When starting to think about the upcoming summer season, motorists who want to purchase a scooter should take care of the reliability of this type of transport. It can be used for trips to the country, suburban areas, and other nearby favorite vacation spots for summer pastime.
Note that each scooter is created for its own buyer, so its choice is determined by many technical and aesthetic characteristics. All scooters up to 150cc differ in many respects; it is important to approach the purchase with the utmost concentration and care. When choosing a moped, it is important to consider the following points:
- Who drives the scooter?
- Where are we going: to the country, to the village or around the city.
- Optimal cost - how much a scooter costs for your purposes.
- Single or double moped for one passenger.
Once you have answered these basic questions, you can begin choosing a new scooter.
150cc scooters: what to look for when choosing
Our vehicle is determined by the following main criteria:
- Brand, model.
- Vehicle price.
- Engine.
- Carburetor.
- Battery.
- Tire diameter.
- Gasoline consumption.
- Country of Origin.
A reliable scooter for country trips is an option with a pendulum type front fork. The telescopic suspension does not cope so confidently with uneven sections of rural roads.
To move around urban areas, it is better to purchase a moped with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm3. When driving around the city, there are no too great demands on ground clearance and suspension. The presence of front disc brakes is mandatory, because even Chinese low-power scooters accelerate to 90 km/h. Our review talks about these and other features of scooters and riding them.
Here we will pay special attention to the scooter engine. They are either two-stroke or four-stroke, depending on the purpose defined for a particular model.
Recently, most scooters up to 150 cc are available with a four-stroke engine. These motors have high noise reduction, significant savings, lower air pollution and good controllability. The disadvantage of a four-stroke scooter engine up to 150 is its higher cost compared to its two-stroke counterpart.
Two-stroke products are not as demanding to maintain as their older brothers, they gain speed faster and respond more clearly to the movement of the accelerator handle. In addition, skates with this type of motor have significantly less weight due to their relatively simple design. Mostly 2-stroke internal combustion engines are produced with a volume of 50 cubic meters.
The negative qualities of a 2-stroke diesel engine for them are increased noise, uneven dynamics, the need to add oil more often, high fuel consumption, high smoke, which has a greater impact on environmental pollution and forces owners to frequently clean the muffler.
Despite the fact that more scooters with a four-stroke engine are produced every year, two-stroke engines are in demand. The choice of engine type depends on the purpose of the vehicle trip. If you intend to comfortably ride your scooter home and to work, and on long trips, then a new scooter with a four-stroke engine is for you. Do you prefer drive and love tuning? Your choice is a scooter with a 2-stroke engine.
It is important to determine for yourself which popular moped manufacturer you would like to purchase. Many scooter drivers are wondering about the manufacturer and price: buy a new Chinese moped or buy a used Japanese one.
This question often arises from the fact that the cost of used Japanese equipment is approximately the same as the price of a new Chinese unit. Brands from Japan are extremely reliable and easy to use. The negative qualities of Chinese mopeds are the shorter engine life and the low build quality of some components.
Therefore, it is not recommended to choose used Chinese equipment. It is better to buy a used Japanese scooter. To identify the weak technical qualities of a particular model, it is important to find out reviews about the vehicle you are choosing.
Table of technical characteristics of the presented models
| Model | Sym Symphony SR 125 | Yamaha Grand Axis | Nirvana 150CC | Viper Storm 150 | Suzuki Address V110 | Stels Outlander 150 | Stels Vortex | Irbis Grace 150 | Honda PCX-150 | Nexus F22-S |
| Engine capacity (cm3) | 124,6 | 101 | 150 | 150 | 113 | 150 | 149 | 150 | 153 | 150 |
| Power (hp) | 9 | 10 | 10,1 | 9,6 | 11 | 11,4 | 9,7 | 10 | 14 | 8,2 |
| Number of cylinders | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Number of cycles | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Max. speed (km/h) | 120 | 100 | 125 | 115 | 110 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 125 | 80 |
| Gasoline consumption (l) | 3,5 | 3 | 3,5 | 2,9 | 1,5 | 3,5 | 3,5 | 3 | 2,5 | 3 |
| Volume of the tank | 5,5 | 6,5 | 6,2 | 6 | 6 | 7,4 | 5 | 6 | 5,9 | 6,3 |
| Weight | 110 | 95 | 115 | 109 | 90 | 120 | 106 | 110 | 130 | 105 |
Do you need a license for a 150cc scooter 2022 - 2022
Since changes are constantly being made to Russian legislation, many motorists often have this question. The answer to this is clear. Currently, all scooter drivers who are road users are required to have a license for a scooter up to 150cc 2022 - 2022.
