road trip en 50cc

Are 50cc Scooters Worth It? Is 50cc Enough?

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After writing my post on the best 50cc scooters , I was presented with the question:

Are 50cc scooters worth it and is 50cc enough power?

The answer – it depends. I put some thought into it, and in this post I want to discuss whether or not it’s worth investing in a 50cc scooter.

Depending on where you’re from, having a little 50cc moped could be worth it. It could also be an expensive mistake. Let’s take a look at the practicality behind owning and maintaining a 50cc or less scooter.

The discussion will be broken down into five parts:

• Maintenance

Fun & Commuting

This way you’ll get the best idea of whether a 50cc scooter is a good choice or if they should be avoided. Let’s jump right into it!

Jump Ahead To:

Are 50cc Scooters Worth It?

Around the world, except in Canada and the United States, small scooters like these are wildly popular. Given the larger distances between cities and towns in North America, it’s easy to see why they haven’t gained a foothold.

There’s also the harsh winters to contend with, high-speed highways running through cities, and less skilled drivers. Could there be even more reasons why they’re not popular?

On the other hand, scooters are fuel efficient and easy to maintain. In many American States you don’t even need a license to operate a scooter that’s 50cc or less. With Rising gas prices and increasing living expenses, maybe these mopeds will take off in North America.

Let’s find out.

Cost (Purchase + Insurance)

The first factor to consider when it comes to the 50cc scooter debate is their cost. Compared to motorcycles, it’s significantly cheaper to buy a new or used scooter.

At 50cc these scooters come equipped with a small engine. The body around them is also small and lightweight.

In many places, it’s possible to pick up a second-hand moped for between $500 and $2000. These are typically in great condition as many people buy them and neglect to ride them.

Assuming you already own a car, picking up a 50cc scoot isn’t necessarily about idea. For a few hundred to less than two thousand dollars you can get a machine that’s ready to ride immediately.

Even brand new, mopeds aren’t going to break the bank. It’s possible to buy a new Yamaha or Vespa 50cc scooter for under $4,000. This isn’t a lot of money for a reliable, fun to ride form of transportation.

As for scooter insurance, it’s affordable just about everywhere. Some places don’t even require insurance for vehicles under 50cc.

Even in Ontario, where they pay some of the highest motorcycle insurance rates in the world , scooter insurance will run just $15-$30 per month. Compared to cars and motorcycles, where it’s not uncommon to spend more than $100 every month on insurance, this is a great deal.

When looking at cost alone, it can definitely be worth it to invest in a scooter. Unfortunately, there are a lot of other factors that still need to be considered.

Maintenance & Maintenance Costs

Scooter maintenance and the related costs are the next factor to consider. Most modern mopeds are reliable and can be ridden thousands of maintenance-free miles.

Compared to motorcycles, scoots require little in the form of maintenance. There’s no chains that need lubing, the tires last longer, and the small size makes everything easily accessible.

The small size means you can do most of your own scooter maintenance at home. There’s no need for an expensive motorcycle lift and it’s easy to reach all of the internal components.

Working on your own scooter can be done with basic tools. Even if you don’t have a garage, it’s not a problem to work on these machines outdoors.

Thanks to their simple design, mopeds can travel further before any scheduled maintenance is required. Many people don’t even ride them enough to worry about spark plug changes or engine rebuilds.

Bringing the moped to your local mechanic isn’t an issue either. Again, when compared to motorcycles, it’s easier and faster to work on a scooter.

Apart from regular oil changes and preventive maintenance, the maintenance costs for a scooter are surprisingly low. It’s easy to do your own maintenance and affordable to keep your moped up and running.

When it comes to maintenance, it’s definitely worth it to own a 50cc scooter. Just a few hundred dollars and some afternoons of your own time are enough to get the scooter through the year.

Practicality

Is it practical to own a 50cc scooter or even a 50cc dirt bike ? That depends mostly on where you live and the conditions you’re riding in.

In big cities like Toronto, New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, owning a smaller-cc moped is a great choice. They’re simple to ride and easy to get around town on. Most heavy urban centers in the world have scooters as one of their main forms of transportation. It’s no different in North America.

In more rural areas and smaller towns owning a moped is less practical. If you need to drive on the highway, or higher speed secondary roads, a 50cc scoot isn’t going to cut it. They’re not going to be fun for riding 10+ miles on back roads just to get to your closest grocery store.

Scooters and mopeds are the most practical in bigger cities where there’s a lot to do in a small area. This is, however, until you take the weather into consideration.

In many northern areas, like NYC and Toronto, it’s not practical to ride a scooter for half the year. From November until April the temperatures are often below freezing. Its not uncommon to find snow on the road during these months. This worsens in cities and towns at higher elevations. Even in a big city, you probably won’t want to be riding a scooter during the winter.

In the south, where it’s warmer, and in generally warm destinations you’ll be OK riding a moped for most of the year. Colder areas and smaller towns won’t find this mode of transportation to be as practical.

One of the biggest drawbacks to smaller displacement scooters is their slower top speed. Most 50cc scooters can only reach speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour (55 to 70 kilometers per hour).

Despite their lower speeds, it’s possible to get a faster 50cc scooter. Check out our post on how to make a 50cc scooter go faster for free if you’re looking to maximize the performance of your little scoot.

Unless you’re doing all of your riding in the city, this isn’t fast enough for most people. Rural and secondary roads typically have speeds greater than 40 miles per hour. It’s dangerous, unsafe, and illegal if you’re not able to keep up with traffic at these speeds.

The speeds are even lower for heavier riders and if you’re carrying a passenger. This makes mopeds better suited for urban riding where the speed limit doesn’t exceed 30 to 40 miles per hour.

While it is possible to travel on roads with higher speed limits, it’s dangerous and not recommended. People have crossed North America on 50cc scooters, though for daily use they’re not practical at higher speeds.

At this point, riders will want to consider a more powerful scooter. Those with 125cc+ are better suited for secondary roads and highways. In cities, these lower speeds won’t be a problem for keeping up with traffic.

Another one of the main drawbacks to smaller displacement scooters is their any ability to carry passengers. These mopeds have a smaller weight limit and will be noticeably affected as the limit is approached.

For example, a rider weighing 185 pounds will run into difficulty carrying a passenger that weighs 150 pounds. The engine has to work harder and there will be a noticeable lack of acceleration.

Many scooters also have a weight limit that doesn’t allow for two passengers. Some of the 50cc Vespas and Piaggio scooters have a weight limit of 300 pounds or less.

On your own however, riding solo isn’t a problem for most mopeds. This depends on your weight, though riders under 300 pounds can typically ride safely.

Finally, it’s hard to go wrong with a 50cc scoot if you’re looking to have fun. They’re a blast to ride around, easy to maintain, and a reasonably affordable form of entertainment.

As a motorcycle rider, nothing beats hopping onto a two-wheeled machine and ripping off into the sunset. The wind on your face and all the elements around you make even the smallest scooters heaps of fun.

In many cities there are scooter communities and groups that you can join. There are group rides, scooter related events, and other fun things you can do with local riders. Unless the weather is miserable, you’ll never not have fun riding your scoot.

As for commuting, this is one more area where 50cc scooters shine. Riders with a short, local commute that doesn’t involve the highway will find a smaller displacement moped to be a suitable form of transportation.

They’re fun to ride and easy to find parking for. It’s hard to complain about the fuel efficiency as well, especially with the rising gas prices. Compared to taking the bus, costs can be similar depending on where you live.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, it depends on these various factors that will determine whether or not a 50cc scooter is worth it for you personally. Some riders will find them to be a great choice for local rides and commuting. Others might find them lacking in power and practicality.

It’s important to consider where you’ll be riding, the speeds of your local roads, and what you need a scooter for. It might be more worth it for you to invest in a bigger displacement moped, or even a motorcycle.

People looking for something fun to ride around town are going to have a blast. These scooters are easy to maintain and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face whenever you go for a rip.

I’d love to hear your own thoughts and opinions on this popular debate. Feel free to let me know what you think down in the comments!

For more scooter guides, check out these posts:

• The Best Scooter Helmets

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10 Awe Inspiring Bikes From The 50cc Motorcycle Category

You can have more fun on a 50cc motorcycle than you think.

While a 50cc motorcycle might not be the most obvious form of transport, there are plenty of good reasons to get interested in them. Firstly, they’re ideal learner bikes for young motorcyclists. They’re also great bikes for those looking to improve their technical racing skills. And most importantly, they’re cheap and simple modes of transport. Your average 50cc motorcycle isn’t going to be a speed demon, but it doesn’t mean it has to be a goofy looking scooter either. In this list, we’ve collected together some of the most attractive and most appealing looking 50cc motorcycle models on the market, all in one place. But why?

What About A 50cc Motorcycle?

We understand that the USA isn’t like Europe or Asia. We don’t have narrow little roads, and we don’t have overly congested city streets either – so why should we care about the humble 50cc motorcycle? They’re not fast enough to keep up with the rest of the traffic, they don’t have enough road presence to make an impression on the rest of the road, and they’re hardly the most practical vehicles out there…but that doesn’t mean we should discount them completely. There’s a tool for every job, sure, but when do you need a 50cc bike?

A 125 is probably a superior choice to a 50cc motorcycle 90% of the times you use the arguments like a small urban run-around is all that you need , or I don’t want anything that goes too fast , but not everyone can ride a 125, and in a lot of places a 50cc motorcycle rarely requires proper licensing. And of course, you might be trying to get your kid into motorcycling. In some cases you may even be trying to enter into the completely underrated and often overlooked 50cc racing class that does exist out there. In fact, that 50cc motorcycle racing class is a lot bigger than you’d think, with all kinds of track racing subclasses that include vintage 50cc racers, modern 50cc sports racing, and there’s also the massive 50cc motocross class out there too.

Who Makes 50cc Motorcycles These Days?

Unfortunately, most major manufactures have turned their back on the humble 50cc motorcycle. The big Japanese companies have stopped exporting little 50cc road machines to the United States, with Honda finally ceasing production of the classic Z50 Monkey Bike in 2017. The likes of Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki might have pulled the plug on 50cc road bikes, but they still field a few 50cc, 60cc, or 75cc off-road bikes for the US market and some of those will make this list. But if you’re looking for a real road-going 50cc motorcycle, then you’re going to have to look into some more obscure and exotic brands for answers. Fortunately, we’ve done some digging and have put together the best of the 50cc motorcycle market for your viewing pleasure. Road-going and off-road included…the only thing we’re not covering is little 50cc scooters and mopeds …because that is an entirely different list altogether. So, without further ado…

10 50cc Motorcycle Options For Those Looking For Smaller Thrills

Most of the major manufacturer’s 50cc motorcycle models are geared towards young riders , so we’re going to start with smaller framed machines aimed at getting your little ones on two wheels. If you’re looking for an adult sized 50cc motorcycle, you’ll find the entrees from #07 and onwards infinitely more appealing…

#10. The Honda CRF50F

Up first, we have the smallest member of the legendary Honda CRF family . It might not be as beastly as the new Africa Twin, but this Honda 50cc motorcycle is one of the best options for young riders. Why? Aside from the obvious mechanics and Honda engineering, it actually acts a great springboard into the Honda CRF line, allowing new riders to graduate through the engine sizes on familiar technology as they go.

Mechanically, it’s powered by a compact and reliable four-stroke 50cc engine that promises smooth and easily accessible power. To keep things simple, Honda have mated the little engine to a three speed transmission that’s commanded by an automatic clutch. This allows for your young rider to grasp the basics of gear shifting but without the hassle of a clutch. As for the rest of the chassis, it comes with robust suspension and tough bodywork that can handle the inevitable drops and bumps that it will suffer. Honda has sensibly made it easy for supervising adults to limit the throttle, and made the mechanics as basic as possible to help inspire a new generation of race technicians as well as riders. If you’re looking for a cool little Honda 50cc dirt bike, this is the one.

#09. The KTM 50 SX

Next up, we’ve got the KTM 50 SX. Unlike the Honda, this little 50cc motorcycle comes with a two-stroke engine that offers a higher power output, and features a fully automatic, single-speed engine. The power output is higher, but since your little one won’t have to worry about changing gear, they can focus on throttle control, steering, and braking a little more – which KTM consider to be important skills for upcoming MX racers to learn. And they’re right. Again, it’s a great springboard into the world of off-road riding and the first rung of the illustrious KTM off-road ladder .

It might not seem like much, but thanks to the controllable power and dirt bike focused ergonomics, it’s quite a potent package. It also features KTM’s in-house produced WP Suspension that includes a WP AER 35 front fork twinned with a fully adjustable rear shock. For serious riders, KTM also offer a wide range of add-on upgrades, including a high performance cylinder, and a more race-oriented exhaust pipe. And of course, it’s a KTM, so it looks cool. Naturally. Is it the best 50cc dirt bike for sale that kids can ride? Absolutely.

#08. The Suzuki DR-Z70

Ok, it’s not a 50cc motorcycle, but rather than include Yamaha ’s 50cc offering which is essentially the same as the CRF50F, we decided to include the slightly larger Suzuki DR-Z70 instead. It’s bigger, and therefore better suited to kids who are a little older that could benefit from an additional 20cc and a slightly higher ride height. Like the other two, it’s the smallest in a long line of off-road bikes in the DR-Z line , and offers that obvious graduation. Boasting a three speed transmission partnered with an automatic clutch, the Suzuki DR-Z70 is a great little bike for learners, and the tidy little engine offers more than enough power in a smooth and manageable way.

Of course, it comes with an adjustable powerband to keep over ambitious riders safe until their talent outweighs their ambition, and Suzuki insist that its easy mechanics and reliable nature will ensure that it stays in the family for years as a trainer bike for riders from one generation to the next. Having owned a DR-Z, they’re not wrong with their estimations – the things are unkillable, making it a sound investment, even if junior doesn’t take to it.

And Now For Adult Sized 50cc Motorcycles!

While the 50cc motorcycle might seem a touch on the small side, why let the kids have all the fun? Bigger isn’t always better, and no matter what you think, everyone can benefit from taking a spin on a small bike every now and again. Take a look at the picture above which comes from a dedicated racing series in the UK – yeah, you can really race and lean a little 50cc motorcycle…and if you can’t get your knee down on a 50cc, maybe you’ve got no business riding a bigger one until you can? Yeah, we can’t see that rule sticking…it would be fun though. Anyway…

#07. The Aprilia SX 50 Motard

Aprilia have pretty much got the 50cc motorcycle market well and truly mastered, so you’ll see a few on the list. The Italian company knows how to build potent small capacity machines, and very few manufacturers pay as much attention to the segment as Aprilia. First up, we’ve got the SX 50 Motard, a fearsome supermoto machine that performs as good as it looks. Powered by a punchy liquid-cooled 50cc two-stroke motor and equipped with a six speed transmission, you can see why this is a serious motorcycle.

