Rating of the best scooters up to 50cc: review of the 12 best models, comparison, reviews and prices

The largest volumes on the motorcycle market include scooters and mopeds up to 50 cc. cm. They are produced in European, Asian and domestic factories. Models from Europe are of high quality and expensive. Japanese analogues are not inferior to European ones, but have a wider range of prices: there are budget, mid-price and expensive options. Domestic manufacturers focus on cheapness. This review tells you which models are the best in the whole world. The selection rules and the answer to the question: are rights needed?

Is it possible to ride a scooter without a license?

Previously, licenses were not required, so many teenagers rode mopeds, creating dangerous situations on the roads. Since 2014, amendments have been made to the bills. Now, starting from 2021, you also need a license for a scooter up to 50cc. Documents are required for all motorcycles up to 50 cc. cm, developing a speed of less than 60 km/h. The law also implies the need for licenses for electric scooters with a power of 0.25 V or more.

Important! If you do not have rights, punishment will follow. Article 12.7 of the Federal Law on Traffic Safety specifies an administrative fine in the amount of 5,000-15,000 rubles.

For the listed vehicles you must have a category M license. They can be obtained as early as 16 years of age. To do this, you need to complete a course at a driving school and pass an exam.

On a note! If the driver has category A, then there is no need to open M separately.

We also note that according to traffic rules, riding a scooter without a helmet is also prohibited!

Electric scooters

When I tweeted that I was writing this column, I was asked to focus on electric scooters. This is a trend now, companies sharing electric scooters are growing all over the world, some cities have already begun to ban them, the trend is only just reaching us

This is generally a very strange thing, I also have experience riding it. They drive briskly, but in my opinion there are a lot of problems with them. Driving on public roads is extremely scary (I wouldn’t recommend it); driving on sidewalks is dangerous for pedestrians, because the brakes there are very limited, and the quality of the sidewalks is generally even worse than the roads.

In the event of a discharge, you will have to drag it in your hands, and it is very difficult. In general, in my opinion, in our country, where sharing companies are unlikely to appear, they will disappear from mass consciousness as quickly as hoverboards, the peak of which has already passed.

What do I choose? Until electric trains have a range of 100 kilometers, a maximum speed of 60-65 km/h, and A-brands start making them, my choice remains a scooter with an internal combustion engine.

Alexey Taranenko

The most reliable manufacturers

Scooters and mopeds are relatively simple representatives of motor vehicles. They are produced by both popular global automakers, such as Honda, Suzuki, and some companies focused on the production of bicycles. The large list of manufacturers is due to the relative ease of production. To keep the wear and tear of the scooter within normal limits, and not have to change half of the spare parts in 1-2 years, it is worth buying models from well-known companies.

Best manufacturers:

• SUZUKI;
• HONDA;
• Irbis;
• Stels;
• SYM.

The characteristics and prices of mopeds from the listed companies differ greatly. Many of them produce cheap, expensive and mid-priced models. You can choose the appropriate option from one of the listed brands in almost 100% of cases.

If you have an unlimited budget, it is worth recommending a scooter from Yamaha - this company specializes in producing expensive and powerful mopeds.

Let's move on to the brakes

The serviceability of the brakes is a necessary condition for moving on a scooter - not only the safety of the body’s members, but also the life of the driver often depends on them, so here we show observation and patience (the main thing is that the seller has enough of it).

You need to check the brakes while driving, but first just push the handles. Drum brake: due to the design, a “wobbly” feeling cannot be avoided, but if you press on the lever and when you apply force, the lever rests on the handle, most likely the brake cable is old and stretched (although it’s possible to drive like this, it’s unpleasant). Having pressed the lever all the way, release it - if it immediately returns to its original state - good, the cable is lubricated and is in satisfactory condition, if you have to return it all the way by hand - the cable has turned sour, and the sensations on the road will not be pleasant.

Disc brake: look through the inspection window on the reservoir - if you see clear fluid standing above the mark - this is already a good sign, the absence of it or a dirty, dark color is a cause for concern. Inspect the brake disc - deep grooves and general wear promise a quick failure of the device.

