Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc: models, characteristics, reviews

On the modern market there is a large assortment of scooters and mopeds up to 50cc of domestic and foreign production. When choosing a new scooter, first of all, pay attention to the manufacturer of the motorcycle. Based on the type of production facility, small motorcycles can be classified as follows.

• Japanese brands, characterized by durability and strength, are reliable on the road. The relative disadvantage of the “Japanese” is the high price of the scooter. As a result, most Japanese mopeds are purchased by experienced drivers.
• Among European manufacturers, the choice of scooters is not so widely available, especially prototypes with an engine capacity of up to 50 cc. Euro-motor transport is mainly of interest to specialized riding specialists.
• Although Chinese scooters are inferior to the manufacturers described above in terms of reliability, the gap that existed between them recently is no longer there. It is not difficult to meet a Chinese moped in urban areas or in the countryside. It is purchased by experienced and novice motorists.
• Domestic scooters do not lag behind in terms of durability and reliability on the market. The advantages of our scooters are relatively inexpensive tuning.

The review selected the best brands of foreign and domestic scooters with an engine capacity of 50 cc. see. When forming the rating, the opinions of Russian drivers were taken into account. How much does such an average unit cost, what should you pay attention to when choosing whether a single or double scooter is right for me? Our article will help you understand the intricacies of choosing a quality scooter for specific travel purposes.

Features of small-capacity scooters

A scooter is a type of motorcycle. Features a simplified design. It is smaller in size and easy to operate. Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc have all the main controls on the steering wheel. The steering handles are equipped with gas and brake. Moreover, two brakes are adjusted at once: front and rear. To get going, just turn on the ignition and slightly turn the throttle.

Small-capacity scooters are suitable for buyers of various ages, starting from 16 years old. You can easily and freely move around the city, holiday village and other areas. For “every day” trips, the “Alpha” 50 cc moped is suitable.

What to choose for off-road

When choosing a 50cc off-road moped, you should pay attention to ground clearance, suspension travel, slope size and tread pattern. The off-road model from Hyosung deserves attention.

HF05 Hyosung SF 50 Rally

From the contours of the 50cc scooter, it is clear that it is intended for cross-country competitions and off-road use. Noteworthy are the framed headlight, tires with aggressive tread, and sports steering wheel. Ten-inch cylinders with thick rubber overcome bumps and potholes well, and also provide stability during cornering and braking. There is an indefinable desire to get behind the wheel of this two-wheeled “SUV” and take part in the races.

Advantages

Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc have low fuel consumption. The average is 2-2.5 liters per hundred kilometers. At the same time, they are capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour.

Scooters are distinguished by high maneuverability. Due to their small size, they are able to pass through small passages, even between cars stuck in traffic jams.

They are unpretentious in operation. Carrying out the necessary repairs is easy.

Another advantage is low cost. For many buyers, this issue is a top priority. These models can be purchased by almost anyone. The widest assortment will allow you to choose an option that suits the ratio of the desired characteristics and price category.

8 best scooters under 50cc 2021 - 2021!

Before a detailed consideration of specific moped models, we present a selected list of manufacturers that are in the TOP according to the opinions of experts, car enthusiasts and equipment owners. The best manufacturers in the ranking were:

• Yamaha
• Suzuki
• Lifan
• Scythian
• Honda
• Sim
• Irbis
• Tactician
• Omax
• Orbit

We will highlight the main technical characteristics of specific brands of the mentioned brands, name the approximate price of the equipment, give reviews from the owners, supplementing the description of the model with a photo or video plot.

Yamaha

The rating of the selected scooters begins with the most graceful, elegant scooter based on the voting results - Yamaha Aerox R. Having a volume of 49 cm³ . Yamaha copes well with high loads on the road, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.

pros

• ease of driving.
• good acceleration.
• efficiency and comfort.
• water cooling.
• original appearance.

Minuses

• Not very durable plastic.

I bought this bike last summer and didn’t regret it! It presses perfectly, I can accelerate from a traffic light and overtake our cars, it’s an excellent unit for 50cc. The only thing is the tires are not very wide.

The average price of a Yamaha Aerox R reaches 157,000 rubles.

