Scooters: A Gas and Time Saver

Unless you've been under a rock recently (which might be cheaper than paying rent) you know that gas prices are going up. and up. If you need reliable transportation, there really isn't much of a way around paying the gas piper, except biking and riding the bus. biking is great, but not if you have to commute, and the bus is fine, but not always reliable. How about a scooter?

Scooters have come a long way since the putters of the mid 50s and 60s. Now they're really a fast and fun alternative to the car, and great for trips in the city and around town. Easy on gas and easy to park, the scooter is fast becoming a popular way to avoid the gas pump, at least most of the time.

How should you go about buying, what should you look for and what should you buy? We have buying tips for you, followed by reviews of some of the latest scooters to hit the market.

How to Buy your First Motor Scooter

Buying a motor scooter is a great idea with gas prices on the rise again. A motor scooter is easy to park, gets ridiculously good mileage and are lots easier to ride than a traditional motorcycle. Motor scooters are a relatively new thing here in the US and most people simply don't know much about them.

1. First off decide the proper engine size based on how you will use the motor scooter. I've listed how the motor scooter can be used based on it's engine size below.

• 50cc - the smallest, single passenger of average weight. Max speed about 35mph
• 125cc - Single passenger at 65mph or two at 45 mph. This is a good size for a single passenger to commute locally.
• 150-200cc one or two passenger commute, longer distance rides, much better over hilly areas.
• 250cc - Great for just about everything you can throw at it.
• 300cc+ these are known as maxi-scooters, they can do anything and go anywhere a traditional motorcycle can with the added benefit of tons of storage room.

2. Once you know the size of motor scooter that is best for your needs you need to decide on the brand. I won't go into detail about which are best but what I will say that since motor scooters are new here in the US spare parts and repairs (including scheduled service) are much easier with the big names, Vespa, Aprilia, Piaggio, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. Choose a brand name motor scooter for the most hassle free service.

3. Now here's a big one that few people even think of. Check the seat height on the motor scooter you are interested in. An average person will have a tough time with a motor scooter with a seat height of over 29 inches, so keep that in mind!

4. Styling is a personal thing, but motor scooters have under seat storage that could be reduced in certain styles of motor scooter, make sure you check this. I purchased an Aprilia Scarabeo 500 (yes, a 500cc engine) and it has enough room under the seat for a full face helmet and my messenger bag.

5. Make sure, if you need it, that the motor scooter you are interested in has an available top case, this will vastly increase the motor scooter carrying capacity.

Scooter Reviews

Here are a few reviews we've gathered on recent models, to give you an idea of what's out there, and what might be right for you.

2011 Honda Scooter

Honda has its new 2011 Silver Wing GT (SW-T600) model for the scooter enthusiast. With an elegant style, a compact design and with the largest displacement in the Honda scooters line-up, the new SW-T600 is a strong bet from Honda for 2011.

Honda is encouraging safe, stable and comfortable riding with its new two-wheeled model the SW-T600. The new Honda scooter is stated to combine an agile ride with easy handling as well as a good response from its 582cc high performance engine.

Regarding to the SW-T600 standard equipment, the stock model is fairly complete, with a full set of instruments and a multifunction screen that is easy to use.

According to information from Honda they will only market this scooter outside of Japan in Spain with the Honda Combined ABS Braking System, with the intent of increasing the level of safety.

The front fairing system is conceived to help protect the rider and pillion passenger from the air, achieving a streamlined contour that directs the airflow from around the lower part of the fairing so that it diverts its impact towards the sides where the feet and legs are.

The seat design helps to give the rider complete control thanks to the riding position, one that is spacious that should allow the rider to do long and medium distance trips comfortably. This model is available in Japan and parts of Europe but not yet available in the U.S.

Euro Scooter

2011 Vespa PX 125/150 (European Model). Vespa PX is back with a choice of its most classic engine sizes. The legacy style and engine, which pays respects the latest emissions standards and the classic four-gear transmission, make the Vespa PX unmistakable and unique.

In the current Vespa range, the PX is the only model which offers the four-gear transmission on the handlebar: a true "must" for enthusiasts, together with an unmistakable design which goes beyond all fashion.

The speedometer, with dual Km/h and mph scales, and the fuel gauge are lit with a neutral colored light that is in perfect harmony with the purity of the design. The array of indicator and warning lights includes indicators for the lights, full beam, turn signals and fuel reserve.

The new saddle for the Vespa PX has an all-new design and upholstery. Ideal for two-up riding, the saddle accommodates riders of all statures, offering comfort and vehicle control.

The headlight, with a complex surface reflector and halogen bulb, creates a powerful beam for ideal visibility and constitutes a vital contribution in terms of active safety.

The taillight has always been a signature feature of each and every Vespa model. From the small, round taillight of the legendary 1946 98cc to the headlight in two distinct elements and chrome parts which embellished the 1962 125cc, to the Primavera ET3's boxy design which was so typically "70's"

The link arm front suspension - a technical solution that is an intrinsic part of the Vespa - works in conjunction with a coil spring and a dual action hydraulic shock absorber.

At the rear, the suspension components are linked to the engine-transmission case, which also does duty as the swingarm. The 10" wheels are shod with 3.50" tires.

The 200 mm stainless steel front disc brake is complemented by a powerful and reliable 150 mm drum brake at the rear.

he 125 and 150 cc single-cylinder, two-stroke engines with forced air cooling feature CDI electronic ignition and both electric and kick starters.

After all, how can anyone think of the most classic of the Vespa models without the fantastic kick start pedal crank and four-speed manual gearbox?

Benelli Scooter

The Benelli Velvet 150, a scooter known for its classic Italian styling, returns for 2011 with many updates.

A majority of upgrades were done to the Benelli Velvet 150's 4-stroke 151cc-engine, creating a more efficient scooter. The engine produces 11 horsepower and 10.6 Nm of torque. The Scooter's powerplant is very economical and Euro-3 compliant.

Due to economical design of the engine, the Velvet 150 Scooter is ideal for use in both rural and urban areas.

As for the chassis, Benelli designed the Velvet 150 with solidity in mind, allowing for excellent handling, even on rough surfaces. The scooter is also designed with both front and rear disc brakes for ultimate stopping power.

Regarding size, Benelli says the compact and careful design provide a surprisingly lightweight to ensure agility in traffic. The spacious and comfortable double seat ensures great comfort to both rider and passenger in any situation.

The Velvet 150 is also equipped as standard with a color matched top case, which can swallow a full-face helmet with ease.