Whether you are choosing a scooter for the first time or you want a top-quality upgrade, there is a lot to think about before you rush into making a purchase.
Although scooters are exactly the kind of item that screams “impulse buy”, it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be like that.
With the right amount of research and taking the time to step back and think about what you really need, as well as want from a scooter, you can ensure that you pick the scooter of your dreams.
From determining what you realistically afford, to choosing the right engine size, to picking the perfect model, keep reading to find out how you can pick the ideal scooter for your lifestyle.
Set yourself a budget
A scooter is one of those luxury items that you can all too easily get carried away with and end up spending all your savings on. Although there is nothing wrong with treating yourself now and again, you don’t want to bankrupt yourself in the process.
Therefore, it is important that you work out what you can comfortably afford to spend and then, the hardest part, stick to it. If you are buying your first scooter, it can be a good idea to pick a less expensive one or a used model and then upgrade as you start to understand more about what you want from a scooter.
Choose a reputable manufacturer
If you know anything about scooters, you will have heard of the below well-known and trusted manufacturers:
- Piaggio (Vespa)
- Genuine
- Honda
- Yamaha
Piaggio is arguably the most famous and loved scooter manufacturer, with most people thinking of a Vespa when they imagine themselves on their first scooter. Piaggio offers many high-class scooters, including the Piaggio MP3, which is available in several different engine sizes.
Piaggio is the ideal scooter manufacturer for those who love sleek and stylish models that catch the attention of everyone who sees them. Not to mention the fact that they are pretty good to ride too.
Pick the right engine size
Although you may feel like bigger is always better, that is not necessarily the case when it comes to choosing a scooter. When picking an engine size, you need to think predominantly about what you are going to be using your scooter for.
How far are you planning to travel? Long or short distances? How fast are you likely to be going? What are the speed limits of the roads you will be covering?
Smaller engines are ideal for short, urban commutes; however, their low top speed means that they are not suited to long distances or fast roads. A 125cc scooter is a good idea if you want a bit more speed and need versatility from your means of transport.
Consider fuel costs
You may have your eye on a 400cc-plus scooter but have you thought about how much that is going to cost you in fuel consumption? If you are replacing your car with a scooter, you should know that scooters need on average between 55-81% less fuel than a car for the same journey.
If you are concerned with your impact on the environment, you may want to consider looking into the variety of low emission scooters on the market.