With so many different types of motor scooters
available today buyers must do their homework before making a
purchase. Vespa, Honda, Piaggio, big engine, small engine, gas,
electric, mobility, foldable, seats, handgrips, where do I
start?
Before the 1920s it was an easy decision, a
foot-powered push scooter or none at all. But
once Gino Tsai from Shanghai, Taiwan developed the Razor
scooter it changed everything. His motor scooters became
popular so quickly there were people waiting in line for six
months before they could get one.
In the 1950s companies like Vespa in the UK started selling
the first of their gas motor scooters. It
was a big hit at the 1950 Motorcycle Show and quickly became a
big hit in the UK as well. Vespa sold over 125,000 in the UK
between the years of 1950 to 1958. Piaggio from Vespa and
Lambretta from Innocenti started selling their models in Italy
and France too, quickly becoming the vehicles that everyone had
to own. By the early 1950s the sale of motor scooters topped 1
million a year in France alone. Because of its popularity other
countries such as France and Germany decided to get in on the
boom by manufacturing their own models.
Today, after more than 50 years since the first gas scooters
appeared, there are many different makes and models. We have
electric, gas powered, foldable, mobility and utility motor
scooters dotting the globe. There are specialized scooters for
just about every task. They have become a worldwide phenomenon
because they are cheap to own, economical to operate, are very
handy and functional, and most of all they are a lot of fun.
But with all of the makes and models which one is right for
you?
Let's start with the different types. Gas motor
scooters are the fastest around. They will take you
longer distances and reach higher speeds than any of the other
varieties. There are smaller and lighter models that will be
perfect for running errands around town while the larger and
heavier touring models will take you on longer trips. Plus, the
larger the gas tank the farther you can travel before needing
to stop at a service station.
Electric varieties are a little more economical to run, but
will usually travel only about 10 or 15 miles before needing a
recharge. Their battery capacity has improved dramatically over
the years, but they cannot be taken for long trips due to the
fact that their batteries will need recharging periodically.
However, for short trips around the city they are wonderful
little vehicles. Plus, most scooters have a large storage
capacity under the seat so they are ideal for trips to the
grocery store or for other light shopping sprees.
The elderly or handicapped typically use what is referred to
as mobility
scooters. These are usually electric models and
have 3 or 4 wheels for extra stability. These models give the
elderly or disabled the ability to get about in their homes or
around the neighborhood more easily. Without mobility
scooters many of the disability-impaired would be
confined to their beds.
Another very popular type is the foldable scooter. These are
very small and are made for short trips around town. They are
particularly popular among the younger crowds. The beauty of
these models is that they are extremely compact and can be
folded for storage in small places. If you work just a few
miles from your home you can travel to work on your folding
scooter and then fold it up and put it underneath your desk at
work. Very handy.
There are also utility scooters which can be used for many
different purposes. They can be used as golf carts or for
hauling things. Many big businesses use these types for getting
around their factories. Schools use them for driving through
the parking lot, checking for cars that shouldn't be there.
Major league sports stadiums use them to drive people from one
place to another. These are wonderful vehicles that can be used
for a variety of reasons.
Once you've decided which type is right for your needs the
next step is to figure out what options, if any, you would like
included on your vehicle. Of course you can choose from many
different colors and designs, but there are other options
available to you. You can choose from the many varieties of
covers, locks (for security), cases or side bags for storage,
helmets, seats, handgrips, windshields or windscreens,
backrests for touring, chrome kits, rear luggage racks and many
more options. The list of accessories can go on for quite some
time.
As a rule of thumb first choose the type of scooter
you want, whether it be electric, gas, foldable or
utility. This is the easy part because the type you
purchase will depend upon your needs. Once that decision has
been made look at several popular models in your area and
decide which one looks and feels right to you. Most have
accessories that are manufactured for a specific model so
accessories cannot be decided upon until you know which motor
scooter you are going to buy. Once you've decided which
accessories you want for the model you chose it's a simple
matter of driving your scooter out of the dealership. And it's
nothing but fun from there on out.
About the Author
Cheap motor
scooters are lots of fun, which is why Larry Johnson
is a motor scooter fanatic. He not only loves to ride motor
scooters, but loves writing about them as well. For more
information visit My
Motor Scooters.