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Getting around a city can be a pain. Trains and buses can be late. Taxis can be stuck in traffic. And it’s expensive to own a car when you’re downtown. Add in the price of gas and there’s no shortage of downsides. But a gas scooter can make it a breeze to get anywhere and everywhere in town.
A gas scooter is cheap, reliable, and can maneuver around a city in ways a car cannot. They’re also frugal on gas and still can hold your groceries. But with the plethora of available units on the market, where do you start?
Right here, with The Drive’s editors leading you to the gas scooter promised land.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Honda Ruckus
- Best Value: X-PRO 150cc Moped
- Best Traditional Scooter: MotoTec Uberscoot
- Best Premium: Suzuki Burgman 200
- Honorable Mention: Tao Tao ATM-50
Our Methodology
My thought behind building out this list was to offer the best suggestions that range in price and quality. Obviously, I put quality over price, which is why there’s a Honda at the top. I also used my two decades of experience riding motorcycles in nearly every state in the Union to inform my picks, too.
Best Gas Scooters for Adults Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Honda Ruckus
Best Value
X-PRO 150cc Moped
Best Traditional Scooter
MotoTec Uberscoot
Best Premium
Suzuki Burgman 200
Honorable Mention
Tao Tao ATM-50
Our Verdict
There’s no beating Honda. Seriously, stop trying to. The OEM makes everything from scooters to supercars and everything in between. As such, between the warranty, the reviews, and the engineering, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better scooter on the market that can do it all. If you want to save some coin, however, pick up an X-Pro 150cc Moped and be happy.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Scooter
There are a few things you should be aware of before throwing your hard-earned money down for a gas scooter. Let’s get into it.
Gas Scooter Engine Sizes
50cc
A 50cc street-legal scooter will reach a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour with a fuel capacity up to one gallon. You ride the vehicle in an upright position and it typically has an electric- or kick-start operation system. As a standard, the scooter will have a net weight of 185 pounds and typically hold up to 220 pounds.
150cc
From a 150cc scooter, expect speeds up to 60 miles per hour and a fuel capacity of around 1.75 gallons. It’ll typically have a storage seat underneath, since the scooter is designed for high-speed roads and can travel long distances on one tank of fuel. These scooters also have a spring-loaded seat and shock-absorbing forks on the front and rear.
250cc
A 250cc scooter can travel up to 70 miles per hour without straining. They have a fuel capacity of 2.2 gallons. The scooter will have front and rear disc brakes to ensure you can safely stop in an emergency. It’ll typically have a weight capacity up to 400 pounds, plus a front suspension system to absorb any impact from uneven roads, such as off-road zones.
Key Features
Safety
Safety should be your main concern, and your chosen gas scooter should come with reliable, high-quality safety features. Invest in a scooter with front and rear brakes that work reliably. The handlebars should be adjustable to provide a comfortable and safe grip, and the scooter should have a durable construction that prevents damage in the event of a collision.
Height
Consider your height compared to your preferred scooter. If you’re short, a large scooter will be difficult to ride, and it’ll be a challenge to stand up and place your feet on the ground at the end of a journey. Instead, opt for a smaller scooter. You’ll want to choose a size and width that you can comfortably ride, based on your height.
Gas Scooter Pricing
Gas scooters meant for adults aren’t cheap. Look to spend anywhere between $200 for a standup scooter and $5,500 for a proper ride-on scooter built by one of the bigger manufacturers like Honda or Suzuki.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Carry as little equipment as possible so that your gas scooter doesn’t have to work hard to carry the additional weight. If it’s windy outside, it will use more fuel than if the weather is calm. Also, avoid riding off-road, as rough terrain requires more fuel.
A: If you’re searching for a gas scooter that you’ll ride for fun rather than daily use, a used one will suffice. This is also a great option if you have a small budget or want to be more environmentally friendly. But before you rush to the first used one you find, check reviews and research the warranty that comes with the purchase.
A: A scooter is much cheaper to purchase and run. It’s also more environmentally friendly, since it releases fewer emissions. It’s much easier to find a parking space for a scooter, since it’s smaller.