Frequently Asked Questions
More detailed information:
How fast can scooters go?
In spite of common myth, scooters are not slow by design, unless they are also speed-restricted mopeds. The world speed record for scooters is thought to be held by Marlene Parker of England who in 1965 ran her 200cc Lambretta at over 130mph on a racetrack at Monza, though it was deemed an unofficial time [see Dregni
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Can I make my scooter go faster?
4-stroke engine. By their very nature, 2-stroke engines are much easier to modify for greater power and speed than are 4-stroke engines, though the basic concepts to increasing speed on any scooter are the same. Essentially, All scooters can be made to go faster. First, it's critical to know if your scooter has a 2-stroke or you need to improve fuel, air and exhaust flow. Further, many 50cc scooters (speed-restricted mopeds) can be de-restricted fairly easily also, allowing very noticeable increases in speed. It should also be noted here that typically performance kits void manufacturer warranties. They often also make reliable engines less trustworthy, usually in proportion to the extremeness of the modification. And lastly, if the increase is very large (as on 50cc models, for example), there will be serious issues as to whether the brake and suspension systems will still keep the rider safe at these new higher speeds.
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Which model of scooter is best to buy?
A good older classic scooter is likely your best bet. However, if you simply want reliable transportation, a modern scooter may be a better choice, just because they tend to be newer usually. In most cases, larger capacity scooters are usually better than smaller ones.
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What engine size do I need?
This depends entirely on what you'll be doing with the scooter. If you plan to do much highway driving, it will be highly desirable to buy the largest engine you can find -- at least 200cc. Around town, the engine may be smaller for most needs. Stock 50cc models really are only best if you will have minimal interaction with automobiles, as they typically have difficulty maintaining speeds much above 35mph, unless they have been modified to go faster. If you will carry passengers, weigh quite a bit or plan to ride up steep hills often, you will also want larger capacity, at least 70cc for around town. All scooter engines typically have a shorter lifespan when they are constantly run full throttle, so you should take this into account also. Lastly, it is always adviseable to have excess engine capacity to accellerate out of trouble and to pass safely. [7/99]
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How do scooters differ from motorcycles?
By definition, motorcycles are nearly any two-wheeled, motorized vehicle. Therefore, scooters are by definition simply a specific motorcycle design. This is why in most localities, there are no regulations for scooters per se, and thus scooters fall either under moped regulations (assuming they meet the proper requirements to do so) or by default, they are legally treated as motorcycles. There are a few localities that have specific regulations for scooters, but as these are extremely uncommon and follow no real pattern, they are not covered here. The reason that scooters are commonly not treated as equals in motorcycle circles is simply because they generally are slower and not as performance-oriented as their larger cousins. So technically, all scooters are motorcycles, though usually only scooters that more closely resemble what are more commonly called motorcycles will be referred to as such.
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What are the advantages of scooters?
Scooters originated very early on in the development of motorcycles generally to address problems that some felt were inherent to common motorcycle design. Foremost was covering of the engine compartment. This was done to avoid inadvertent contact with hot engine parts, which is a common concern for motorcyclists. This concern went further with the covering of the rest of the body, along with a front legshield, meant to protect the rider from mud, water and road debris that might drift up from the road below. The common step-thru design initially was so ladies could wear dresses without compromising their modesty, but it has come to be welcomed because it allows the rider to sit on the seat much like a chair, instead of straddling the vehicle, as is common on motorcycles. This tends to be a more comfortable riding position for the short distances that most scooters were designed to cover.
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What are the advantages of scooters over automobiles?
Scooters as two-wheeled vehicles have all the obvious advantages over automobiles. This would include lower operating costs, as scooters are more fuel-efficient, require less insurance and usually cost less to maintain. They are also easier to park, maneuver in heavy traffic and to store. Scooters are typically much less expensive to purchase than automobiles, and arguably are much more fun to operate. Many who operate two-wheeled vehicles call automobiles
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What are the advantages of scooters over motorcycles?
As noted elsewhere, scooters are actually just small motorcycles. However, there is still a clear distinction between scooters and the rest of the motorcycle family. Generally speaking, scooters have been designed purposely for those that are intimidated by motorcycles, on whatever level. Scooters are easier to learn to ride and often easier to operate.
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What are the advantages of scooters over mopeds?
It has been noted elsewhere that many scooters are also legally considered mopeds. In all cases, this will mean they have engine sizes under 50cc. Traditionally, mopeds have typically had larger wheels and exposed engines, though obviously 50cc scooters would not have these attributes. The main advantage of the body panels is protection from the heat of the engine and exhaust. The smaller tires produce quicker handling response. And it's usually easier to change the tires on a scooter over a traditional moped, because many scooters have tires mounted on one side only, like auto tires. Of course, if the comparison is between a 50cc moped and a larger capacity scooter, the advantage of greater power will enable the rider to better maintain traffic speed and to stay out of trouble by accellerating out of it sometimes.
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How do you make 2-stroke scooters go faster?
This is typically done by changing to a higher performance exhaust, larger cylinder and piston, larger carb with different jetting, lighter flywheel, water cooling, etc. The first place to start is nearly always the exhaust. Unlike 4-strokes, the exhaust system on 2-strokes is critical to their performance. Removing it will make the scooter sputter and run poorly, if at all. Shape is extremely critical and this will also change the sound (and loudness). The easiest thing is to replace the standard exhaust with a performance one, easily available for nearly any model scooter at any of the larger scooter shops around the world. The standard exhaust typically is a compromise between power and performance at various speeds. Performance exhausts will modify this, for example, by allowing a higher top speed, by sacrificing power at lower speeds.
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