17 best scooters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Scooters are a full-fledged alternative to motorbikes, the main emphasis in which is placed on comfort and the ability to perform everyday tasks on an ongoing basis. They are compact, less spectacular visually and are assembled according to the same principle: engine + variator.

Since scooters fit into the category of motor vehicles, several dozen large companies are engaged in their production, which have earned fame and honor in the segment of industrial auto and motorcycle construction. Having carried out an independent examination of the market, the magazine has prepared a rating of the best scooters in three thematic categories. User ratings were used as criteria for selecting products in the rating, as well as the verdicts of in-house experts, the decision of which was dictated by the results of expert examinations and internal research.

Rating of the best scooters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best scooters with engine displacement up to 50cc cm.	1	Honda Dunk	RUB 180,000
	2	Suzuki ZZ	–
	3	Vespa Primavera 50 S	RUB 237,000
	4	Keeway Street 50	RUB 58 600
	5	Sym Symphony SR 50	RUB 94,900
	6	Sym Orbit	RUB 79,900
The best scooters with engine displacement up to 500cc cm.	1	BMW C 400 X	RUB 494,000
	2	Piaggio MP3 300	RUB 449,000
	3	Vespa GTS 300	RUB 356,000
	4	Suzuki Burgman / Skywave 250	–
	5	Sym Joyride 200i EVO	RUB 204,000
	6	Honda PCX 150	RUB 285,000
	7	Yamaha Aerox 155cc	RUB 229,000
Best maxi scooters	1	BMW C 650 GT	RUB 802,000
	2	Yamaha TMAX 530 ABS	RUB 850,000
	3	SUZUKI BURGMAN 400 ABS	RUB 499,000
	4	Honda Silver Wing 600	–

The best scooters with engine displacement up to 50cc cm.

Honda Dunk

Rating: 4.9

The uncompromising leader of the rating is Honda Dunk, a new small scooter presented at the 43rd Motor Show in Tokyo. It is strikingly different from all the competitors we have presented up to this point: the emphasis has been shifted to comfort and casual design features, combined with manufacturability in all aspects of work.

In fact, Honda Dunk is a Ruckus model, but with more modern 'stuffing' from various systems. The updated four-stroke engine has got a fuel injection system, which increases efficiency by about 20%. Another 20% is taken over by the innovative idle stop systems technology, the essence of which is to stop the engine at standstill (for example, at a traffic light) and automatically start when the throttle is turned. To increase the working life, a liquid cooling system was also integrated into the engine, although under moderate loads it itself will not experience large temperature drops. All this leads us to one thought: Dunk is simply made for travel. Albeit not for long distances, but within the boundaries of some area you can ride it, and at the same time it is very pleasant.

Advantages

• balanced suspension and optimal wheel size selection;
• high-life engine with water cooling and fuel injection system;
• an abundance of technologies integrated into the design;
• very high efficiency;
• comfort and original appearance.

disadvantages

• not found.

Suzuki ZZ

Rating: 4.8

The sudden withdrawal from production due to environmentalists' dissatisfaction did not become an obstacle on the way of getting Suzuki ZZ to the high place of the rating. The Japanese managed to create a very playful scooter: a two-stroke engine in it can produce up to 7.2 horsepower, which accounts for only 80 kilograms of curb weight. And the price of this 'baby' is very competitive: straight from the factory, the model cost 65 thousand rubles. Now you can buy it from hands much cheaper.

The wave of discontent Suzuki ZZ occurred against the backdrop of the arrival of a very large number of tuning parts on the market, which increased the amount of harmful emissions (which caused environmentalists to sound the alarm) of an already 'dirty' two-stroke engine. But they added agility noticeably. The ultimatum made to the manufacturers (engine replacement) put an end to the appearance of the model and was guaranteed to undermine interest in it. Therefore, they decided to curtail production and focus on developing a new line of scooters.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• a very large number of materials for tuning;
• powerful two-stroke engine in stock;
• low weight of the structure;
• very high maneuverability in the stream.

disadvantages

• production was curtailed at the initiative of environmentalists.

Vespa Primavera 50 S

Rating: 4.7

The third position in the ranking is occupied by the legendary Italian scooter, which has become an element of culture and a significant part of the history of Italian mechanical engineering. Since the founding of the Vespa Primavera 50 S, it has undergone many changes: what is only the replacement of the engine, suspension elements and other auxiliary equipment in accordance with modern trends. However, the Italians tried to preserve the original look of the scooter, leaving the shape unchanged and only slightly refreshing some of the body parts (of course, using new materials).