Criteria for choosing a good scooter up to 50cc

Tips to help you make the right choice:

• It's better to take Japanese models. They combine comfort, safety and ease of operation.
• It is advisable to buy scooters that have disc brakes on both wheels or on the rear. The front brake increases the difficulty of driving, which is extremely undesirable for a beginner.
• You should always check a moped before purchasing; a test drive will help you find out whether it is comfortable, whether the model is suitable, etc. Absentee purchasing threatens frequent falls.
• It is important to know the engine characteristics. The 4-stroke engine operates quietly, is characterized by economical fuel consumption, environmental friendliness and maneuverability. A moped with such an engine costs more. Two-stroke analogs are less whimsical, pick up speed (accelerate) quite quickly, and are more sensitive to handle movements. They also weigh less and are simple in design. But 2-stroke models are noisy, have unstable acceleration, consume a lot of fuel and oil, and also create more smoke.
• It is worth choosing models that are equipped with a telescopic fork at the front. This solution improves the smoothness of movement, and in the conditions of domestic roads this is extremely important.
• The quality of the braking system in urban environments is no less important than the engine. It is better to take models that have brakes from well-known manufacturers.
• The carburetor is protected from moisture penetration. Such sealing will not be superfluous, because you will have to periodically move on a scooter in the rain or on a wet road.
• Large battery capacity will be a plus. This will allow you to charge the battery less often.
• Larger tire diameter is better. This parameter is important when driving on an uneven surface. On slabs and paving stones, a model with a small wheel diameter will create more vibrations. R12 is an acceptable diameter.

We recommend reading – TOP 10 best scooters and mopeds up to 50cc

No driver's license or registration required

It seems strange that I would classify this as a disadvantage, but here I am looking at the situation not from the point of view of a buyer, but from the point of view of a person who shares the same roads with electric scooter owners.

I am extremely glad that a mandatory requirement was introduced for 50cc cars to have category A1; this removed the majority of teenagers with an expanded consciousness in one way or another from the city roads and made driving safer.

An electric scooter is the same transport as a moped with an internal combustion engine, so I am against the fact that any citizen 16+ can go to a store and five minutes later find themselves on a public road without the slightest idea about driving a scooter and the rules of the road.

TOP 12 best scooters up to 50cc

Experts have collected the best scooters with engines up to 50 cc. see different manufacturers that are suitable for any purpose.

Honda Dio AF68

This is one of the oldest scooters with a rich history, and it is also the most popular. It is in its fifth generation on the market today. The demand for two-wheeled vehicles is consistently high due to their unpretentiousness, economy and maneuverability. It consumes only 1.25 liters per 100 km. Due to the 4-stroke engine, Japanese piston rings, radiator and other things, a new scooter is quite expensive. Original spare parts will cost a pretty penny. Those who want to save money can choose a used model, of which there are many on the secondary market.

pros

• a lot of used spare parts at a low price, available in every specialized store;
• reliable design, high fault tolerance of the braking system;
• high-quality plastic;
• convenient design.

Minuses

• small seat;
• high price.

“I’ve wanted a scooter since I was 15, and received it as a gift for my 16th birthday. Thanks to my parents, this is a really high-quality model, and I have something to compare it with; three friends have Chinese and Russian analogues, which are an order of magnitude worse. I've been driving it for 8 months now and have never had anything repaired. Friends change things all the time. Another important plus is economical consumption; with a normal driving style it consumes about 2 liters per 100 km.”

Price: 160,000 rubles.

Yamaha JOG RR

Another popular and popular scooter from the Japanese brand. It has a two-stroke engine, it turned out to be a little more powerful and reliable than its analogues. Designed for two people, this is evidenced by the elongated seat. Very fast, easy to control, confidently maintains high speeds even with a load of two passengers. Excellent for domestic roads, as it has 12-inch tires, reliable construction and thick plastic.

pros

• high maneuverability;
• forced motor with cooling system;
• powerful steel frame;
• sporty design and successful body aerodynamics;
• spacious trunk.

Minuses

• high price;
• spare parts are difficult to obtain and are expensive.

