Choosing your first two-wheeled friend: moped or scooter

Hello, friends! Not everyone likes or is suited to four-wheelers. It is a mistake to think that only young people ride motorcycles. Therefore, many people have the question of choosing the first motorcycle in their life.

Have you decided to get a motorcycle, but don’t know what to choose? You can’t decide which is better: and test different types of devices (scooters, scooterettes, mopeds).

Which is better, a scooter or a moped?

Connoisseurs of small vehicles (TS) constantly argue about who is cooler: a moped or a scooter.

• The moped has large wheels, a motorcycle-like riding position, and a manual gearbox.
• The scooter has small wheels, is assembled from plastic parts, has an automatic transmission, and a comfortable fit.

It is impossible to say exactly which of them is the leader. Let's compare a scooter and a moped:

Moped:

• will be cheaper;
• the carrying capacity of such a vehicle is higher;
• more for men;
• has higher cross-country ability, suitable for rural areas

Scooter:

• more interesting in appearance;
• it is comfortable to sit on;
• easier to drive;
• more feminine version;
• for moving around the city (easy to maneuver in big traffic jams and between cars).

Therefore, the debate: a scooter or a moped can only be decided by you. Do you want comfort, safety, comfortable fit, easy control? Then your choice is a scooter.

Do you need rights?

On the one hand, the use of rights is directly controlled by law. But is it possible to do without them? Now let's try to figure it out.

A scooter is considered one of the types of mopeds. The regulations of the Government of the Russian Federation dated October 21, 1993 No. 1090 indicate that a moped is recognized as a 2/3-wheeled mechanical vehicle with a speed of up to 50 km/h. As stated in Part 7 of Art. 25 Federal Law No. 196-FZ dated December 10, 1995, a Russian national driver’s license can confirm the right to drive a scooter. At the same time, the legislator, adopting changes within the framework of the law of October 14, 2014 No. 307-FZ, notes that the license to drive a scooter can have any category or subcategory.

Of course, some “smart guys” can drive without a license, but it’s worth remembering that no matter how cruel the law is, it is the same and must be respected. And not everyone will want to pay 15,000 rubles. It is better to go through a simple learning process consisting of theory and practice, get your license and not worry about it.

What types of scooters are there?

If you are thinking about buying such a vehicle, many questions immediately arise. Which model should I take and what types are they? Size and design are the main criteria when choosing such equipment.

• Small ones. These models are the most popular. The engine capacity is small, which means fuel is consumed economically (about 2 liters per 100 km). In most cases, such a vehicle is designed for one person with average or light weight. Such small-capacity models (50 cubic meters) are small in size. They are fast, maneuverable, and inexpensive. Those who are using such transport for the first time definitely need to buy a small scooter of medium power.
• Average. They have engines with a volume of 150 cubic meters. They are made for two passengers and will consume more gas. It is much easier to drive such a vehicle. More often, middle models are bought by those who love comfort on the road, because they have a softer suspension.
• As big as possible. These are models whose seats resemble a sofa. They are very comfortable and large in size. However, the prices for such models are quite high. They consume a lot of fuel, but their power will please those who value a fast, comfortable ride.

You should choose a scooter depending on your preferences and financial capabilities. But any model will definitely make moving around the city faster and more convenient.

Comparison table of the presented models

To visually compare the models presented above, we use the table.

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Criterias of choice

The selection criteria are determined by the preferences of the buyer himself. He himself needs to make his choice according to three parameters from the list:

1. Purpose.
2. Driving style.
3. Budget for purchase and maintenance.

It should also be noted that the scooter cannot be considered only a youth car. It is preferred by people of all ages and incomes.

Purpose

A distinctive feature of all models: small wheel radius and low ground clearance. This limits its use to city streets. Or paved roads. Trips to work or school, shopping - almost any brand is suitable for this. To visit the dacha on country roads, it is better to choose a scooter. It has a larger wheel radius.

Traffic jams up to 7-8 points are not an obstacle for the scooter due to its small size. Only “standing” in a dense crowd will stop him.

