Before
the 1920s it was an easy decision, a foot-powered push scooter
or none at all. But once Gino Tsai from Shanghai, Taiwan
developed the Razor scooter it changed everything. His motor
scooters became popular so quickly there were people waiting
in line for six months before they could get one.
In the
1950s companies like Vespa in the UK started selling the
first of their gas
motor scooters this is the guide . It was a big hit
at the 1950 Motorcycle Show and quickly became a big hit
in the UK as well. Vespa sold over 125,000 in the UK between
the years of 1950 to 1958. Piaggio from Vespa and Lambretta
from Innocenti started selling their models in Italy and
France too, quickly becoming the vehicles that everyone
had to own. By the early 1950s the sale of motor scooters
topped 1 million a year in France alone. Because of its
popularity other countries such as France and Germany decided
to get in on the boom by manufacturing their own models.
Today,
after more than 50 years since the first gas scooters appeared,
there are many different makes and models. We have electric,
gas powered, foldable, mobility and utility motor scooters
dotting the globe. There are specialized scooters for just
about every task. They have become a worldwide phenomenon
because they are cheap to own, economical to operate, are
very handy and functional, and most of all they are a lot
of fun. But with all of the makes and models which one is
right for you?
Let's
start with the different types. Gas motor scooters are the
fastest around. They will take you longer distances and
reach higher speeds than any of the other varieties. There
are smaller and lighter models that will be perfect for
running errands around town while the larger and heavier
touring models will take you on longer trips. Plus, the
larger the gas tank the farther you can travel before needing
to stop at a service station.
Electric
varieties are a little more economical to run, but will
usually travel only about 10 or 15 miles before needing
a recharge. Their battery capacity has improved dramatically
over the years, but they cannot be taken for long trips
due to the fact that their batteries will need recharging
periodically. However, for short trips around the city they
are wonderful little vehicles. Plus, most scooters have
a large storage capacity under the seat so they are ideal
for trips to the grocery store or for other light shopping
sprees.
The
elderly or handicapped typically use what is referred to
as mobility scooters. These are usually electric models
and have 3 or 4 wheels for extra stability. These models
give the elderly or disabled the ability to get about in
their homes or around the neighborhood more easily. Without
mobility scooters many of the disability-impaired would
be confined to their beds.
Another
very popular type is the foldable scooter. These are very
small and are made for short trips around town. They are
particularly popular among the younger crowds. The beauty
of these models is that they are extremely compact and can
be folded for storage in small places. If you work just
a few miles from your home you can travel to work on your
folding scooter and then fold it up and put it underneath
your desk at work. Very handy.
There
are also utility scooters which can be used for many different
purposes. They can be used as golf carts or for hauling
things. Many big businesses use these types for getting
around their factories. Schools use them for driving through
the parking lot, checking for cars that shouldnt be there.
Major league sports stadiums use them to drive people from
one place to another. These are wonderful vehicles that
can be used for a variety of reasons.
Once
you've decided which type is right for your needs the next
step is to figure out what options, if any, you would like
included on your vehicle. Of course you can choose from
many different colors and designs, but there are other options
available to you. You can choose from the many varieties
of covers, locks (for security), cases or side bags for
storage, helmets, seats, handgrips, windshields or windscreens,
backrests for touring, chrome kits, rear luggage racks and
many more options. The list of accessories can go on for
quite some time.
As a
rule of thumb first choose the type of scooter you want,
whether it be electric, gas, foldable or utility. This is
the easy part because the type you purchase will depend
upon your needs. Once that decision has been made look at
several popular models in your area and decide which one
looks and feels right to you. Most have accessories that
are manufactured for a specific model so accessories cannot
be decided upon until you know which motor scooter you are
going to buy. Once you've decided which accessories you
want for the model you chose its a simple matter of driving
your scooter out of the dealership. And its nothing but
fun from there on out.
About
The Author:
Cheap
guide motor scooters are lots of fun, which is why J
Larry Alan is a motor scooter fanatic. He not only loves
to ride motor scooters, but loves writing about them as
well. For more information visit My
Motor Scooters.
Motor
Scooters
2006
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Moto scooter
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Buyers Guide To Motor Scooters! Article - Automotive Articles