“I bought my first scooter like this 12 years ago, and have since replaced two more. All of them are quite roomy, powerful and high quality. They have been “running” on our roads confidently for 5 years. Then I simply sell the scooter for 20-30% cheaper and buy a new one. The whole point is that after the spare parts resources are exhausted, its repair turns out to be very expensive.”

Price: 90,000 rubles.

Suzuki Address V50

This is an easy to use and undemanding scooter from Japan. It is made in a minimalist style, but the combination of white and black looks good. It has a small mass, which is why the model turned out to be maneuverable, quite fast (up to 60 km/h) and economical (1.25 l/100 km). This two-wheeler is suitable for those who plan to ride alone and do not want to spend a lot of money on fuel. You can ride with two people, but it’s not very comfortable.

pros

• minimum fuel consumption;
• comfortable when driving;
• Comes from the factory with an alarm;
• good plastic;
• durable chassis components;
• injection engine.

Minuses

• hard-to-find repair parts;
• high cost of the model.

“The scooter turned out to be mobile, fast and convenient. It is equally good for driving in a city with a lot of traffic and in a village with a bad road. The model is very light, after 100 kg of Yamaha, 66 kg feels better. If you need to transport a scooter across a railway track or go through a difficult place in the forest, you don’t have to strain yourself.”

Price: from 80,000 rubles.

Suzuki Let's 5

Quite a compact and maneuverable scooter with a modern design. Most often you can see young people there, but there are also people of mature age. Equipped with a four-stroke engine and a reliable braking system. All this is mounted on a durable frame. The characteristics are similar to the Honda Dio, but it costs almost half as much.

pros

• stylish and bright design;
• economical fuel consumption;
• Japanese quality at an affordable price.

Minuses

• not visible in the photo, but reviews indicate that standard optics create poor lighting;
• It is difficult to find original or find used spare parts.

“I took it for a trip to the country, it replaced the old bicycle. Of the 20 models, it was Suzuki that I chose, since it was quite reasonably priced, and the consultant immediately said that the best scooters are made in Japan. The test drive made a positive impression. As then, and to this day, it drives quietly and accelerates quite quickly even with one more passenger. In 1.5 years it does not require any repairs.”

Price: 75,000 rubles.

OMAKS MATADOR 50CC

A scooter from an Italian company with a sporty design and a high seat that can accommodate two. Equipped with a motor that allows you to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, which is not low for a vehicle of this category. The manufacturer managed to create not only a fast, but also a passable scooter. But the large mass (98 kg) and increased load capacity led to significant fuel consumption - up to 3 liters per 100 km.

pros

• high-quality plastic;
• good high-speed qualities;
• durable design, can travel 20-40 thousand kilometers or more without expensive repairs.

Minuses

• shortage of spare parts;
• relatively high fuel consumption.

“This is a good scooter, it has already traveled 25 thousand kilometers without any problems. I did the bare minimum: changing the oil, air filter, etc. No repairs were required. Friends took Chinese analogues and have already invested 10-20 thousand rubles in them, and my scooter is still running smoothly.”

Price: from 60,000 rubles.

SYM ORBIT50

This Taiwanese company is known for introducing innovation into its models. It produces Korean Hyundais, so there is no doubt about its competence. Even in Russian realities, their scooters turn out to be durable, reliable and resistant to wear, while they belong to the budget or mid-price niche. They include a waterproof carburetor, are able to use fuel economically and transport heavy loads, which is facilitated by a steel tube frame. Other features include: large R12 tires, disc brakes (front only).

pros

• reliable design;
• good maneuverability;
• large trunk;
• good plastic.

Minuses

• light at night is insufficient for comfortable driving;
• It is not always easy to find spare parts;
• no alarm.

“On the advice of a friend, I bought Orbit50, I liked the combination of price and technical characteristics. I rarely ride it, only 5-10 times a month, but I’ve been using the scooter for 3 years. To this day it remains confident on the road, economical and quiet. There were some breakdowns, but they were insignificant, I think they happen everywhere.”

Price: 60,000 rubles.