Six gears means that it’s not a “twist and go” toy. Featuring a digital dashboard, a tapered seat, and even the ability to take a passenger, the SX  Motard is a real motorcycle in every sense of the word. And thanks to Aprilia’s long and illustrious racing heritage, they’ve managed to apply the culmination of years of experience into this little 50cc motorcycle. Of course, it comes with all of the accoutrements you’d expect on a modern motorcycle, from sophisticated suspension to disc brakes…all in a package that weighs a mere 218 lbs. Cool huh?

#06. The Rieju MRT 50 SM Pro

Next up, we’ve got another European supermoto machine. This time, it’s from the Spanish manufacturer Rieju. Now, Rieju is one of those manufacturers that isn’t as well-known as it should be , and because of its slightly foreign sounding name it often gets lumped into the “Chinese” department . But they’re not Chinese, they’re Spanish, and they make great bikes, and this 50cc motorcycle from them is particularly interesting.

Built around a cool CAD developed dual beam chassis, and equipped with a potent Mineralli AM6 two-stroke engine, the MRT 50 SM Pro offers a great ride experience thanks to its innovative weight distribution and top end parts. With USD suspension and gas rear shock, powerful Galfer disc brakes, steel braided lines and hoses, Dell’Orto carburator, and aluminum racing exhaust, you can expect some firey performance from this 50cc motorcycle. Naturally, if you want to squeeze some more performance from it, Rieju offer a wide range of aftermarket performance parts and upgrades too.

#05. The Aprilia SX 50 Factory

The Aprilia SX 50 Factory might look identical to the aforementioned SX 50 Motard, but there are more than enough differences to include it on the list. You see, if you’re looking for a cool 50cc motorcycle for ambling around on, or taking off-road a little, then the SX 50 Motard will do the job. However, if you want the best performance possible, on and off-road, combined with modern rider comforts, extra practicalities, and a stylish Aprilia Factory paint job, then the SX 50 Factory is the tool you need instead.

Boasting superior USD forks, an aluminum swingarm, a rear hydraulic shock, lightweight alloy rims, a floating front brake caliper, extra rear wheel travel, and a whole host of black anodized components, the Aprilia SX 50 Factory claims to be the perfect choice for new riders who want to enter the two-wheeled world with a modest size motorcycle that makes little in the way of compromise. It’s the undisputed king of the 50cc supermoto world, and it’s not hard to see why. It doesn’t look like a little 50cc motorcycle, does it?

#04. The Mash Motorcycles Dirt Track 50

How about something really unusual? This is the Dirt Track 50 from Mash Motorcycles , a small manufacturer from Europe. While the styling should grab your attention, since it looks a little like a fusion of the Ducati Scrambler and Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, there’s a lot more to this 50cc motorcycle than a pretty face. You see, Mash build these little motorcycles with learners in mind, or those who want to circumvent getting a full motorcycle license.

You see, they’re powered by a sweet fuel-injected, air-cooled, 50cc single cylinder engine that can have its power output and top speed restricted depending on which country it’s being sold to. On top of that, it comes with a CVT automatic transmission, meaning there’s no need for any gear shifting either, making it the perfect choice for those wanting a simple machine but with motorcycle good looks . The Mash Motorcycles Dirt Track 50 also comes with disc brakes, modern suspension and a cool digital dash display with a USB port too. If you want a small 50cc motorcycle with a retro 70s vibe, but with modern technology, then Mash Motorcycles have got you covered.

#03. The Aprilia RS4 50

And now for the main attraction, because let’s be honest, these were the ones you came to see. Once again, we’ve got Aprilia leading the charge with their super sports mimicking RS4 50, a 50cc motorcycle decked out like its bigger racing brethren, the legendary RSV4. This motorcycle is for those who want a bike that looks the part but also offers modest performance too. There are places where 50cc sports bike racing is still a widely respected contest, and the surest way to succeed in those competitions is to have an Aprilia strapped between your legs.

Sure, it’s not as punchy as its slightly bigger RS125 family member but if you’re looking to get into track racing properly, starting out on one of these little Aprilias will put you in good stead for the future. From here, you graduate to the RS125, and once you’ve truly mastered the RS125, and we mean truly mastered , then you’re likely a world class racer by this point. And while that sounds like a joke, it’s probably not too far off the truth. And Aprilia knows it.

#02. The Rieju RS3

Rieju have long been front-running contenders in small capacity races, and they’ve put years of racing engineering and knowledge into their latest range of 50cc bikes, and at the top of their 50cc motorcycle class is the Rieju RS3. As an evolution of their already successful RS2 range, the RS3 is as good as its predecessor but better. How? The success comes thanks to a new dual perimeter frame, newly engineered and scientifically researched aerodynamic bodywork, that makes the whole thing look like a bigger sport bike, but conveniently makes the rider more streamlined at the same time.

The bodywork and frame is great, but the real success comes from the Yamaha and Minarelli developed 49cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine and six speed gear box, which allow for some racy tuning if you give it a chance. Up front, the bike is planted to the floor courtesy of Showa inverted suspension, with a rear shock at the back, rolling on alloy rims, and kept under control with disc brakes. To keep things road legal, Rieju have equipped the RS3 with LED lights and a dual projector head lamp. Overall, it’s a very impressive setup for something that’s only a 50cc motorcycle. Only .

#01. The Aprilia RS4 50 Race Replica

And in first place, we have the Aprilia RS4 50 Race Replica: the ultimate 50cc motorcycle. This is the model you really want, isn’t it? This is a motorcycle for those who want to start their motorcycle journey on the right footing, and can see an RSV4 somewhere off in the not-so-distant future. Combined, Aprilia has won over 52 world titles, and over 294 individual GP races, piloted by champions you’ve heard of, like Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Casey Stoner, Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, and Jorge Lorenzo – and it’s because of their technical know-how that the Aprilia RS4 50 Race Replica is the most sought after 50cc motorcycle in the world.

Why? Because it offers class leading power and performance from its tried and tested, race developed 50cc two-stroke engine; a comfortable ride experience thanks to its advanced suspension and braking package; and every day usability for new and young riders thanks to its modest and not-overly-aggressive nature. It’s a shame that we don’t start youngsters off on 50cc motorcycles in the USA…because these would be their ideal weapon of choice.

Lastly, let’s look at legality. Are 50cc motorcycles street legal? Mostly yes, but it depends on licensing and titling and registration requirements that vary state by state. We’ll touch on this in the FAQ below too, but it’s worth pointing out that different states categorize 50cc vehicles differently, and this significantly affects the legality and the licensing requirements.

Most states class a vehicle that equipped with a 50cc engine and under, with a maximum power output of no less than 5 horsepower, and a top speed that’s not in excess of 30 mph, with automatic transmission, as a moped. Generally, these can be ridden with a standard car license.

However, if they don’t meet those criteria, you may need a full motorcycle license or endorsement, even for a 49cc motorcycle or 50cc bike. On top of that, some states require titles and registration, while others aren’t so concerned. Be sure to check with your local authorities before investing in the wrong kind of vehicle or unwittingly breaking the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old to ride a 50cc motorcycle.

There’s no legal age requirement for a child to ride a motorcycle in a controlled area under adult supervision. Some children as young as 5 can jump on a small bike and learn how to ride . It’s all down to you as a parent. However, always make sure that your child is wearing proper protective gear and is always under your supervision.

How fast can a 50cc motorcycle go?

A 50cc motorcycle will have a top speed of up to 40 mph, though heavier riders will struggle to reach higher speeds. Though they’re not the fastest motorcycles in the world, they do have excellent fuel economy.

Do you need a license for a 50cc motorcycle?

It depends on how the vehicle is classified: as a moped, scooter, or motorcycle. Different states have different criteria. For a brief overview, refer to the table below.

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Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.

The Best 50cc Motorcycles & Scooters For New Riders

Updated April 14, 2023 by Simon Bertram

The Engines May Be Tiny, But The Fun Is Not

These are the best 50cc bikes for novice riders:

Aprilia RX 50 Factory

Reiju MRT 50 SM

Honda Metropolitan

Vespa sprint 50, kymco agility 50, piaggio liberty 50 s, honda ruckus.

When you say the words “motor” and “cycle” together, most people think of bikes with fairly large engine displacements. But in Europe (and some parts of North America), there are whole classes of motorcycle license (often labeled learner or “limited”, depending on your location) that allow would-be riders under 18 the chance to develop their skills—as long as they stick to smaller bikes.

We also can’t afford to forget about scooters. While many may not think of scooters as motorcycles in the truest form, they’re still two-wheeled vehicles powered by motors. And in many parts of the world—especially SouthEast Asia and continental Europe—scooters are the primary method of commuting.

In this list, we’ll cover the best ~50cc motorcycles and lower range scooters. These bikes are suitable for European learners on AM or CBT licenses, as well as for those who have their full endorsement but want a fun, easy ride for errands and small trips.

About Our Selections

It needs to be stated that there are very few motorcycles that come with engines under 100cc that are not motocross, dirt, or trail bikes. For this list, we tried our best to stay within the realm of road-going motorcycles, with only one being a dual sport, as there are other lists on BestBeginnerMotorcycles regarding the best dirt and trail bikes for beginners, for kids , and for general use .

These selections considered ease of use, rideability, price, and how effective each motorcycle was in helping the beginner or newer rider learn the intricacies of riding. We are confident that any of these bikes will be superb starter or second bikes or scooters for the new riders to learn and enjoy on!

Aprilia RX 50 Factory (EU Only)

A dual sport for those with a cbt or a2 license that want some italian flair.

Why We Picked It:

The Aprilia brand doesn’t have the largest rider base in North America, but it’s still quite popular. Unfortunately for us, we don’t get some of their best products on this side of the pond—and that extends to the latest version of the RX 50.

It might surprise quite a few people that Aprilia is a popular brand in the EU when it comes to motocross and enduro competitions, with their MXV 450 even competing in supercross. Being who they are, the Italian brand takes all of the lessons learned in racing and distills them into a great beginner dual sport that is more than capable on and off road.

What do you get through that distillation? How about a 6-speed manual shifter, an inverted front fork with 240mm travel suspension, a sturdy twin tube steel frame, and a front-wheel-only ABS system that includes a new anti-roll-over system in case you need to make an emergency stop and don't want to be sent flying over the front.

The only downside is that 2023 is the last year of the RX 50 Factory being produced, as it has been replaced by the RX 125 for 2024 onwards.

Specifications:

Price: Approximately $3,290 ( € 3,100)

Engine: 50cc two-stroke single

Power: 12 HP

Torque: Not specified by manufacturer

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Curb Weight: 218 lbs

New riders on restricted licenses that want a dual sport for both on and off-road use

Highlights:

Only has a kick starter, but despite that is packed with features distilled from race bikes

Very lightweight and nimble

ABS is standard for the front wheel only, and includes an anti-roll-over feature as the bike is so light that a sudden stop might throw the rider if the rear wheel lifts off the ground

Learn More:

2023 Aprilia EU RX 50 Factory

Rieju MRT 50 SM

A 50cc supermoto that punches way, way above its class.

Rieju isn’t well-known at all in the USA and Canada, which is a bit disappointing. The Spanish brand has been around for several decades, and they’re well-known (at least in the EU ) for making smaller displacement street and dirt bikes that can take a beating and still run flawlessly.

The 2023 MRT 50 SM, however, is quite possibly their best sub-100cc bike in years. Unsurprisingly, the SM in the name stands for SuperMoto. While 50cc may seem a bit small for such a bike, the MRT 50 SM is hilariously capable of everything you would ask a bigger SM to do.

In Europe and the UK, this bike is fully compliant with the AM and CBT rules. That being the case, its 6-speed manual transmission and peppy little 50cc make it ideal for helping riders 16 and older learn to ride an SM.

This bike isn’t marked as EU and UK only, so while it isn’t listed on Rieju’s US or Canadian sites, you are able to import one officially through authorized Rieju dealers.

Price: Approximately $3,728 ( € 3,400)

Power: 10 HP

Curb Weight: 201 lbs

Beginner riders wanting an introductory supermoto that is extremely capable and not at all scary

Very lightweight and agile, making it excellent for learning to feel the bike under you and what it's doing at all times

Kick start two stroke engine is very capable for in-city or backroad riding, but won't get you up to freeway/motorway speeds

Unlike most 50cc motorcycles and scooters, the Rieju is combination water and air cooled

2023 Rieju USA MRT 50 SM

Retro-European looks, modern Honda engineering, in a stylish and zippy little scooter

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, a lot of urban scooters were sold that combined stylish Euro-retro looks with modern equipment and drivetrains. In 2002, Honda came out with their own: the Metropolitan . It was shelved in 2009, but reintroduced in 2013 with a fuel-injected four-stroke that garnered a lot of attention.

By switching from a two-stroke to a four-stroke (and from carburation to fuel injection), the reintroduced Metropolitan quickly became the model in its class to beat, with smooth power delivery and almost none of that annoying buzz from the earlier version. It gained society’s attention as well, as more than a few celebrities were seen zipping around on their little Metropolitans in Hollywood throughout the 2010s.

The Metropolitan remains a smooth-riding, decently zippy little scooter—offering classic retro-European looks with the durability and reliability of a Honda. In the 2022 model year, the transmission has been changed to Honda’s all-new V-Matic belt drive unit, seamlessly shifting gears to provide the power you need while leaving you free to focus on enjoying your ride.

Price: $2,599

Engine: 49cc four-stroke single

Power: 4.4 HP

Transmission: V-Matic Automatic (CVT)

Curb Weight: 179 lbs

New riders looking for a classically stylish but zippy scooter for in-city runabout use

Very economical, achieving at minimum 117 MPG with a 1.2 gallon tank

The V-Matic transmission keeps the power in its optimal range at all times, making this a true "twist-and-go" scooter

Electric starter, single front bake lever, combined braking with the rear brake

2023 Honda Metropolitan specs, features, & pics

2023 Honda USA Metropolitan

A classically Italian scooter that has more practicality than you may think

Vespa could have chosen to spend the past decade resting on its laurels. After all, in North America, the words “Vespa” and “scooter” have almost become synonyms. Thankfully, other brands realized there was a scooter market in the USA and Canada, giving this legendary Italian brand a push to keep innovating.

While the Vespa name has been around for about 75 years, the Sprint is one of their relatively new scooter offerings. Produced since 2014, the Vespa Sprint is a little urban scooter that’s meant to be an under-the-radar retro-styled ride.

While the Primavera 50 may be the high fashion statement in the current Vespa lineup, the humble Sprint will get you from point A to point B and back again in comfort and safety. Still, when you take a closer look, it’s pretty stylish as well!

This delineation between the Sprint and the Primavera is what really sold us on the Sprint 50, with its new 3-valve 4-stroke single cylinder engine. The Primavera is definitely the flashier of the two, but the Sprint 50 is the practical choice. It’s also noted in many reviews to be as reliable as any scooter from the Big Four Japanese manufacturers , which is high praise indeed.

Note: If you visit a dealership, 2023 Sprint 50 models are officially called "Vespa Sprint 50 2020," as there are no changes year to year apart from some color options, and 2020 was the year the new engine was used.

