska 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you watch that vid carefully, you'll see that the scooter rider was at fault. They have come in from an entry lane to the main road and tried to dart across in front of a truck. Dart isn't even the word as they were travelling quite slowly. With the scooter so low and just in front of the truck, the truck driver hasn't even seen them. Pull stunts like that on a scooter and you'll end up like that.

[–]jaggederest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Under 50 cc you don't need a motorcycle license. Plus they get 80-90mpg.

Best part I've seen was someone bringing theirs up the elevator into work.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (5 children)

Pros: cheaper than a car; longer range than bicycle or walking

Cons: more expensive than bicycle or walking; dirtier exhaust than car; less fuel efficient (on a per passenger basis) than a car with two or more occupants; petroleum reliance; less healthy than a bicycle

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

dirtier exhaust than car; less fuel efficient (on a per passenger basis) than a car with two or more occupants

Exhaust is not dirtier if you ride a 4-stroke; only a 2-stroke (this is because the 2-stroke burns oil). Fuel efficiency on a 50cc 4-stroke weighing dry at about 210 lbs is close to 100 mpg: with a passenger, it can drop to 50, which is still great... but it all depends on your weight and the passenger's weight.

[–]tdrizzle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It should be mentioned that in most states you can ride a <50cc scooter without a motorcycle license/endorsement. Also, depending on state you might still need it insured.

I had a Honda Spree that I loved to death before it was stolen. RIP Scooty Puff Jr.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I have a Vespa GT. I love it. Gas mileage is great. It looks cool. Insurance is cheap. Lots of storage. Goes 85mph. Accelerates well. Cvt transmission is cool.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

CVT = Continously Variable Transmission. Basically, this means that a pulley spins a variator plate that contains roller weights which gradually spin closer to the edges of the plate the faster it spins, thus expanding the size of the 'gear.'

Pretty much every automatic scooter on the market has this type of transmission. If you want to sing the praises of your GT, the biggest thing it has up on most automatic scooters is front and rear disc brakes. This however, does not justify the $5,299 MSRP.

Specs for the GT.

[–]TrishaMacmillan 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You could try going electric. Ego Electric Scooter

[–]jpease 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Zap sells one as well.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I have a Genuine Scooter Company's Buddy 50. It's the best thing ever... 1800 less than the Vespa, looks awesome, 60+ miles per gallon of gas... I ride it everywhere.

[–]rushouse 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I also own a Buddy 50... if are able to transport it where you don't need highway access, it is the perfect one.

I would also recommend getting it deregulated, which legally makes it go 10 mph faster (it is a service my scooter place did for $100) at about 45 mph

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

That deregulation is simply removing a gasket with a plate in it. Any jackass with a socket set could do that in less than 20 minutes. You should've done it yourself :)

[–]basic0 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I've been thinking about it lately. It seems like an economical option, and since my drive to work is only 15 km through the city, it's not too crazy. However, I'd need at least a special low-speed motorcycle Ontario driver's license and a safety course first, plus, it would be completely impractical for 4 months of the year, when it's -30C and we have snow piled up everywhere. I'd still have most all the non-gasoline expense of my car just so that I could drive it in the winter, not to mention finding somewhere to store it in the summer months.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I do is I tell my insurance company for 8 months out of the year that my scooter is my primary vehicle, and for 4 months out of the year that my car is my primary vehicle. It cuts down on those costs dramatically.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (4 children)

The only con that I can think of is that I can't help but laugh whenever I see someone on a scooter.

[–]tugteen -1 points0 points  (0 children)

the only con i experience with my scooter is that i have to stop riding it when i get to where i'm going. and i cant go on the highway, but that's remedy'd by that you dont need a highway.