KEEWAY Street 50

It has medium dimensions, which are perfect for people of European build, therefore it combines dynamism and efficiency. The Chinese scooter received single-piston brakes at the front and a classic suspension (telescopic at the front and monoshock at the rear). For comfort of movement, the model comes with wide tires of 120-130 mm, which slightly impairs maneuverability. The scooter turned out to be very strong, simple and durable, which is facilitated by the 2-stroke engine.

pros

• reliable, rarely breaks;
• high strength indicators;
• comfortable and ergonomic.

Minuses

• Chinese quality plastic;
• weak cylinder-piston group.

“I’ve been using the scooter for 4 years now and overall I’m happy with it. The engine is in good condition, it has failed sometimes, but only 2 times. A convenient and comfortable moped that holds the track confidently. The only thing I would recommend is to immediately change the brakes, the standard ones are questionable.”

Price: 55,000 rubles.

Racer Meteor RC50QT-3

The scooter is produced by a company that appeared on the market in 2010. During its short existence, it managed to receive a lot of positive reviews. The Meteor RC50QT-3 uses a 4-stroke engine and a robust and durable chassis. This model does not have an innovative design; rather, it is a worthy copy of the famous Honda Dio. 4 hp carburetor engine, which allows you to reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. The front suspension is based on wishbones - an excellent choice for urban conditions. With a low total weight (74 kg), the vehicle can carry a driver and a passenger.

pros

• reasonable price for domestic buyers;
• good suspension;
• the engine runs successfully on clean fuel (no need to add oil);
• disc brakes can be installed as an option;
• load capacity is 150 kg.

Minuses

• inferior to the original (Honda Dio) in terms of reliability;
• small wheel diameter - 10 inches.

“It has a decent appearance, spare parts can be found in any city, and the consumption is good. The trunk is so spacious that you can fit a helmet, oil and other personal items. After 2 years of use, I only had to change the brakes, everything else works properly. Trips to pick mushrooms and go fishing are comfortable and affordable.”

Price: 46,500 rubles.

LIFAN LF50QT-26

An inexpensive scooter from China is designed for use in moderately difficult conditions on city roads. The widened chassis reduces vibration when driving and allows you to overcome relatively large holes. The strength of the seat and the power of the scooter are sufficient for a comfortable ride with a passenger. For its dimensions (weight 95 kg) and load capacity (up to 183 kg) it has low fuel consumption - 2 liters. The model is aimed at measured trips and does not reach speeds above 45 km/h.

pros

• moderate fuel consumption;
• sit comfortably with a passenger;
• low price.

Minuses

• noisy;
• low speed.

“It’s convenient to move around the city, where you still won’t be able to reach high speeds. Thanks to its good strength, you can ride with a passenger and a small load, such as a bag of cement. However, it is definitely not suitable for traveling over relatively long distances, because the scooter moves slowly and is noisy.”

Price: 40,000 rubles.

Irbis LX 50

The model is in demand due to its tendency to ride fast; it is one of the fastest scooters in the rating. Even the appearance makes it clear that the vehicle is designed to be driven at relatively high speeds. The sporty design is enhanced by large headlights at the front, and the colors use aggressive shades. There is also a braking system, which is often used on motorcycles. 12-inch tires with off-road tread. This two-seater scooter can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h.

pros

• high maximum speed;
• there is space for a passenger;
• high tread allows you to move over rough terrain;
• equipped with an alarm system;
• powerful suspension.

Minuses

• expensive and difficult to obtain plastic (rarely found on the domestic market);
• The holes of one of the bolts on which the trunk is installed do not fit - this is the manufacturer’s fault.

“The amazing scooter, as soon as the run-in was over, began to ride at high speed. He can easily position the speedometer needle. Despite this driving style, I have never done anything during the warm season; the spark plugs are original. Starts with a half-turn in rain or cold. I use Castrol synthetic oil.”

Price: from 36,000 rubles.