Price: $4,299

Power: 3 HP

Torque: 2.1 lbs-ft

Transmission: CVT Automatic

Curb Weight: ~240 lbs

Beginner or veteran riders looking for the epitome of the functional, practical Italian scooter ideal

Despite the low power numbers, will still get up to in-city speeds without issue

Massive storage space under the seat can easily handle a helmet, as well as there being lockable "glove boxes" in the front upright

2.1 gallon tank with EPA estimated 84 MPG gives you all day range for your runabout needs

2019 Vespa Sprint BBM Overview

2023 Vespa USA Sprint 50

Sporty, inexpensive, and efficient, a no frills scooter for those just wanting an engine and two wheels

We mentioned earlier that scooters are popular in SouthEast Asia, and Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco proves that the region is home to some excellent manufacturers as well. The Kymco Agility 50 stands out from their absolutely massive lineup as a fun, well-balanced lifestyle model. It has a peppy little 49cc engine that can get this little scooter rolling in fine style and also comes with a surprisingly comfortable seat.

What makes this scooter even better is that, unlike the one-speed automatic transmission many other scooters have, it uses a pretty ingenious implementation of the CVT transmission you can get in some cars these days. This transmission keeps the engine in the best part of its power curve, giving you ample twist-and-go thrust without hitting eardrum-bursting revs. It also features a full front disc brake instead of the standard drum brakes that come on many scooters, making it feel like a high-end luxury scooter.

Oh, and did we mention that new models sell for under $2,000 USD? Not only that, but you get 104 MPG on this thing. It’s a bargain-and-a-half for a superb, durable scooter—especially one that looks this good.

Price: $1,999

Power: 3.5 HP

Torque: 2.4 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: ~220 lbs

Beginners or veterans wanting a sporty, agile, and highly fuel efficient scooter that was perfected on the roads of Taiwan, where the scooter is the vehicle of choice

Surprisingly comfortable seat

No frills means that this scooter is easy to maintain, can be fixed with a hammer, and is designed to be extremely reliable and durable

1.3 gallon tank with 104 MPG efficiency

Front disc brake

2018 Kymco Agility 50 BBM overview

2023 Kymco USA Agility 50

A perfect scooter for city runabout duties that may also include a passenger

If you’re making a list of scooters, a Piaggio model will inevitably appear on it somewhere. The folks at Piaggio are long-term scooter builders and masters of melding classic Italian details with modern shapes—and the Liberty 50 S Euro 5 is just the latest in a long line of successful urban scooters from this brand.

Much like the Kymco above, the 2023 version of this scooter comes with both a front disc brake and a CVT transmission. What separates it from the Kymco is that the Piaggio also comes with full ABS. It also has a wide front fascia, which is aerodynamically sculpted to allow for decent airflow around the legs without letting rain or road debris in.

The Liberty S 50 Euro 5 also features an especially spacious two-up seat with plush cushioning for both the driver and pillion. And since it’s from Italy, it has ample underseat storage, plus a handy shopping bag hook behind the front shield. You get the best of Italian scooter styling in a practical package with this one.

Price: $2,649

Engine: 50cc four-stroke single

Power: 3.2 HP

Torque: 2.3 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: ~200 lbs

Beginners or veterans looking for a comfortable scooter for city runabout duties that can carry a passenger in comfort

Multiple amenities for city runabout, including underseat storage, a bag hook behind the front shield, and that shield being wide and shaped to deflect moisture, dirt, and road debris away from the legs

Light on its tires, easy to handle and feel what each wheel is doing

1.6 gallon tank with an estimated 84 MPG

ABS is standard

2019 Piaggio Liberty 50 S BBM overview

2023 Piaggio USA Liberty 50 model page

A rough and tumble little scooter that is ready to take on any challenge you throw its way

Honda has spent the last decade rediscovering the efficient and reliable fun that originally made them so successful in both the automobile and motorcycle worlds. Even 10 years ago, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade or the Civic Type-R would never have made it past their board of directors. In 2021 , however, we got both. And in the middle of that year, we also got the revamped Ruckus.

The Ruckus had been around for a while, trucking along under various changes while Honda tinkered with it until they took it off the market for a couple of years. The 2023 model is unchanged from the 2022 model, which gained an all new, lighter-weight starter with an automatic choke to help the engine kick over in cold weather. It also got its suspension reworked (albeit only a little), with a half-inch more in the rear to help absorb bumps. The front remained a twin-downtube fork with 2 inches of travel.

New colors came in as well, including Midnight Blue with a Tan subframe, Gray, and White with Pearl Blue seat bars. No matter what color combo you go with, however, you’re sure to have an absolute blast on this fun little beast of a scooter.

Price: $2,899

Torque: 3.4 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 194 lbs

Beginners and veterans wanting a rough and tumble, durable scooter that defines the term "zippy"

Designed to be as light and agile as possible, making it excellent for in-city use as well as some sporty but safe fun

Fat tires for the best grip possible, meaning this scooter loves to accelerate and turn

Liquid cooled engine, a luxury in this displacement class

1.3 gallon tank with estimated 114 MPG

2023 Honda Ruckus specs, features, & pics

2023 Honda USA Ruckus

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long trips on small scooters

Discussion in ' Battle Scooters ' started by JerryH , Oct 5, 2012 .

JerryH Vintage scooter/motorcycle enthusiast Supporter

Has anybody ever here ever taken a long trip (at least 1000 miles or more) on a scooter no bigger than 150cc? I have traveled all over the country (33 states and part of Mexico) on large street bikes, either Goldwings or Japanese cruisers, almost all of it on interstates. I now have 3 scooters, a 2 stroke Stella, a Vino 125, and a Zuma 125. The Stella is my favorite by far, it is an absolute blast to ride around locally, and to tinker with. But I doubt it's reliability on a long trip. I am plotting a 1300+ mile trip across 3 states, avoiding freeways, and taking a different route there and back. Some of the roads I can only guess at, as they are only lines on maps, so I don't have a clue about road conditions. This will be pretty much restricted to AZ, NM, and TX, so cold weather should not be a problem. The Vino has over 20,000 miles on it, and has just been completely serviced, including new tires, belt, rollers, and valves. The Zuma is new and is just broken in. Either should be reliable. I realize there would probably be a big difference in traveling at highway speeds on freeways, and taking backroads on a small scooter. Both scooters drop below 40 mph on long climbs. I read the story of Pete's trip to AK on a Genuine Rattler 110, but that is a LOT more than I had in mind. I just want to go out and spend a few days on the road in relatively safe conditions.

klaviator Scooter Trash Supporter

I've done a long trip on my 250 but never more than a few hundred miles on my 150. Here's an interesting ride report from a couple who went around much of the world on a couple on Sym Simba's: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716979

damasovi Long timer

amigo, if you have the time then it is possible, some people have gone from Alaska to Patagonia (south America) on 50 cc honda cubs, so YES IT IS POSSIBLE and maybe not the best or "ideal" ride, how ever as I said, it can be done it is all about the time you have for touring. 1 thing I am consediring for my Baja tour on my scooter is gas, my Honda can only old 1.6 gallons and that translate to like 100-120 miles so aditional gas is mandatory, I am not an expert on the states you listed but I would advice on the extra gas, either the MSR 30 oz tanks or the plastics gas containers from walmart... and also study your route for gas stations, but here in Baja it would be a mandatory thing! Damasovi

fullmetalscooter Let me take this duck off

people have gone from india to England on 50c scooters. Read of 2 people taking a c3 cube 50 cc scooter from Vancouver to out east 5000 k . On steep hills they did 7 K per hour but those hill are long and go on and off for 50 Miles. The first motorcycle trip accross the usa was 1903 on a 3.5 horse power motorcycle. It all depends on do you got the time to go slowly to where you want .

thunderkat59 Old cooter on a slow scooter

I did several hundred miles on my Stella and was fine. Very comfortable, relatively speaking. Im in my mid 50's now, so I look at road trips differently before. Used to be on bigger bikes and fly down the back roads and highways. Now , I prefer to go slow and stretch the ride out for a while. Stop a few times, take in more of the world and relax. If your route is a good one, and you have time, I cant think of a reason why you wouldn't use a small bike. Sort of related, I tried to trade my Burgman even-up on both a Stella 150 4-t (not the PX150) and 125 in those flat black versions they have come out with, but no dealer will do it. Apparently lots of people think small bikes are the best.

Starbuck21 Manly scooterist!

And don't forget Nathan Millward (the Postie). He took a Honda 110 from Sydney to London and wrote an interesting book about his adventure! In addition, Nathan just completed another trip this time across the US on his 110. Do a search I believe his exploits are here on ADV.

hugemoth Bad Motorscooter

People have been doing long trips on small scooters and motorcycles for over 100 years. No big deal. I've done a lot of long trips on a Goldwing and other big bikes but small is more fun. I did a 17,000 mile trip on a Vespa Rally 200 in 78 and that was far more interesting than trips on the big bikes. Go for it, and do it on the Stella.

Starbuck21 said: ↑ And don't forget Nathan Millward (the Postie). He took a Honda 110 from Sydney to London and wrote an interesting book about his adventure! In addition, Nathan just completed another trip this time across the US on his 110. Do a search I believe his exploits are here on ADV. Click to expand...

There is a massively epic thread called "Underboning the World" where a husband and Wife travelled the world on two of those Sym Symba honda ct type bikes. It made me want to quit my job and live the life of a scooter hobo

thunderkat59 said: ↑ There is a massively epic thread called "Underboning the World" where a husband and Wife travelled the world on two of those Sym Symba honda ct type bikes. It made me want to quit my job and live the life of a scooter hobo Click to expand...

YOUNZ Been here awhile

If I were just looking for pain and discomfort, I would just drop the old gimletts down between the vice jaws and turn the handle clockwise.:huh

I am expecting some degree of pain and discomfort, along with a few other problems. It is supposed to be an "adventure" If I wanted to make it easy, I would just take the Goldwing, or even better, a car. People who do things like this do not look for the easiest way, they look for the most fun way. I have no immediate plans for a trip around the world on a scooter, I'd just like to go out and cross a few state lines, for now anyway. To me, someone who does take a super long distance trip on a scooter is looking for a challenge. To take a risk and beat the odds. Kind of like climbing Mt. Everest. I mean, why on earth would any sane rational person ever even consider doing something like that? I just watched a 2 hour documentary on Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic. Why did he do it? Why did he risk his life, and endure such hardship? It was not for the money, nor for fame, as he did his best to avoid that. He did it for the challenge, and to prove it could be done. Admittedly you have to have a fair degree of passion to try something like that, and some just don't have it.

The definition of "small bike" has changed too. Back in '67, Honda called their 450 "A big bike with a big ride". Now people call a 600, small If a bike can get 55mph, its good enough for me

thunderkat59 said: ↑ I did several hundred miles on my Stella and was fine. Very comfortable, relatively speaking. Im in my mid 50's now, so I look at road trips differently before. Used to be on bigger bikes and fly down the back roads and highways. Now , I prefer to go slow and stretch the ride out for a while. Stop a few times, take in more of the world and relax. If your route is a good one, and you have time, I cant think of a reason why you wouldn't use a small bike. Sort of related, I tried to trade my Burgman even-up on both a Stella 150 4-t (not the PX150) and 125 in those flat black versions they have come out with, but no dealer will do it. Apparently lots of people think small bikes are the best. Click to expand...

JerryH said: ↑ The most I've done at once on my Stella was around 200 miles, all of it up in the mountains. -------- I looked to see if the Symba was still available, and found the SymWolf 150, a small 150cc motorcycle, freeway legal, 350 pound load capacity, and manual transmission. It also has a centerstand. I think I'm going to take a look at that thing. Click to expand...

itsforrest Ugly bag of mostly water

JerryH said: ↑ ...I looked to see if the Symba was still available, and found the SymWolf 150, a small 150cc motorcycle, freeway legal, 350 pound load capacity, and manual transmission. It also has a centerstand. I think I'm going to take a look at that thing. Click to expand...

I've had a chance to look at the Misfit up close but have not ridden one. In my opinion, the fit and finish on the SYM Wolf is a bit nicer than the Misfit. Here's an article reviewing both bikes: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/8/13102/Motorcycle-Article/SYM-Wolf-Classic-vs--CCW-tha-Misfit.aspx

Klay dreaming adventurer

JerryH said: ↑ I looked to see if the Symba was still available, and found the SymWolf 150, a small 150cc motorcycle, freeway legal, 350 pound load capacity, and manual transmission. It also has a centerstand. I think I'm going to take a look at that thing. Click to expand...

V Saarela Been here awhile

I ride a Honda Varadero 1000 summertime and a Honda CBR 600 wintertime. From time to time I do some scootrides. My rides have been a Honda ANF 125 Innova and Honda Zoomer(Ruckus) 50cc and the new Honda Vision 50cc. This summer I made with the Innova a 25 hour ride and manage to get on this time 1720 kilometres(1068 miles)Honda. With the ruckus(swedish ruckus have topspeed 42 kph/26mpg) when heading North cape I did one day 550 kms(342 miles). This summer I have also been with the Vision 50cc at alps(Grossglockner, Dolomits, Stelvio etc)....have to push the moped few times

cdwise Long timer Supporter

FWIW, I know quite a few people who when asked about taking a small scooter for long tours respond with: "Can you ride a scooter 20 miles?" To which the response is almost always "yes". Then answer is then "think of the 1,000 mile trip as 50 trips of 20 miles ridden sequentially."

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How Far Can You Travel on a 50cc Scooter?

• Post category: Scooters 101 / Understanding Your Scooter
• Post last modified: May 13, 2023

I feel like scooterists that go with the 50cc scooter (aka moped) option are trying to solve a transportation need and live within a city’s limits. Quick jaunts around a small grid are where these scooters shine.

You may not need a license adjustment, and they are affordable. What happens when you need or want to get out of the bubble of your normal day? Want to go for a joy-ride out on a backcountry road or around a beautiful lake? The crisp wind on a beautiful day with some great scenery is the epitome of a nice ride.

If you are wanting to get out of what is likely a typical city commute to enjoy some scenery on your scooter, you’re bound to wonder how far you can actually go on it.

50cc scooters are limited on their speed, but they can travel as far as you are physically able to ride with proper route planning, in addition to, rest stops at least every 1 hour.

Are 50cc Scooters Capable of Long Distances?

What is long to you? Are you just used to a 5-mile radius, so you’re curious if you can go 20 miles? Do you want to go joy-riding for hundreds of miles?

Regardless, both mileage ranges are within your reach, but both require a bit of planning to make it a good experience.

Plenty of stories abound on what a great trip a scooterist has h for several hundred miles. Long trips can be done! There are also plenty of stories of the breakdowns that have happened when trying to go long distances on a 50cc scooter. Machines do breakdown, so you can’t insulate yourself from every bad situation that could occur while out on a ride.

That applies to even your short jaunts, so that is nothing new to what your scooter can do. However, there are steps to take before and during your trip that can help your trip be a success and go as far as you hope to.

Overarching Engine Conversation

Whether you have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke, it doesn’t matter. It is just a good idea to understand the nuance of your scooter on a longer journey than you normally ride whether this is a 30 mile trip to grandmas or a touring excursion.

