Many customers ask us which are better; scooters or motorcycles. The answer to this is very much down to individual preference and also individual circumstances, but hopefully this article will raise various points for you to consider and help in your decision.

 

Why Two Wheels?

Typical rush hour journey times are often cut by half compared to car or bus journeys. If your journey to work takes an hour every day, you could be there in just thirty minutes. That’s a saving of five hours every single week! Imagine what you could do with all that extra time.

Another major advantage is consistency of journey times; this is worth its weight in gold. No more waiting around for late busses, cancelled trains or unexpected traffic jams. Riding safely through traffic means you arrive at your destination on time all the time. Just imaging knowing when you’ll arrive each and every time you set out.

Fuel costs are always on the up and two wheels offers fantastic economy, often achieving 100mpg. Insurance costs are low too and with road tax from just £15, that second car has never looked so expensive. An average seventeen year old looking to buy a first car, can buy a 125cc bike, tax and insure it for considerably less that it might cost just to insure a car, let alone buy, tax and run one. And don’t forget rising costs of public transport, once you’ve compared the two, you’ll never want to ride a bus or train again.

So instead of asking yourself whether you should buy two wheels, you only need to ask should I buy a scooter or a motorcycle?

 

Why Two Wheels?

Scooters are by far the easiest to ride and live with and they make the ideal urban commuter. In fact many motorcyclists also own scooters for local commuting. Scooters offer simple ‘twist and go’ automatic transmission making it easier to get around traffic. Brakes are on the handlebars just like a bicycle and the riding position is far more relaxed and dignified. Mounting a scooter is easier too as you simply step through the frame whereas a motorcycle requires a leg to be swung high over the seat.

When riding through traffic, a heavier geared motorcycle can sometimes be a nuisance. You’re constantly changing gear and working the clutch can become tiresome, making sure you’re in the right gear is just something else to remember. It might be second nature to a motorcyclist but most will admit that riding a motorcycle in traffic is not much fun.

It’s worth remembering that scooters were designed specifically for riding effortlessly around our towns and cities. They offer better weather protection, excellent storage, ease of riding and a comfortable upright riding position. Motorcycles generally offer no storage and although a top box or panniers solve this, they can be expensive and bulky additions and many sports bikes just don’t suit a top box. Scooters are easier to live with too; increased manoeuvrability for parking, lower insurance and lower servicing costs are just some of the extra benefits.

Clothing may also be a factor in your decision. Although riders should always wear a helmet, protective jacket, trousers, gloves and boots, it does seem acceptable for scooter riders to wear far less protective clothing than motorcyclists. Many feel scooters are a safer option because you sit inside the fairing which offers improved leg protection whereas your legs are clearly more exposed on a motorcycle. There is also greater temptation to ride faster on a more powerful motorcycle. However, both can be dangerous if not ridden sensibly and protective clothing should always be worn.

However, whereas scooters excel as the commuter, motorcycles certainly excel out on the open road. Gear changes provide better control and flexibility on windy roads while improved brakes and performance offer enhanced and exciting handling. In general, motorcycles offer the enthusiast a much more rewarding experience compared to a scooter.

 

You also have to answer some questions yourself to decide what’s best for you:

 

If you’re just travelling a few miles down a level urban road, then a 50cc scooter may be perfect. Although limited to 30mph, fuel economy is suburb. However, riding a 50cc on faster roads can be a daunting prospect and hills may reduce your speed to about 20mph. But look at your route carefully, you may find you can bypass faster roads and still save time and money with a 50cc.

If you travel on faster 40, 50 and 60mph roads or occasionally on a dual carriageway, a 125cc would be the minimum, offering around 60mph depending on the model and type. However, if your journey takes you on faster single or dual carriageways on a regular basis you should consider something with a 250cc engine or possibly higher. This doesn’t automatically mean a motorcycle is needed, many scooters offer 250cc engines.

The engine size you choose will of course depend on your license status. If you passed your car license prior to 31st January 2001, you can ride a 50cc without learner plates or any additional training, although training is always recommended. Many riders like this option and choose a 50cc scooter because they can get going easily, quickly and cheaply. If you’re looking for something larger you must complete a CBT. This allows you to ride up to a 125cc with learner plates. More information about the CBT can be found under our training section.

If you’re looking to regularly carry items then you might consider the under seat storage of a scooter very useful indeed. Many will allow a helmet and gloves to be stored when parked while various items can be stored while on the move without the need for additional storage. A motorcycle would require a top box or panniers to match the storage of a scooter and many riders just don’t like them. Rucksacks are an obvious choice but can add an uncomfortable weight to the shoulders and can affect handling too.

Hopefully this article answers questions you may have and raises many new points for you to consider, but please feel free to ask any questions. I also recommend you check out our Top Tips Scooters Buying Guide for more specific details on buying a scooter.

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