As for violating traffic rules, there is an administrative penalty for not having a driver’s license for a scooter. The fine for not having a license to own a scooter, in accordance with Article 12.7 of the Federal Law on Traffic Safety, ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.
A scooter driver, like any other road user, must first pass his license at a driving school, obtain the necessary documents and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. In addition, when a driver without a license is stopped by the traffic police, such driver is removed from driving the scooter, and the vehicle itself is sent to the impound lot. From there it can be picked up by a person who has a driver’s license that allows him to drive scooters.
HOW BIG
The German-Chinese Sachs Roadster 125 is practically indistinguishable from the “bi-em” described above, and there are suspicions that they are birds of a feather. If there was a “Find Five Differences” competition, I would name the color of the engine, the lack of a lower fairing on the Saxon, the color of the plastic “flashing lights” - and that’s it. No, there’s also the price: the Russian “Chinese” one is significantly lower than the German one.
Small-capacity KYMCO Quannon EU3 - with sportbike features. Its 125 cc air-oil-cooled engine received a fuel injection system, which allowed it to comply with Euro-3 environmental requirements. The rear suspension has a monoshock absorber and 17-inch cast wheels. By the way, the Chinese meticulously tore up this model, and they installed more “cubic” engines of 150 and 200 cm³ (Sagitta Spitzer 150, Patron Sport 200, Stels SB200) into the clones. This partly equalizes the characteristics - where the “Kimkovites”, due to injection, a four-valve head and a more advanced 125 cm³ air-oil engine, “remove” 13 “horses”, the devices from the Middle Kingdom get, at best, the same amount, but with 200 “cubes”. True, the twofold difference in price should not be discounted...
Well, the fact that the “Quannons” run at 130 km/h (this is stated on the forums) is quite understandable wishful thinking, plus the effect of a tailwind on the descent. Still, with a power of 13 horsepower, you can’t fool physics, and although the bike has a semi-fairing, the landing is still quite vertical. However, the latter is not so bad: it is more convenient to ride a motorcycle in the city and improve basic skills. I wanted to say: learning - no, motorcycles in the “cheaper than ever” or “timeless classic” categories are better suited for learning. Rearward footpegs, a narrow handlebar with the handles pulled back and down, and a small turning angle are not at all what a training motorcycle needs.
The “octagons” of the Czech company Jawa Moto spol stand apart. sro This name still evokes strong nostalgic emotions among compatriots - the plant, which is more than 80 years old, at one time supplied over 2 million motorcycles to the USSR. The family of “125” class machines began to be produced a long time ago - in 1998, using 4T engines from the Taiwanese company CPI. At first these were clones of Honda’s CG series, later - more modern NX OHC circuits with quite high power for an “air blower” (12.8 hp). The frame is closed through the engine crankcase, the rear suspension is with a monoshock absorber, both wheels are equipped with disc brakes. The Dakar model is unique for our market in that it is a dual-purpose motorcycle, which is emphasized by the “chubby” 16-inch rear wheel, high front fender and handlebar guards. Unfortunately, there are no others like it: the good RT125D SUV from Hyosung almost didn’t survive in our market until the introduction of the A1. A more “parquet” modification is the Dandy, with a low front fender and 17-inch wheels with “quiet” tires. The maximum speed of both motorcycles is 110 km/h. Unfortunately, the price of devices from the Czech Republic is also unique, confirming the thesis that everything touched by a European hand becomes noticeably more expensive than products from the Celestial motorcycle industry...
Consumables and spare parts
When it comes to scooter consumables, this is where the main equipment used during replacement stands out. Consumables for mopeds should not be purchased based on savings. They should not let their owner down at the most inopportune moment. For example, a cheap ignition switch can last a very short time and fail at any time. Let's name the frequently used consumables for mopeds:
- egnition lock;
- front and side fairings;
- speedometer frame;
- filter element;
- stop signal;
- headlights;
- turn signals;
- other consumables.
Scooter parts can be classified as follows:
- engine;
- battery;
- shock absorber;
- variable speed drive;
- air filter;
- muffler;
- carburetor;
- crankshaft;
- starter;
- rim;
- brake system;
- other spare parts.
A review of modern domestic and foreign scooters gives future drivers a confident idea of what a reliable, balanced scooter is.
The best Chinese mopeds
The best Chinese scooter is a moped that satisfies all customer needs. A rating and review of models will prove that recently China has not only completely improved the design of “motorcycles” from European manufacturers, but also equipped them with excellent technical characteristics. China has proven that cheap transport models do not mean low quality.