Running your scooter at its max speed for a long period of time is a recipe for disaster. They aren’t designed to go at the max for long, so don’t overwork your scooter. You can hear the difference in the motor.

If you don’t know what the sound of your scooter sounds like at the top of its limit, get your gear on and find a safe place to play before you hit the open road for a trip. Play around with your speed to hear the max versus what it sounds like at 30-35mph.

Take breaks . Give your scooter’s engine a break and yourself a break to keep fresh. I’ll talk about this in greater detail in a moment, but the general idea is to keep your scooter happy within its limits.

There is a lot of hate out there for the scooters out of China that run less than $1000. I do not have personal experience with them. However, unless you are a seasoned mechanic, I would be cautious with taking these too far before they are broken in. They are notorious for running fine for close to a year, and then BAM! They don’t.

Prepping for a Long Ride

You’ll need the right mindset to have a good long trip. Nope, no meditation-based advice here, but embarking on a long trip is all about endurance.

You are not trying to win a race but leisurely enjoy the journey.

The nature of a 50cc means you have to embrace the speed limitations as part of the ride, so at no point should you plan to dog your motor for an extended period of a long ride.

Your Scootering Experience

If the farthest you have ridden your scooter is within a 5-mile radius of your home, taking on a 150-mile trip today is probably not the best idea without a bit of training. Just some simple commutes have gotten you comfortable scootering around I’m sure, but you will want to gradually increase the distance you cover to tackle something bigger.

If you can go 20, add another 10 on your next long ride out. The wind can be quite tiring on the body.

Riding a scooter can be physically hard over time based on the way you sit for periods of time and using your body as a wind barrier. It’s not as easy as it sounds over a stretch.

You’re literally fighting holding yourself upright against it, so seriously – core exercises will help prepare you for long rides.

Gradually work towards increasing your mileage and comfort level just as if you were training for a marathon.

Consider the increases to be practice runs for a big event. If you discover that your shoulders get uncomfortable at 75 miles, this gives you time to experiment with alleviating this issue such as a windshield.

Whatever your issue, you’ll be able to handle it because that is a tough thing to address when you’re in the middle of nowhere with your aches and pains and a bottle of ibuprofen to make it home.

Plan Your Route

Moped riders attempting a long ride have to consider their route carefully. Just saying that you should just travel back roads isn’t enough in this case.

Your 50cc scooter likely maxes out in the 30 – 40 mph range. With that in mind, you need to consider the road speeds and plan a route that you can scoot around on safely.

The weight of you and the gear plus the terrain also comes into play.

Yes, it is legal in a lot of states to go up to 15mph under a speed limit, but one of the biggest issues with going slower than the surrounding traffic leads to distracted drivers just not seeing you in time to react.

Plan routes on roads that are 45mph or even lower preferably since this is a huge safety issue for scooters specifically .

Planning your route through traditional navigation apps on your smart home is tricky.

Waze has some components that seem a bit more helpful. In your Settings under Navigation , you can turn off toll roads, turn off freeways, opt to avoid difficult intersections, and you can set your vehicle type to Motorcycle (instead of the Private car default). This should show you some slower options with a more scenic route on the fly, but it is not fool-proof. I tested this out to get to places around me, and Waze did put me on a feeder to a highway that I generally try to avoid. The speed limits are in the 45mph range, but generally, drivers treat feeders as if they are actually a part of the interstate highway around here.

There are truck commercial routing apps like CoPilot Pro that let you put in a max speed if you randomly have access to this kind of app through your day-to-day job or if you are willing to pay for the convenience. This app includes some offline capabilities which can be very handy on those back-road drives, too.

ScootRoute and CaliMoto are options to check out, as well.

If you are in the bucket of riders that wants to tackle a trip that is several hundred miles long, make sure your backroad routes incorporate interesting places. The interest will truly make the ride that much more enjoyable!

Check the Weather

You’ll be going fairly slow, and if you’re looking to travel 100 miles, you could encounter weather hiccups. I know in my area, we had creeks out of their banks and blocking nearby roadways, but my sister is high and dry 50 miles away. They had rain, but they missed out on our torrential downpours from the last 2 days. Just be weather aware.

Check the weather before you go, and you could also check when you’re taking rest stops to be on the safe side.

A couple of thoughts to consider on weather:

• A 2 stroke will be more temperamental in cold weather.
• If it’s above 93°F, don’t forget to pack some water.
• Guide to riding in the heat
• Guide to riding in the cold

Regardless of the weather you’re riding in, put some thought into making sure you are dressed to ride safely and comfortably for the season.

Take Everything You’ll Possibly Need

Possible weather issues? Rain gear and layers. Possible maintenance issues? Tools. Want to steer clear of dehydration issues? Water. 

I am all about using things I have that can serve multiple purposes. The list below incorporates things that can be used for other outdoor hobbies such as cycling or running. Items designed for those sports are designed to be lightweight and compact, so they work well for scooter needs. I included links to Amazon where it makes sense in case you need more detail or to purchase anything.

Full Recommendation List That Grows as Your Distance Does

I personally carry items 1-10 in my scooter at all times when commuting even.

• Cell phone for your route and emergencies
• Duct Tape because I’m always amazed at what this marvel can do in a pinch
• Zip ties are my favorite thing in the garage. Seriously.
• Flashlight. I use this rechargeable one. Just remember to recharge!
• Screwdriver at least. I use a multi-tool normally used for a bicycle because it’s lightweight and practical.
• Patch kit and mini pump for your tires
• Small first aid kit
• Rain Gear . I know it’s tempting to buy large, but buy enough to go over your safety gear only. You don’t want excess flapping in the wind.
• At least 1 layer of your choice to throw on under your jacket in case it gets cooler than you expect
• Water. If you’re going quite far, you’ll want to think through a hydration plan. Husband’s water pack. Mine . We also use these for other activities, and we’ve both been pleased. His is a better value. Mine is lighter. Check this article out for heat specific details
• Gas if you’re pushing your limits to your miles per gallon back roads. There may be long stretches without a fuel station.
• Bring oil if you’re on a 2 stroke scooter
• Are you staying overnight somewhere? Then that gear would be needed.

This list grows the further out you go, clearly! Once you start layering in all of this gear, you then need to consider how to carry it all. That’s why I tend to stick with items that are compact and lightweight where possible. Packing a scooter requires some creativity and patience!

Pre-Ride Inspection

Before you head out, make sure the maintenance on the scooter is up to date. Oil changes, lubrication, belts, etc. In addition, before heading out, I’d specifically check out the following:

• Tire pressure and tire wear
• Engine’s oil level
• Test out signals and such
• Make sure everything is tight without leaks

During Your Ride Considerations

How far will a tank of gas take you on a moped.

50cc scooters use less gas because their power output is lower, but having a good idea on the range is handy for route planning, too.

To understand how far your tank will get you, you’ll want to know how much gas it holds and the miles per gallon. I find that the published mpg is lower than the mpg in reality.

The average 50cc scooter has a 1.3 gallon tank whereas Vespa scooters have a 2.1 gallon tank.

In general, 2-stroke 50cc scooter will go as far as 135 miles per tank if ridden optimally. A 4-stroke scooter averages 151 miles per tank.

Optimal riding is how the miles per gallon ratings are created, so no heavy throttling coming off of stops and cruising along without the motor being constantly pushed to its max, too.

You will not want to literally push your scooter at any point in the trip from running out of gas, so in your route planning, consider your gas needs. A good rule of thumb is to never let your tank get less than 1/3 full.

Not only do you need rest stops, but your scooter will need them, as well. There is a chance that going 30mph has started to creep up to the 40mph range, and you’re pushing the RPMs of your scooter. Translation: you might be pushing your scooter’s motor too hard, so giving it a break is a good idea.

If you are traveling 70 miles (the absolute max I’d push it for gas on a 4-stroke) at an average of 30 miles per hour, you’ll be on the road 2 hours and 20 minutes of solid riding time. That is a lot of riding time all at one time, so think through your realistic expectations with that whole mindset thing where you aren’t looking to win a race. Consider how many miles this trip will take you, and then back into how much you think you can reasonably stay on the scooter all at one time.

I’d recommend breaking every half hour to hour of a trip for sanity, enjoyment and to ensure my scooter was happy. Remember, you planned your route for interest. Go see it all!

At the rest stop, a bio-break is assumed, but also drink before you’re thirsty. Food is also an option, but you may not want to eat every half hour.

If you’re going over 200 miles, I’d recommend going through at least a piece of the pre-ride inspection by checking the tire pressure and the engine oil level.

Safety Chat

Don’t forget to wear your safety gear!

We have covered the importance of the rest stops for your scooter, but did you know that the risk of an accident increases the longer you ride? It’s not the long ride, but it is the likelihood of you getting more and more fatigued as the day goes on.

Scootering is a lot more tiring than you’d think with wind resistance and staying in the same position for hours on end. Even with the rest stops, you will have to make a conscious effort to stay focused and alert if you quite literally are planning on hours.

Hydrate with water and add in electrolytes if it’s beyond about 95° F or more. Eat light to avoid getting sleepier and to help your body focus on keeping your temperature regulated rather than digesting a heavy meal.

Ride like no one actually sees you, and don’t forget to wear reflective and/or bright gear.

Be seen & be safe, scooter friend!

A closer look at the Scooter Cannonball, a rally that will push scooter riders to their limits in 10-day, coast-to-coast dash

It's not a race, but more than 90 vespa, honda and other scooter riders will travel 4,500 miles in a punishing ordeal. usa today asked some of them why..

Illustrations by Veronica Bravo, USA Today

It may sound crazy, but on July 12 more than 90 riders aboard motorized scooters – yes, scooters, some with engines smaller than your average lawnmower – will roll out of a hotel parking lot in Bar Harbor, Maine, and begin a grueling 10-day, 4,500-mile ride to Eureka, California.

They'll be riding, and sometimes suffering, in the ninth Scooter Cannonball , a scooter-only, rally-type event that'll offer relentless heat, cold rain and high winds. They’ll be fighting off exhaustion after 10 to 14 hours a day in the saddle.

Riders will travel an average of 447 miles per day. Their longest day will be 527 miles.

They’ll use paved secondary roads and gravel paths, and some will ride across mountain passes 10,000 feet high, which will sap engine power and cut speeds to 10 or 15 mph.

"It's kind of insane, when you think about it," says Cletha Vaillancourt, a first-time rider this year. She and her husband will take "150cc scooters, pretty small scooters, 4,500 miles across the country. That's a pretty epic adventure."

It's not a race. It's a test of endurance and navigational skills where checkpoints are documented and points awarded "based on miles completed and the ability to maintain the standard pace," organizers say.

It may sound crazy, but the Cannonball is a challenging ride that draws a unique group of people. A few are relatively new to the scooter scene; others are experienced riders who've motorcycled to places most of us only dream about.

Some have competed in other long-distance events, including Iron Butt Association  motorcycle rides, which range from 1,000 miles in 24 hours to its signature rally of more than 11,000 miles in 11 days.

But most are scooter enthusiasts. The Cannonball is a biennial event that was originally scheduled for 2020 but was pushed to 2021  because of the pandemic. Participants will ride machines better suited for around-town excursions or afternoon country jaunts, not thousands of miles of extended punishment.

In 2018 on Day 5, I was cursing and I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I was like, 'why am I doing this? I have nothing to prove.' These were the things coming out of my mouth. And I was like, 'I will never do this again.'

The largest scooters of this year's event include Vespas with 278 cubic centimeter engines, with 24 horsepower or less. One of the smallest is a 50cc Honda Ruckus, with 4.4 horsepower, according to webbikeworld .

By comparison, a familiar long-distance touring motorcycle like the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide has 92 horsepower and weighs 820 pounds. European and Japanese sport-touring bikes have even more power.

But Cannonballers won't just ride. They’ll pore over maps and road books and tap navigational GPS units to stay on course and calculate the best routes for bonus points.

They’ll postpone sleep to maintain their own machines, including swapping out tires, drive belts and other components after dark, clinking wrenches under headlamps in front of motel rooms.

The (Cannonball) odds are really against you. These are little tiny, urban motorcycles, they're not meant to go across the country. You've got to have a little bit of mechanical ability just to keep these things running when you're doing 500 miles a day.

A few will have family members driving pickup trucks as support vehicles, or will chip in with other riders for a truck carrying supplies. Others will pile everything on their own scooters.

Who are the folks in this year's Cannonball?

The rally attracts men and women riders who want to win, or just finish for the memories and bragging rights.

Some do it once and never come back. Others can't wait to try again.

This year, 76 of the 91 riders are "rookies," those who haven't been here before. Eight are back for a second attempt. And this time, more women have signed up than in any other year.

One of the best things is the camaraderie. You're sizing up everybody on the first day. After the second or third day, everybody's just buddies, trying to make things happen.

"I would say the vast majority haven't gone on a ride like this," says #79, Dave Bednarski, 38, from Allentown, Pennsylvania. He’s an organizer and event participant who’s known as Feb31st . This is his sixth Cannonball.

"Our typical participant may have done a two-day rally or meetup," Bednarski says. "A lot of them have done some touring on motorcycles, or adventure rides, where they're not necessarily held to a strict schedule. This is a little bit of a twist for them."

Dropout rates from mechanical or human issues range from 10% in 2014 to 27% in the "very challenging route" of 2018.

"I'm pretty optimistic about 2021 being under 20%," Bednarski says.

Everyone asks: Why do they do it?

Madeleine Velázquez (Missrider) #26

"It's the challenge of a smaller bike and the technicalities involved," says Velázquez, a computer science teacher from Worcester, Massachusetts, and one of the event's most widely traveled riders. 

"I'm 64 years old, a cancer survivor and very proud that I can still ride a motorcycle for extreme distances," she says. "I enjoy inspiring the younger generation, especially women."

Her rider name, as listed on the Cannonball website, is Missrider . She's taken motorcycles across the contiguous U.S., up into Alaska, down to the Panama Canal and across Africa. This is her first Cannonball, and she's doing it on a Honda Super Cub 125 , a scooter with about 10 horsepower.

Velázquez has been riding for about 40 years. "The most rewarding part of an adventure rider is being one with the machine," she says. "I also love meeting folks on the road. Many are very welcoming and have opened their homes to help a sole female rider."

Women – and men – approach her at gas stations and ask about her bikes and what it's like to ride. "I tell them, 'Don't be scared, take on the sport, be your own person, but just try it. And if you don't like it, then don't do it,'" she says.

"But it's a wonderful experience. It gives you freedom and you can do lots of things," Velázquez says.

While on her motorcycle in 2014, Velázquez stopped on a Utah highway to help a man in a British sports car that was out of gas. He turned out to be "Star Wars" actor Ewan McGregor, who's also ridden motorcycles with Charley Boorman around the world in "Long Way Round," "Long Way Down" and "Long Way Up ."

"I didn't know who he was," Velázquez says, even after McGregor identified himself as an actor. It was only after he mentioned the Long Way rides that she realized who she had stopped for.

Even so, "I was more engaged in solving the petrol problem so we could continue our travels safely," she says.

McGregor talked about the encounter on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon. He and Velázquez have stayed in touch.