Under the monolithic body of the Vespa Primavera 50 S, which replaces the tubular frame, there is an 8 liter fuel tank. This is a lot, considering that one liter of gasoline is enough for about 30-35 kilometers. In the case of this scooter, the only design flaw is the drum brake located on the rear wheel, while even Chinese small-cubic models have long since switched to disc brakes. The second, and perhaps the main miscalculation of the Italians was the prohibitively high price for the model: asking about 300 thousand rubles, they had to understand that for this money, users have access to a much more powerful line of high-tech scooters.

Advantages

• large volume of the fuel tank and low consumption of the updated engine;
• very expressive appearance;
• reliable design;
• legendary model.

disadvantages

• very high price;
• the presence of drum brakes on the rear wheel.

Keeway Street 50

Rating: 4.6

A Chinese scooter with claims to the European market, the overall driving dynamics of which is somewhat superior to that of Sym scooters. Although, by and large, the difference between them is not so great: the negative sides of Keeway Street 50 are the positive sides of the same Symphony SR 50 and Orbit. The two-stroke engine of this model makes it possible to accelerate to 55 kilometers per hour, but at the same time it sounds 'meaner' and works well at the top, which cannot be said about the four-stroke from the Taiwanese Sym.

The Keeway Street 50's ride performance is also good, thanks to a combination of classic suspension (telescopic front forks and preload adjustable monoshock rear) and wider wheels. True, it is a little more difficult to maneuver on it due to the increased contact patch of the wheels with the road, which is one of the disadvantages. The appearance of the “eared” (rear-view mirrors stick out very characteristically) is pleasant, but nothing more. According to modern market conditions, such a purchase will cost 50-60 thousand rubles, which makes the scooter the cheapest among direct competitors.

Advantages

• lowest purchase price;
• good driving performance;
• low fuel consumption;
• nice design.

disadvantages

• a slight loss in maneuverability due to increased stability on the track;
• the need to fill in high-quality oil to increase the engine resource.

Sym Symphony SR 50

Rating: 4.5

One line higher is another representative of Sanyang Industry with the euphonious name Symphony SR 50. This model got a more characteristic and attractive appearance, acquired a more resourceful 3.5 horsepower engine, and surpassed its internal corporate opponent in other respects.

The head optics have undergone structural and visual changes to match the entire design of the case. In general, the design of the Symphony SR 50 turned out to be extremely successful and attractive, even on such a compact model, whose curb weight does not exceed 100 kilograms. But, as is often the case, the expressive features of the scooter were achieved by using cheap plastic, which is the most serious disadvantage. A couple of awkward movements, and there will be no trace of the former beauty: even a weak mechanical contact can provoke a break and chipping of linings. The rest of the model performs very well: there are no complaints about the chassis and ergonomics.

Advantages

• low purchase price (80-100 thousand rubles);
• compactness and low weight (100 kg)
• good ergonomics of fit and movement;
• nice appearance.

disadvantages

• fragile facing plastic.

Sym Orbit

Rating: 4.4

The sixth place in the rating goes to the budget brainchild of the Taiwanese company Sanyang Industry, created for exploitation in a rural environment or close movement around the city. Sym Orbit 50 has nothing superfluous: if you look at the design, you will not find additional frame reinforcements and technical innovations such as ABS and traction control. Compact and 'modest', this scooter is made for easy maneuvering in the traffic, as well as comfortable travel on country roads.

The complete 139QMB engine allows the Sym Orbit 50 to accelerate to an impressive 65 kilometers per hour. However, after reaching this mark, you should be careful, since the suspension is designed for a quieter ride and cannot provide confident steering stabilization. Of the shortcomings of the scooter, one can single out a weak head lighting, rapid piston wear during hard operation, as well as an elementary inconvenience in using the hand brake.

Advantages

• very low price (60-80 thousand rubles);
• high permissible speed (65 km / h);
• simplicity of design and compactness;
• comfortable seat.

disadvantages

• dim headlight;
• design flaws in terms of ergonomics;
• low engine resource.

The best scooters with engine displacement up to 500cc cm.