Yamaha scooter

Suzuki

A worthy representative of the Suzuki company was the Suzuki Sepia ZZ with a capacity of up to 50 cubic meters . Powerful sports scooter. The engine motor allows Suzuki to reach speeds of 60+ km/h . Withstands loads well on uneven roads.

pros

• comfortable
• economical
• easy to maintain

Minuses

• demanding carburetor

What can I say about the moped? For 2 years of driving, not a single breakdown! except for one small one in the piston system, and that was my fault. I gave him a hard test drive in the rain, over potholes, and took him to the dacha on gravel roads. I survived everything. Now I’m ready for the new season, I think I’ll just look at the rear brake, it started to slip a little on the last trips in the fall.

The average price for a Suzuki Sepia ZZ will be 30,000 rubles.

Suzuki Sepia ZZ

Lifan

Compact and versatile 4-stroke LIFAN LF50QT-26 mainly for city trips. Its powerful braking system and impressive driving characteristics can compete with top-level brands. A real discovery for connoisseurs of safe and comfortable driving.

pros

• fast acceleration without overloads
• air cooling
• fuel consumption
• safe braking

Minuses

• noisy suspension
• narrow tires

Excellent model – I can’t name any disadvantages, I’m pleased with everything! My husband bought it last spring, I ride around the city on it, I don’t get stuck in traffic jams. It's hard to say how it behaves on a road without asphalt, but the dynamics on a city road are excellent. I drive at a speed of 40-50 km.

The average price of a new LIFAN LF50QT-26 is 39,000 rubles.

LIFAN LF50QT-26

Scythian

The excellent quality moped of the domestic brand Stels - Skif 50 is distinguished by its small size, comfort, powerful technical data and luxurious appearance. An extremely advantageous brand in terms of economy and performance. The air cooling system and piston brakes will be an excellent help for those who like to travel to the country in hot summer weather.

pros

• build quality
• sleek design
• spacious trunk
• comfortable fit

Minuses

• not very convenient for tall people

Last season in July I rode this beauty from Kirov to Kazan! Very convenient when driving when you didn’t want to stop. You feel protected from all sides, excellent road holding, excellent dynamics, accelerated to 65+, braking is very sensitive. I recommend this model, it can also ride over long distances.

For a scooter, the buyer will have to pay approximately 28,000 rubles.

Scythian

Honda

One of the most common and practical in terms of balance technical qualities is the Honda Dio AF34 scooter. Perfect for beginners and experienced motor vehicle drivers. The moped battery self-discharges very little and has a large number of charging cycles.

pros

• versatility
• robust frame design
• light weight
• availability of a second seat for a passenger

Minuses

• low ground clearance
• not suitable for winter trips

Super durable bike, I bought it for my son, but now I mostly ride it myself. One drawback is that you may not be able to jump onto a bump; the ground clearance does not allow you to swallow bumps and mounds.

The cost of a Honda Dio AF34 car averages about 25,000 rubles.

Honda Dio AF34

Sim

The powerful, economical and reliable SYM Jet 4R Naked is ideal for trips to the country and around the city in hot weather. Rubber holds the asphalt perfectly, powerful light from the headlights, aggressive appearance and the ability to take a passenger with you - this is not all that can be said about the practical Jet 4R Naked motorcycle.

pros

• reliability
• soft shock absorber
• comfort
• road safety
• convenient dashboard

Minuses

• high fuel consumption
• motorcycle weight

I bought it in 2015, the mileage is 560 at the moment, I have done a lot of off-road driving - I can say one thing - an indestructible moped! There was virtually no damage to the shock absorbers, wheels or brakes. I never punctured a tire, which is surprising; I drove over potholes and potholes like I was driving on asphalt. I will especially highlight the suspension and piston system. One minus is that it consumes quite a lot of gasoline.

The price of the scooter is approximately 100,000 rubles. depending on the color scheme.

SYM Jet 4R Naked

Irbis

Economical, reliable, trouble-free in its stability on the road, powerful Irbis Z50RS moped. It will become your faithful assistant for quickly moving around the city and for short trips outside the city.

pros

• power
• balance
• comfort
• low gasoline consumption

Minuses

• no alarm system included
• not very pronounced grip on wet roads

Not a bad bike for the money - it works to its full potential, I’ve ridden it in mud and on hot asphalt, the speed is stable, it doesn’t spin, it accelerates in seconds. I recommend it to all lovers of comfort and safety.