Cletha Vaillancourt (Queenb) #131

"Cause it's crazy," says Vaillancourt, 64, a retired securities attorney in Tupelo, Mississippi. She's known as Queenb , and she's riding with her husband, Eric ( EricV ), in their first Cannonball, both on Honda ATV 150 scooters.

They've done a lot of long-distance motorcycle rides together and Vaillancourt completed the epic Iron Butt Rally solo in 2011 – more than 11,000 miles in 48 states in 11 days.

"For me, it's the adventure and the challenge," she says.

During her Iron Butt ride, she found, "It changes you. You find out what you're made of and what you can overcome. And boy, I know when I did Iron I spent a lot of time talking to God and angels. You're really alone for so much of the time."

Eric Semple (VespaChef) #8

“Why? My wife asked me the same question,” says Semple, 65, of Calgary, Alberta, and the sole rider from Canada. Pandemic restrictions on travel prevented a few others from competing.

Semple is known as VespaChef because of his culinary background and this is his first Cannonball. He's on a 2011 Vespa GTV 300 .

“I use one word, I call it ‘adventure,’” Semple says. He’s a Vespa aficionado who stumbled across the Cannonball while researching scooters a few years ago.

“I thought, ‘This is spectacular,’” Semple says. “It's what a scooter is all about, riding on secondary roads and seeing the countryside. Riding 10 hours a day is a bit of a challenge, but you can prepare yourself for it. It’s really exciting, an adventure.”

It's what a scooter is all about, riding on secondary roads and seeing the countryside.

He rode motorbikes as a kid but stopped when he and his wife had children. He started riding scooters again "a little over a year and a half ago," he says.

"One of the kickers for this was I lost my mom and dad in 2015 and 2016," Semple says. "I spent my dad's final year with him and he told me, 'You should do the things you want to do. Don't set things aside, life is too short.'"

Tim Jackson (DJ TINY) #177

"I used to be a streetbike rider, on crotch rockets, but I got away from them," says Jackson, 44, a touring disc jockey from Atlanta who goes by DJ TINY . "They can be dangerous. As my wife Serena said, 'the next motorcycle will come with divorce papers.'"

But during a recent trip to Mexico he rented a scooter for the day and fell in love with it. "So I purchased a Vespa and I've been riding around Atlanta during the pandemic," Jackson  says. He discovered the Cannonball and decided to join. He'll be on a  2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE  and is documenting his ride online.

"Atlanta has some great backcountry. I just go out and pick a direction and GPS my way back home," Jackson says. "I'm averaging about 300 miles a day on these rides."

He's put about 6,000 miles on the Vespa since buying it eight months ago.

Winning this event requires 10 days of perfect navigation, fuel planning, and no unplanned mechanical breakdowns.

"I love it. It's like riding on a couch, it's so comfortable," says Jackson, who used to play football. "I'm about 6 ft., 5 in., and weigh about 330 pounds, so I needed something for my size. It's perfect."

The most difficult part of the Cannonball will be the unknown, maybe the navigation, Jackson says. "I think the riding will take care of itself. I've been doing enough of these 300 mile rides that throwing on a couple of extra 100 miles won't be a problem."

His dealer, Vespa Marietta in Georgia, "is giving me a crash course on the things I might have to work on," Jackson says. "Things like how to change oil, tires and belts."

And his wife will drive his support vehicle.

Brook Dain (ADVscooter) #36

“That’s a hard question,” says Dain, 52, who lives in San Jose, California, and is a creative services manager in city government. His rider name is ADVscooter , and he was in the 2018 Cannonball. Now he's back for more, aboard a 2020 Vespa GTS 300ie .

"Why I'm doing it again, I don't know," Dain says. "After the first one, I said, 'That was really dumb. I'm never going to do that again.'"

Like a few others, he's documenting his participation in a series of short, precise Youtube videos. A veteran rider, he's taken scooters through Pakistan, India, Egypt and elsewhere.

The Cannonball “is just about the silliest thing I can think of,” Dain says. “But life is short and I’m going to do the crazy things I can do while I’m young enough. There’ll be lots of years to brag about them later."

For this year's ride, he meticulously upgraded a 2007 Vespa, did a test ride and – in a jaw-dropping moment of bad luck – "one of the fuel lines popped. And I had an engine fire," he says.

He scrambled to prepare a replacement. "I'm one of these crazies, I've got like five, six scooters," he says. "I bought a 2020 Vespa last year and I quickly prepped that to be my Cannonball bike.

"That's going to be a lot more reliable than a nearly 20-year-old bike but it lacks some of the romance of having built the bike yourself," Dain says.

Linda Hurley (LindaHurley) #24

"It's the adventure, and yes, it's something different," says Hurley, 57, a technical support manager for a medical device company. She lives in Aliso Viejo, California, and her rider name is LindaHurley .

"I'm definitely new to this event," Hurley says. "I don't know any of the people who are riding or organizing but it'll be fun meeting everybody.

"I was kind of becoming a couch potato about 12-13 years ago and knew I had to do something," Hurley says. She saw an episode of " Orange County Choppers " that involved scooters and decided to get one.

"I bought a little Yamaha Vino 125 and I loved it," she says. "About six months later I bought a larger scooter, a Yamaha Majesty 400." A Yamaha FJR motorcycle was added later.

Hurley participated in multiday motorcycling events over the past 10 years. "I still really like scooters and I saw this event so I bought a 2018 Yamaha SMAX just to ride in it. I'm looking to finish, but I'd really like to win.

"But the Cannonball is a different thing for me," Hurley says. "A different format, over 10 days straight, it's grueling."

Seth Hershey (sethhershey) #21

"I'd say it's twofold," says Hershey, 39, of Cincinnati. He's known as sethhershey and he's a certified Vespa mechanic and the owner of  Metro Scooter  in Cincinnati. He'll ride a  2019 Vespa Sprint 150 .

"First, I love traveling and I want to see what I'm made of," Hershey says. "Second, we get a lot of people who ask 'what can you do on a scooter?' Well, I do a lot. And I'm going to be able to say that I've done it."

His father rode Harleys, but Hershey discovered scooters "when I was like 13 or 14. I found out there was more than just Harley-Davidsons, suddenly there was this red Italian sexy sport bike in Popular Mechanics and I was like 'What? They come shaped like that, too?'"

"I'm not competitive," Hershey says. "I'll be happy just to finish. I want to get as many points as I can via the bonus checkpoints." 

The Cannonball is "the romance of riding a red Vespa across the country," Hershey says. "The romance of a tour down Main Street America is how I describe it."

The hardest thing will be camping in the evening and looking on my phone at photos I took with my girls. That's going to be the hard part. That's going to be like, 'Oh, I can't wait to be hanging out with them again.'

But while he's looking forward to the Cannonball challenge, "the hardest thing will be camping in the evening and looking on my phone at photos I took with my girls." 

"That's going to be the hard part," Hershey says. "That's going to be like, 'Oh, I can't wait to be hanging out with them again.'"

Danielle Tarner (SassyPony) #137

"I always wanted to go coast to coast on two wheels," says Tarner, 45, of Manhattan, Kansas, who's known as SassyPony and is an instructor at Kansas State University. This is her first Cannonball and, like Velázquez, she'll ride a Honda Super Cub 125.

After forgoing bicycling following knee surgery, "I started looking at scooters and with the pandemic I got squirrelly and wanted to get out there so I bought a scooter," she says. While researching cross country travel, "this event popped up and I thought, 'Whoa, this looks pretty epic. I should try this.'"

She's looking to "finish the event and enjoy the ride."

"A girlfriend got me a T-shirt and it's a fluorescent green shirt with a black scooter and lettering that says, 'Life's a hoot when you ride a scoot,'" Tarner says. "It pretty much sums up my mantra for for this adventure."

I'm doing this because of the challenge on a smaller bike and the technicalities involved. I enjoy inspiring the younger generation, especially women.

Remember: This is not a race

The Cannonball began in 2004. It started as "a little bit more than a cross-country road trip on vintage scooters,” Bednarski says.

As a Cannonball veteran, he's a source of knowledge and inspiration for other riders. And while it usually takes three volunteers to organize a Cannonball, "this year is a little different," he says. "It's pretty much myself doing all the advanced organizing. Some of that's just what happened with COVID."

• 'A Scooter Affair' podcast talks with David Bednarski:  scooteraffair.com/scooter-cannonball-2021/

The Cannonball is not a race, organizers emphasize. There's no cash prize; winners will get a fist-sized medal this year, Bednarski says. It comes with a ribbon to hang around one's neck and can also be used to open bottles.

"The original event had a scoring system in place but it was really more of an endurance test of the machine and the rider," he says. "It was a matter of getting from one point to another without accumulating points. Today, that's changed."

You understand that this is not a race. The Cannonball does not condone unsafe activities such as excessive speed, reckless vehicle operation, riding impaired, or any other activity that results in riders exceeding their personal limits, endangering other riders or the public.

Instead of riding fast, riders must navigate accurately , minimize mechanical troubles, calculate fuel needs and travel efficiently, the Cannonball website says. They're required to photo-document visits to required checkpoints and are expected to assist other riders having difficulties.

"What keeps drawing me back is this elusive, kind of perfect 10 days of riding that's so hard to do," Bednarski says. "It's traveling to almost 100 different checkpoints with perfect navigation, no wrong turns."

You'll probably pay $3,000 to $5,000 to ride the Cannonball

Rider fellowships often forged in hardship.

Part of the Cannonball's attraction is the esprit de corps of scooter pilots, the friendships built in group rides, forum discussions and chance meetings on the road. There are enthusiasts for many types of vehicles, but motorcycles and scooters are special, riders say.

Empathy may play a part. If you're on a bike out in the rain and you see someone else on a bike, you know that person is probably as wet and cold as you are. The riding experience, good or bad, creates a bond.

For the Cannonball, organizers chose scooters "a little because of the absurdity of it," Bednarski says.

I think there's an even stronger camaraderie with the scooter population than with motorcycles.

"There's a very strong community out there," Bednarski says. "The idea of going slowly across the United States on back roads because modern, smaller scooters can't be taken on interstates, embraces constraint.

"The days are long and it's a challenge for the scooter and rider."

"I think there's an even stronger camaraderie with the scooter population than with motorcycles," says Jeff "Robot" Corsaro, service manager at Vespa Motorsport and scooterwest.com in San Diego. Vespa owners study and revere his numerous  how-to-work-on-your-Vespa Youtube videos .

"There may be some divide between the vintage scooter crowd and the modern twist-and-go automatic crowd, but it's much more tight-knit,"  Corsaro says.

Others agree. "I do think of it like a family," Jackson says. "You saw my profile, I'm a big Black guy and in this scooter community I've been accepted with open arms. I don't even notice that I'm the only Black guy there. It's a welcoming community."

Dain says, "One of the best things is the camaraderie. You're sizing up everybody on the first day. After the second or third day, everybody's just buddies, trying to make things happen."

"At night, if somebody's got a scooter problem, you'll see five or six people huddled around the scooter and everybody's an expert on one portion or another. People don't want to see anybody not finish," he says.

Veterans – and rookies – rushed to sign up this year

More than 180 people registered to ride in this year's Cannonball, a 126% increase from the next highest number of 80 registrants in 2012. Social media, rider videos and a couple of documentaries have boosted interest.

"Typically, we see 60% of those who register show up at the starting line," Bednarski told USA TODAY. At the moment, 82 riders say "yes," they'll be on the starting line. Nine riders say "maybe."

"The cross-country aspect, the adventure, is appealing," Bednarski says. "It's a fairly structured event. Riders don't have to do a lot of planning in terms of selecting the route or hotels."

"So it does offer a framework for a cross-country adventure, but ultimately, they still have to sit and ride the ride."

Maintenance, mechanical ability is key

While scooters are usually regarded as around-town vehicles, "the Cannonball is quite the opposite," says Corsaro of Vespa Motorsports. "Several participants in the Cannonball, they just don't make it because they have engine, transmission or tire problems."

"The (Cannonball) odds are really against you," Dain says. "These are little tiny, urban motorcycles, they're not meant to go across the country. You've got to have a little bit of mechanical ability just to keep these things running when you're doing 500 miles a day."

What should riders do?

"Know at least the basics, like how to remove and change a tire – that's more difficult than changing one on an automobile," Corsaro says. "With many of the 10- or 12-inch scooter tires, you may get only 2,000 miles or so out of them. So I see changes maybe two-thirds of the way through the trip."

"And with the newer automatics, the drive belts have a fairly short lifespan. So riders would need the know-how and have the skills and tools to replace a drive belt," he says.

Who's riding the oldest scooter in the Cannonball?

That would be Shawn Johnson, 47, an ER physician from Des Moines, Iowa. He's known as Kraken and he'll be riding a 42-year-old scooter with manual transmission – a classic 1979 Vespa P200, the only two-stroke engine in the entire event. It's his third Cannonball.

Modern scooters have four-stroke engines, which run on gasoline. Older two-stroke engines require gasoline mixed with oil. That costs time.

The Cannonball "is not a race, it's about controlling your pace," Johnson says. "Gas stations are horrible; when you pull into one, you've already lost 20 minutes. And I've got to put oil in my gas tank, so there's another 5 minutes in getting it measured exactly and pouring it in."

Nevertheless, "I'm a vintage enthusiast," says Johnson, who's been working on scooters for 15 years. "I ride old scooters from the '60s and '70s. It gives me the chance to build up the bike, take it apart and replace all the worn parts, ultimately to make it roadworthy, to withstand this whole cross country adventure." 

Got any advice for first-time riders?

One of the cannonball rides started in alaska.

The Scooter Cannonball began in 2004 and was held every two years until 2020, when it was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Below are previous Cannonball rides, their start and finish locations, and number of finishers:

Last words: Utter exhaustion to unexpected euphoria

It may sound crazy, but "the Cannonball itself is a whole big animal beast," says Pamela March, 49, of Los Angeles. She's known as gopam and is a film and television entertainment editor who recorded her 2018 ride in a series of videos. She's back to ride, with more videos planned.

She's on her 2007 Vespa GT 200, the same scooter she rode in 2018. She was exhausted at the end but decided she wanted to try again.

"In 2018 I had waterproof leather boots. I didn't have any breathable mesh boots and my feet were roasting. And I got overheated by my feet, I felt like my brain was cooking. And I started making mistakes just because I was so hot," she says.

"On Day 5, I was cursing and I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I was like, 'Why am I doing this? I have nothing to prove.' These were the things coming out of my mouth. And I was like, 'I will never do this again.' "

"And then on Day 9, I'm like, 'This is so beautiful. I love it. Oh my God, it's been amazing.' And then I was like, well, we'll see if I'll do another one."

I think in our daily lives and society, we can become complacent and lazy. You have to get out there and challenge yourself. It's physical, it's mental. And it's beautiful.

"I think in our daily lives and society, we can become complacent and lazy," March says. "You have to get out there and challenge yourself. It's physical, it's mental. And it's beautiful."

"When you're doing Cannonball, the only thing you can focus on is pretty much doing the thing and surviving. All the daily worries fall away from your life and you are present. You are in the moment."

