The most popular 50cc motorcycles and scooters on the domestic market are represented by Chinese and Japanese models. The second variations are of better quality, have a wide range of modifications, but are also more expensive. In itself, a scooter with a small engine capacity is a practical vehicle for active movement around the city, especially in traffic jams. Control of such a unit is accessible to most of the population. Let's look at some modifications, their advantages and disadvantages.
Engine displacement
This is one of the main characteristics of the scooter
, which divides this transport into three categories:
- small or compact - engine displacement does not exceed 50 cubic meters;
- medium - with an engine volume ranging from 50 to 250 cubic meters.
- maxi scooters are the closest to motorcycles and are equipped with powerful engines, the volume of which ranges from 250 to 500 cubic meters.
On the Russian market, scooters are presented in all three categories. The choice of engine size depends on the goals and tasks that you assign to it. For novice drivers, women and teenagers, the most preferable are compact models that can successfully move both on city roads and country paths. Medium and large scooters are designed for experienced riders who want to switch to a motorcycle.
Number of engine strokes
According to this technical specification, scooters
are divided into:
- two-stroke;
- four-stroke.
The first option is suitable for lovers of excellent traction and dynamic acceleration. Thanks to the simple design of the two-stroke engine, a driver who has at least a little knowledge of technology can independently increase its power, thereby increasing the speed of the unit. The disadvantages of a two-stroke engine include a large amount of smoke produced and noisy operation.
Recently, more and more scooters are being launched with four-stroke engines, which are prized for their quiet operation and smooth traction. One of the main advantages of such engines is minimizing oil and fuel consumption.
50cc motorcycles Honda Dio AF-34
This model is one of the most popular scooters. The equipment is ideal for moving around the city and meets all modern standards. The moped has a beautiful exterior, excellent performance and an economical engine. The device has been produced since 1998, has not lost its relevance to this day, and enjoys authority among scooterists. During the release, several modifications were created.
It is worth focusing more on the power plant. The Honda scooter-motorcycle is equipped with a two-stroke, one-cylinder engine. Its power is just over seven horsepower with a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
The moped itself weighs only 70 kilograms, is designed to transport one passenger, behaves briskly on the road, and has excellent maneuverability. The total carrying capacity of the device is 150 kilograms. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is only 1.9 liters.
Fundamental differences
How, in principle, a moped differs from a scooter - let's find out, and start with the distinctive features of a moped. For a moped it is typical:
- larger wheel diameter
- appearance similar to a motorcycle (riding like a horse)
- Manual Transmission
- virtual absence of decorative plastic.
What can a scooter do against this:
- smaller wheel diameter
- comfortable seating (like in a chair)
- decorative plastic – more attractive appearance
- automatic transmission (variator).
These parameters are what distinguish such similar (for the uninformed) vehicles. Otherwise, they are similar - they have two wheels, save fuel, are easy to maintain and repair, and require a category M or A1 license (depending on engine size).
The best representatives of China
50 cc motorcycles made in China differ from their Japanese counterparts mainly in the parameters and quality of the power unit. Most of them are equipped with four-stroke engines, which affects the speed and maneuverability. As practice and consumer reviews show, such machines are not so reliable, they break down more often and require careful maintenance.
The main advantages of Chinese two-wheeled vehicles include low cost and maintainability. When choosing a Chinese analogue, it is necessary to take into account the reputation of the manufacturer. The following companies are among the leaders in this field:
- "Stealth";
- "Viper";
- "Delta";
- "Irbis";
- "Riser".
Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of some modifications.
What are the most reliable scooters: what to look for
It is necessary to approach the choice of an “iron horse” with special responsibility. After all, by purchasing a low-quality product, you risk harming not only your health, but also the health of the people around you. In addition, riding a poorly assembled moped will not bring you proper pleasure.
- The motor is the first thing you need to pay attention to. After all, almost everything depends on the choice of the type of internal combustion engine: from the durability of the device to its behavior on the road in dense traffic.
