If you’re reading this article, you’re probably making up your mind whether you should take the plunge and buy yourself a motor scooter or moped.
I strongly feel you’d be making the right decision and that everybody should experience the thrill of riding a scooter at some point in their life.
But, if you’re still on the fence, here are 26 reasons why you should buy a motor scooter. Let’s go!
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The Incredibly Low Cost Of Running A Motor Scooter
You don’t have to be rich to own a beautiful scooter
Motor scooters are well known for their low running costs and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much you could save commuting day to day on a scooter.
Gas stops will be few and far between and when you do eventually need to fill up on gas, you’ll only be spending as little as $10 a time to keep your scooter riding.
Compared to daily driving a car or truck, the savings on gas will be noticeable from day one.
2. You Won’t Necessarily Need A Motorcycle License To Ride A Motor Scooter
So first off, if you’re thinking of finding a new ride of the 2-wheeled variety then you may have to go through lengthy training and pass exams to get your motorcycle license, especially for larger cycles.
But, numerous states don’t require anything more than a standard driver’s license in order to operate a 50cc moped.
You can still enjoy the thrills of scooter riding without having to attend courses and classes, saving you countless dollars.
3. There Are So Many Motor Scooters To Choose From
You’ll be spoilt for choice in today’s scooter market
Not all scooters are made equally and there really is a scooter to suit everybody.
From petite pedal mopeds for leisurely Sunday riding to comparatively mammoth 250cc plus touring scooters which can take you from state to state, whatever your needs, there’s a motor scooter out there that can get the job done.
Recreational, Racing, Custom, Commuter and Classic Motor Scooters are all out there waiting for you to discover.
You’ll be able to pick out a motor scooter that suits you as a rider, a scooter that will satisfy your lifestyle and needs.
4. Scooter Parts Are Usually Cheap And Easy To Find
Should the worst happen and your scooter breaks down, there is a wealth of interchangeable parts ready and waiting to be shipped to your door.
Identifying the issue with your scooter and ordering in the necessary replacement parts has never been easier than it is today thanks to the resources online.
What’s more, if your motor scooter is a popular model, there will likely be heaps of cheap parts around the internet from reputable stores.
5. You Can Become Your Own Scooter Mechanic
Scooters are relatively simple to work on and that means you’ll be able to fix a lot of issues that spring up over your time as a scooter owner yourself.
There are endless guides online on how to successfully maintain and repair motor scooters and that means you’ll be spending less time with a mechanic and more time tinkering away yourself, should you want to.
6. Scooters Are Very Reliable Means Of Transport
A well looked after motor scooter will very rarely let you down. Scooters can be exceptionally reliable means of daily transport. When issues do occur, they can normally be fixed with very little tinkering.
Simply put, if you look after your motor scooter, chances are it will look after you.
7. Scooters Are Easy To Ride
Riding a Scooter is just like riding a bike!
One of the greatest things holding prospective buyers back from purchasing a scooter is a concern that they won’t be able to ride very well.
However, scooters are easier to ride than you’d think. Before you know it you’ll be riding your scooter as if it were a bicycle.
With the twist n’ go automatic transmissions found in almost every modern motor scooter, you only need to worry about throttle and braking. There are no tricky gear systems to get your head around.
8. There’s A Scooter Out There For Every Budget
Whether you buy a shiny new Vespa for several thousands of dollars or a used Chinese moped for a couple hundred bucks, there are scooters available for everybody!
You may need to save up for some of the premium scooters you’ve got your eye on, but one of the most beautiful things about the scooter community is that is open to all, whatever your spending budget.
9. There’s A Color For Everybody
Motor scooters are a perfect way to express your individuality and there are endless color options.
From menacing blacks to inviting pastel colors, when buying your motor scooter you’ll be spoilt for choice with paint options. Choose a color that matches your unique style.
10. You Can Experience The Elements In All Their Glory
Two-wheelers (and three-wheelers) allow us to feel the elements as we ride. Feeling the wind on your face as you push your scooter to its limit provokes emotions which no car or truck can.
Being exposed to the outside from all angles gives you a real sense of freedom at the handlebars. Everybody needs to experience it at least once.
11. Motor Scooters Make You Cooler. FACT
Imagine how cool you’d look owning this.
We live in an age where motor scooters are rising in popularity. Motor Scooter have been used as fashion statements since the inception of the Vespa and you too can cash in on the awe generated by a nice scooter.
There’s a real appreciation in modern society for scooters kept in good condition, especially vintage and luxury scooters like Vespas.
It’s true that spending a little more on a motor scooter can do a lot for your street cred.
If you can afford one, it will make you feel like a fashion icon.
12. You’ll Never Search For A Parking Space Again
Scooters can fit almost anywhere. If you’re fed up of circling the block scrapping for an elusive parking spot then a scooter is for you.
With a scooter you can experience the joy of pulling up to your destination and sliding in to spot instantaneously.
13. You Can Join The Scooter Community
Scooter owners are automatically entered into the community of scooter enthusiasts with countless, tutorials, blogs, forums and regular meets in every state. So, you’ll never be alone.
And there’s more, motor scooter enthusiasts will stop to admire your two-wheeler all the time, they’re real head turners and a great way to make new like-minded friends.