Still curious? Two documentary films focus on the Cannonball

• " It's Not a Race: The Scooter Cannonball Run " (2010)
• " Slow Ride Home " (2016) 

SOURCE USA TODAY research; scootercannonball.com

CONTRIBUTING Veronica Bravo, Janet Loehrke, and Ramon Padilla

Exploring 50cc Dirt Bikes: Power and Performance Guide

Looking to buy a 50cc dirt bike? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, a 50cc dirt bike can provide loads of fun and excitement. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making a purchase.

Understanding the Basics of 50cc Dirt Bikes

Before we jump into the specifics, let’s start by understanding what exactly a 50cc dirt bike is. Simply put, a 50cc dirt bike refers to the engine size of the bike. The cc stands for cubic centimeters, which measures the displacement or volume of the engine’s cylinders.

In the case of a 50cc dirt bike, it means that the engine has a volume of 50 cubic centimeters. 50cc dirt bikes are typically designed for younger riders or beginners due to their smaller size and lower power output.

What is a Dirt Bike 50cc?

A 50cc dirt bike is a small-sized off-road motorcycle specifically designed for recreational use. These bikes are generally lightweight and feature an automatic transmission, making them easy to handle for riders of all skill levels.

They have rugged tires with good traction and a suspension system capable of handling off-road terrain. Keep in mind that 50cc dirt bikes are not suitable for highway use and are intended for off-road or private property use only.

When it comes to the design of a 50cc dirt bike, manufacturers pay special attention to ensuring the bike is ergonomically friendly for younger riders. The seat height is typically lower, allowing riders to comfortably touch the ground with their feet.

The handlebars are positioned at a height that promotes good posture and control. These design features contribute to the overall stability and maneuverability of the bike, making it easier for beginners to learn and master the art of dirt biking.

One of the key features of a 50cc dirt bike is its automatic transmission. Unlike larger dirt bikes that require manual shifting, 50cc dirt bikes have a simple twist-and-go operation.

This eliminates the need for riders to worry about shifting gears, allowing them to focus on developing their riding skills and enjoying the experience. The automatic transmission also makes it easier for younger riders to grasp the basics of throttle control and braking without the added complexity of shifting gears.

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Why Choose a 50cc Dirt Bike?

There are several reasons why opting for a 50cc dirt bike might be the perfect choice for you or your child. Firstly, their smaller size and lower weight make them easier to handle, especially for younger riders.

Maneuvering through tight trails or navigating obstacles becomes less daunting when you have a bike that is agile and lightweight. The smaller frame also allows riders to have better control and balance, which is crucial when riding off-road.

Additionally, their lower power output provides a less intimidating riding experience, allowing beginners to build confidence and develop essential riding skills.

The reduced speed and acceleration of a 50cc dirt bike make it easier for riders to learn how to control the bike and react to different terrains. It allows beginners to gradually progress and improve their skills without feeling overwhelmed by excessive power and speed.

Another advantage of choosing to ride a 50cc dirt bike is its affordability . Compared to larger and more powerful dirt bikes, 50cc models are generally more budget-friendly.

This makes the companies behind them an attractive option for those who are just starting out in the sport or for families looking to introduce their children to off-road riding. The lower price point allows riders to get a taste of the sport without making a significant financial commitment.

Lastly, 50cc dirt bikes provide kids an excellent platform for learning the fundamentals of dirt biking. They allow riders to develop their balance, coordination, and riding techniques in a controlled and safe environment.

As riders start to gain confidence and experience on a 50cc dirt bike, they can gradually progress to larger and more powerful bikes, taking their skills to the next level.

Factors to Consider When Buying a 50cc Dirt Bike

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a 50cc dirt bike is, let’s explore the key factors you should consider before making your purchase.

The Rider’s Age and Experience

The age and experience of the rider are crucial considerations when choosing the right 50cc dirt bike. Younger riders, teens or beginners typically require bikes with adjustable seat heights and handlebars to ensure a comfortable and safe riding position.

It’s also worth considering bigger bikes with a more controllable power delivery to match the rider’s skill level. However, if the rider has more experience, for example, they may be ready for a slightly more powerful 50cc dirt bike.

When it comes to young riders, it’s important to prioritize their safety and provide them with a bike that suits their physical capabilities. Adjustable seat heights and handlebars allow for customization, ensuring that the bike can grow with the rider as they gain more experience and confidence.

The Bike’s Size and Weight

Size and weight matter when it comes to 50cc dirt bikes. It’s important to choose a bike that suits the rider’s height and weight to ensure proper control and handling. Look for bikes with a manageable seat height and a weight that the rider can handle comfortably.

You don’t want a bike that’s too heavy or too tall for the rider, as it can make it challenging to maneuver and control the bike effectively. Consider the rider’s physical attributes, such as their height and weight, when selecting a 50cc dirt bike.

A bike that is too large or heavy for the rider can not only be difficult to handle but also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Opting for a bike with a manageable seat height and weight will enhance the rider’s confidence and overall riding experience.

Engine Type and Performance

While all 50cc dirt bikes have relatively small engines, there can be variations in engine type and performance. Two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines are the most common options available.

Two-stroke engines generally offer more power and acceleration, making them suitable for riders looking for a more thrilling ride.

On the other hand, four-stroke engines tend to provide smoother power delivery and better fuel efficiency. Consider the rider’s preferences and riding style when choosing between the two engine types.

Understanding the differences between two-stroke and four-stroke engines is essential in selecting the right 50cc dirt bike. Two-stroke engines are known for their high power-to-weight ratio, making them popular among riders seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience.

On the other hand, four-stroke engines offer a smoother power delivery, making them ideal for riders who prioritize control and fuel efficiency. Consider the rider’s skill level, riding style, and preferences to determine which engine type suits them best.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a priority when buying any dirt bike, including a 50cc model. Look for bikes that come equipped with safety features such as effective braking systems, durable and reliable tires, and a functioning suspension system.

It’s also a good idea to invest in safety gear , such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, to ensure a safe and fun riding experience.

When it comes to dirt biking, safety should never be compromised. Choosing a 50cc dirt bike that prioritizes safety features is crucial to protect the rider from potential accidents and injuries.

Effective braking systems ensure quick and reliable stops, while durable tires provide excellent traction on various terrains. A functioning suspension system enhances the bike’s stability and comfort, especially when tackling rough trails or jumps.

Additionally, investing in high-quality safety gear is absolutely essential to protect the rider’s head, hands, eyes, and body from potential harm.

Brand and Model Reviews

When it comes to 50cc dirt bikes, finding the right brand and model can significantly impact your riding experience, especially for young riders or beginners. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top brands that offer 50cc dirt bikes and review popular models within this category.

Top Brands Offering 50cc Dirt Bikes

Honda: Honda is a well-known name in the dirt biking world, and they offer a range of 50cc dirt bikes suitable for young kids and beginners. With their reliable engines and durable construction, Honda bikes instill confidence in young riders as they venture into the world of off-road riding. Some popular models include the Honda CRF50F and CRF50XR, both featuring automatic clutch systems and low seat heights for easy handling.

Yamaha: Yamaha is another reputable brand known for producing high-quality dirt bikes. Their 50cc models, like the Yamaha PW50 and TT-R50E, offer electric start options, making them ideal for kids who may struggle with kick starters. Yamaha bikes are often praised for their user-friendly controls and low-maintenance features, making them a popular choice among parents.

Suzuki: Suzuki also has a strong presence in the 50cc dirt bike market. Models like the Suzuki DR-Z50 are designed for young riders and feature an automatic clutch for easy gear shifting. With a smooth and responsive throttle, Suzuki bikes are considered a great option for kids looking to build their riding skills.

Reviewing Popular 50cc Dirt Bike Models

Honda CRF50F: The Honda CRF50F is a classic 50cc dirt bike that has been a favorite among young riders for years. Its automatic clutch and low seat height make it easy for beginners to handle. With reliable performance and low maintenance requirements, this bike is an excellent choice for introducing kids to the world of dirt biking.

Yamaha PW50: The Yamaha PW50 is a beloved starter bike for young riders. Its light weight and automatic transmission provide a smooth and comfortable ride. The electric start feature is a huge plus for kids who may find kick starters challenging. The PW50’s adjustable throttle also allows parents to control the bike’s top speed as beginners gain confidence.

KTM 50 SX Mini: For more advanced young riders, the KTM 50 SX Mini offers a powerful 50cc engine and excellent suspension. It’s designed to handle more challenging trails, making it a popular choice for those with some dirt biking experience. The KTM 50 SX Mini is a bit pricier than other 50cc models, but its performance and build quality are wor

th the investment.

Where to Buy a 50cc Dirt Bike

Now that you have an idea of the brands available, let’s explore your options for purchasing a 50cc dirt bike.

Buying from a Dealership vs Online

When it comes to buying a 50cc dirt bike , you have the option of purchasing from a dealership or through online platforms. Buying from a dealership allows you to physically inspect the bike, receive expert advice, price, and get access to after-sales service and support.

On the other hand, buying online provides convenience and a potentially wider selection of bikes. It’s essential to do thorough research, read customer reviews, and ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable source, whether you decide to buy from a dealership or online.

Pre-owned vs New Bikes

Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to buy a new or pre-owned 50cc dirt bike. Opting for a new bike ensures that you’re getting a bike in pristine condition with the latest features and technology. However, new bikes can be more expensive.

On the contrary, buying a pre-owned bike can save you money but may require more attention to ensure you maintain its condition and reliability. If considering a pre-owned bike, it’s advisable to have a trusted mechanic inspect it before making a purchase.

Negotiating Price and Deals

When it comes to buying a dirt bike, negotiating the best deal is essential to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. This article will provide you with valuable tips on negotiating, explore the cheapest dirt bikes available, and shed light on seasonal sales and discounts. Let’s dive right in!

Tips for Negotiating the Best Deal

• Do Your Research: Before stepping into negotiations, arm yourself with information about the specific dirt bike model you’re interested in. Understand its market value, features, and any potential drawbacks. This knowledge will give you the upper hand during negotiations.
• Emphasize Your Needs: Communicate your specific requirements to the seller. Whether you’re looking for a dirt bike suitable for young kids or one with an electric start for convenience, letting the seller know your needs can help them offer you a better deal.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don’t be afraid to walk away if the negotiations aren’t going your way. Sometimes, showing that you’re willing to walk can prompt the seller to reconsider and offer you a more favorable deal.
• Timing is Key: Consider the timing of your purchase. Dealerships may be more inclined to offer discounts during the off-season or towards the end of the year when they want to clear inventory.
• Bundle Deals: Explore the possibility of bundling accessories, safety gear, or maintenance services with your dirt bike purchase. Sometimes, sellers are willing to sweeten the deal by offering additional items at a discounted rate.

Cheapest Dirt Bikes

• 50cc Dirt Bikes: 50cc dirt bikes are often considered the cheapest options available. These bikes are perfect for young riders and beginners due to their smaller engines and lower power output.
• Used Dirt Bikes: Opting for a pre-owned dirt bike can save you a significant amount of money. Just be sure to inspect the bike thoroughly and have a trusted mechanic check it before making the purchase.
• Less Popular Brands: While Honda and Yamaha may be well-known brands, there are other reliable and affordable brands in the market. Exploring less popular brands can lead you to hidden gems at a lower price.

Exploring Seasonal Sales and Discounts

• End-of-Season Sales: Towards the end of the riding season, dealerships and retailers may offer discounts to clear out their inventory. This is an excellent time to snag a good deal on a dirt bike.
• Holiday Sales: Keep an eye out for holiday sales events like Black Friday or Christmas. Many sellers offer attractive discounts during these festive periods.
• Special Manufacturer Promotions: Some dirt bike manufacturers run limited-time promotions or rebates on specific models. Be sure to check their websites or authorized dealers for any ongoing offers.
• Local Events and Expos: Attend local bike shows, expos, or events where sellers may offer exclusive discounts to attendees.

Finalizing the Purchase

Congratulations! You’ve decided on the perfect dirt bike, and now it’s time to finalize the purchase. This crucial step involves completing necessary paperwork and documentation, as well as thoroughly inspecting the dirt bike before taking it home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure a smooth and satisfying purchase experience.

Completing Necessary Paperwork and Documentation

Now that you’ve chosen your dream dirt bike, it’s time to take care of the paperwork. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, proper documentation is essential to protect both the buyer and the seller. Here’s what you need to know:

• Bill of Sale: This document serves as proof of the transaction and includes important details such as the buyer’s and seller’s names, the purchase price, and a description of the dirt bike (make, model, year, etc.). Both parties should sign and keep a copy for their records.
• Title Transfer: If you’re buying from a private seller, make sure the dirt bike’s title is transferred to your name. This ensures that you become the legal owner of the bike. Check with your local motor vehicle agency for specific requirements and fees related to title transfers.
• Warranty and Registration: If the dirt bike comes with a warranty, review the terms and conditions to understand what’s covered and for how long. Also, ensure that the bike is properly registered in your name with the appropriate authorities.
• Sales Tax and Fees: Be aware of any applicable sales tax and fees associated with the purchase. These costs can vary depending on your location and the purchase price of the dirt bike.
• Financing or Payment Options: If you’re financing the dirt bike, review and sign the financing agreement. If you’re paying in cash or using another payment method, ensure that the seller provides a receipt as proof of payment.

Inspecting the Dirt Bike Before Taking It Home

Before you hit the trails with your new dirt bike, it’s crucial to inspect it thoroughly to ensure it’s in top-notch condition. This step is especially important when buying a pre-owned bike. Here’s what to look out for:

• Frame and Body: Check the dirt bike’s frame for any signs of damage or cracks. Inspect the body for dents, scratches, or indications of previous crashes. While some wear and tear are expected, significant damage may indicate underlying issues.
• Engine and Transmission: Start the dirt bike and listen for any unusual noises, such as rattling or grinding. Test the gears and ensure the transmission shifts smoothly without any hesitation.
• Brakes and Wheels: Test the brakes to ensure they are responsive and provide sufficient stopping power. Inspect the wheels for any dents or bent rims, as this could affect the bike’s performance.
• Suspension: Check the suspension by compressing the front forks and rear shock. The suspension should feel firm and respond smoothly.
• Tires: Examine the tires for signs of wear and proper inflation. Worn-out tires may need replacement, adding an additional cost to consider.
• Electrical Components: Test all electrical components, including the lights, horn, and indicators. Make sure they are functioning correctly.
• Fluid Levels: Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels to ensure they are at the appropriate levels. Low fluid levels could indicate leaks or other issues.
• Kick Starter and Electric Start: If the dirt bike has both kick start and electric start options, test both to ensure they work seamlessly.
• Carburetor and Battery: Inspect the carburetor for any signs of clogging or damage. Additionally, check the battery’s condition and ensure it holds a charge.
• Maintenance History: If possible, inquire about the dirt bike’s maintenance history. Regular maintenance indicates that the bike has been well-cared for and may provide peace of mind.

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to buying the best 50cc dirt bike. By considering factors such as the rider’s age and experience, bike size and weight, engine type and performance, and safety features, you can make an informed decision.

