Why Buy a Gas Motor Scooter?

With thousands of scooters selling weekly, the surging popularity of today's models is hardly a secret. But if you are ready to put down money for a scooter, you'll first need to ask yourself, "Do I look at gas powered or electric models?"

We considered the points in favor of electric motor scooters in Part 1 of this series. (If you missed it, check my site.) Now let's glance at the advantages of gas powered scooters. You may have been high on electric scooters after scanning their selling points--but gas powered (and hybrid) scooters actually have plenty to offer. As you read this, you should ask yourself, "How do I see myself using the scooter?" Answering that question will lead you to the right choice. OK, here we go.

Gas powered motor scooters win points because...

:: They can travel many more miles without refueling. Even the best batteries will need to be recharged every couple hours (or 10-15 miles), while a 1-2 gallon tank on a gas powered model can take you as far as 200 miles.
:: Gas scooters are more cost effective where speed is concerned. In other words, you can drive faster while paying proportionally less. Gas powered models in the same price tier as electric models typically go 15-25 mph faster. And if you have your heart set on jetting down the freeway, you'll very likely need a gas powered (or hybrid) scooter.
:: Gas scooters offer greater versatility. With greater acceleration punch, speed, and power, gas models are the workhorses of the scooter world. They can carry more weight, drive further, and perform better on hills and rough ground.
:: Gas scooters are typically more durable, because they're designed to handle high speeds and are frequently capable of off-road use.
:: Refueling is as quick and easy as filling a 1-2 gallon tank. With an electric scooter, it's difficult to recharge a battery on the fly (curbside outlets, anyone?), and charging takes four to eight hours.
:: Gas powered scooters work well in all seasons, but battery power is decreased by extremes cold or heat.

Are you feeling more indecisive than when you started reading? Hopefully not--but if so, take heart. There is good news: both gas and electric motor scooters are produced by highly regarded manufacturers, both represent huge fuel savings over cars and trucks, and both are a great deal better for the environment. In addition, hybrid scooters are being developed that combine the best of both fuels.

Here's a quick review. If you want to invest in a model with a very minimal environmental footprint, an electric motor scooter may be the right pick. This is all the more true if your use will be mostly urban or residential and short-range. If you want to pack your scooter like luggage and take it on long trips, then buy an electric model.

If you want a scooter that's capable of highway or off-road travel, start looking at gas powered models. You'll pay less up front for your speed fix--and you'll have a tougher, more versatile scooter. Your fuel savings won't be as high as they would be with an electric model, but getting, at minimum, 50 mpg on gasoline is nothing to roll your eyes at.

::Ariel Vanderhorst