Being a typical representative of the Chinese automobile industry, the Alpha 50 cc moped, the instructions for which are given below, is distinguished by its affordable price and excellent driving performance. There are certain shortcomings that inevitably arise in any technology, but this specimen is not a rare guest on the roads of our country. For this reason, familiarization with it and its technical parameters will be very important.
New Alpha moped with an engine capacity of 50 cc
Technical specifications
The moped embodies the reliability and high technology required for everyday driving and travel. The design of the moped fully meets all current standards and environmental regulations.
Life time
The manufacturer indicates that the service life of the Alpha 50cc moped is three years. But in practice, if you monitor the equipment in accordance with the instructions, it can be used for much longer without major repairs.
Alpha 50 cc is, first of all, a vehicle for traveling and everyday driving for work or other errands . This is a real workhorse with big wheels, impressive front forks and a lot of components. The dimensions of the moped themselves are also impressive - two meters long and half a meter wide!
Design and driving performance
The design of the moped also has no flaws. A solid design that Alpha’s competitor in the same price range is unlikely to boast of. It is suitable for both city driving and off-road driving. The high ground clearance and manual transmission are clear evidence of this.
Alpha moped with luggage rack for trips to the country
In addition, two clear advantages set it apart. The Alpha 50cc moped is ideal for summer residents, fishermen and village residents. It has an impressive trunk size, where you can conveniently put almost everything you need. Even a full-fledged two-seater moped does not have this.
The passenger seat in the Alpha is made at the highest level. The seat is long and soft. Two people with rather large dimensions can easily sit here.
Engine
The Alpha power unit, whose technical characteristics are among the best, is torquey and strong. The model itself is designed in such a way that the engine, regardless of road conditions, realizes its full potential.
One of the secrets of a strong 4-stroke engine is its displacement. True, it varies depending on the specific Alpha configuration. The moped picks up perfect speed, climbing up slopes like a real mountain bike, equipped with a powerful engine.
Alpha moped engine internal structure
Gearbox (gearbox)
As mentioned above, Alpha is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. The technical characteristics of this box are quite successful - with skillful use it is possible to squeeze the maximum out of the unit. In a word, the gearbox interacts with the engine very well.
Starter
It is electric, which is already regarded as a big advantage. We look at the technical characteristics and see the following: the starter is practically trouble-free and is of enviable quality.
Maximum speed
The maximum speed that the Alpha 50cc can reach is 60 km/h. This is quite enough to drive on country roads or in city conditions.
What if the engine is more powerful than 50 cm3?
In this case, category M in the license is not enough - a more powerful scooter or with a power equal to 50 “cubes” cannot be considered a moped . Engine size plays a key role, and therefore it will be equal to:
- to a light motorcycle if the engine power is in the range of 50-125 cc. see. In this case, the driver must obtain a license for a scooter with subcategory A1;
- to a regular motorcycle if the engine power is above 125 cc. see. To drive it you need to get a license with category A.
Do you need a driver's license for a 49.9cc moped?
It’s worth clarifying right away: Russian legislation in 2021 does not provide for such a vehicle as a “scooter”. Based on the displacement of its engine, such a two-wheeled vehicle, according to paragraph 1.2 of the traffic rules, can be equated to:
- a moped, if the scooter’s power is less than 50 cc (including 49.9 cm3);
- motorcycle, if its power is more than 50 cubic meters.
Accordingly, a two-wheeler with a capacity of 49 cubic meters as a vehicle is equivalent to a moped. And, according to clause 1 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 “On Road Safety”, mopeds are among the vehicles that can only be ridden if you have a special license confirmed by a driver’s license. Therefore, we can answer unequivocally whether a license for a scooter is needed - of course, it is!
How to choose the right scooter? What to look for?
When choosing such a vehicle, you must definitely look at the speed to which the scooter can accelerate, it is also important to know the fuel consumption (although it is small on scooters), and of course the condition of the scooter itself is important.