Delta
Irbis Delta and Viber Delta are popular scooters in this series. These are the cheapest models, which have the advantages of units with minimal cubic meters and good characteristics. The minimum number of cubes in the engine is 50. More expensive models are equipped with 75-100 cc engines.
Delta mopeds from any manufacturer are equipped with the same motors, which simplifies their maintenance. Reliable 4-stroke engine with long service life. Minimum fuel consumption (2 liters per 100 kilometers). There is no plastic lining, which is a positive thing, since over time the plastic begins to crack.
Among the disadvantages are the lack of a fuel level indicator, a low-capacity fuel tank, and a small storage compartment.
Alpha
A review of the Chinese Alpha showed that it is a bright representative of Asian technology, combining a low price and good technical characteristics. In appearance, it resembles a full-fledged motorcycle with large wheels, large front forks and a rearview mirror. Alpha is a large size scooter with a respectable design.
The speedometer and special light bulbs are ergonomically located on the panel. A reasonable solution of the manufacturer is to install a small fuel tank (4 liters) in the unit, since gasoline consumption per 100 kilometers is 2 liters.
Despite the comfort of movement, Alpha mopeds are not perfect. Their electrics, built on a generator, are vulnerable. The 4-stroke engine does not have a forced cooling system or a manual gearbox.
Harley
The speed of the Chinese chopper in a smaller version of Harley is only 60 kilometers per hour. But it starts very quickly and climbs hills without difficulty, thanks to the optimal transmission number. Other advantages include the presence of a disc brake on the front wheel and a design with a twist.
The operation of the mechanisms does not cause any complaints, and the braking system delights with its impeccability. The moped will last a long time due to the absence of plastic parts. This unit is equipped with a 50 cc engine, which means it is possible to drive it without a license.
Read also: How to install a tachometer on a Lanos
The “fly in the ointment” is a narrow seat designed only for the driver, a small trunk and insufficiently rigid shock absorbers.
Assets
A lightweight moped, created as if especially for beginners - the Active series. Interesting design, good technical characteristics, semi-automatic gearbox. Such a moped cannot be called a “stool”.
A roomy seat, 17-inch wheels and all this at a modest price. With a mixed operating cycle, the scooter consumes 2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. The downside is that its fuel tank capacity is 3.3 liters. There are minor problems with electrical components and plastic elements that quickly fail.
Sport
The sporty design turns the scooter into a compact sports bike. The practical absence of breakdowns has made this series of scooters popular not only among those who have just begun to master serious two-wheeled transport, but also among professionals. This is a travel option not only among the wilds of the city, with its traffic jams, but also on country roads. It is easy to operate, despite the full technical equipment.
Panda
A scooter whose design is thought out for young people. It combines sport and classics. Panda is a good solution for traveling within the city and small towns. The instrument panel is equipped with all necessary sensors.
Folding footrests, high beam control button, hand protection. However, with all the advantages, there are significant disadvantages. Fragile plastic and low ground clearance.
Excellent driving dynamics, 12-inch wheels, high ground clearance, good speed and European design - the Reis series scooters. Several modifications of mopeds are produced. Some have rear disc brakes and an additional muffler. In Asian versions there is a front disc brake. Due to the enlarged wheels, the cross-country ability of the vehicle is increased. Among the shortcomings: fragile plastic and easily deformed front fork.
Storm
Brutality and power shine through in the design of the Storm series scooters. The “evil expression” of the style emphasizes the support of the modern concept of an aggressive direction in the appearance of not only bikes, but also cars. Mopeds in this series are equipped with high-level optics. The presence of a muffler and rear disc brakes enhances the favorable impression. With its weighty dimensions, the transport itself looks bulky. Among the disadvantages are some disruptions in driving dynamics, which is due to the large size of the moped.
Design
The Nirvana 150cc has a sporty appearance, highlighted by curved lines of plastic elements and lightweight alloy wheels with off-road tires. The model is supplied in three “colors”: black, red and blue. The wheels are tubeless with alloy discs and made in the color of the body.
The scooter's digital instrument panel is minimalistic but convenient. Thanks to the backlight and large size of the tachometer and speedometer, all information is easy to read even when driving quickly. The new Irbis models have an electronic instrument panel.
The headlights are placed in angled sockets, which gives this scooter a predatory look. Alas, the optics are not particularly powerful. It is still suitable for driving at dusk, but if you are planning to travel in the dark, it is better to replace the standard headlights with bright halogen bulbs.
