How to choose a scooter

Auto and Moto

A scooter is a substitute for both your own car and public transport. It is not afraid of traffic jams, the device consumes a minimum amount of fuel, does not require a separate packing space and is suitable for use in everyday urban conditions.

how to choose a scooter

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In the next article, we'll show you how to choose a motorcycle for a beginner and not reduce the risk of injury.

Top scooter manufacturers

The most preferred for purchase are scooters from those manufacturers who have established themselves in the car and motorcycle market:

  1. Yamaha;

  2. Suzuki;

  3. Honda;

  4. Irbis;

  5. Kawasaki;

All kinds of Chinese scooters are also widespread. With good operating characteristics, such models are distinguished by an affordable price, and therefore the popularity of such devices is natural. Before choosing a Chinese scooter, you should study the reviews and operating experience of the owners of similar models, as well as typical 'sores' and components prone to breakdowns. This can be done on the Internet, on thematic forums and on social networks.

The principle of operation and types of scooters

A modern scooter is structurally similar to a moped, differing from it in well-thought-out ergonomics and ease of landing while driving. The scooter is also equipped with an internal combustion engine, transmission and braking system, there are lighting devices and those components that are necessary when driving on the road.

A great variety of models are represented under the general concept of 'scooter'.

Compact scooters (up to 50 cc)

scooter 50 cubic meters

Miniature models, which are a complete replacement for bicycles. Compact weight, simple design, unpretentious operation. On sale are models that differ in design, filling and performance. A class M driver's license is required. The license is issued from the age of 16.

Advantages

  • Suitable for beginners and teenagers;

  • Maneuverability;

  • Minimum fuel consumption;

  • Unpretentious in operation;

  • Compact dimensions;

disadvantages

  • Speed ​​is limited to 40-50 kilometers per hour;

  • Difficulties in transporting passengers and luggage;

  • Small tank volume;

  • Small engine resource;

Mid-size scooter models (50 to 250 cc)

Scooter 250cc  cm.

Powerful devices with engine displacement ranging from 50 to 250 cubic centimeters. Requires a category A driver's license and is capable of quickly accelerating to speeds of 90-120 kilometers per hour. The functionality is close to motorcycles.

Advantages

  • Power sufficient for most operating conditions;

  • Acceptable fuel consumption;

  • Allows you to organize long trips;

  • Allow the carriage of a passenger;

  • Thoughtful brakes;

  • Good acceleration dynamics;

  • ABS, cruise control and other modern systems inherent in motorcycles;

disadvantages

  • Require category A driver's license;

  • Require qualified maintenance;

  • Expensive;

  • Not suitable for children and adolescents;

Full-size scooters (up to 500cc)

scooter 500 cc  cm.

Models equipped with engines over 250 cc. They are a full-fledged analogue of modern motorcycles, equipped with modern auxiliary mechanisms, capable of speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour. Robust and reliable design, but at the same time quite compact and maneuverable in city traffic.

Advantages

  • High power;

  • Excellent low and high beam;

  • Maneuverability;

  • Allow to carry a passenger;

  • Availability of all necessary systems;

  • Construction strength and reliability;

disadvantages

  • Require good motorcycle driving skills;

  • In the event of a breakdown, repairs will pull a large amount of money;

  • Consume a lot of fuel;

  • Expensive;

  • Allowed for use only with a driving license of category A;

Parameters for choosing a scooter for everyday use

scooter selection criteria

Regardless of what type the selected model belongs to, the criteria for the correct purchase are similar in many situations.

Engine capacity

The most important parameter affecting acceleration dynamics, engine life, as well as fuel consumption.

  1. Compact models up to 50 'cubes' are a great alternative to a bicycle for everyday use, and also a great gift for children and teenagers. Also, such models do not require rights;

  2. If you have to ride alone with a passenger, you should prefer a more powerful model, about 125-150 cubic centimeters;

  3. For those who want to get maximum emotions and know how to handle motor vehicles, a scooter with a capacity of over 200 'cubes' will be optimal;

How the engine works

Two-stroke engines are the easiest to operate and maintain. The principle of mixture formation in them is divided into two stages. Unpretentious devices suitable for suburban use. Such models almost always do not have a dedicated lubrication system and require the addition of special oil to the fuel tank in a certain proportion.

Four-stroke engines are more complex in design and require more careful maintenance. By the principle of operation, they are similar to conventional automobile engines, they assume the presence of a separate lubrication system. They run quieter and smoother, the exhaust is more environmentally friendly, and the fuel consumption is several times lower.