Scooters made in Europe have the best quality. But European manufacturers are the most expensive in the scooter market. There is also the opportunity to buy a used scooter, but such a vehicle may not be in the best condition.
You also need to understand what kind of scooter you need. If you need a scooter to ride on smooth and good roads, a mini scooter is definitely the way to go. This type of transport is very comfortable, weighs about 60 kg and has a maximum acceleration of about 50 km. More advanced ones are middle class scooters. These devices can travel both on city roads and off-road, they are more powerful and have larger wheels than mini-scooters.
The last type of scooter is the heavy duty scooter. They are more suitable for tourism; such a device has good power and is large in size. A heavy scooter can accelerate to 110-120 km. It's clearly suited for long trips. It is imperative to know the purpose for which the scooter will be used (for a summer residence, fishing, city trips, and so on).
Once you have decided which scooter is right for you, you need to find a reliable scooter at a good price. Many stores offer their services for selling scooters. Trusted services will advise you and help you choose transport.
Buy Zid 50 Pilot
buy a new ZID 50 Pilot directly from the Degtyarev plant for 42 thousand rubles. Prices for used mopeds start from 5 thousand rubles, it all depends on the condition of the motorcycle. In a good situation, after spending several months searching for a decent option on sites like auto.ru and other similar ones, such a moped in very good condition (used) can be bought within 10-15 thousand rubles. It all depends on your desire and ability to bargain.
As for purchasing spare parts for the ZID 50, you definitely won’t have any problems with this. You can buy them at almost any motorcycle store.
By buying a Zid 50 Pilot, you are buying an easy-to-use, simple-design moped that will bring you a lot of joy and positive emotions. For owners of country houses or simply “dacha residents,” this is an ideal option for going to the nearest store to buy groceries. Moreover, it does not need to be registered with the traffic police, and you can ride it without a license.
What category is required?
If the engine power is 49 cc, the license must contain a special category - “M”, then the license will be suitable for a 49 cc moped. But the legislator took into account the ease of driving a moped and allowed it to be legally driven if there were other open categories on the license.
According to clause 7 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196, any driver’s license of categories A, B, C, D and with other subcategories (A1, B1 and so on) gives the right to drive vehicles recognized as mopeds.
As you can see, everything is quite simple: since M is the lowest driving category, riding a moped is permissible with any license, regardless of the category of vehicle that such license gives the right to drive. Even in the case when the category M itself is absent in it.
Note! This does not apply to drivers who have medical contraindications to riding a moped . Such contraindications and restrictions are indicated in column 12 of the driver’s license and directly prohibit the driver from driving a scooter, no matter what operating power it has, and no matter what driving categories are indicated on the license. If such a mark was added to your license by mistake, contact the traffic police department with an application for corrections. But for this, most likely, you will have to obtain a new medical certificate, within the framework of which doctors will be convinced of the actual absence of such contraindications.
But in practice there may be a fine!
The fact is that in 2021, disputes regarding category M continue between drivers and inspectors. The stumbling block is precisely the admissibility of riding a scooter with any category. And there are 2 positions here:
- Category M for the ability to drive a moped is automatically granted if there is any other category and there are no contraindications,
- it may not be put on the driver's license, but any category confirms M.
The difference is colossal - if you specifically have, for example, B, but M is not directly indicated, then if you come across a traffic police inspector who adheres to the first position, then a decision with a fine will be issued against you.
And it's illegal. That's why! Federal Law 196 directly states that the presence of any category confirms the right to drive vehicles of category M. And nowhere is it stated that it must be indicated in the license in the corresponding column. Therefore, such a fine should be appealed.
And the next time you change your medical device, just indicate at the medical institution so that you are directly prescribed admission to this category in the medical certificate. Then it will be directly registered in the new rights.
Which scooters up to 50cc are best to buy: 8 best
In this review, we have collected models of scooters popular in Russia, varying in price and characteristics.
- Honda Dio AF68;
- Suzuki Lets5;
- Yamaha JOG RR;
- Irbis LX50;
- SYM ORBIT50;
- Stels Skif;
- Stels Taktik;
- Racer Meteor RC50QT–3.