Don’t forget to explore the top 50cc dirt bike brands we mentioned and decide whether buying from a dealership or online suits your needs. Happy riding!

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15 Best 50cc Scooters

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Are you looking for a great 50cc scooter to help you get around? Well, look no further. We’ve compiled a selection of the best 50cc scooters to get you where you need to go in style and comfort. From classic brands like Vespa and Honda to tiny customized and vintage models – there is something on this list for everyone!

Whether you’re looking for an affordable way of traveling or want something fun and lightweight to ride around town, we have your back. This guide will help you choose the best 2023 50cc moped.

1. TaoTao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter

You may come across several scooters (including some of the ones I describe in this post) that are mainly for fun and occasional use. But trust me, the Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas scooter does not belong to that class. It is a severe motorcycle that can compete favorably on major roads when it comes to gas scooters.

Don’t be distracted by the low price tag. The Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter is one of that nippy little motorcycles that is friendly to your budget, whether in terms of cost, maintenance, or fuel. It will handle all your trips well and efficiently manage your fuel without asking for more.

Tao Tao Thunder is a perfect scooter for use in the city centers thanks to its 49cc engine that stays at a top speed of 35 miles per hour. After all, cruising around the city on two wheels doesn’t require riders even to reach 35 mph. Remember, the city centers tend to always jam in traffic, and you can’t be at any higher speed than the standstill vehicles put you.

Never get fooled by the low max speed. Cruising is a great deal for you if you’re the type who loves traveling around the city with ease. The Tao Tao Thunder will deliver an impressive 100 miles on just 1.2 gallons of fuel.

The scooter features an electric start and a backup kickstart. The Tao Tao Thunder is an easy-to-maneuver scooter, able to obey all the control you demand when needed. As a street-legal and CARB-licensed scooter, you’re not afraid of cruising around the city.

Be sure that your state of residence permits you to ride this vehicle without a license, even though some states allow you to ride the car without any permit due to its engine capacity. However, you need to register it and procure a license plate first. I can tell you for free that you can ride the vehicle in California. 

Upon purchase, find out if there’s anything you want your mechanic to check before you put it on the public road quickly. Even though the scooter usually comes assembled, you’ll need to do a routine check to know the extent of its assemblage.

Key Features

• Engine: 49cc
• Comes with a matching underseat storage
• Economy: extremely fuel-efficient
• Top speed: 35 mph
• Cost: affordable in the purchase and maintenance 

Read Customer Reviews and learn more

2. TaoTao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal

You may think you’ve got the best of the Tao Tao products with the Tao Tao Thunder 50 Gas Street Legal Scooter. But I can assure you there’s something here with more extensive and significant experience. 

We could give a stand-up ovation for the power and prowess of this larger-engined model, the  Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter . If you’re considering the choice of a bike that offers fuel economy, simplicity, and power, this is the best pick for you.

With a 50cc, four-stroke engine, Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter can reach 35 miles per hour. Such MPH is enough for the demand of an average city ride; average riders can beat those tailbacks in the traffic-locked Miami. 

A new scooter or motorcycle rider will enjoy the incredibly full automatic transmission that scooters are built with. This means that since they don’t have to shift gears, they will have a much more comfortable ride.

What’s more, the Tao Tao ATM50-A1 50cc Gas Street Legal Scooter boasts a small trunk at the rear equipped with a spacious under-seat storage facility large enough to hold your groceries, backpack, or any other thing you may want to go on the trip with. With approximately 350 pounds, this moped is weighty and large enough to carry two passengers at a time. Caution must be taken not to overload it so that the scooter doesn’t fail to reach its top speed when you need it most. 

Key Features  

• Passes DOT safety standards
• Top speed of 35 mph
• Can carry two passengers
• 350 pounds weight
• Engine: air-cooled 
• High Speed: 25 MPH (42KM/H) 

3. Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro Electric Scooter

Whereas some scooters are for the trip, others are for real fun. If you want an example of the latter class, the  Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro Electric Scooter  is one I can pointedly refer you to.

This is a great scooter to ride around town for fun. This battery-powered scooter can run 10 miles non-stop on a single charge, with a 12-hour charge time and a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour.

The scooter is a great companion and means of transportation for adults who love everyday life at the beach. It all depends on the model you’re opting for; the  Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Scooter  has a maximum weight limit of up to 170 pounds.

This brand offers you the opportunity to choose between eight different options, from the pink model that boasts sparkly tassels on the handlebars to a more edgy red and black model. 

• Travels 10 miles on each charge
• Top speed of 15 mph
• Eight color combos are available

Read Customer Reviews and learn more.

4. Sym Jet 14 50

View on Sym

Taiwan’s motorcycles are no pushover when producing mopeds and scooters. SYM may not be popular in many parts of the world, especially in the UK and the US, but it is undoubtedly one of the over-50 cc scooters that riders should keep their eye on always. It comes with some differences.

The Taiwan company is a partner of the famous Korean brand, Hyundai, known for manufacturing vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tricycles for the Korean company.  

The well-established manufacturer brings out the Jet 50 to compete favorably in the cycling and automotive industry, giving it cutting edge of sophistication, design, and styling. 

It operates more than a touch of Honda Forza or Yamaha XMAX. The Jet 50 models are built with a displacement ranging between 125cc and 200cc variants. This makes it feel like a bigger scooter.

The scooter also boasts 14″ wheels from which the Jet 14 derives part of its name. Other features include LED headlights and a wide array of storage space.

The manufacturer gives you a three-year warranty, which you don’t often get on some scooters. The price alone makes it one of the most competitively priced mopeds. 

• A saddle height of 771mm makes the around-town ride easier
• Engine: air-cooling, 4-stroke engine, single-cylinder 
• Displacement: 49.46 cc 
• Max. Horsepower: 2.6 kW / 7500 rpm 
• Max. Torque: 3.5 Nm / 6500 rpm 
• Max. Speed: 45km/h 

5. Scomadi TL50

View on Scomadi

I am not surprised Scomadi TL 50 made the list of the Top 15 50cc Moped Scooters. It is a classic. So, if you’re looking for something that combines tradition with modernity, look no further because Scomadi TL 50 is right here to take you around the city and back at a fuel-efficient cost. 

The British-based company is leading the park among the merging companies for the production of the best scooters in the world. Even if you’ve not heard about one of their brands, I am bringing the Scomadi TL 5o as a beneficiary of the incredible features it offers.

The bike models manufactured by Scomadi are the best you can ever ride after your memory of the Lambretta. The TL 50 is a classic bike made with steel and designed to replicate what the urban riders genuinely desire.

With an air-cooled, two-valve four-stroke engine at its heart, the lightweight Tourer 50 works exclusively with a top-rated friendly CVT. It features incredible transmission and a secure control mechanism; the electronic Scomadi TL is a superior model over all those manual bikes you find around. 

With between 125 and 200cc displacement, the price tag placed on this modern retro is worth every penny. 

• Seat Height: 780mm
• Displacement: 49.6cc
• Engine Type: Single Cylinder, Forced Air, SOHC, 2V
• Max net power: 2.4/7500 2.0 @ 6500
• Max net torque: 3.2/7000 2.7/6500

6. Kymco Agility 50

View on KYMCO

The name has it all. The Kymco agility is a perfect entry-level scooter. It has plenty to offer for the rider in search of a well-designed scooter that is fuel-efficient and competitively affordable in purchasing and maintenance costs.

Right from the blast of the whistle, this scooter is set to enhance agility, comfort, and safety with its 12-inch allow wheels. Besides, the scooter boasts a front disc brake and a light net weight of 92kg. In that case, you can maneuver it and park it with ease.

Moreover, Agility 50 is truly a friend of the environment. Powered by the latest generation of 4 strokes air-cooled engine, the scooter is popular for saving fuel. The engine is also capable of achieving more than 120 miles per gallon. It also has exceptionally low carbon emissions, which makes it eco-friendly.

No other bike is more comfortable for the city ride than the Agility 50. With a relatively low seating position (a seat height of 785 mm), the bike is a gender-sensitive bike ideal for both male and female riders. Also, the Taiwanese manufacturer adequately caters to pillions with a sturdy footrest and a grab rail. Above all, the pillions serve as a backrest for an ultra-comfortable ride.

With the Kymco Agility 50, you find a comfortable ride with features such as a lockable under-seat storage box for the helmet and the all-important fuel gauge.

• Bigger hoops for a more significant presence and increased stability.
• Eco-friendly due to low carbon emission 
• Enhances stability, comfort, and safety
• Engine: 4-Stroke, Air-cooled, SOHC, Single-Cylinder engine with Electric / Kick starter
• Displacement: 49cc
• Seat: Two-Piece, 2-passenger.

7. Piaggio Typhoon 50

Piaggio is a famous brand known for manufacturing three different models of motorcycles. We also have the Vespa ET2 50, that is, the classic retros from Piaggio. The third class is the eponymous Piaggio Fly 50, about the only Piaggio motorcycle brand known for its practical everyday work.

In between these three models is what I bring to you here, the Piaggio Typhoon, one of many in the 50cc range, price-wise, funky, and semi-off-road stylish bike. It comes with all the paraphernalia you may have forgotten since the Yamaha’s BW’S surface with its balloon tires and quirky style.

That aside, this Euro4-compliant bike gets its power from a two-stroke engine. It also features the excellent Brembo disc brake up front, athletic styling, and a perky air-cooled 2-stroke engine. There’s nothing you want in a scooter that you’re not likely to find in the Typhoon 50, from the fairly nice dash setup to the high-taste palette of gauges that include a tachometer.

The inverted front forks of Typhoon 50 help to reduce the unsprung wheel weight, which ensures better and higher handling, making the moped like a high-end sportbike.

• Engine: air-cooled, 2-stroke œHi-PER2.
• Capable of about 35-45 mph
• Peppy acceleration
• An excellent choice for heavier riders. 
• It can compete favorably with Yamaha’s  Zuma/BWs 50  and Kymco’s  Super 8  and  Super 9  models.
• Great aftermarket accessories and parts

8. Lexmoto Echo 50

View on Lexmoto

Lexmoto Echo 50 will surely make one of my top 15 50cc Moped Scooters for several reasons. Being one of the great success stories of the British motorcycle company Lexmoto in recent years, Echo 50 has an array of features that will make every rider want to jump at it.

Running on the 4-stroke engine, the Echo 50 guarantees reliability and low cost of maintenance relative to their two-stroke counterparts. Mostly, with a four-stroke engine, riders won’t have to add oil to the fuel but only need to check the engine oil. The Echo 50 engine produces a deeper sound than the two-stroke engine models.

For riders looking for an inexpensive scooter, the top-value Echo 50 is the right choice. With a smooth, reliable 50 cc engine, the scooter provides a stable, steady, and consistent performance. This makes an excellent pick for anyone new to riding and veteran scooterists. 

The bike also has practical features, including a sleek modern design, under-seat storage, easy-to-use controls, agile handling, telescopic suspension, and ten wheels. Also, the Lexmoto Echo is the ideal pick for those looking to use the bike for commuting through even the most challenging of urban commutes

• Handy under-seat storage for safekeeping of belongings
• An excellent option for beginner riders: automatic transmission 
• Easy-to-read fuel gauge
• 4 Stroke engines 
• Require less maintenance, unlike a two-stroke

9. Peugeot Kisbee

View on Honest John

Durability is one feature that every rider wants to find in a scooter. That’s what Peugeot Kisbee comes with. Mainly due to its four-stroke engine that offers up a 4.2Nm of torque, the 50 cc Kisbee is a scooter with power and performance that you could live with for longer. 

An iconic sports model, the Kisbee remains a popular pick for style-conscious riders. Undoubtedly, its specs are pretty basic, but it’s well-built, making it sound fun to ride. Powered by a powerful and responsive four-stroke motor, the model is restricted to 35mph, making it a much more engaging scooter than most other 50s.

The scooter comes with a headlight that sends out an apparent, bright spread of illumination at night, adding to the confidence you feel when riding this scooter.

• Two-year, unlimited mileage warranty
• Engine: 49c four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder, carburetor, CVT automatic Smart exterior has broad appeal
• The sprightly engine revs keenly
• Well-built and practical too
• Seat height: 780mm
• Top speed: 35mph. 
• Fuel consumption: claimed 108.6mpg.

10. Yamaha Aero 4

View on Yamaha

A lightweight two-wheel scooter, the Yamaha Aero runs with lightweight 5-stroke cast-aluminum wheels that look good and lowly weighed . The low weight allows for the effective working of the suspension. At the same time, the broad tires provide plenty of cornering grips and reliable braking performance with the large-diameter front and rear discs.

The scooter is also practical, economical, sporty, and exciting to ride. The under-seat is a storage compartment that provides for a full-face helmet and a 6-liter fuel tank, which offers you plenty of hours on the road riding without thinking or refilling.

This punchy 50cc Euro4-compliant scooter is powered by a liquid-cooled 4-stroke motor which assures you strong acceleration, a thrilling ride, and sporty handling.

• Tubular frame for sports handling performance
• The high-tech LCD instrument panel
• Smooth-action hydraulic-telescopic front forks
• Spacious footwell for different riding positions
• High overall specification

11. Aprilia SR50R

View on Aprilia

We can all still recall when all there was about scooters was the Aprilia brand. It’s excellent that Aprilia models now have competitors in the scooter category of motorcycles.

Yet, the Aprilia portfolio is not empty in quantity or low in quality. The SR50R is one of those we can point to as having a high specification in the Aprilia circle.

Powered by a two-stroke motor, SR50R has the following features: clean running as the four-stroke scooters, advanced technology, sporty style, and huge power.

The SR50 has a moderate under-seat storage compartment that will take a full moderate helmet. There’s also a neat cubby hole in the front of the seat to accommodate more of your stuff. 

• Engine: 49cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 2-stroke
• Unreal braking
• Power: 5.35 horsepower (Generation 2)
• Seat height: 32.0 (Gen 1), 32.2 (Gen 2)
• Great mileage for a 2-stroke motor scooter
• Sporty styling
• Loads of accessories and parts
• Class-leading power

12. Peugeot Speedfight 50

View on Peugeot

The Peugeot Speedflight is one of the popular scooters that will always make my top 15 50cc scooters of all time the Speedfight 50. 

The Speedfight 4 50cc is built with 13-inch wheels. Belt-enhanced and air-cooled, the engine boasts a two-stroke well, fast single cylinder. You can be sure Speedflight will be Euro 4 compliant.

At the top speed of 30mph, comfort is the name for this scooter. Featuring an 800mm seat height and 104kg net weight, the bike is sturdy on the road and with stopping power offered by hurricane discs. 

Added to these are the digital dash, smartphone-holder-support, and a USB socket. 

• Engine: 2 strokes single-cylinder air-cooled
• Transmission: Automatic (twist and go)
• Seat Height: 800mm
• MPG (approx..): 134 mpg (8L tank)
• Brakes: Front disc and rear disc

13. Sinnis Encanto 50

View on Sinnis Motorcycles

One thing is sure about our top 15 50cc moped scooters, and that is the fact that they all have incredible features. With Sinnis Encanto 50, there is a lovely style and impressive design.

