| It's a very natural question, and an important one too, | | | | like Yamaha, Honda, and Piaggio (the Vespa) come in |
| because today's cutting edge motor scooters go for | | | | a broad price range. This is where that smart, thrifty |
| over six thousand dollars. However, the answer | | | | category of cheap comes in. At the top of the |
| depends on a handful of important conditions and | | | | scooter spectrum are sparkling new hybrid models |
| assumptions. Let's examine the context here--then | | | | that can get 100 mpg or better, can easily achieve |
| we'll be able to speak to the viability of cheap motor | | | | highway speeds, and are good for long range travel |
| scooters. | | | | and off-road use. If you want a scooter that can |
| First, the answer depends on what you mean by | | | | handle all that, you may be looking at a $6000 price |
| "cheap." In the world of motor scooters, there's | | | | tag. Does that make you swallow hard? |
| cheap--as in a smart, economical buy--and then there's | | | | If so, there's good news. While it's true that motor |
| DIRT CHEAP--as in a rock bottom, is-this-for-real? | | | | scooters pay for themselves in the long run (traveling |
| purchase. At this point, stop and ask yourself: "What | | | | for as little as four cents a mile has that effect), not |
| kind of dividends do I want to enjoy from my | | | | everyone wants to shell out six grand up front. And |
| scooter?" | | | | you can still get plenty of bang for your buck for |
| If you're looking for a trick stand-up scooter to ride | | | | $2000 or less. For example, if you want an economical |
| around in your neighborhood, I'll cut to the chase here: a | | | | scooter for short-range, local use, and 12-15 mph |
| stripped-down model from a small manufacturer may | | | | satisfies your need for speed, then you'll be able to |
| work out OK. As long as you know what you're | | | | discover new models that match your needs in the |
| buying, you won't have high expectations for durability | | | | $1000-$2000 price range. |
| or gas mileage. You won't use your scooter in tough | | | | Still with me? The upshot of all this is that there's |
| conditions, and you won't be shocked if it breaks. | | | | "smart cheap" scooters and then there's "dirt |
| However, if you want your motor scooter to last for | | | | cheap"--and dirt cheap is not a good plan for very |
| years, be a long term investment, and save you | | | | many people. I'd encourage you to shop around, |
| money on your commute or highway travel, the dirt | | | | assess your needs, and buy an economical scooter |
| cheap option is absolutely not for you. | | | | from a quality dealer. If the sticker shock still hurts, do |
| Does that clear some things up? Fortunately, the good | | | | the math on your eventual savings. Down the road, |
| news is that motorized scooters from top tier makers | | | | you'll be happy you did. |