- Power is also an important indicator, on which not only speed, but also the level of its maneuverability depends.
- Manufacturer. A brand is an indicator of the quality of parts and their assembly. Well-known bike brands closely monitor each assembled unit, so defects in their products are extremely rare. It often depends on the manufacturer whether you will use the equipment for a long time, or whether in a month you will put it in the garage or sell it for spare parts.
- Consumables and spare parts. High-quality and more expensive consumables and spare parts guarantee a long service life.
Compact transport
A scooter, or moped, is a small motorcycle, its engine is located below the driver, namely, under his seat. If the user mainly moves alone, without passengers, this device is the best option. The main reason is maneuverability, which is very important in urban environments.
The larger the city, the more justified the use of a scooter. The second, no less important reason is efficiency. Why pay more for fuel if it does its job functionally as a means of transportation? And if we see that it is impossible to argue with the necessity and expediency of purchasing a scooter, the first question arises: how to choose a scooter or moped? To do this, let’s try to understand the main features and selection criteria.
Which scooter or moped is better for an adult to buy – Japanese or Chinese?
It is believed that the best motorbikes are new ones, and it does not matter in which country they were made. But many people will disagree with this statement. After all, a certain stereotype has long been established in the minds of Russians, according to which goods produced in China do not differ in special quality indicators.
Products from Japan are famous for their high reliability indicators. But there is a certain disadvantage - they are quite expensive. If we compare the products of these two countries, a new moped from China will cost about the same as a used Japanese one. Therefore, in this situation, the choice remains solely with the buyer: if he is 100% confident in the serviceability of the Japanese used vehicle, then naturally the choice is obvious. Otherwise, it is best to take a Chinese one. As for repairs, it will be much cheaper for you to fix the latter.
Comparison of models
For ease of comparison of the above-mentioned models, we have combined their characteristics into a common table.
| Model | Manufacturer country | Volume | Power | Gas tank |
| Yamaha Aerox R | Japan | 49 cm³ | 2.7 hp at 6500 rpm | 5.7 l |
| LIFAN LF50QT-26 | China | 49 cm³ | 3.3 hp | 6 l |
| Honda Dio AF34 | Japan | 49.9 cm³ | 7 hp (6500 rpm) | 5 l |
| HONDA DIO AF68 | Japan | 49 cm³ | 4.9 hp | 4.6 l |
| Suzuki Address V50 | Japan | 49.9 cm³ | 7.0/7000 hp/(rpm | 4.8 l |
| Stels Skif 50 | China | 49.9 cm³ | 4.9 hp | 5.8 l |
| Omaks Matador 50cc | China | 50 cm³ | 6.5 kW | 3.5 l |
Which Japanese scooter is better to buy?
There are three popular motorcycle manufacturers in Japan: Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. The equipment of each of these brands has its positive and negative sides:
- HONDA are relatively inexpensive and reliable vehicles that are not very fast on the road;
- Yamaha is a popular brand of expensive bikes that can accelerate quickly and reach maximum speed;
- Suzuki - scooters of this brand belong to the so-called “golden mean”. They are reliable and perfect for feeling confident in heavy traffic.
The best Japanese 50cc motorcycles
In this category, we can note three companies that are leaders in the production of such mopeds in Japan. Among them are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki.” Each representative is distinguished by high quality indicators. The most prominent among the 50 cc models are the Honda Dio, Suzuki Sepia, and Yamaha Jog.
Despite the fairly decent price, scooters are in demand because they have a reliable engine and a long service life.
Modifications have been produced for several decades without any fundamental changes. Briefly describing each of the options, we can note the following:
- The Yamaha scooter-motorcycle is the most expensive, but has a higher speed threshold.
- Honda modifications are distinguished by reasonable prices, high quality, and calm behavior on the highway.
- Suzuki has a small model line and average parameters.