BMW C 400 X

Rating: 5.0

The first place in the rating goes to one of several representatives BMW in the segment of scooters developed on the basis of new technologies, but using old methods of outsourcing. The concentration of production of the C 400 X in China increases the competitiveness of the model in the rank of mid-size scooters … and, very nicely, does not in any way affect the aspects of quality and reliability.

Needless to say: externally BMW C 400 X makes a very pleasant impression: the finish is made in the best traditions of the German engineering giant. Inside is a 350 cc engine with 33 horsepower, which allows the model to confidently accelerate to 140 kilometers per hour (and slowly to 160). At the same time, the scooter's fuel consumption is the best in the segment: only 3 liters per 100 kilometers, which is why one full tank can be enough for 350 kilometers. Yes, high windscreen is not available to users as standard, but when you buy it on a scooter, you can conquer long distances – both the suspension and the comfort of the seats allow it. In addition, it is worth noting the excellent adaptability of the C 400 X to maneuvering in heavy traffic, which also makes it possible to confidently conquer city roads.

Advantages

• low fuel consumption;
• the suitability of the scooter for driving around the city and for traveling;
• a powerful engine that allows you to accelerate to 160 km / h;
• availability of track control systems and anti-lock brakes;
• pleasant appearance (in the spirit of the company BMW);
• comfort of the seat and suspension.

disadvantages

• not found.

Piaggio MP3 300

Rating: 4.9

Piaggio MP3 is a unique scooter in every sense of the word. The wheelbase of this model includes 3 wheels, 2 of which are located on the front axle. Naturally, this design gives the bike stability, but, by and large, the second wheel in front is not felt, except that the front becomes a little heavier. As a motor on the MP3, a 300 cc 22 horsepower unit is installed – ideal for traction of a 200 kg body with additional load. It allows you to reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, which is more than enough for a city.

But on the track, the extra 10-20 kilometers per hour would not fit. The fact is that, moving on the cutoff, it is almost impossible to confidently overtake a vehicle traveling at the appropriate speed. As for the suspension, it should also be noted the additional rigidity that is present on the front axle. If you pass uneven areas neatly, you will not even feel a shaking, but flying into a hole with two wheels cannot be avoided. The design is more than modest, but very pleasant, amenable to additional tuning. There is no difference in cost to Vespa – but, you see, three-wheeled scooters are not common in Russia.

Advantages

• 2 wheels on the front axle;
• great option for getting around the city;
• harsh but comfortable suspension;
• comfortable seats;
• a large number of tuning elements.

disadvantages

• not found.

Vespa GTS 300

Rating: 4.8

Another bright representative of the Vespa company is in the third line of the rating due to the indescribable impressions of ownership and operation in various weather conditions. Traditionally, the main feature of this scooter is the original design, a kind of tribute to the past, which has grown into all recognizable features. Under the steel monocoque, there is a 22-horsepower engine, the maximum of which is 140 kilometers per hour and good acceleration dynamics.

There are also no complaints about landing: the Vespa GTS 300 seems to be a very comfortable scooter for both the driver and the passenger, and the presence of a windproof glass makes the oncoming air flow nothing more than resistance to acceleration. The braking system of the model acquired ABS and ASR (traction control and traction control), and the onboard network – the ability to monitor indicators via a USB connection. In this case, the owner's smartphone is the controlling authority. As a result, the GTS 300 costs a lot, the integration of the entire 'package' of technologies fully justifies the price tag.

Advantages

• the presence of ABS systems (anti-lock wheels when braking), ASR (control of slippage and traction);
• the ability to monitor the condition of the scooter using a smartphone;
• very recognizable appearance;
• impressive dynamics of acceleration and 140 km / h top speed.

disadvantages

• not found.

Suzuki Burgman / Skywave 250

Rating: 4.7

Representative of the most popular scooter series Suzuki in Europe (known as Burgman) and Japan (known as Skywave), tailored to provide maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. As a power unit, it uses a single-cylinder 23 horsepower engine with an injection fuel supply system. It is moderately reliable and unpretentious in maintenance: it is enough to change the oil in a timely manner and monitor the cleanliness of the air filters. If all this is done, the scooter will allow you to accelerate to an impressive 140 kilometers per hour … although, to tell the truth, with such a deep landing (many compare it with landing on choppers), you don't want to accelerate above 100 kilometers per hour.

Obviously, the right decision would be to purchase Suzuki Burgman 250 as a transport for travel, since both the comfort parameters and the availability of space for the accompanying cargo will be enough. In the current market conditions, you will have to pay at least 180 thousand rubles for such a scooter, but there is always an option to purchase a used model.