The efficiency of this transport makes it popular not only in the city. In rural areas they often want to buy one for trips over the same short distances.

Driving style

Even with a 50cc engine, this is a car of calm style. Small wheels do not allow you to quickly gain speed. However, there are some nuances here too. Two-stroke engines are slightly more powerful than four-stroke engines. In addition, they are more convenient for tuning. They are less demanding and will last longer before repair. Four-stroke engines are noisier and more difficult to handle and maintain.

For a more aggressive driving style, pay attention to the braking system. Experts advise having disc brakes on the rear or both wheels. Installed only on the front ones, they make driving much more difficult. Especially for beginners. A telescopic front fork would also be useful. It significantly conceals road unevenness.

Budget

The purchase price directly depends on the brand, year of manufacture and condition of the scooter. Chinese manufacturers produce cheap but lower quality products. However, the opinion of experts agrees: with proper care, their equipment can last quite a long time. In addition, the parts to repair them cost less.

During operation, four-stroke engines consume about 2.5 liters per 100 km. With economical driving and proper condition, it is possible to keep within 1.6-2 liters. Two-stroke engines have more consumption. Up to 5 liters. But some manufacturers produce engines with a consumption of 3-4 liters.

When choosing a scooter, carefully read the characteristics specified by the manufacturers.

A large battery capacity will allow you to charge the battery less often. This means maintaining the condition of the terminals longer. Protecting the carburetor from moisture will prolong its trouble-free operation.

Budget segment (up to 30,000 rubles)

FORSAGE COMETA 50

City transport, for driving in dense traffic, can accelerate to 60 km/h. Four-stroke engine with 3.7 hp power. and with a working volume of 49.6 cm3. It is started using an electric starter and a kick starter. Electronic ignition system CDI.

The design measures 168/63.8/101 cm, weighs 80 kg, is equipped with a 4-liter fuel tank (filled with AI-92 fuel), a hydraulic braking system (front disc brake, rear drum brake), R10 wheelbase with aluminum wheels, transmission " CVT", front and rear suspension (telescopic fork, pendulum with 2 shock absorbers).

The vehicle is equipped with a luggage compartment, which is located under the seat, an alarm system, 1.5 seats with a seat height of 71 cm. Fuel is supplied through a carburetor. For 100 km you need only 2 liters of fuel.

The average price is 27,100 rubles.

scooter FORSAGE COMETA 50

Advantages:

• small-sized;
• comfortable sitting;
• affordable price;
• powerful motor;
• long seat;
• economical consumption;
• spacious trunk;
• appearance.

Flaws:

• not identified.

HONDA DIO AF28 ZX

Modern design equipment with a spoiler instead of a luggage compartment, which is equipped with an additional LED brake light. Uprated 2-stroke AF18E engine with 7.0 hp. has a volume of 49 cm3, one cylinder and forced air cooling.

Front disc and rear drum brakes give the design reliability when driving on asphalt. The fuel tank has a nominal volume of 5 liters, gasoline is consumed economically and allows you to travel a distance of 200-250 km. There is one seat. The muffler is sporty. Separate lubrication system. The headlight is yellow.

Overall dimensions (cm): 165 by 99.5. Net weight - 66 kg.

The average price is 27,500 rubles.

scooter HONDA DIO AF28 ZX

Advantages:

• reliability in operation;
• light weight;
• design;
• excellent handling;
• big tank.

Flaws:

• one seat.

SUZUKI SEPIA ZZ NEW 50CC 2T

Unit with a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a power of 6.8 hp. and a volume of 49.9 cc is designed for movement in the city and on dirt roads. It is complemented by a disc brake, a reinforced crankshaft, a contactless ignition system (12 V), a forced air cooling system, a 4-liter gas tank, telescopic front and pendulum rear suspension, as well as a V-belt - final drive.

The front and rear wheels are size 10R. The carburetor provides power to the scooter. Separate lubrication system, oil tank with a capacity of 900 ml. The equipment is started using an electric starter and a kick starter.

The net weight of the goods is 59 kg.