The maximum speed at which the scooter can accelerate
An important technical characteristic that interests every buyer. Here you can estimate at a glance: compact scooters can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h; average up to 80-140 km/h; Maxi models can accelerate to 150-180 km/h.
Transmission
Today there are three types of transmission. Which one is installed on the scooter you have chosen?
Good budget cars are equipped with a single-stage
transmission, which has a simple and reliable design.
On modern European, Japanese and Taiwanese models, a belt-driven variator is often found, which ensures uniform and smooth shifting. The semi-automatic
transmission allows the driver to change gears independently.
The most reliable scooters up to 50cc
Omaks Matador 50cc
Quite a good representative of the Chinese market. In addition to the attractive design, it is quite well built. But the high reliability indicator also affected the price of the product - on average 80 thousand rubles. Among the minuses, one can also note the rarity of spare parts and low off-road performance.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine volume | 50 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 4.9 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5 l. |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Load | 120 kg |
| Max. Speed | 50 km/h |
Irbis Z50RS
Users note its amazing durability. It is ideal for unpaved roads. The only thing I would like to improve in this model is the light and trunk volume. There are also complaints about poor build quality of the carburetor.
| Tact | 4 |
| Engine capacity | 50 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3.5-4.6 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 3.5 l. |
| Weight | 96 kg |
| Load | 120 kg |
SYM Jet 4R Naked
Among the advantages, people noted fairly bright light, a comfortable seat that can accommodate two people without any problems, and inexpensive spare parts. Disadvantages include fuel consumption, poor dynamics and slow acceleration.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine capacity | 49.4 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3.6 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5.2 l. |
| Weight | 103 kg |
| Max. Speed | 50 km/h |
Honda Dio AF34
A reliable Japanese scooter with virtually no flaws. The owners remain dissatisfied only with the low ground clearance and the new clutch that the manufacturer installed on the restyled version.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine volume | 49.9 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 7 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5 l. |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Load | 150 kg |
| Max. Speed | 60 km/h |
LIFAN LF50QT-26
An inexpensive scooter that has a large gas tank and good dynamics. In addition, spare parts for this model can be found in any store. Among the disadvantages, people highlight low-quality plastic, weak lights and brakes, as well as a low-quality carburetor.
| Tact | 4 |
| Engine volume | 49.5 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5 l. |
| Weight | 105 kg |
| Max. Speed | 45 km/h |
Suzuki Sepia ZZ
Ideal value for money. It doesn't pick up speed quickly, but after 30 it turns into a very playful horse. There are certain shortages of spare parts, but with proper operation you will not need them.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine volume | 49.9 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 7.2 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 4.2 l. |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Load | 150 kg |
| Max. Speed | 60 km/h |
Yamaha Aerox R
Mopeds of the legendary brand have always been distinguished by excellent characteristics. This model was no exception. She has almost no flaws. The only thing, according to the owners, that needs improvement is the brakes. It is also designed for only one person.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine volume | 49 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3 hp |
| Transmission | Machine |
| V tank | 5.7 l. |
| Weight | 94 kg |
| Max. Speed | 70-80 km/h |
Sym Orbit-50
A very worthy representative of the Chinese market, which boasts a large number of advantages, including: a large trunk, low gasoline consumption, good dynamics, and an attractive design. The shortcomings include: lack of alarm, insufficient headlight power and unreliable piston.
| Tact | 4 |
| Engine volume | 49.58 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5.2 l. |
| Weight | 100 kg |
| Max. Speed | 65 km/h |
Stels Skif-50
A very popular bike manufacturer in China. Users note excellent value for money. The weak points here include frequent minor breakdowns. But thanks to the availability of cheap parts, they are quickly eliminated.
| Tact | 2-4 |
| Engine volume | 49.8 cubic centimeters |
| Engine power | 4.9 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 5.8 l. |
| Weight | 89 kg |
| Load | 226 kg |
| Max. Speed | 65 km/h |
Racer Meteor-50
Another scooter that is very popular. Its main advantages are low price, reduced gas consumption and cheap maintenance. The disadvantages include low-quality plastic, low ground clearance and an insufficiently powerful engine.