Advantages

• very comfortable fit;
• the presence of windproof glass;
• the ability to accelerate to 140 km / h;
• pleasant appearance;
• the most capacious of the mid-size scooters;
• unique implementation of the braking system (when braking the rear wheel, part of the effort goes to braking the front one).

disadvantages

• The 'native' springs of the front fork should be changed to more powerful ones almost immediately.

Sym Joyride 200i EVO

Rating: 4.6

One line higher is the scooter of the already well-known Sanyang Industry company, the characteristics and cost of which look balanced against the background of more eminent competitors. The Joyride 200i EVO is the quintessential mid-size bike, built with compromise for everyone. In saying this, we mean a harsh suspension setting, such that it works well on small bumps, and does not make the driver (and especially the passenger) feel any particular discomfort on large potholes. The maximum developed speed is 140 kilometers per hour, but in normal mode the scooter operates in the range from 110 to 120 kilometers per hour.

As practice shows, many enthusiasts use the Sym Joyride 200i EVO for long trips, from 500 to 2500 kilometers, and speak of it as a fairly reliable companion. However, with a slight complaint about the comfort, which we attributed to the main disadvantages. The cost of this model is 2 times lower than that of the Yamaha Aerox 155cc, therefore, a small discount on quality can be made.

Advantages

• pleasant appearance;
• the ability to accelerate to 140 km / h;
• perfectly manifests itself during long-distance arrivals;
• high degree of reliability without high maintenance costs.

disadvantages

• not the most comfortable option when traveling long distances.

Honda PCX 150

Rating: 4.5

The sixth candidate for a place in the ranking is a very rare guest on the domestic market. The main area of ​​its use is sunny Thailand, where the positive aspects (as well as some negative ones) are fully revealed. First of all, I would like to say about the driving dynamics. Still, the 150 cc engine allows you to move quickly, and due to its low weight (we will talk about the nuances associated with this a little later), it also allows you to maneuver in a fairly dense stream. The advantages include low noise level, roomy trunk, dense light flux from the head optics, as well as soft suspension that increases ride comfort.

Despite the presence of dynamics, the low weight Honda of the PCX 150 can play a cruel joke. For example, in bad weather, the scooter can move on the road because of the notorious crosswind, or skid in rainy weather. In addition, thin facing steel is prone to the initiation of corrosion centers, so the metal begins to rot after the first year of operation. Letting go of some ergonomic nuances, let's say: with the proper approach to the maintenance, this scooter can last more than one year, but the associated costs completely neutralize the profit from the cost.

Advantages

• comfortable fit and ergonomic suspension;
• good driving dynamics;
• wide head optics, giving a dense light flux;
• spacious luggage compartment (at least 5 liters).

disadvantages

• the low weight of the scooter contributes to the appearance of dangerous road situations in bad weather;
• not the best quality facing material (or its processing).

Yamaha Aerox 155cc

Rating: 4.4

The last place in the rating in the category of midsize scooters goes to the Yamaha Aerox 155cc – variations on the motorcycle theme with sporty features. The visual design of the model is done in the best traditions of a Japanese manufacturing company, and includes a variety of stylized plastic fairings that frame the welded frame. As a power unit, the Aerox is equipped with an updated four-stroke engine with a capacity of 15 horsepower, which allows the scooter to accelerate to an impressive 135 kilometers per hour.

There are no complaints about the Yamaha Aerox 155cc suspension either: even during acceleration, sufficient ride comfort is provided. I was pleasantly surprised by the powerful head optics, which perfectly illuminate the road at night. But among the shortcomings, it should be noted an uncomfortable fit, which is said by the vast majority of users. And the price in Russia for the purchase of this scooter is surprising with a minus sign: for 220-250 thousand rubles, users can buy a used car … and hardly anyone will spend so much on the purchase of a mid-size motor vehicle.

Advantages

• powerful enough engine;
• high maximum speed;
• very expressive and magnificent appearance;
• large luggage compartment under the seat;
• robust construction.

disadvantages

• terrible pricing policy in Russia;
• uncomfortable fit that does not fit the classification 'sport'.

