While it is true that 50cc scooters have a restricted speed, these vehicles can supply you with plenty of power for your day to day activities. If you are looking for parts for your scooter and you need an informative article that can help you out, check it out here.
If you are riding a scooter in a busy city, chances are that you won’t go faster than 30 mph, which happens to be the top speed of these vehicles. Moreover, it should be mentioned that these vehicles are also meant to be used by youngsters to get driving experience, which is a factor that might explain the speed limitations.
How fast can a 50cc scooter go?
Most 50cc scooters have a speed of around 30mph. These vehicles can be ridden on public roads, but not on the motorways, by those who are under 17. On top of that, it is worth pointing out that these vehicles do not require users to have a motorcycle license.
Another important aspect that is worth pointing out is the fact that 50cc vehicles are de-restricted. This is a simple operation that can be done by most mechanics and, as a result, your vehicle will be able to do around 45 to 50 mph.
Pros of 50cc scooters
Because of the design of a scooter, one of the biggest advantages of these vehicles is the comfort that they provide to the users. When compared to a motorcycle, a scooter rider can sit up straight and, thus, he/she won’t find it challenging to ride for long distances.
On top of that, given their small engines, these vehicles are economical when it comes to the money that you have to pay for gas. If you need a vehicle that you can use to ride on 40mph roads, a 50cc scooter is your best choice, as it can provide you with an optimum gas mileage of, sometimes, more than 100 MPH.
If you are a novice, you’ll probably find it easy to learn how to use a small-engine scooter. This is true given that the acceleration of these vehicles is slow and the top speed is rather low when compared to that of larger-engine scooters.
Another advantage of these vehicles is that, in some states, it is legal to ride them without a driver’s license.
Cons of riding 50cc scooters
The main con of 50cc scooters that might affect your ability to ride such a device is their low speed. Due to the lack of speed of these vehicles, they can be somewhat dangerous in those situations where you cannot keep up with the other traffic participants. For instance, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation and you have to speed up, you might not be able to do so.
Their speed might also pose a problem if you have to ride up steep hills, or if you want to carry a passenger.
Another aspect that is worth noting is that scooters are not as appealing from an aesthetic point of view for some riders. While it is true that, when compared to standard motorcycles, these vehicles do not have an impressive design, they are still rather practical to have around and they are comfortable to ride in.
Speedy 50cc scooters
Even though speed is not a factor that recommends most 50cc scooters, this does not mean that there are not fast models that you can ride. Some of the most popular units that you can find on the market are the Piaggio Zip 4T, the Gilera Runner 50, the Yamaha Zuma 50, the Peugeot Speedfight, and the Aprilia SR50, just to name a few.
Why you should consider getting a scooter
Scooters are affordable, lightweight and they are very simple to park, including in large cities. Because of their design, they can be used by most riders, even by people who suffer from disabilities.
Plus, they can be utilized as a means of transportation around the city, or for when taking long cruises. In later years, manufacturers have tried to make these devices as appealing as possible and, as a result, numerous variations of the traditional design are available. This means that you can now find many scooters that are very stylish and attractive and, thus, you’ll surely find one that suits your preferences.
Another notable advantage is that you can buy cheap insurance for these vehicles and that you won’t spend a lot of money on gas. This is a very practical aspect, especially if you do not want to waste a significant amount of money on gas or insurance.
The 50cc vs. the 125 cc
If you are a novice who is planning on getting a brand-new scooter, you are probably wondering how to choose between a 50cc and a 125 cc. If this is the case, there are a couple of aspects that you should keep in mind.
To start, it should be pointed out that the extra 75cc does make a difference. On a 125cc, you can ride at 60mph, which is double than the speed provided by a 50cc. As a result, this makes these vehicles better suited for long trips where you have to travel on the highway.
You can ride 125cc scooters only if you are 17. You do not need a full license to do so. If you want to ride a 125cc, it is not recommended that you hop on one right away, especially if you are not used to riding. The main reason behind this is the speed. Even though it might not seem like a big difference to you, those extra 75cc pack a lot of speed and power that you might not be able to control without a little bit of experience.
However, if you need a vehicle that you can use solely in the city, to get to work and back home, seasoned riders recommend that you opt for a 50cc. These vehicles are more economical and they are much more affordable overall.
So, before you make any decisions, you should take a moment to consider how you plan on using the scooter. Plus, some riders say that a 125cc is a good scooter to ride on when you are younger, especially if you plan on transitioning to a full motorbike once you reach the legal age.
The dangers of riding a scooter
Learning how to ride a scooter is not at all difficult. However, this does not mean that these vehicles are not dangerous. Even though some of the models have smaller engines, all scooters are just as dangerous as regular motorcycles. Here is a rundown of why this is true.
Firstly, scooters have smaller wheels and, consequently, they are less stable than motorcycles. This also means that, on a scooter, you are more likely to feel all the bumps and potholes on the roads.
Secondly, because scooters are smaller than motorcycles, they are less visible to the other traffic participants. If you ride your vehicle in a crowded area, where there is lots of traffic, this means that you are more at risk. This is why you should wear the appropriate safety gear and why you should make sure the other drivers see you.
How to ride safely
When you are on a scooter you have to ride defensively. This means that you have to ride while being aware that there is a chance that the other traffic participants might not be able to see you. So, if a car drives too close to you, or if you do not feel safe near a certain rider, allow him/her to overtake you.
Another important step that you should not overlook implies the use of a helmet. According to statistics, a helmet can save your life in case of an accident. So, don’t forget to wear one whenever you are on the road. Plus, make sure that you are wearing bright colors so that the other drivers can see you.
Whenever you go on the road, you should never ride without considering the limits of your vehicle. Although it might look like a motorcycle, a 50cc scooter is not as powerful, and, thus, you should not expect it to reach high speeds. If this is the case, stay clear of any interstate speeds and don’t try to ride on the highway.
To stay safe in traffic, one thing that you can do is to be familiar with the safety tips for riding a motorcycle. This approach to riding will surely keep you safe!