Stels Skif

One of the most affordable and uncomplicated scooters. Its cost in new condition is approximately 35,000 rubles. It has a 2-stroke air-cooled internal combustion engine, it is unpretentious to use, so it rarely creates problems. Includes electronic ignition and CVT transmission - all this is aimed at reducing the cost of caring for the vehicle. There are hydraulic disc brakes at the front, and mechanical drum brakes at the rear. Even the basic version comes with alloy wheels, an alarm system, a storage case and an additional luggage rack.

pros

• 2 years warranty;
• high maximum speed;
• low price;
• supports activation from the key fob;
• works quietly.

Minuses

• low-quality paint that peels off even without much help;
• the rear stop is not securely attached and is slightly loose;
• The carburetor needs to be adjusted correctly, otherwise consumption will increase to 4-5 liters of fuel.

“The choice fell on Skif not because of its characteristics, but simply because it is one of the cheapest scooters. I’m already tired of being stuck in traffic jams, but with this two-wheeled “miracle” you can overcome the traffic jam many times faster. Subsequently, it turned out that breakdowns do not happen so rarely, but there are enough spare parts and they are cheap. I don’t regret the purchase.”

Price: 35,000 rubles.

STELS TACTIC 50

One of the budget models of the domestic manufacturer, which is ideal for use in urban environments. The scooter is in demand due to its fast acceleration, affordable price and good load capacity. It is two-stroke, carburetor, characterized by high speed and can reach up to 70 km/h. Due to the characteristics of the engine, the model turned out to be economical - it consumes only 2.5 liters per 100 km.

pros

• reasonable price;
• high speed;
• easily supports two passengers.

The downside is worth mentioning

• low quality plastic.

“Since I was a teenager I have been constantly riding scooters, I also have a car, but the feeling is not the same. One of the scooters in my arsenal is the STELS TACTIC 50. I liked it because of the comfortable seat, I can easily handle even 3 hours of driving, and also because the price is affordable. What I didn’t like was the quality of the plastic, it’s kind of flimsy and will probably crack after the first fall. Although there are a lot of spare parts for it and the model is quite good for tuning.”

Price: from 33 thousand rubles.

Premium models

People who are not constrained by finances have the opportunity to buy a scooter for their own pleasure and entertainment.

Premium scooters include:

1. BMW C 600 SPORT. Speeds up to 170 km/h. Owners note the model’s sportiness, high maneuverability and road stability. Perhaps this is the most reliable scooter in the world. The model behaves well in the city and has a stylish design. The only thing that can scare off potential buyers is the price - 750,000 rubles.
2. YAMAHA TMAX ABS. A powerful and beautiful moped with a purely sporty style. Very reliable and lightweight. You can’t say anything about the ease of the price - it is 849,000 rubles.
3. SUZUKI BURGMAN 400 ABS. The scooter provides the driver with the maximum level of comfort possible. Other pluses include a spacious trunk and ample lighting. Does not demonstrate the best acceleration dynamics. The price of this pleasure is 499,900 rubles.

Compare the best scooters!

Which scooter is best for an adult to buy?

When choosing a scooter, middle-aged people need to look at:

• Fuel consumption. In this regard, Japanese models are much more economical (often).
• Maneuverability and ease of control are important in both big cities and villages. There should be rubber grips, a large, smooth and fast steering wheel.
• Brakes. It is better to choose models with brake systems from leading manufacturers.
• Number of seats. Double scooters will help you carry more things, purchases, or just carry a person. In turn, single-seat models are more compact and cheaper.
• User weight. All devices are designed for a certain load; exceeding it will lead to accelerated wear of structural elements. It is better to choose models with a weight reserve.
• Height. Your knees should fit comfortably in front of the seat. There are models with a larger front platform for tall people. The alternative is to buy a two-seater scooter and ride yourself.

Let's sum it up

Domestic and Chinese manufacturers offer inexpensive, but at the same time quite good scooter models. The same Stels Skif is distinguished by a high speed of 70 km/h, a low price of 33,000 rubles and good driving performance. If you overpay a little, you can purchase a SYM ORBIT50 with a 4-stroke engine, low fuel consumption and high-quality components that will last for many years.

The best buy is the Suzuki Address V50. This scooter has a very reasonable price, has low fuel consumption (1.25 liters), is lightweight and durable.