Which scooter to choose: rating of the most reliable scooters

Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc are a modern, reliable and economical means of transportation. They are often confused with each other. The main difference is that the scooter has a CVT and a battery. The battery powers various indicators, sensors and starts from the starter. The variator is a simplified gearbox that is not found in mopeds. Read a short review and reviews of the best models in this article.

Types of scooters by volume

The first and most important is the engine size of the scooter. Most scooter riders dream of becoming owners of a fast and powerful horse; these characteristics are directly related to the size of the engine. But you should remember that the higher the speed and power, the higher the danger and responsibility and choose wisely.

The engine size of a scooter is an important factor when choosing

Based on engine size, all scooters are divided into 3 categories:

• small cubic capacity - up to 50 cubic meters;
• medium-sized - from 50 to 250 cubic meters;
• maxiscooters - above 250 cc.

Flaws

Like any technology, scooters have their drawbacks. For some buyers they may seem insignificant. But still they exist.

Most small displacement scooters are single seaters. Of course, you can fit two people on them if you wish. But this will have unpredictable consequences if it is repeated regularly. The load on the engine will be greater than stated. Accordingly, the service life of the motor will decrease.

The second disadvantage of mopeds in this category is the speed they develop. It will not always be possible to achieve the maximum declared by the manufacturer. But in most cases this is not necessary. After all, the rules allow moving around a populated area at a speed not exceeding 60 kilometers per hour.

50cc scooters

Let's take a closer look at each type.

50cc scooters are the most popular.

Their positive aspects:

1. Acceptable price.
2. Small size.
3. Maneuverability.
4. Convenient for moving around the city and using in everyday activities.
5. They consume little fuel (2-2.5 liters per 100 km).
6. Unpretentious in repair.
7. Capable of reaching speeds from 50 to 90 km/h. Some models are capable of 100 km/h.

50 cc scooters
There is also the other side of the coin: an average speed of 60-70 km/h is often not enough. Most models are single-seater.

Scooters with a volume of 50 cubic meters are always available on the market in a wide range. The main part consists of Japanese and Chinese models. Japanese scooters are distinguished by excellent 2-stroke engines, which increases their agility and maneuverability. Such scooters can quickly take off from a standstill and accelerate to 60 km/h.

Highlighting Japanese brands, I would like to note:

1. Yamaha - they are not cheap, but they are not inferior in speed.
2. Honda is less playful and fast, but also less expensive.
3. Suzuki - have a reasonable price and good performance. Available in a limited range of models.

Comparison table of characteristics

Model	Volume	Dimensions	Weight	Fuel tank	Consumption	Price
Omaks Matador 50cc	50 cm³	1846x675x1173 mm	98 kg	3.5 l	4 l/100 km	84 000
Stealth Tactic 50	50 cm³	702/1085/1800 mm	99 kg	4.8 l	2.5 l/100 km	33 000
Irbis Z50RS	49.58 cm³	690x1905x1125 mm	100 kg	5.2 l	2 l per 100 km	32 000
SYM Jet 4R Naked	49.4 cm³	1900x665x1040 mm	113 kg	4.3 l	3 l/100km	100 000
Honda Dio AF34	49.9 cm³	1607.5*630*990.5 mm	69 kg	5 l	1.85 l/100 km	25 000
Stels – Skif 50	49.8 cm³	1740*660*1130 mm	82 kg	5.8 l	2.5 l/100km	28 000
LIFAN LF50QT-26	49 cm³	1860*680*1110 mm	95 kg	6.0 l	2.5 l/100km	40 000
Suzuki Sepia ZZ	49 cm³	1670*665*1005 mm	66 kg	4.8 l	2 l/100km	30 000
Yamaha Aerox R	49 cm³	1890*660*1115 mm	94 kg	5.7 l	2.7 l/100km	160 000

Best 50cc scooters from Japan:

1. Honda Zoomer. The moped has acquired cult status in culture. Easily recognizable by its unusual design. The main disadvantage is the drum brakes.
2. Suzuki ZZ. Compact, fast and maneuverable model. Demanding on oil.

User reviews report that with proper care, such scooters can last up to 10 years.

50 cc scooters from China and Japan
The main difference between scooters from China and Japan is the quality and engine parameters. The engines of all Chinese models, even 50 cc ones, are 4-stroke, which makes them slower and more clumsy. Also, Chinese scooters are less durable and break more often. However, they are much cheaper. Among Chinese scooters, the Stels brand is well known.

This model has a stylish appearance and a high-quality engine.

Other well-known manufacturers: Racer, Viper, Yiben, Irbis.

Best Chinese 50cc Scooters:

1. SYM Symphony SR 50 is a reliable Chinese motorcycle scooter with high-quality assembly and tenacious brakes. Easily overcomes curbs, bumps, uneven roads and speed bumps. The main disadvantage is the high price.
2. SYM Jet SportX 50SR – A fast model for those who like to drive. One of the most reliable scooters from Taiwan. Advantages: good optics; torsionally rigid frame; good acceleration dynamics. Disadvantages: uncomfortable saddle.
3. KEEWAY Street 50. Inexpensive, reliable scooter. Looks good, easy to repair and maintain. Loves good butter.

