Scooter Types             

Scooter Types

When you use the term scooter, it means different things to different people.  This is due to the great changes that have occurred in the industry.  Currently, there are mainly five different types: gas scooters, electric scooters, mobility scooters, motorized scooters, and kick scooters.

Gas Scooters

This is probably the most popular form of scooters on the market.  They have long history made all over the world but most notably in the  U.S., Italy and Japan.  Well known producers include Vespa, Lambretta, and Cushman.  They also tend to be the most powerful kind as they have a gasoline engine that that can vary from 50cc up to 250cc.  They also come in several varieties as you can find some that have the classic look that has a step-through frame, some have a sportier look which takes on the mode of Japanese motorbike, and some have a larger size that allow for an additional passenger and highway driving.  The main benefits of these scooters is they get great gas mileage compared to cars (up to 50 to 75 mpg) and are much easier to park and maneuver through traffic.

Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are akin to gas scooters except they have battery-powered motors.  They provide the benefit of being better for the environment with less emissions and do not require a fill-up for gasoline.  Instead, they only need to be charged up.  As a matter of habit, they tend to be a little slower than gasoline models and do not tend to go as far before needing a recharge.  Nonetheless, their form is nearly a match with gasoline scooters and can be cheaper than their gasoline counterparts for certain models.

Mobility Scooters

The Mobility Scooter is our generations answer to how to give mobility back to the elderly and handicapped.  This scooters are great for functionality in the house and outside.  They can be used in stores and on sidewalks.  Generally, they tend to go at slow speeds with some models going just over 5 mph.  However, they can go around 15 miles without a charge.  The cost of these scooters fall in the $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the model and features.

Motorized Scooters

Motorized Scooters come in several varieties although they all tend to be essential two wheeled vehicles that have a smaller engine of 50cc or less or a smaller electric motor.

Popular forms of motorized scooters are mopeds, segways, seated scooters, or standup electric or gas scooters.  The maximum speed for these scooters tends to be anywhere from 8 to 20 mph and they have a traveling range of roughly 5 to 20 miles before a fill-up or charge-up.  The main benefit of these scooters is they have all the advantages of motor scooters but have a smaller engine or motor.  This means they get great gas mileage and are relatively inexpensive.

Kick Scooters

Kick scooters or push scooters are becoming hugely popular with kids.  These scooters do not have a motor or engine but do allow kids to use a push and glide movement that is faster than walking.  However, the main benefits for kids are that you can do a number of tricks with these scooters and most of them are foldable.  This means you can take them with you to class and stuff them in your locker or take them just about anywhere in a backpack.  Naturally, they are also inexpensive as their design does not include a motor or battery.  These scooters are a great introduction to scooters in general.

As you can see, the term scooter can take many forms.  But armed with the information, you should be sure to know what everyone is talking about and make sure you are getting the information you are looking for.

To get more detail on specific types check out either: gas scooters, electric scooters, mobility scooters, motorized scooters or kick scooters.