Engine power and maximum speed

A parameter inextricably linked with the engine displacement. The higher the power, the more dynamic and speedy the scooter is.

  1. As a vehicle for children and adolescents, a scooter with an engine with a capacity of 3 to 8-10 horsepower, capable of developing 40-50 kilometers per hour, is best suited;

  2. Everyday use will require the purchase of a more powerful scooter. The optimal model is considered to be a model with an engine from 5 to 15 horsepower, accelerating to 80-90 kilometers per hour;

  3. For outdoor activities, high-speed driving and frequent travel between cities, you will need a model with an engine with a capacity of up to 40-50 'horses', overcoming the mark of 150-180 km / h. Such devices require certain skills and ability to handle two-wheeled vehicles, because they are practically not inferior to sports motorcycles.

Number of seats

When choosing a scooter, you need to take into account the number of seats and compare it with whether there will be passengers or the movement will be carried out alone. It should also be remembered that compact low-power models are not designed to carry passengers – the comfort of a trip for two will be minimal, and the average speed will not exceed 15-20 kilometers per hour. On the other hand, powerful models allow a comfortable journey with a partner, but they require special skills to operate such a device.

Fuel consumption and fuel tank volume

An important parameter on which the power reserve directly depends, as well as how often the gas station will be visited. The relationship is simple – the higher the engine power, the higher the consumption.

  1. Compact city models with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic meters consume no more than 1 liter per 100 kilometers;

  2. Models with engines ranging from 50 to 250 cubic centimeters 'eat' more. Their consumption can reach 3-4 liters per hundred kilometers;

  3. Powerful road scooters with engines up to half a liter consume up to 6-8 liters per 'hundred square meters'. Such an expense is a payback for high dynamics and the ability to accelerate intensively;

  4. Many manufacturers practice the formula for linking fuel consumption to the volume of the fuel tank, taking the figure of 500 kilometers as a standard. It is for this reason that on sale you can find models with a tank that can hold from 5 to 20 liters of fuel.

Engine cooling system

The air system is installed on the simplest models of scooters, it does not imply intensive use and long trips at maximum speed.

The water system is more efficient and provides efficient heat removal from the engine. Powerful scooters are equipped with it. Antifreeze is used as a working fluid.

Fuel supply principle

  1. Carburetor scooters are the most budgetary models. Fuel supply is carried out by suction of a special device. It does not always work stably, and its functionality depends on many different factors;

  2. The injection system is more fail-safe and ensures the correct mixture formation. As a result, the thrust increases, the dynamics and quality of the engine are improved, regardless of operating conditions. Injectors are installed on models of the middle and upper price range.

Installed transmission type

The semi-automatic gearbox allows precise control of the engine speed and revolutions by switching the operating mode with a special foot pedal. Unlike 'mechanics', the clutch is absent here, and its functions are assigned to a special control unit.

The variator, or the so-called continuously variable transmission, is gaining more and more popularity lately. The principle of its operation lies in the presence of a cone-shaped clutch along which a durable poly-V-belt moves. By changing its position relative to the wide part, the gear ratio of the gearbox changes and, as a result, the speed of movement.

Type of brake system installed

Responsible for how quickly the scooter will stop during an emergency.

  1. Mechanical brakes. Similar to sports bikes. The brake disc is compressed by the pads, which are set in motion using a cable mechanism and hand grips. The simplest system installed on budget models and low-power scooters;

  2. Drum algorithm. The role of brakes is performed by pads of a semicircular shape, rubbing against the drum. Due to the fact that the pads are inside, protection from precipitation and debris is provided;

  3. Disc hydraulic system. As in the case of the mechanical algorithm, braking is carried out by pads rubbing against a special brake disc, but the drive here is not manual, but hydraulic. It is considered the most functional and provides a quick stop at any speed;

Features of choosing a Chinese scooter

chinese scooter

Practice shows that the country of origin of this or that scooter model plays a secondary role. Attention must be paid to the overall quality of the assembly and materials used, as well as technical solutions and their implementation, comparing the information received and the cost of the device. For example, if the scooter has a powerful engine of 30-40 horsepower, as well as mechanical brakes, it is better to refuse to buy such a model due to the high danger of not stopping on time.

When choosing a mid-range Chinese scooter, you should pay attention to the following options:

  1. Engine 20-25 horsepower;

  2. Four-stroke design and injection injection;

  3. CVT transmission;

  4. Drum or hydraulic disc brakes;

  5. Excellent light head optics;

  6. Comfortable fit;

  7. Tank with a volume of 10-15 liters;


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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