| What's the difference between a 2-stroke and | | | | Sometimes this comes at the price of engine |
| 4-stroke scooter engine? Is a 150cc scooter good for | | | | perkiness, but today's market favors four-stroke |
| long trips? Are hybrid scooters worth the money? | | | | engines. |
| Maybe you're just getting started in the world of | | | | What does "CC" mean in reference to motor |
| motorized scooters. Maybe you've been riding | | | | scooters? |
| scooters for awhile, but you need to brush up your | | | | "CC" is an abbreviation for "cubic centimeters," which |
| basic terminology. Either way, this quick and dirty list of | | | | basically describes engine size where motor scooters |
| common terms and questions should help. I'll take my | | | | are concerned. Therefore, the bigger the CC |
| cue from Einstein, and do what I can to "Make | | | | measurement, the larger and more powerful the motor. |
| everything as simple as possible, but no simpler." | | | | This is useful for determining scooter type and usage. |
| What is a two-stroke scooter engine? | | | | For example, the speed of 50cc motor scooters top |
| In the past, gas powered scooters used two-stroke | | | | off at around 30 mph, and they are not legal for use |
| engines because they were cheaper to build and | | | | on streets. Scooters over 50cc typically require a |
| faster. Their power-to-weight ratio was higher than | | | | state license and can be used for a variety of travel |
| four-stroke engines. If you're willing to get technical, | | | | and commuting tasks. 250cc motorized scooters are |
| two-stroke motors use two movements of the piston | | | | now commonplace, and "monster" 600cc models are |
| instead of four to accomplish basic engine tasks (like | | | | designed for extended highway travel. |
| intake, compression, power and exhaust). This can | | | | What is a hybrid motor scooter? |
| make two-stroke engines peppier than four-stroke | | | | As you'd guess, a hybrid scooter uses both gasoline |
| types--but the emissions level is usually higher. Some | | | | and electricity, and offsets the weaknesses of both |
| "classic scooter" enthusiasts still swear by them, but | | | | fuel sources. For example, gasoline can provide the |
| modern scooters now favor the 4-stroke engines. | | | | quick acceleration that electric scooters often |
| What is a four-stroke scooter engine? | | | | lack--after which the battery-only mode defaults into |
| Traditionally, four-stroke engines weren't used in | | | | higher fuel efficiency. Hybrids are still being tested and |
| motorized scooters. However, this has begun to | | | | developed, but all indications are that they will be even |
| change in the last decade, as manufacturers have | | | | more economical and fuel-efficient than electric or gas |
| started utilizing the more sophisticated technology of | | | | powered models. Buyers can also expect to pay |
| four-stroke engines (four movements of the piston to | | | | more up front for hybrid scooters. |
| accomplish vital operations). By incorporating | | | | My goal with this article was to answer a few |
| four-stroke motors, builders can achieve better gas | | | | common questions. How does it feel to have a higher |
| mileage and durability with fewer emissions. | | | | scooter IQ? |