14. Motor Scooters Are A Great Stepping Stone For A Future Motorcycle
If you’re a biker at heart but are nervous about straddling a more powerful street bike, then a motor scooter provides the perfect set of training wheels.
You’ll learn so much in your first step into s poster ownership, like riding control and balance. And, you can build up a ton of confidence before stepping up to a more powerful motorcycle.
15. Motor Scooters Are Perfect For Young People
Scooters have always been popular with youthful generations
In most states you can ride a moped at 16, meaning you can get from A to B do half the price of running a car or a truck.
For a fresh faced kid with little money to their name, a moped offers the keys to freedom on a far more breathable budget.
16. You Can Take A Friend Along For The Ride
So long as you choose a suitable model with a fixed seat and footrests, and your state permits it, you’ll be able to bring a friend along on the back of your motor scooter.
This can be invaluable at times and means that the hobby of motor scooter riding doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit.
17. Motor Scooters Are Perfect For Grocery Shopping
If you’re like me and you like to head down to the grocery store quite frequently for little bits and pieces then a motor scooter is ideal.
There’s plenty of storage under your seat for shopping bags and throw on a top box to the rear of your scooter and you’ll be hauling groceries like a professional.
18. You’ll Fly By Public Transport
There really is no better way to commute.
Wave at the bus you used to ride around everyday and admire all the miserable faces as you cruise by on your motor scooter.
Living in a city means it can be tough to take a car in to the center for work everyday, so many rely on public transport.
With a motor scooter you gain the keys to commuter freedom and riding past that bus you used to run for makes your scooter worth every cent.
19. Scooters Can Mean The End To Being Stuck In Traffic
Providing your state legally permits lane-splitting, the maneuver of riding in between stationary traffic, you can arrive to your destination, no matter how busy the streets are.
Admittedly, due to differing state laws and regulations, this is not going to be possible for every scooter operator.
But, those who can enjoy this lane splitting will gain an instant love for their two-wheeler.
20. You Can Buy An Environmentally Friendly Electric Scooter
If you’re conscious about global warming and the negative effect of gas consumption on the environment, you can buy an electric motor scooter.
Electric Motor Scooters have excellent ranges and are extremely cost effective to recharge.
Environment friendly riders are flocking to pick up all electric motor scooters more and more as top brands like Vespa are launching options like the “Elettrica” which has been very well received by the scooter community.
21. Motor Scooters Are More Comfortable Than Motorcycles
Sitting upright makes all the difference
Motor scooters are relatively comfortable machines, especially when compared to motorcycles.
The riding position of a motor scooter is upright and foot support is provided by spacious floor panels.
If you’ve ever taken a semi-long distance trip on a motorcycle, you’ll know that the riding position can be quite uncomfortable as you are forced to lean forward on most sport bikes.
You can even get touring scooters like the Suzuki Burgman which comes with incredibly comfortable seats.
22. Motor Scooters Are All Year Round Vehicles (Almost)
Contrary to popular belief, you can use a motor scooter all year round if you adapt your riding style and habits. Let me explain.
In the winter you’ll likely experience more rain on the roads. Motor Scooters are perfectly capable of handling wet weather conditions if the rider is prepared to adapt their style and approach riding appropriately for the trickier conditions.
You’ll also need to wrap up warm as there is no Heaters on motor scooters. But, with the right levels of preparation you’ll be able to ride throughout the year.
Check out this guide on wet weather riding I wrote previously.
It is possible to ride motor scooters during the coldest months of the year. However, it is not advised that you take your scooter on the roads during icy and snowy conditions. It’s just not safe.
23. Motor Scooters Are Easy To Store
If you have no intentions for riding your motor scooter in the wet and cold then there’s always the option of storing it away in your garage.
Storing a scooter is a simple process that involves disconnecting the battery, draining the fuel tank and fluids.
Due to their smaller size, motor scooters can be covered up and stowed nicely in a corner where you’ll hardly notice them until the time to ride comes again in the Spring. Try doing that with a car!
You can even find alternative storage space like a shed or even (as a friend of mine once did) store your motor scooter within your home over the winter.
24. You Can Customize Your Motor Scooter To Make It One Of A Kind
You may or may not know that there is a huge Custom Scooter scene in the United States and worldwide.
There are endless stores both online and offline which will specialise in aftermarket parts for your motor scooter.
This means that you can make your motor scooter truly unique and customize it to become the two-wheeler of your dreams.
25. You’ll Form A Personal Connection With Your Motor Scooter
You won’t understand until you own one!
If you’re like me, you’ll grow very attached to your trusty motor scooter. I have a huge sense of pride about my own motor scooters and relish the chance to get to know each one inside and out as time passes.
You’ll learn the little quirks of your scooter with time and you may find yourself growing quite protective over it.
It’s something you’ll only learn once you’ve stepped into the wonderful world of scooter ownership.
26. Well Kept Motor Scooters Have A Great Resale Value
If you look after your motor scooter it will hold its value over time, depreciating only slightly every year.
If you purchase a classic motor scooter like an old Vespa, you may even see it grow in value as it ages like a fine wine.
The thing is, this allows you to give motor scooters a try with very financial risk. If you discover that the scooter lifestyle is not for you, you can list your scooter for sale and recuperate most, if not all you spent.
Although, I believe you’ll get the scooter bug, just like I did.