Looking to supplement that gas-guzzling SUV and pick up an economical motor scooter? You're going to return home with a model that will do nothing more than collect dust in your driveway unless you follow a few simple guidelines.
Power
Motor scooters might come in a wide selection of shapes and sizes, from small-engined "knock abouts" to large motorcycle replacements. Consider your needs and where you'll be using the scooter. If it's only for neighborhood riding, there are any number of small, cheap scooters that would fit the bill. Perhaps a 125 or 150 would be the largest to consider.
Fit
Many scooter shoppers choose a style, rather than purchasing a fit. This is the surest way to ensure a bad investment. Fit becomes increasingly important as operator time increases and is one of the main determinants of safety, so don't brush it aside!
Ensure that your hands are in a good, comfortable position when riding, and that the controls, clutch, and brakes are all within easy reach. And don't forget to check the seat. While soft seats seem to be more comfortable at first, they usually result in soreness faster than firmer seats.
Style
Check out various models online before you head into a showroom where sales pressure will often result in you leaving with something you would not have purchased without pressure. There are plenty of new, sleek models, but you'll also find a wide variety of vintage models for sale.
Price
Similar to cars, motor scooters lose their value immediately upon leaving the lot. What makes this situation worse is that scooters generally don't receive the same level of annual mileage as cars or even motorcycles, so the immediate depreciation has a more significant impact. In a year, you could see a 30 percent or more decrease in resale value for a scooter that has barely been used.
For this reason, be sure to look at more than just local dealerships. There are several good resellers online who will provide you with a good selection at good prices. And you can find these motors scooters without putting up with pushy salesmen!
So remember, before you got to your local dealer and buy that flashy new model, be sure that you're clear on how you intend to use your new scooter, and then consider the power, style, fit, and price.
