Do you want to get around town easily while having some fun? You can do that with a scooter. No, not these scooters that are so popular with young kids these days, but a motorized scooter that you can feel whizzing through your hair and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, with the combination of high gas prices and more congested traffic, fuel efficient motorized scooters are becoming more attractive every day.
These gas-powered scooters are especially nice for people who like the economy and freedom of a motorcycle but are afraid of big engines. Imagine all the quick trips to the grocery store to pick up the forgotten item. The scooter is so fuel efficient that it will travel with less gas than just using an SUV from the garage back. Frequent pulling into the parking lot? There is no problem with the scooter being easy to slide into a small space.
In general, scooters are easy to maneuver. The engine is right in front of the rear wheel, which means you have to climb the scooter through the steps and sit down. You will sit straight with your feet in front of you, rather than limping the bike. Most scooters have wide transmissions, no handlebars, and bicycle-style handlebars with handlebars.
Did we mention that scooters and mopeds are gas guzzlers? How fuel efficient are they?
The bigger ones go up to 60 miles per gallon, and the smaller ones can go up to 80. DiTech has 2 stroke 49 hundred engines that are tall and only weigh about 200 pounds. The GSMotorWorks scooters pictured on this page also weigh less than 200 pounds, carry between 240-270 pounds, and get 60-80 miles per gallon. Scooters with engines under 50 cc, like many of these, do not have to be registered in some states. You’ll be more fuel efficient to get around the city.
What is the price of buying a scooter?
DiTech and scooters like this start under $3,000. The next step up is a bike like the Honda HMC, which can carry you and a passenger, and sells for about $5,000. And the big boys, like the Yamaha YAMCY, start around $6,000. Or browse the GSMotorWorks website (gsmotorworks.com) for a wide variety and more scooters that are under $1,000.
Downside?
Obviously, weather can be a factor. Another thing is that you can’t carry a lot of cargo. And then of course there is speed. For small scooters, the maximum speed is less than 50 miles per hour, so it is best for short trips. But scooters that are medium in size and up can reach track speeds.
Also, unless your state does not require it, you may need a special license. Usually this includes a one-day motorcycle riding course. You’ll also need a helmet (about $50 on the GSMotorWorks Web site) and insurance. Depending on your driving record and age, insurance can run only $5 to $10 per month. Check with the DMV to learn what your state requires as a motorcycle rider.
Regardless of insurance and helmet costs, with gas prices the way they are, you may well find your scooter or moped short on fuel efficiency. But more than that, I loved finding a new fun hobby… being surrounded by the free and easy wind blowing through your hair. That’s why scooter dealers will tell you that in recent months, sales have doubled and tripled and are still climbing. They are equally popular with senior citizens and with college students who want easy, affordable transportation around town or around campus.
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- Go to gsmotorworks.com to see a variety of scooters and mopeds for purchase. You can also ask questions and search for a ton of information. If you like scooters and mopeds, you will love this place. Or to view Ditech scooters, visit speed-sports.com.