Chinese made models

The most popular manufacturers from China include:

• “Stealth”, which stand out for their good design and acceptable technical characteristics.

• "Racer".

• "Viper."

• "Irbis".

All manufacturers from China strive to create their models similar to Japanese or European ones.

Scooters with engine capacity up to 250cc

Medium-sized scooters with a capacity of 50 to 250 cubic meters can accelerate to 90-120 km/h. Such models often have good motorcycle functionality, and a category A driver's license is required to drive. In addition, the scooter requires qualified maintenance.

A driver's license is required for a scooter with an engine capacity of up to 250cc.

The advantages of such scooters:

1. Optimal power for most cases.
2. Optimal gasoline consumption.
3. Ability to travel long distances.
4. Availability of space for transporting passengers.
5. Good brakes.
6. Thoughtful acceleration dynamics.
7. Cruise control system and other motorcycle-specific systems.

Disadvantages: not suitable for driving by persons under 18 years of age, expensive.

The best scooters with engine capacity up to 250cc:

1. Honda Jazz/Forza 250.
2. Suzuki Bergman/Skywave 250.
3. Yamaha NMAX 150.

Scooters with a capacity above 250cc

Maxiscooters are very close to motorcycles in design and advanced technical equipment. They are equipped with many auxiliary mechanisms and can accelerate to 200 km/h.

Scooters with a capacity above 250cc can accelerate to 200 km/h.

Their advantages:

• power;
• good low and high beam;
• mobility;
• possibility of transporting a passenger;
• strong and durable construction.

Disadvantages:

• you need to be good at operating motorcycles, which is not suitable for beginners;
• repair and replacement of parts in case of breakdown will be expensive;
• consume a lot of fuel;
• expensive.

Best maxiscooters:

1. Honda Silver Wing.
2. Yamaha TMAX DX.

Yamaha scooter

Scooter engines

The second characteristic that significantly influences the choice of scooter is the type of engine:

• push-pull;
• four-stroke.

The engine capacity for 2 strokes is almost always 50 cm3. The design of mopeds with such an engine is simple. A two-stroke engine functions much more simply than a four-stroke engine. All work processes take place within one revolution of the crankshaft. Power is exactly what this type of engine attracts; for this type of engine it is 60-70% higher. Such scooters are noticeably easier to control and respond more quickly to the rotation of the gas handle and pick up speed. And this is not the last advantage - such models weigh less and require lower repair costs.

Let's talk about four-stroke engines. Such models attract those who pay attention to savings. They are large in size and have good controllability, making less noise.

Moped price

The price of a scooter can vary from 35,000 rubles to 400,000 rubles. Models with larger cubic capacity are always more expensive. Also, models from Chinese manufacturers are usually cheaper.

The price of a moped depends on the capacity and manufacturer

Appearance

Externally, scooters are very similar to motorcycles, especially maxiscooters. They are small and nimble. They can be presented in any color scheme and, not surprisingly, are often tuned.

When choosing a suitable model, you must also focus on its intended use.

Scooters for beginners

People who are riding a scooter for the first time are not recommended to take a model with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc. The most important thing is the ease of operation and safety of the scooter.

Among the European brands the following stand out:

1. Aprilia (the racing engine for these models is assembled in Austria and made wisely. Capable of accelerating to 100 km/h).
2. Piaggio (excellent motorcycles with excellent driving characteristics).
3. The most reliable Japanese scooter is Honda. Such mopeds do not participate in races, but they will confidently take you to your destination.
4. Suzuki lags behind it, but not at all critically.

Ease of use and safety of a scooter are the most important things for a beginner.
When choosing, beginners should also pay attention to the following parameters:

• wheels over 10 inches;
• tank 5 l;
• large trunk;
• double seat.

For fishing and hunting

The optimal motorcycle for hunting and fishing would be a Ural with a side stroller, ideally with a drive to this same sidecar. Modern products of the Irbit Motor Plant cost a lot of money, but at the same time they are distinguished by high reliability, good equipment and excellent maintainability even in field conditions. Well, those who don’t have the budget for a brand new boxer can always buy a more or less live Soviet-made Ural for 20-30-50 thousand rubles Even without a cradle wheel drive, this bike is capable of driving on quite severe off-road conditions, and everything you need can easily fit into the side trailer. Perhaps the Ural motorcycle is better suited for hunting than any other, since it simply has no alternatives. In China, of course, its replicas are produced under the name Chang Jiang 750, but how many of them have you seen in Russia? But a custom Harley-Davidson with a sidecar simply won’t drive through the mud, and no one will drive a bike worth several million rubles through the forest.

Scooters for villages and cottages

For off-road use, you need to choose models with a lever front fork and larger wheels. Such features will allow you to smoothly and gently overcome uneven dirt roads.

In addition, it is important to check the location of the air filter - if its intake is too low, the filter will have to be changed frequently.

Premium scooter
Popular:

1. Honda Lead. Provides maximum comfort and reliability. It has an elongated saddle, therefore it is comfortable and suitable for riding together.
2. Honda Super Cub. The workhorse, convenient in rural areas, has been produced since 1958 in editions without significant changes, but does not lose popularity.

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.