3 Steps to Picking the Perfect Motor Scooter (Part 2)

If you're reading this, you probably know something about the advantages of motorized scooters (huge fuel savings and a small environmental footprint, for example). You understand why scooters are selling like crazy. Now you're looking at the market, and asking some preliminary buyer's question. In Part 1 of this series, we dealt with three very basic questions. (If you missed it, check my site.) Now, as you continue to think about your actual purchase, here are 3 more important questions to help you choose the right scooter.

First, how much do you weigh? Not to get overly personal, but every motor scooter has a carrying capacity--the maximum amount of weight it can carry. If you weigh 180 lbs. or below, this question shouldn't affect you--you will be able to ride the full range of scooters on the market and get peak performance. If you weigh over 180 lbs., make sure you educate yourself about the carrying capacities of scooters you look at. Rider weight is one of the factors that influence "optimal performance" issues like acceleration rate, travel range, and hill climbing ability.

Second, where do you want to ride your scooter? On dirt paths or downtown streets? Over flat or hilly terrain? If you live in a city, and will ride primarily on asphalt or concrete, an electric motor scooter may meet your needs. If you want to go off-road now and then, or you frequently deal with hilly, uneven terrain that places higher demands on a motor, a gas powered or hybrid model might be in the running. Relatively flat, even streets are the ideal riding surfaces for motor scooters of all types, leading to maximum speeds and efficiency.

However, gas powered models are the workhorses of the scooter world. If you want a tough utility-type scooter, but still want to go the electric route, look for a scooter with a high watt motor (300 watts or above)--and plan to spend some money. If you weigh over 180 lbs., be sure to buy a scooter with an appropriately higher wattage rating.You might also want to consider a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds, gas and electric.

Third, where do you want to take your scooter? As in, where do you want to pack it? Here's where portability becomes an issue. Motor scooters of all types are collapsible these days, and can be stored in a closet or under a desk. But there's considerable variety when it comes to weight, since scooters can tip the scales at anywhere from 30 to 100 lbs. How much weight do you want to transport? When the scooter is folded, what will its folded dimensions need to be in order to fit in a closet or trunk? Also, ask yourself whether you Will want to take your scooter on trips using public transit like planes, trains, or buses. Electric scooters are allowed in these instances, while gas powered models are usually not.

Are you beginning to get a picture of what you're looking for? Prioritize your "lists of demands," then eliminate any models or brands that don't provide what you want. (If "hot chrome paint job" is high on your list, more power to you!) Ranking your performance and style needs will help you evaluate your finalists. At that point, if you're starting to get a good idea of what you're after, all you need is some last minute pre-purchase advice.