All of this is complemented by the front and rear disc brakes and super low weight of 80 kg. This stylish little scooter from Sinnis comes with 12 month warranty.

Moreover, it is built with an under-seat storage section to accommodate a full-size helmet. It also allows you to get a top box as extra storage to make commuting a perfect experience. 

The Encanto 50cc will comfortably return more than 120+MPG from the 4.7L tank.

• Engine: 4 strokes single-cylinder air-cooled
• Transmission: twist and go automatic 
• Seat Height: 730mm

14. Direct Bikes DB 50 QT-11

View on Scooter

Direct Bikers 50 QT-11 has a higher chance of going into this year as the highest-selling scooter in the market.

It’s not only the low price that will attract buyers but also the fantastic features that the bike comes with. Simplicity, nicety, and impressive styling make the scooter one of the top favorites.  

The bike comes with simple, excellent styling and design that replicate the feature ideal of a classic 50cc scooter. An economical 50cc runner with a 5.4L tank that will return comfortably over 120+ MPG, the DB QT-11 is a great one for those on a low budget .

• Engine: 4 stroke single cylinder air-cooled
• Seat Height: 715mm
• Weight: 80 kg

15. Lexmoto Nano 50

View on Laxmoto

Lexmoto Echo 50 replicates the features of Lexmoto, Lexmoto Nano 50 is in a class of its own. Going into this year, the Lexmoto Nano 50 is a 50cc scooter for those who want to get around comfortably on a fun ride. 

If you’re on a low budget, this is your best pick. Featuring a high-quality digital display, USB charger, and a luggage rack, this scooter is built with an under-seat storage space that can take a full-size helmet (you may not be able to add any additional top box).

A net weight of 93kg, a low seat height of 760mm, and a 6.2L tank. What’s more, the weight and seat height make the Nano 50 a sturdy scooter that is gender-sensitive and can take up high acceleration. The price makes the scooter a perfect choice for a cheap local commuter.

Key Features 

• Seat Height :  760mm

Buying Guide For Scooters

The pertinent question is, “is it worth getting a 50cc scooter? That question is laden with a lot of meaning. The questioner wants to know the cost he’s billed to prepare for while opting for a moped. Perhaps, he’s also interested in It’s easy to do your maintenance and affordable to keep your motorbike up and running. When it comes to maintenance, it’s worth owning a 50cc scooter.

Just a few hundred dollars and some afternoons of your own time are enough to get the scooter through the year. There are factors to consider before you decide to own a moped. These include the cost, cost of maintenance, practicality, insurance cost, and so on.

Purchasing Cost

Desiring to buy a 50cc moped o scooter is one thing; weighing the cost is another. That is why it is essential to take the price you’re likely to incur as the first factor, especially the cost of purchase and insurance. Unfortunately, not many potential riders consider this because of splashing money on a motorcycle.

When you compare the scooter to other motorcycles, I can tell you that it is significantly cheaper to buy, whether new or used. Apart from the fact that a scooter comes with an engine of 50cc displacement, the body of the scooter is often small and lightweight.

If you have between  $500 and $2000 , it is possible in some places to pick up a second-hand moped. When I say second-hand motorbike, I am talking about bikes that are typically in excellent condition, like some of the ones you claim are new. The reason is that many people find the low engine capacity ridiculous for their standard, and so abandon the moped, having used them for just one or two weeks after purchase. You can get those ‘unused’ and left motorbikes for lower prices.

That is even about the used one. Getting a brand-new moped won’t break the bank, either. I give an instance of the first moped I got in mid-2019. I bought a Yamaha 50cc moped for just a little above $3,000 (but less than $3,600). That shouldn’t be too much to spend on a bike for a fun ride, I suppose. 

Interestingly, there are places you don’t need to insure 50 cc moped before using. Even when you’re required to buy a policy, it is quite affordable for the scooter.  

Take Ontario, where you pay the highest motorcycle insurance rates in the world, insurance on a scooter is something in the region $15 to $30. That doesn’t sound like something on the high side for a vehicle offered for $3,600 max. Compare this to paying as much as $120 on monthly insurance for owning a motorcycle of higher displacement.  

Why would you want to go in a car when you know the road en route to your workplace is a logjam? Pick up a 50cc scooter to manage your health and get past the traffic.

Maintenance & Costs

Let us face it; maintenance cost is one factor you MUST consider before owning any equipment, whether mobile or not. Everyone desires the best of computers and devices, but it will be foolhardy to hold a vast device and abandon it for a few days or months because of a lack of resources to sustain its maintenance cost. It’s embarrassing and ridiculous, I must say!

Maintenance costs for modern mopeds are cheap. From the accessories to regular and scheduled service, you can get sure that today’s mopeds can be ridden thousands of maintenance-free miles.

Relative to other motorcycles, scooters require little from you in terms of maintenance cost. You do not need to lube any chain or replace tires as often as you may in other motorcycles. The tires have longevity and durability that you may not find with different types of motorcycles.

Another advantage you get is that the small size of the mopeds makes them accessible and easy to fix if anything goes wrong. You can repair, replace, and do a lot of maintenance work right in the corner of your home on a DIY basis without having to call for a professional hand.

You can also use the necessary tools to work on the moped. You don’t need a garage to work on the motorbike as you can wheel it around to any distance without much stress. Taking your moped to your mechanic is easy because it is lightweight and small. 

The bike’s simple design of the mopeds also makes it affordable that they travel some distance before you take them out for the scheduled maintenance. If you don’t ride them frequently, you may go for an extended period. You start thinking about spark plug changes or engine rebuilds.

Practicality

Where you live, and your riding conditions are significant factors if you consider owning a 50cc scooter. 

For those who live in big cities worldwide, owning a scooter is a must for several reasons. For example, bike lovers and enthusiasts in cities such as Paris, Toronto, Beijing, Miami, New York, Florida, and others find using scooters more natural to navigate the traffic and escape the stress that is the consequence.

Because they are simple and easy to ride, control, and maneuver, 50 cc mopeds have become the favorite motorcycles of city and urban men and women. From Europe to the US, North and South America, and Asia, people have made mopeds one of the favorite means of transportation.

The same situation cannot be said of rural or less urban centers and areas. Owning a moped in these areas is less practical because using the highways or higher-speed secondary roads is not the kind of thing you would want to try with a 50cc scooter. 

Weather is another factor you need to check before considering owning a scooter. Ideally, there are times you can use a motorcycle; at other times, you cannot. For instance, the rainy season is not the best time to ride a 50cc scooter. 

In the same vein, there are places you cannot go on to ride all year long. In areas such as New York City or Toronto, it’s not practical to ride a scooter for half the year. Between November and April, the temperatures are often unfavorable, usually below the usual freezing point. 

Around this time, snow is on the road in these places, making riding problematic. If you live in big cities, you’ll likely ride a scooter during the winter. Imagine cities that are set at a higher elevation.

That’s the situation in the north around this time; now, let me tell you something about the weather in the south, especially where it’s warmer. Using the scooter is a great idea. You can ride year-round. But in colder regions, it may be difficult, if not impossible.

Are you looking for speed? Don’t think of a 50 cc moped. Maybe something less will be better. One thing (and to say this is a drawback is relative) you will find with scooters is that it has smaller displacement when compared to other categories and types of motorcycles.

Their smaller displacement, coupled with their slower top speed, is not something anyone who wants to race fast should desire. That doesn’t make the scooter less of a motorcycle or on the same level as the foot. However, most 50cc scooters can reach speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour (55 to 70 kilometers per hour at the maximum.

Usually, people on rural and secondary roads would prefer bikes of higher displacement and speed over 40 miles per hour. For those in the cities who do not have much space to run on the bike, a 50 cc scooter is the best option.

In addition to insurance, maintenance cost, speed, weather, and practicality, one other vital factor to consider when deciding to own a 50 cc moped is the limit of the scooter to the weight of the passenger. 

Typically, 50 cc mopeds have a smaller weight limit, so it will be quite difficult to add any other passenger to the rider. That will mean that the passenger’s pounds do not exceed the required weight of the motorcycle itself. Many mopeds are built with a weight limit that does not permit two passengers. 

Depending on its net weight and the rider’s weight, a scooter may find it difficult or impossible to carry more than one passenger at a time.  

I am not sure fun is what I will want to sacrifice while riding. Again, I may have to cut it somehow if I choose other motorcycles than a scooter. The best time I have had on the bike over two decades as a cyclist has been on a 50 cc scooter. You won’t go wrong picking a 50cc scooter if you want to have fun. 

Being a rider that takes more than 32 hours a week for a fun ride, I always ensure my 50 cc Vespa scooter is in good shape still. Because I know by the time I hop onto any of the  best 15 motorcycle brands  with higher displacements and top speeds, getting the desired fun may not be feasible or felt as much as I had wanted.

Typically, 50 cc mopeds are a blast for fun rides. Enjoy all the tremendous easy control, maintenance, and maneuverability features. What about a reasonably affordable form of entertainment? You derive it from riding 50 cc mopeds.

I can bet you; there is no other category of motorcycle that offers the best commuting experience than the 50 cc scooter. Wherever you want to go with the scooter, it is ready to follow you there and take you safely. If you’re looking for a short, local commute that won’t require the highway huddles, then your choice of a 50 cc scooter is the best.

Fuel efficiency, fun ride, easy-to-find parking lot, small space occupation, and other benefits may prompt you to get a scooter of such a low displacement and top speed.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is there a difference between a moped and a scooter? Yes. There is a difference between a moped scooter. But the two categories of motorcycles use small motors for propulsion. The difference is that mopeds have an engine that offers assistance to riders only when pedaling. Besides, it also helps only a portion of the locomotive power. For a scooter, the motor provides all-around support during propulsion and at all times.

How fast can a moped go? Legally, a moped should not have a displacement of more than 50cc (3.1 cu in). Because it’s a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, a moped can have a maximum speed of not more than 50 km/h (31 mph).

Overall, the best 50cc scooters offer various features designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and stylish on your ride. From models that are energy-efficient and designed explicitly for city transportation to those perfect for more rugged terrain, there are 50cc scooters that can meet the needs of all riders. With the number of excellent options available on the market today, finding the right 50cc scooter will be easier than ever.

Whether you’re looking to get around town quickly or venture out on a more adventurous ride, there is sure to be an option that suits your needs. As you search for the perfect scooter, consider who will be riding it and where it will primarily be used. Once you’ve settled on these two details, you can start narrowing down your choices to find the best 50cc scooter.

• Moped Scooters

Hello, my name is Henry. Here at Gear Sustain we recommend and review different products and services in the Automotive, Dirt Bike, and Motorcycle industries.

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Road to Evo 2024 on PlayStation Tournaments

The PlayStation Tournaments: Road to Evo is back for 2024! Challenge top players and battle for cash and the ultimate prize: a roundtrip flight, hotel stay, and 3-Day Event Badge to compete at Evo in Las Vegas. The Road to Evo 2024 features five games across six regions:

• TEKKEN 8 (NA, EU, East Asia*, MENA, ANZ)
• Guilty Gear -Strive- (NA, EU, East Asia*)
• THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (NA, East Asia*)
• Street Fighter 6 (NA, EU, East Asia*, MENA)
• Mortal Kombat 1 (EU)

*Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan

Now’s your chance to test your skills and take your place on the world stage. Fight through the Qualifiers, win the livestreamed Finals, and challenge the best of the best at Evo 2024! If you'd like to attend Evo, tickets are on sale now.

Active PS Plus membership required. Must be the appropriate age and a resident of an eligible country. Void where prohibited. See full rules: TEKKEN 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV, Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1.

Tournament Format

(European players: for info on the EU program, scroll to the Tournament Format (Europe) section.)

For TEKKEN 8, Guilty Gear -Strive- and THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV, the Road to Evo starts when Road to Evo PlayStation Tournaments go live on May 1st. Win any tournament, and you’ll receive an invite to the Closed Qualifier hosted by ESL. The Closed Qualifier will culminate in a live Top 8, where the winner will receive a trip to Evo!

Our partners at ESL will host the Street Fighter 6 Open Qualifiers. The top performers from each Open Qualifier will move on to the broadcast Finals, with a trip to Evo as the grand prize.

Daily from May 1st to May 19th on PlayStation Tournaments for PS5.

Street Fighter 6 Open Qualifiers

North America and East Asia will have 8 Open Qualifiers. The winner of each Qualifier will move on to the Finals.

The North American Open Qualifiers will take place on the following dates: June 1st, June 2nd, June 8th, June 9th, June 15th, June 16th, June 22nd, and June 23rd.

The East Asia Open Qualifiers will take place on the following dates: May 18th, May 19th, May 25th, May 26th, June 1st, June 2nd, June 8th, and June 9th.

MENA will have 4 Open Qualifiers. The top 2 players from each Qualifier will move on to the Finals.

The MENA Open Qualifiers will take place on the following dates: May 4th, May 5th, May 11th, and May 12th.

Broadcast Finals

The Road to Evo 2024 Finals will be streamed live on Twitch and the PlayStation Esports YouTube.

• East Asia: June 1st
• MENA: June 2nd
• North America: June 16th

Street Fighter 6

• MENA: June 9th
• East Asia: June 16th
• North America: June 28th

Guilty Gear -Strive-

• East Asia: June 9th
• North America: June 15th

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV

• East Asia: June 8th

Tournament Prizing

*Flight, Hotel, Food Allowance, Ground Transportation (to and from airport), and event badge

All Event Badges provide entry to Evo 2024. Each badge includes access to the show floor and all event activities, including first-come, first-served general admission access to the Arena Finals Experience. A commemorative lanyard and water bottle will be included when you pick up your badge on-site at the event Registration Desk.

Tournament Format (Europe)

In Europe, TEKKEN 8, Guilty Gear -Strive- and THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV, Road to Evo PlayStation Tournaments start on May 1st. Win any tournament, and you’ll receive an invite to the Closed Qualifier hosted by ESL. The top 2 from each qualifier will receive a travel package to the finals in Paris.

Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6 start with four Open Qualifiers hosted by ESL. The top player from each qualifier will win a travel package to the live finals in Paris.

The Paris finals will feature a round-robin between the two semifinalists and two invited pros. The semifinalist with the most match wins will win a trip to Evo.

Daily from May 1st to May 12th on PlayStation Tournaments for PS5.

Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6 Open Qualifiers

Europe will have four Open Qualifiers. The European Qualifiers will take place on the following dates: May 4th, May 5th, May 11th, May 12th.

Paris Finals

The Paris Finals will take place from June 7th to June 9th. Watch the event live on Twitch ( English and French ) and YouTube ( English and French ).

Closed Qualifiers

*Flight, Hotel, Food Allowance, Ground Transportation (To and from airport), and event badge. All Event Badges provide entry to Evo 2024. Each badge includes access to the show floor and all event activities, including first-come, first-served general admission access to the Arena Finals Experience. A commemorative lanyard and water bottle will be included when you pick up your badge on-site at the event Registration Desk.