Mini-bike/Moped/Scooter...anyone have one?

[OmegaDPW]

Long story short, we're down a vehicle in my family. The kid up in college had an old car that died, my wife gave hers to him, she has my truck and I have a work provided truck that I'm not supposed to use outside of work hours/call-outs. Obviously, money is an issue and we're not able to buy another car at this point considering price/insurance/tags. 

 

 I've played with motorcycles in the past but that was 30+ years ago. I never got my Motorcycle License back then and sold the bikes that I had. In my state, a moped/scooter etc. under 50cc does not require an M license or insurance/tags. All I need is a helmet and the bike. That sounds ideal financially and would give me options to ride to Wal mart, fishing ponds, etc. when my wife has the truck. I live in a rural area and would stay off of major roadways. 

 

 The Honda Ruckus looks really good to me. Guys modify them and use them for camping trips, etc. We have a Honda dealer in town and the options are the Ruckus and the Metropolitan, which is not really my style. No used ones. MSRP is $2899. We also have a large mower shop that stocks the Chinese scooters like Tao. From what I read, replacement parts are pretty hard to get. MSRP is about $1000. 

 

So, just looking for opinions and options. I know the 50cc would only run about 35 mph stock. That doesn't bother me. Sitting at home every day after work and planning ahead to use the truck does. 😉 Anybody got any other ideas? Models? I research EVERYTHING before I buy, so any help is appreciated

[TnRiver46]

Two of my buddies have scooters and love them. Stuart even incorporates his into our kayak/canoe floats for the shuttle vehicle, it can be quite convenient. Granted we all live near downtown so they get a lot of use putzing around to restaurants and stuff where normal vehicle parking is a bit  of a pain 

[gim]

I had one in college. It was a Honda. Ran like a top.

 

The rules here about a 50cc engine are the same. Anything less than that does not require motorcycle certification. Scooter companies know this and make a variety of models that are 49cc engines.

 

I’ve heard good things about Vespa but they are pricey. I would avoid the Chinese ones too.

 

Proximity to the dealer in the event of a problem would be a selling point for me. Just like buying a boat.

[cheezyridr]

i think it's a nutty idea.  you'll spend $3k on a scooter, when the same money would get you a really nice used motorcycle that can safely take you anywhere.  insurance is cheap. i have full coverage with extra coverage for accessories and pip, the total is under $400/yr.

bike license?  there are 2 ways to approach that. 1) the license isn't hard to get.  2) don't get it and ride anyway. 

if you wanted to get it, it's cheap, and not difficult to get.

if you don't want to bother, spin the wheel and take your chances. cops never pull bikes over if you aren't doing stupid stuff.  the dmv doesn't ask about your endorsement when you go through inspection. the fine for not having your endorsement in most states is about $200. 

at the end of the day, a scooter will have all the potential dangers a motorcycle will, with only a few of the advantages.  you still need to buy safety gear, and it's the same gear at the same expense.  you might save a few cents on gas.  riding a scooter is like sex with a fat chick.  it's fun, but you wouldn't want your buddy's to find out.  😜

besides, no scooter, will ever be this cool:

[Will Ketchum]

I had a 150cc Kymco scooter and an old lady ran into me at an intersection and put me in a hospital for a week with a partially collapsed lung and 5 cracked ribs. I have since healed. I'm not trying to scare you from buying, but just reminding you to consider the safety aspect of a 2 wheeler.

[throttleplate]

4 hours ago, cheezyridr said:

riding a scooter is like sex with a fat chick.  it's fun, but you wouldn't want your buddy's to find out.  😜