Motor Scooters & Cycles

Scooters and motorcycles vary in two basic ways. The first big difference is the way the transmission works.  With scooters, you just apply the gas, like an automatic transmission, and away you go.  No gas pedal is involved. . .accelerate by twisting the right handlebar.

Motorcycles use manual gears - shifting gears is done by a lever operated by the left toe. . .and squeezing the lever on the left handlebar (the clutch lever).  Motorcycles require more coordination and thinking from the rider.

Scooters have no manual gears. . .the levers on the handle bars operate the front and rear brake. Left handlebar lever is the front break, right handlebar lever is the rear brake - like ten speed bike.  Motorcycle brakes are operated by the right front handlebar lever and the right foot lever.

Scooters have no "middle" section and are built more like a girls bike.  However, don't get the wrong impression because of the "girls bike" reference.  Today's maxi-scooters are large and powerful machines easily capable of highway cruising speeds.

Thinking of Getting a Scooter?

Beginners:  It depends on your comfort level and skill with riding a bicycle.  A total novice might want to start small with a 49cc scooter. . .they're lighter weight, less expensive to purchase, easier to handle and will give you a good feeling for whether or not you like riding.  You can always sell it and move up to something bigger. 
It is strongly recommended that you contact the Motor Cycle Safety Foundation and obtain proper training first.

Side note: There were several women in my class at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's riding school.  The MSF teaches using the school's motorcycles. . .which are 250 cc machines and weigh almost 400 pounds.  Several of the women in the class had no experience riding motorcycles.  (And three of the four women failed the class). 
In my opinion, it was because the motorcycles were too big for smaller sized females to really learn on.  If it were my wife or daughter, I would buy a small 49 cc scooter for them to practice on under my guidance and then sell it afterwards.

Parents

If your kids are asking for a scooter, be aware that any scooter with an engine size bigger than 49cc is a motorcycle in the eyes of the law of Washington State.  They must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license in our state.  All motorized machines on public streets represent danger.  They are exhilarating to ride.   Please evaluate your child's emotional, physical ability and attentiveness before considering a scooter for them.

Women

Helmets must be worn in Washington State and should be snug to the head.  Ear-rings can be a problem and are easily lost when putting a helmet on or off.  Hair style is another factor to consider when fitting or wearing a helmet.