Let's look at them in more detail:
Honda Dio AF68
The Japanese scooter first appeared on the market in the 80s of the last century. Today, the fifth generation of the vehicle continues to delight thousands of two-wheeled transport enthusiasts around the world. You can buy a classic for 160 thousand rubles.
According to the owners' reviews, it is unpretentious in maintenance, maneuverable, and economical (1.25 liters per 100 km). Equipped with a 4-stroke engine and a durable frame. The disadvantages include the rather high cost and lack of space for a passenger. Japanese parts, such as piston rings, are also expensive and difficult to obtain.
I've been dreaming about a scooter for a long time. I decided not to save money and buy a quality model. I liked the Honda for its small size and economical fuel consumption. Now I get to work twice as fast.
Honda Dio AF68
Suzuki Lets5
Small in size, maneuverable Japanese with an excellent design. In demand among young people and middle-aged people. It noticeably outperforms its competitor Honda in price - a new one costs 75 thousand rubles. Equipped with a 4-stroke engine, strong frame and excellent brakes. Disadvantages: difficult to find spare parts, dim headlights.
Before buying a Suzuki, I rode a bicycle around the city, became very tired and decided to replace it with a scooter. I was looking for an inexpensive but reliable model. I bought a used Lets5 a couple of weeks ago. While it copes with all the tasks, it drives smoothly and quietly. I hope for Japanese quality and that it will last for many more years.
Suzuki Lets5
Yamaha JOG RR
Rounding out the top three undisputed leaders is another Japanese two-seater scooter. Equipped with a 2-stroke, but no less powerful and reliable engine than its competitors. Frisky and with good handling, holds speed well, designed for two passengers. The disadvantages include the price - 90,000 thousand rubles, expensive spare parts.
Japanese two-wheeled motorized vehicles are legendary, so the choice was obvious. I liked the model because it had a passenger seat and high power. Perhaps problems will arise when parts are needed, I think this will not happen soon.
Yamaha JOG RR
Irbis LX50
A Chinese brand that is very popular among motorcycle enthusiasts due to its aggressive design and advanced equipment. With large dimensions, in comparison with its Japanese counterparts, it easily accelerates to 90 km/h. It can comfortably accommodate 2 people. Disadvantages include a 2-stroke engine and reduced maneuverability. Price – about 60 thousand rubles.
I wanted to buy a simple, powerful and inexpensive scooter. The LX50 fit all the criteria. It holds the road well even with poor quality surfaces. Parts are easy to order from China. Worth the money.
Irbis LX50
SYM ORBIT50
Produced in Taiwan. It has a powerful 4-stroke engine with a consumption of 2–2.5 liters per 100 km. At a price of 60 thousand rubles . Quite comfortable, manageable and rarely prone to breakdowns.
Orbit50 was recommended by a friend. The price suited me, the characteristics also suited me, and I decided to buy it. I drive it a couple of times a week and around the city. Handles the road well and is fairly quiet. There were no breakdowns for a couple of months.
SYM ORBIT50
Stels Skif
Another bright representative of the Chinese automobile industry. For 35 thousand rubles, the buyer receives a maneuverable scooter designed for two people with an acceleration of up to 70 km/h. Due to the rigid suspension, it is designed for driving on asphalt. The disadvantages include frequent breakdowns and increased fuel consumption.
I was looking for the cheapest model. I use it rarely and only in the city. It is convenient to avoid traffic jams. The parts are easy to get, so I don't have to worry about breakages.
Stels Skif
Stels Taktik
A brother of the budget Chinese scooter described above. At a cost of 35–40 thousand rubles . has a 2-stroke engine of 4.9 hp. Weight – 90 kg, quite maneuverable, accelerates to 70 km/h.
Fast and cheap Chinese scooter. Well worth the money. Suitable for the city only. Repairs are inexpensive and accessible.
Stels Taktik
