Frequently Asked Questions
Answers:
What is a scooter?
The most commonly accepted definition of a scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-thru frame and engines that are low and close to the rear wheel. In California, a scooter may be classified as a "motorcycle" if it's engine is larger than 149cc, or as a "motor-driven" cycle if it's engine is 149cc or smaller.
What is a moped?
A moped is a two or three wheeled vehicle with a small (usually 50cc or less) engine located between the riders legs with pedals for alternate propulsion. Additionally, California defines a "motorized bicycle" (moped) as not being capable of more than 30 mph.
Are Scooters easy to use?
Yes. If you can operate a bicycle competently, you should be able to operate a motor scooter. Most new scooters have fully automatic transmissions. That's right, no shifting gears! All you do is jump on, start the engine, twist the throttle and GO!
How fast do scooters go?
50cc scooters typically get 30-45 miles per hour. For this engine size, you can expect to get over 100 miles per gallon.
You can expect a 125cc or 150cc scooter to run about 55 to 60 miles per hour. They should get between 85 and 95 miles per gallon. Most 200-250cc scooters will run between 70 and 75 miles per hour. They get about 75 to 85 miles per gallon.
300cc and up: Expect about 80 to 90 miles per hour and 60-70 miles per gallon.
What’s a good beginner's scooter?
Almost all scooters are suited for "beginners", because it's usually very easy to learn how to ride one. Typically, modern scooters are the easiest to learn to ride, just because they have electric starters and automatic transmissions. Most people get the hang of it in about 5-10 minutes.
What engine size do I need?
This depends entirely on what you'll be doing with the scooter. If you plan to do much highway commuting or touring, bigger is better. The legal minimum on California highways is 150ccs. We’d recommend at least a liquid-cooled 250cc engine. If you’re not planning on jumping on the highway, a 50cc or 125cc is plenty for around town. Also, keep in mind that it is equally important to fit you to the proper overall size of scooter for your body frame and size. In many cases, different engine sizes are available on the same model scooter.
What will insurance cost?
It depends on your driving history, where you live and whatever other policies your insurance carrier will have with you. Most carriers discount for multiple policies, as when several family members carry policies from them or when you carry both auto and scooter insurance together. It is especially difficult to predict insurance costs and it is usually best to shop around for the best coverage at the lowest cost.
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get my cycle endorsement?
No, but it is highly recommended for first time or novice riders. Plus, the DMV will waive the skills test requirement with successfull completion of an approved course.
How long do the tires last?
Depends on the tire. A soft sport tire can wear out in 2500 miles or even less! Typically though, expect about 4,000 miles for the rear and over double that for the front.
Don’t those small wheels get caught in potholes?
No. While larger wheels can provide greater lateral stability at high speeds, small wheels provide very responsive and nimble driving in traffic and provide easy maneuvering for parking. Contrary to common myth, the smaller wheels on scooters do not make them noticeably less safe. Smaller wheels result in greater handling responsiveness, which can keep the scooterist out of trouble. Scooters simply maneuver more easily than motorcycles. Also, those same smaller wheels allow for a lower center of gravity, which is a definite advantage. Also, you'll find smaller wheels noticeably less expensive to replace. All in all, there are advantages to small wheels!
Can my Scooter keep up with traffic?
The bigger scooters (over 125cc) have no problem keeping up, at any speed below 55 mph. You'll lose a little acceleration if you carry a passenger or if you are climbing a hill. The smaller scooters may have some trouble keeping up with fast traffic. You really shouldn’t have any problems riding even 50cc scooters in The Grid (Sacramento Midtown/Downtown).
My scooter doesn't run, how can I get it to you for service?
We would be happy to come get it for you. We offer pickup and delivery service for a nominal delivery charge.
For racing purposes a derestricted 2-stroke 50cc scooter will achieve speeds over 40mph.
Can I make my Scooter go faster?
All scooters can be made to go faster. First, it's critical to know if your scooter has a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. By their very nature, 2-stroke engines are much easier to modify for greater power and speed than are 4-stroke engines, though the basic concepts to increasing speed on any scooter are the same. Essentially, you need to improve fuel, air and exhaust flow. Further, many 50cc scooters with speed-restrictions can be de-restricted fairly easily, allowing very noticeable increases in speed. It should also be noted here that typically performance kits void manufacturer warranties. They often also make reliable engines less trustworthy, usually in proportion to the extremeness of the modification. And lastly, if the increase is very large (as on 50cc models, for example), there will be serious issues as to whether the brake and suspension systems will still keep the rider safe at these new higher speeds.
What brands of scooter do you service?
We will service the brands that we carry plus the Tawainese, Japanese and European scooters.
Do you sell parts and accessories?
Absolutely. We have parts and accessories for all the scooters we carry plus many other popular brands.
Do you sell used scooters?
We have fully restored vintage Vespas for sale as well as trade-ins from time to time.
Do you take trade-ins?
We may from time to time and on a case by case basis. The scoot must be in good shape, and a brand of bike we can get parts for.
Can I buy a scooter on the Internet and bring it to you for assembly?
No.
What’s with those cheap scooters I see on the Internet?
Its the same with just about anything, “you get what you pay for.” Typically the bikes are made in mainland China (not Taiwan) and are of inferior materials, design, workmanship and ability. Please, please, please do some research on what you’re buying. Many of these bikes fail within 30 days if they ever work at all. Find a group of people on the internet that has bought the same product you’re thinking of buying and are happy with it. Find a place that will service it before you go and buy it. Ask questions about the brand and model on internet message boards. Find out if the scooter comes assembled or not. By far, the best thing to do is to find a brick and mortar shop that will stand behind what they sell, and that you know will be there next season to help you out.
I have a Chinese scooter. Can you fix it? I think it only needs…
We’ve learned the hard way not mess with these scooters. Most of the shops that carry them don’t seem to stay in business for very long. Unfortunately that is why these scooters are often referred to as "disposables."
I bought an old scooter at a garage sale (or from a friend, an auction, etc) and it hasn’t run for the past 10 years. How much will it cost to get it going?
We’re happy to take a look at it for you and give you an initial estimate of what we think the problems are. Please note that restoring a vintage/older scooter is ALWAYS more expensive than you thought it was going to be, and probably more expensive than buying one that was in good shape to begin with.
Where can I connect with others who love scooters?
There are several scooter clubs right here in Sacramento. Here are a few of them: The Royal Bastards (www.royalbastardsscooterclub.com), the Burgundy Topz (burgundytopz.com), and Vespa Club of Sacramento (vespaclubofsacramento.com)
Do you offer financing?
We offer a Preferred Customer Card that allows qualified customers to make payments over time as well as take advantage of special interest rates. The application process is quick and easy. In addition to being able to purchase the scooter of their dreams, qualifying customers will be able to purchase riding gear and accessories using their Scoot Shop card.