The moped's equipment is quite good: there is a large trunk under the seat, a convenient glove compartment under the steering wheel, a standard alarm system, a removable windshield, and a cigarette lighter. There is also a small set of tools for emergency repairs on the go.
Tips for caring for your scooter
After purchasing a scooter, it is important to properly break it in. All the components in it are new, so it is important to let them get used to it. Typically, the speed should not exceed 60 km/h during this period.
On a note! Another important nuance is changing the oil. Each manufacturer writes in the documentation the recommended type and mileage after which replacement should be made. Typically, high-quality transmission and engine oil can last 3,000 km, and then it is replaced.
In addition to replacing consumables, you should promptly maintain the battery, carburetor, gasoline hoses, air and fuel filters. Replacing the variator belt is necessary every 10-14 thousand mileage. Timely replacement allows the scooter to work much longer.
Before the start and after the end of the season, it is worth carrying out preventive maintenance by lubricating working and rubbing units. During downtime, negative changes may occur. Prevention helps eliminate this risk.
The last way to extend the operating period is to use only high-quality gasoline. It would be a good idea to use high-quality additives.
Tuning
The Irbis Nirvana is ideally suited for tuning - it can be modified at your discretion both for domestic needs and for exhibitions. For example, to make the scooter more playful, you will have to install an engine of over 150 cubic meters. In this case, there is no need to reinstall the variator; the standard version is suitable for driving with the wind, but you cannot do without replacing the belt. The one that is installed in Nirvana at the factory quickly wears out with intensive use. And the size of the variator belt from the basic configuration does not contribute to acceleration over 100 km/h.
To improve aerodynamic characteristics, the plastic body kit is replaced. The parts are inexpensive - for example, a side fairing suitable for Nirvana can be bought for 1,200 rubles, a front wing - 570 rubles, a beak fairing - 1,790 rubles. As a rule, they are sold in pure white, which allows you to decorate them as you wish - paint them in any color and apply suitable stickers.
Top 4. Sym Orbit 50
Rating (2021): 4.61
- Characteristics
Average price: 58,000 rub.
- Engine type: 4-stroke
- Power: 3 HP
- Volume: 49.5 cm3
- Fuel consumption (100 km): 2.5 liters
- Weight: 100 kg
Previously, the Sym Orbit 50 scooter was often awarded the title of best. Today he lost it, since the cost of almost 60 thousand makes the device quite expensive. It’s impossible to justify the price tag with high performance. The four-stroke engine produces only 3 horsepower. It is unlikely that it will be possible to develop more than 65 kilometers. And the advantages include high maneuverability. It is determined not by driving characteristics, but by the form factor of the scooter. Small body kits and a minimum of design bells and whistles make the vehicle compact, which ensures turning ability. But users have complaints about the location and shape of the handles. Judging by the reviews, they are placed on the steering wheel and are not very convenient.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Spacious trunk
- Rear drum brakes
- High maneuverability
- Low power engine
- Low speed limit
- Not the most convenient location of control knobs and levers
Owner reviews
An excellent scooter for every day, it has gone through fire, water and copper pipes with me. It’s lightweight, handles fabulously, can even be driven off-road if you’re careful, simply because it’s very light. During the warm season I went to work every day, refueled several times a week, the tank was definitely too small. The quality of the plastic is terrible, once I just toppled the bike off the kickstand and the entire sidewall cracked. It wasn’t possible to fix it properly, I ordered a Chinese set of plastic (it came out to about 8k per circle), the quality is the same, but new - there were already enough cracks and bumps. There were no breakdowns during the entire period of operation. Oleg, Shcherbinka.
A peppy lightweight bike with excellent dynamics, in the city it allows you not to feel inferior in traffic. At a traffic light, you can drive between the rows and stand first, and quickly go ahead when it turns green. After 60-70, acceleration weakens, the maximum speed is around 100, but for urban conditions you don’t need more. In terms of reliability, everything is fine, but sometimes you need to put in some effort. A noticeable disadvantage is the weak fasteners of the mirrors; at speed they sometimes get twisted by the wind, so I would advise replacing them immediately. Artyom, Moscow.
If you forget about the brittle plastic, the moped is not bad, although strange. What prevented you from making the gas tank bigger? Or would an extra couple of tens of square centimeters of tin make the model incredibly expensive? The brake force limiter also works strangely, a kind of Chinese-style ABS. It eats a lot, in the city my consumption sometimes exceeded 5 liters, and this is with a tank volume of 6-something. In general, the impressions are mixed. Boris, Novosibirsk.