The average price is 250,000 rubles.

scooter SUZUKI SEPIA ZZ NEW 50CC 2T

Advantages:

• low cost;
• very low fuel consumption;
• build quality;
• drives off-road without problems;
• light weight;
• stylish design;
• soft suspension.

Flaws:

• flimsy plastic;
• Regular maintenance of the air filter is required.

KEEWAY HURRICANE 50-2

Despite its mobility, the equipment allows you to carry 2 passengers. It is equipped with a lockable trunk located at the front of the scooter, a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a power of 2.9 hp. (working volume 49 cm3), folding footrests. The cooling system is air, forced. Electronic ignition. Electric or kick start. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, the rear suspension is a pendulum combined with the engine, and damping is provided by an air-oil shock absorber.

Transmission – variator. There is a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. Tires 120x60x12/130x60x12 are mounted on aluminum alloy wheels, ground clearance is 21 cm. Seating height is 75 cm. There is a trunk under the seat. The fuel tank has a capacity of 5.2 liters and is filled with AI-95 fuel. Consumption per 100 km – 2 liters.

Overall dimensions of the model (cm): 174/66/113. Net weight – 105 kg.

The average cost is 28,750 rubles.

scooter KEEWAY HURRICANE 50-2

Advantages:

• Beautiful design;
• the presence of depreciation;
• the scooter is neatly made;
• corresponds to the declared characteristics;
• budget;
• maneuverable;
• convenient control.

Flaws:

• heavy.

HONDA DIO AF 34

An old but reliable model with a two-stroke engine. Economical, easy to use. Easily picks up speed up to 60 km/h. Has a good braking system. It is durable.

Scooter HONDA DIO AF 34

Advantages:

• reliable;
• durable;
• thoughtful design;
• economical;
• good design.

Flaws:

• good for summer holidays in 2022, but performed poorly in winter conditions;
• expensive spare parts.

The best manufacturers

Scooter production is established in many countries. But there are manufacturers who produce models that last only 2-3 years. Of course, such a vehicle is not worth buying, because you should drive it for a long time and comfortably.

Most often, some malfunctions in vehicle operation occur at the same companies. For example, a large percentage of malfunctions, noisy engine operation, poor quality assembly, and more. Therefore, it is better to trust manufacturers who are known for their scooters all over the world. Among them are the following companies: Stels, Susuki, Honda, Sym, Irbis.

Number 1 in the production of light two-wheeled vehicles is the Japanese company Yamaha. This company produces powerful cars and also develops many new models.

When choosing your vehicle, you should pay attention to the manufacturer, but this cannot be the only criterion when purchasing such equipment.

Tips for choosing a scooter

Perhaps you have never encountered such a device, then during the purchase you may hesitate and lose confidence. It’s difficult to know which scooter will perform better and what characteristics you should pay attention to if you don’t want to make a mistake. We have prepared a list with three tips:

1. Fuel consumption. Absolutely every user will be pleased to save a little money, at least on fuel. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about running out of gas quickly and frantically looking for the nearest gas station.
2. Brake system. Check it when purchasing it in a store or in person. Serviceable brakes are one of the guarantees of safety on the road and your health.
3. Scooter engine. Most scooters are now produced with a 4-stroke engine, but it is worth remembering that they will not be suitable for all purposes. But the 4-stroke machine is quieter in operation, more environmentally friendly and retains good maneuverability on the road.

Sources

• https://listtopa.ru/auto/10-skuterov
• https://gadgetok.ru/top-luchshih-skuterov-50-kubov.html
• https://VazNeTaz.ru/top-skuterov-i-mopedov-do-50-kubikov
• https://vyborexperta.ru/avtomoto/luchshie-skutery-do-50-kubov/
• https://Obzzor.net/luchshie-skutery-do-50-kubov/
• https://vyborok.com/top-reyting-luchshih-i-nedorogih-skuterov-do-50-kubov/
• https://lada-xray2.ru/novosti-otechestvennogo-avtoproma/mopedy-rossiyskogo-proizvodstva
• https://obzorus.com/kakoj-vybrat-skuter-ili-moped/
• https://scooter73.ru/motocikly/vidy-skuterov.html