Where to Begin Buying a Scooter

When it comes to buying a scooter (scooter moped to many), there are facts to consider. From name brand motor scooter selection, to functionality, price point, and finally getting the financing for the scooter you want! (There are license restrictions in place for scooters, and that will be covered in the Licensing section of this guide. )

There are many name brands to choose from when it comes to scooters. Many may recognize certain brands such as, Honda, Yamaha, Vespa, and Saga. Many people may not recognize some of the Chinese brand scooters and may question the quality and/or reliability of an unknown brand. A point to consider with scooters is that many makes and models of scooters are well known outside North America but perhaps are new to Canada or North America. Often scooters we don’t recognize have been in production successfully for many years and yet other times they are very new to the market and in fact are an unknown product.

There are three main areas to consider when choosing a scooter. Firstly, what kind of scooter do you want: what do you need or require of the scooter: what is the purpose in buying the scooter. There are many different models of scooters and each may serve different purposes so you need to take your time and ensure you buy the right model. ( you can find scooter brands in Canada, from cheap scooters to higher priced - links). Things such as seat height, storage, and the power of the scooter are things that need to be well thought out. (Engine sizes range from a 50cc scooter to a 250cc generally). Do you want a new scooter or a used scooter for sale? Do you want a 2 stroke (louder) or a 4 stroke (slightly less power). Secondly, you need to consider how much you are willing to pay for a scooter. What is in your budget? Do you want to finance the scooter or pay cash or a little of both? Thirdly, research the brand of scooter you are looking at. Scooters can range in price from $1200 and top out at over $8000. Key points in considering brand are as follows: Who makes the scooter, what is that companies history in the scooter business, what warranty comes with the scooter, who is the underwriter of that warranty, are parts readily available and where can you or your scooter technician can get them and most importantly what is their dealer network (ie. how many dealers carry this product and where is my closest dealer located).

Major reputable scooter companies have large supply of inventory parts, and dealer support. There are, however, some reputable motor scooter brand names that do not have a great network of parts supply. Ask about parts availability or ask to be able to see the parts inventory. The number one complaint of scooter customers is the parts they need are not available. Often times, when a consumer purchases an inexpensive scooter of a unknown brand (or worse, an expensive brand), they may enjoy the sticker price and feel it’s a good deal, but when you have an issue and find out that parts are either unavailable or will take 3-6 weeks to be shipped from China or another country, you will find yourself without a functioning scooter and frustrations mount. Do your homework (like you are now!) and check out all of the brands available in your area to buy scooters. If you are in a country other than Canada, begin there, and narrow down to your state/province or region. Remember, most scooters are made outside of Canada and the majority of the scooters on the market are manufactured in China.

Scooters, like any other motor vehicle, require a valid driver’s license. While certain scooters look alike, you will find that not all scooters are the same when it comes to licensing requirements. Scooter electrics are the only exception to licensing a scooter. In some provinces you do “not” require a license due to the speed limitations of the electric scooter. The most basic chart of licensing requirements is as follows:

• Electric motor requires no government licencing

• 50cc (49.5cc) and under scooters require only a valid class 5 drivers license

• Over 50cc (49.5cc) scooters require a class 6 motorcycle license

If you want a scooter that requires a class 6 motorcycle license, there are programs available that offer comprehensive training courses and make the process of obtaining that license very simple. Remember, if you want to enjoy a scooter, you will want to know how to ride the scooter safely and responsibly.

Insuring a Scooter

Insuring a scooter is a fairly basic process, and is very similar to that of insuring a vehicle. All the same criteria apply. When it comes to optional insurance such as fire and theft, vandalism and a few others, it is often more economical to consider private insurance for optional coverage. Some of the more common private insurance company’s are Beacon Insurance and Barton Insurance.

There are different categories of insurance and different parameters that the insurance agent uses to calculate the cost on a scooter. Scooter insurance is relatively cheap compared to cars and trucks but the same calculations apply. Here is some of them from British Columbia using ICBC coverage:

1. Engine Discplacement

o 110cc or Less

o 111 to 400 cc

o 401cc to 750cc

o 751 to 1150cc

o Over 1150cc

   2. Coverages

The most obvious costs associated with the scooter insurance will be what options on coverage to have. These include but are not limited to: theft, collision, replacement, and liability amount. Here are some of the other parameters the insurance agent will use to determine your monthly or annual cost: where you live, what kind of discount you've earned from your driving record (anything 50cc will not receive discount).o Limited speed motorcycle (generally 50cc)

Also, please don't forget that each state/province/country will have its own program for determining scooter and motorcycle insurance.

In order to insure that you enjoy trouble free scootering, maintenance is the key.  Most makes of scooters require minimal maintenance and are economical to maintain. Certain brands of scooters are more expensive than others to maintain.  Refer to the maintenance guide for your scooter and take advantage of your local dealer’s service department expertise in maintaining your scooter.   If you are someone that likes to do your own maintenance, perhaps attend an availalbe scooter clinic to learn the basics of how to maintain your scooter.

So, in review, to purchase a scooter you remember to consider the following: available parts and service, pleasing asthetics,  purpose, proper license and knowledge of maintenance and operation