Best maxi scooters

BMW C 650 GT

Rating: 5.0

Exclusive from BMW can be considered the most advanced maxi scooter at the moment. Every ruble spent on the C 650 GT contributes to maximum safety, comfort and an excellent driving experience, coupled with modern technical and technological equipment. With a curb weight of 261 kilograms, this scooter can accelerate to 180 kilometers per hour, demonstrating very good acceleration dynamics. This is facilitated by a 60-horsepower engine, the torque of which reaches its maximum at 6,000 shaft revolutions per minute (63 Nm).

The scooter also demonstrates very decent performance in terms of fuel consumption. The useful volume of the tank is 15.5 liters, but a reserve tank with a capacity of 3 liters can also be used for long journeys. Consuming 4.5 liters per hundred, one full fill can be enough for 400 kilometers, which is the best result among competitors. Otherwise BMW the C 650 GT also dominates, and its only drawback is its high initial cost.

Advantages

• 60 hp engine capable of accelerating the scooter up to 180 km / h;
• economical fuel consumption and a reserve tank;
• a large number of modern technical components integrated into the design;
• very high level of quality and reliability;
• unparalleled comfort.

disadvantages

• high price.

Yamaha TMAX 530 ABS

Rating: 4.9

One step away from the leading position, an elegant scooter from Yamaha – TMax 530, equipped with an ABS system, stopped. As a restyled version of the earlier 500cc TMax, it inherited striking design features and elevated them to the absolute. Indeed, even the model from BMW cannot compete with the beauty of this maxi-scooter, even if in other characteristics it looks much better.

Along with the attractiveness, the Yamaha TMax 530 also inherited reliability, which concerns the braking system (integrated directly from the Y ZF – R1 sportbike), lining plastic and wind protection. The acceleration potential also leaves a pleasant impression: the 48-horsepower engine is enough to jerk off to leave behind more powerful competitors … but parity is restored over long distances. As a minus, the model can be called increased fuel consumption: about 5.5 liters per hundred, which with 14 liters of gas tank volume will allow you to drive no more than 230-240 kilometers. Otherwise, there are no complaints – the scooter is great for city roads, but would not mind taking part in tourist rides.

Advantages

• the most pleasant appearance among competitors;
• high degree of reliability;
• comfort;
• good overclocking potential (excellent starting point);
• can be used for both city and country driving.

disadvantages

• unoptimized fuel consumption.

SUZUKI BURGMAN 400 ABS

Rating: 4.8

The 400cc maxi scooter Suzuki Burgman 400 with ABS is a worthy candidate for the third line of our rating. An upgrade of the 400 cc engine of the model made it possible to achieve a maximum speed of 175 kilometers per hour – and this with a curb weight of 225 kilograms.

In general, the Japanese company managed to carry out a colossal work on fine-tuning the scooter to a high competitive level: both fuel consumption and driving comfort parameters were optimized. The volume of the Burgman 400 fuel tank is 14 liters, and with an average consumption of 4 liters per hundred, it can cover up to 350 kilometers with one refueling. Together with a comfortable fit, verified aerodynamics for improved maneuvering and good geometry of the windshield, the model can be successfully operated both when driving over short distances and for full-fledged travel. The purchase price will be from 500 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• capable of picking up speed up to 175 km / h;
• lends itself well to maneuvering in heavy traffic;
• ergonomic seats and general comfort;
• up to 350 kilometers on a full tank.

disadvantages

• quite high price;
• low acceleration dynamics.

Honda Silver Wing 600

Rating: 4.7

The fourth line of the rating goes to the maxi-scooter from the company Honda, the production of which was launched in 2001. Having gone through several major restyling and changes in the technical part, the Silver Wing 600 was unable to deviate from the canons of the tourist model, which is facilitated by two factors. Firstly, the heavy weight (250 curb kilograms), which does not give the driver absolutely no opportunity to make quick maneuvers. Secondly, a rather weak frame structure, which does not welcome dynamic acceleration with sudden movements.

However, this does not mean at all that the Honda Silver Wing 600 is a slow-moving vehicle for traveling for two. On a straight line, the variator paired with a two-cylinder 600cc engine gives very sharp starts, allowing the scooter to 'shoot' and accelerate to 160 kilometers per hour. In general, the sensations are mixed, but we know one thing for sure: you will be satisfied with the comfort parameters and visual design.

Advantages

• nice design;
• very comfortable double seat;
• the possibility of a sharp acceleration at a straight distance (up to 160 km / h).

disadvantages

• rather bulky and heavy construction, not intended for quick maneuvering.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.