The price of an Irbis moped varies from 32,000 to 38,000 rubles. depending on the configuration and the seller.

Irbis Z50RS

Tactician

The Stealth Tactic 50 is a classic version of a practical and aesthetically thought out scooter. It brings together power, comfort, design and safety. This prototype is recommended for all lovers of fast and comfortable driving on city roads.

pros

• comfortable fit
• high acceleration dynamics
• brake system
• high load capacity

Minuses

• plastic quality
• fairly stiff shock absorbers

A cool sports bike, it competed in speed with one motorcycle on the road, but was a little behind it)) The acceleration and dynamics are simply excellent. You can travel from city to city. In the summer I go to the lake with my wife alone. Holds both of us well.

The estimated cost of this scooter is 33,000 rubles.

Stealth Tactic 50

Omax

Omaks Matador 50cc motorcycle is distinguished by a new, thoughtful design by the engineers of the Italian company, has a characteristic sporty style, a high seating position, and a powerful engine for its volume up to 50 cc/cm. The new three-valve design provides the motor with a power of 6.5 kW. With the Matador 50cc scooter you will feel at your best in any road situation!

pros

• powerful engine
• convenience
• speed
• solid design
• gasoline consumption

Minuses

• inaccessibility of spare parts
• not stable off-road

I am the former owner of this equipment, I bought it in the 2014 season, skated it for exactly 3 months, bought it used. A small moped “one and a half”, i.e. It’s quite possible for two people to ride it. The brakes are excellent, front – disc, rear – drum. In all the places where it has been driven, it behaves like an A+, has never gotten stuck anywhere, never punctured, and handles hills well. But it’s better not to take 4-stroke 50 cc scooters, it’s better to take 2-stroke ones, they have a little more power, in other respects the same thing happens. What I didn’t really like was the flimsy rim of the saddle, which starts to rattle after a fall.

The average price of a new scooter is 84,000 rubles.

Omaks Matador 50cc

Orbit

The most powerful and balanced scooter in its price segment, Sym Orbit 50. Designed for domestic roads, it allows you to feel comfortable among city traffic jams with low fuel consumption and environmental pollution. The Orbit carburetor is additionally protected from moisture and external mechanical influences. Enjoy riding this bike in all weather conditions with peace of mind.

pros

• environmental friendliness
• maneuverability
• compactness
• gasoline consumption
• gasoline consumption

Minuses

• no hazard signal or alarm included
• headlights shine dimly

It’s a good moped in its class, I bought it 3 years ago - during this time I broke something, the piston part was worn out. After long trips, braking deteriorated. But in the city and not far from the garden - that’s it! I use it for these purposes. Very powerful, comfortable, eats little, I can drive around any kind of car, heavy trucks are not a hindrance either)

The average price for an Orbit 50 scooter will be 60,000 rubles.

Orbit 50

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.

Moped classes

Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc have two classes: light and medium.

Light class models weigh up to seventy kilograms. Their maximum speed does not exceed sixty kilometers per hour. These scooters are easy to control. They are distinguished by increased maneuverability and low fuel consumption (up to three liters per hundred kilometers). Suitable for traveling on well-paved roads. This option is most often preferred by teenagers and older people.

Mid-class scooters are large in size. Their weight reaches ninety kilograms. But from a technical point of view, they are more powerful - they are capable of reaching speeds of ninety kilometers per hour.

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.

Producing countries

Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc, common on the market in our country, come from two countries: China and Japan. Of course, there are models produced in other countries. But their number in total sales is insignificant.

Chinese models are cheaper. But the Japanese ones are of better quality. Therefore, buyers often have a question of choice. Which is better: new Chinese or used Japanese? In market conditions, these two options cost the same. And it is impossible to give a definitively correct answer. Users recommend not buying used Chinese scooters. If possible, if finances allow, it is better to purchase models from Japan. Everyone chooses for themselves.

