Summary List
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
Honda is a brand I’ll forever recommend, and not just because I’m believe it’s the one make you could potentially build out the perfect garage with. Think about it. Motorcycles, lawn care, and supercars? What’s not to love?
But the Ruckus wins my best overall pick as it’s the perfect adult-oriented scooter that is both reliable, easy to use, super inexpensive, and still looks dope as you weave through traffic and the streets of any major or minor city. The Ruckus is powered by a 49cc engine that sips fuel like I sip espresso that’s coupled to an automatic transmission that makes scooting around easy as pie. The seat is a comfortable pad that can accommodate all manner of riders, including those like myself who are vertically gifted. I’m 6’4” and lanky as hell but somehow I still fit.
Honda also gave the Ruckus enough suspension travel that bumps, undulations, and small potholes won’t toss the rider off into oncoming traffic if they hit it. There’s also twin drum brakes, one at the front, one at the back, that’ll stop you when you absolutely need to and are super easy to maintain. The Ruckus also comes in two colorways: beige and black.
Best of all, however, is the Ruckus’ price. For many gas scooters meant for adults, pricing can be a little tough to swallow—especially for knockoff brands. But Honda’s Ruckus comes in a solidly low price of just $2,899. That’s a screaming deal, especially when you consider that you’re getting a quality-built machine from a reputable manufacturer and a killer warranty.
You also have the ability of taking it into your local Honda dealership for repair, which makes fixing anything super easy, barely an inconvenience. If you want something a little larger, Honda also has a handful of bigger scooters that fit that bill, but you cannot go wrong with Honda or the Ruckus.
Pros
Small
Frugal
Reasonably priced
OEM quality
Cons
Can be too small for some
No room for groceries
X-Pro has been on my radar for a while now, ever since someone informed me that you could purchase dirtbikes directly through Amazon. That alone shocked me, but as I’ve dug my rabbit holes into the brand—including many a late-night YouTube binge—I’ve found that everyone speaks of it pretty dang highly.
This particular model is the X-Pro 150cc Moped, which ups the ante in terms of performance from my top pick, as it’s powered by a 150cc engine mated to a CVT that does all the shifting for you. It’s also physically bigger than the Honda Ruckus, which makes it easier to rider for larger adults, as well as more nimble within the confines of larger cities. Add to that proper suspension, a 35mph top speed, disc brakes at the front, a drum at the rear, and a total weight capacity of 330 pounds and you’ve got the making of a great gas scooter.
It’s also quite inexpensive, as at the time of writing, it costs just $899. For a street-legal gas scooter designed for adults, that’s a screaming deal. However, when you enter this bracket, and hit up Amazon for your scooter, there are some tradeoffs.
While everyone’s experience with X-Pro has been generally positive, there are those that talk about the bikes’ build quality, that some assembly is required, and that this particular scooter isn’t street-legal in the state of California as it doesn’t mean SMOG requirements. That said, if you’re in the market for a gas scooter, and you don’t mind possibly getting your hands dirty, nor live in The Golden State, you’ll do well with the X-Pro.
Pros
Inexpensive
Powerful
Larger than average scooter
Cons
Not legal in California
Some assembly may be required
Best Traditional Scooter
SEE ITWhen I think of scooters, the MotoTec Uberscoot design is what I think of. It’s your traditional stand-up scooter that screams of my childhood. One built on being incredibly dangerous rolling down steep hills, hitting jumps, and scaring up my hands, elbows, knees, and forehead.
Maybe that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for the design, but it’s one that’s been co-opted by the likes of Bird and Lime scooters since that everyone uses. The MotoTec is better, though.
With those electric scooters from public companies, or even the private ones you can purchase online, they have the major issue of running out of juice and needing a long time to charge. That’s not the case with the MotoTec, as it’s 50cc gas engine only requires liquified dinosaur juice for propulsion. Once filled up, you’ve got a 20 mile range and are ready to hit the streets, whether that’s standing up or sitting down on the included seat. The MotoTec also folds up for easier storage, especially for those apartment dwellers.
A two-speed gearbox offers a top speed of 30 terrifying mph, while disc brakes clamp down and get you stopped in a jiffy. Unlike the X-Pro, the MotoTec is EPA-approved in all states, and 11-inch tires provide a more comfortable ride than those solid wheels of my youth. It is, however, expensive for a stand-up scooter as at the time of writing, it’ll set you back $766. That’s quite a bit, even though you could probably hit some sick jumps on your way to work.
Pros
Fits in an apartment
Frugal
Nimble
Cons
Not as sturdy as sit-on scooters
Still expensive
Now here’s where I get fancy. Suzuki’s Burgman 200 is exactly the sort of scooter you’d want when luxury is your bag, as this big scooter has just about everything you could ask for in a daily runabout.
A 2-person layout lets you and a friend breeze through traffic, while the Suzuki’s 200cc engine powers you up to a top speed of 75 mph! Yep, this gas scooter can hit the highways and byways of the US of A. A CVT keeps shifting out of your hands, letting you take in the sights and sounds around and in front of you. Disc brakes with ABS halt your progress, and a 41-liter underseat storage compartment lets you hit the grocery store, or an overnight trip, without needing to throw on a backpack.
It also has a built-in computer that alerts you to when the scooter need maintenance, along with a digital dash that indicates all your necessary information like speed, indicators, and more. A 13-inch front wheel, combined with a 12-inch rear wheel, soak up bumps and undulations, while a 12-volt accessory port lets you power all manner of things, such as GPS or even radar detectors…
There’s also a 12-month limited warranty, that’ll cover a host of maintenance issues that could potentially arise.
However, the Suzuki Burgman 200 is the most expensive gas scooter on this list. Costing a whopping $4,999 plus destination and freight for an extra $600, it’s certainly a lot of money to spend on a scooter. That said, you’re getting everything ever other gas scooter has on this list and more. Just depends on whether you want to scoot like a king or queen or a lowly peasant?
Pros
Nimble
Brand name
Warranty
Cons
Expensive
Did I mention expensive?
The final entry on this list again comes from Amazon and is the Tao Tao ATM-50, a lovely little gas scooter with classic good looks, a bright red paint job, and even a rear storage compartment!
The Tao Tao is a 50cc gas scooter with a blistering top speed of just 35 mph. The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission for easy operation, and the Tao Tao has disc brakes in the front, with drums out back. It also has both electric and kick-starters, just in case the electric starter goes out. Both front and rear wheels are 10-inch pneumatic tires, making for a more comfortable ride, and features a weight limit of 220 pounds, so it’s designed more for the lithe adults among us.
Better yet, it’s one of the best deals on this list. At the time of writing, the Tao Tao will only set you back a measly $719. A helluva deal when you consider you’re getting a street-legal gas scooter that can get you to Whole Foods or Walmart and back.
There is one glaring issue with the Tao Tao, however, and that’s it needs to be assembled. Yep, when the Tao Tao arrives on your doorstep, you’ll need to break out the wrenches and impacts and get to work building the thing before you can zip around town without a care in the world.
Pros
Classic good looks
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Cons
Assembly required
Build quality can vary
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.
Q: What factors affect my scooter’s fuel consumption?
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.
Q: Should I buy a used gas scooter?
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.
Q: What are the benefits of owning a scooter rather than a car?
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.
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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