New Scooter Guy Lookin' For A First Scooter

[steelheadben]

Hi my name is Ben. I am 16 years old and I live in Erie, PA. Just got my licence in December. My first scooter was a Razor E 300 and I swear I put at least 4 new batteries and about 800 miles on the motor. I always enjoyed driving my scooter in my apartment complex (considered private property so it was OK for me to drive on the apt. roads). A little while ago, i looked at mopeds because i only needed a C license. But recently, i found out that a 50cc Scooter would be the same thing, and i can buy a new one instead of a used moped for about the same price. Spring and summer are soon around the corner, so i started looking for a scooter to buy. I won't be using it all year, but at least half that. Below is a list i need to have in my scooter.

1. 50 cc's 
2. Street Legal
3. Good storage, enough for getting a bag of groceries
4. 30-35 mph +
5. Well known brand name
6. Classic look similar to a Vespa
7. Less maintenance time
8. Black in color!.. or red or blue, no yellow or pink

I found a scooter that gets good reviews called a Tao-Tao CY50-B 50cc scooter. I dont trust much reviews from people like me, so  was wondering if its a good scooter from the experts like you guys are. Also wondering if it would be ok going up hills, they are not big hills, but not small ones. Speed limit on the hills are 25mph. 

Thanks so much for any help or information!

[90GTVert]

The TaoTao is OK for a Chinese scoot. I don't own that model, but an ATM50-A1. I have had enough issues in 2000 miles even after a PDI that I can't say they're a great choice for a trouble free scoot. Some make out great with them, some don't. Regardless, you must be prepared to do maintenance and some repairs along the way if you own Chinese... or you need a good scooter dealer/mechanic. I would consider browsing local ads for used Yamaha Vinos. Not sure that Kymco has any retro models, but it's worth a look. Also maybe a newer Vespa. Those should all be good quality scoots that would be more likely to have dealer support.

Read the beginning of this for a little info about Chinese scoots...
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/8006/chinese-scooter-assembly-pdi

Most 50s will do OK at the speeds you require as long as they're in good shape.

[moofus02]

A yamaha c3 would be a good choice little different style but run good with very little trouble and can be had used cheep sometimes

Sent from my SPH-L720 using proboards

[tropicalspam]

Bought a new Honda Metro recently. 249 miles in three weeks or so and no complaints. They meet all of your criteria, they've got comfortable seats, a year of warranty from one of the most serious big dogs, and it's got a seriously great look. Also, the "break-in" period is 60 miles compared with the Yamaha's 600.

Downside? I feel that my dealer (Miami, FL) seriously overcharged me; the EFI is much more difficult to work with to squeeze a few extra mph (max seems to be 37); and it really is limited to one passenger (try two and it goes 25, max).

Mechanically, aesthetically, and quality-wise, I've got absolutely no complaints. Just make sure you don't overpay.

[90GTVert]

Somehow I totally forgot the Metro. Do your research if buying used. Some older ones were restricted to 25MPH.

[tomcatsdb]

Hi Ben, welcome to the forums.

It'd help to know what kind of price range you're looking at spending for the machine, as that's probably the biggest factor in terms of what you can get.

[aeroxbud]

Hello Ben

[ng5y]

Mar 8, 2014 17:50:10 GMT -5 steelheadben said:

Hi my name is Ben. I am 16 years old and I live in Erie, PA.  

Hi Ben, I got my first scooter in February this year. it's a TaoTao 150 and I am happy with it. With the lower priced based bikes I think it's obvious you will need to do a little more maintenance to keep them road worthy. 

If you want to spend $$$$ and have much less maint buy a genuine Vespa or honda etc. But IMHO the trade off does not match off. IE: Scooter parts are mostly cheep, mostly available, and there are lots of how to videos on youtube. Get your fingers a little dirty and keep your money in your pocket.
Instead of buying motorcycle batteries get a trickle charger for any time the bike will set for more than a week with out a ride.
Charge it one day a week every other week and at least battery wise the bike should fire right off. Buy ethyl gas and when you put the bike up for the winter make sure you have some stabile in the gas.


Always assume you are invisible when you ride, otherwise a car might run you over and that will really ruin your whole day...

[partly cloudy pete]

Check out the Bintelli breeze, we have sold quite a few or these. Great warranty