A Japanese 50cc scooter is always a high-quality model with excellent technical characteristics. Their engines are two-stroke. Thanks to this, mopeds are faster and more playful. Already from a standing start they start well. Japanese users are always satisfied with their choice. But in the event of a breakdown, as users say, it is quite difficult to find the necessary parts.

Unlike Japanese ones, Chinese scooters are always four-stroke. This significantly impairs maneuverability and speed performance. They benefit from lower costs. According to buyers, these models do not satisfy their quality. They often break down and require repairs. There are frequent cases of engine problems. But, unlike Japanese models, there are a large number of spare parts available for products from China.

How to choose a good and reliable scooter?

Choosing a scooter is a responsible task, because, despite the fact that some models do not require a driver’s license, it is still a vehicle, and you will be a full-fledged participant in traffic on it. If you decide to buy yourself or a loved one a scooter, it is important that it is not only functional, but also reliable, since your health depends on it. In this section we will tell you how to choose a good scooter, and what criteria a truly high-quality motorbike must meet.

1. Engine's type . Most modern manufacturers equip their scooters with a four-stroke engine, which has important advantages. It consumes less fuel and oil, operates almost silently and provides good traction even at minimum speeds. Two-stroke engines consume oil constantly, so they are less economical, but their advantage is higher power density. Experts still consider buying a model with a four-stroke engine a more practical choice.
2. Engine (motor) power. Engine power is also one of the most important parameters when choosing a scooter if you plan to use it daily as your main transport. The minimum power in this case should be 7-8 hp. pp., because with indicators less than this figure, you can comfortably use transport only for rare fishing trips or trips to the country.

   
   The minimum power of the scooter should be 7-8 hp. With

3. Fuel consumption . Fuel consumption is directly related to the type and power of the engine. Most modern scooters with four-stroke engines have fuel consumption of no more than 3 liters for every 100 km, and if you choose a model with a power of less than 7 horsepower, you can even choose a model that consumes no more than 2 liters of gasoline.
4. Front fork . The front fork is part of the front suspension and affects the quality of shock absorption. If you live in a city with smooth roads, a scooter with a telescopic fork is suitable for you, but for use in rural areas (roads with gravel, holes and potholes), it is better to choose a pendulum mechanism with a monoshock absorber.
5. Driver age. This is no less important selection parameter than the type and power of the motor. An elderly person (the main goal for this category of buyers is trips to the country or out of town) should choose low-power models, otherwise there is a high probability that the driver may not be able to control the car. For teenagers, class A scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50 cm3 are suitable, since this type of scooter does not require a driver's license. Women should pay attention to the weight of the scooter itself so that, if necessary, they can independently bring it into the garage or put it on a stand.

   
   For children, it is best to purchase a low-power scooter

6. Weight load . For comfortable movement of one person, models with a maximum load of 90-110 kg are suitable. If you plan to travel together, you should choose a scooter with a load capacity of 150 kg or more. It’s great if the seat is divided into a passenger and driver’s area - such a saddle is as comfortable as possible for both the driver and the person behind.
7. Maximum speed . It all depends on your preferences and needs. If you want to use a scooter instead of a car, choose models with a speed of 100 km/h and above (this is necessary so that you do not get out of the general traffic on the highway). Less high-speed models are suitable if the path from home to work is not the longest, or a scooter is purchased as an additional vehicle.

On a note! You can also find battery-powered scooter models (electric scooters) on sale. They are, of course, more environmentally friendly and do not harm the environment, but the productive capacity of such transport is much lower, so such scooters are suitable mainly for teenagers and the elderly.

Japanese scooter models

If we talk about the top three Japanese scooter manufacturers, then it will definitely include the following companies:

• "Honda". Their products are always high quality and at an affordable price. The downside is that the speed limit is lower. But this is the most reliable option. Even used models will not let you down and will always deliver you to your destination.

• Yamaha vehicles are very fast compared to other models. One of the disadvantages is the cost. They also differ in their sporty style, which is more suitable for young people. They are considered the opposite of Honda scooters.

• Suzuki is the middle option. These are dynamic and powerful vehicles. The small model range of this manufacturer is a good option in terms of price-quality ratio.

It is extremely difficult to choose the best manufacturer.

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.

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.