The history of motorized scooters goes back to the early 1900s when designers in Europe and the US began to put motors on bicycles. After World War II, former aircraft manufacturers such as BMW, Piaggio, and Mitsubishi were added to the technology pool and began manufacturing scooters.
What’s the difference between a scooter and a motorcycle? First of all, scooters have step-through architecture and a foot platform while motorcycle drivers straddle the bike and rest their feet on pegs.
Additionally, engine location and wheel size play a part in the definition. In general, motorcycles are more powerful than scooters. Motorcycle engines range from 50cc to over 2,000cc. Scooter engines were initially on the small side, found in a range from 50cc to 250cc, but with the addition of maxiscoots, also known as touring scooters, engine size ranges up to 800c.
Today scooters have become more popular than ever, which isn’t surprising considering the cost of gas and general state of the economy. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the average price of a new car bought in the US is $28,400.00. A scooter will cost you between $600.00 and $6,000.00, depending on a variety of factors.
On top of that, registration and insurance costs are lower than the same costs for a car. Scooters are much easier to park and store than cars and scooter drivers are qualified to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in many areas. Unlike smaller scooters, maxiscoots have the power to claim their place on the highway because of their larger engines.
Scooter and maxiscoot dealers are currently seeing an upswing in sales due to the Federal Stimulus Package. What a lot of consumers don’t know is that the cost of sales and excise taxes from the purchase of a scooter are tax deductible.
Safety is of some concern to potential scooter drivers, and should be considered in the purchase of any motorized scooter. In fact, in most states it’s necessary to have a special license and take a motorcycle driver safety course for a scooter with an engine over 50cc. Other ways to assure a safer ride include keeping the scooter in good condition, wearing protective clothing, and most importantly, wearing a helmet.
Scooter and maxiscoot owners are a dedicated bunch. Often, owning a scooter involves more than driving one. There are online and in-person communities that offer advice and companionship for those who share their passion. All it takes is an internet search.
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