| Tact | 4 |
| Engine volume | 49.5 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3.4 hp |
| checkpoint | Automatic transmission, CVT |
| V tank | 4.3 l. |
| Weight | 74 kg |
| Max. Speed | 45 km/h |
Irbis LX-50
Motorcycle enthusiasts characterize this equipment as an inexpensive, nimble moped with a spacious trunk. It has one drawback - frequent minor breakdowns, which are quickly fixed.
| Tact | 2 |
| Engine volume | 49.9 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 3.5 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 6 l. |
| Weight | 108 kg |
| Load | 228 kg |
| Max. Speed | 60 km/h |
HONDA DIO AF68
Reliable Japanese technology with virtually no weaknesses. Owners note the build quality, excellent dynamics, and low fuel consumption. Even the cost of planting here is pleasing. The only thing that users don't like is the low ground clearance.
| Tact | 4 |
| Engine volume | 49 cubic centimeters |
| Power | 4.1 hp |
| checkpoint | Variable speed drive |
| V tank | 4l. |
| Weight | 73 kg |
| Max. Speed | 60 km/h |
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages that almost any 50 cc motorcycle has are given below:
- Low fuel consumption - no more than 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
- High maintainability.
- Decent speed – up to 75-90 km/h.
- Wide range of choices by price, design and manufacturer.
- Possibility of transporting one passenger and additional luggage.
- Compactness, small dimensions and weight, which allows you to overcome road obstacles, even transporting the device manually.
The quality indicators of Japanese models are much higher than their Chinese counterparts, since, along with a low price, the “Chinese” have a low working life of the power unit and worse technical indicators. The most popular models in this segment are two-stroke engines, which allow you to quickly start and accelerate the moped to 60 km/h.
Disadvantages include low power and carrying capacity, as well as low ground clearance.
Scooter chassis
Such technical characteristics of scooters
as a chassis, it includes: front and rear suspension, brake mechanism and wheels.
Front suspension
There are 3 scooter suspension options:
-lever, – telescopic fork; - pendulum. The latest models are equipped with either a telescopic fork or a wishbone front suspension. The telescopic fork provides comfortable driving on city roads and relatively good riding on country roads. The wishbone suspension is more reliable and improves the scooter's handling on rural roads. The disadvantage is the strong roll during sharp turns.
Rear suspension
Most scooters are equipped with a swingarm, spring and shock absorber system.
Brakes
Inexpensive units are equipped with simple drum mechanisms. On advanced scooters, a mixed brake mechanism is often found, when there are disc brakes on the front wheel and drum brakes on the rear wheel. And only powerful scooters are fully equipped with disc brake systems.
We reviewed the main technical characteristics
, which will help you choose the most suitable scooter for you. There are also overall dimensions, but everything is individual and depends on the height, weight and age of the driver.
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.
The best 50cc scooter from Italy
Vespa Primavera 50 Yacht Club
Classic at its best. Since its appearance in 1968, the model has won the hearts of progressive youth. The sharp lines and smooth contours were liked by many representatives of the art world: from Charlie Chaplin and Harry Cooper to Milla Jovovich and Uma Thurman. You can often see them in photos with this scooter. The Yacht Club's finishing style combines the nautical traditions of sailing yachts. Which showed up in the paint and finish of the scooter.
Advantages:
- Taking into account new environmental standards, the new I-get 4-stroke engine consumes less fuel and is more powerful.
- 4.2 horses give up to 7.5 thousand revolutions. The engineering genius Corradino D'Ascanio created a frameless design in 1946. What has become a new word in motorcycle design.
Tips for choosing a scooter
Perhaps you have never encountered such a device, then during the purchase you may hesitate and lose confidence. It’s difficult to know which scooter will perform better and what characteristics you should pay attention to if you don’t want to make a mistake. We have prepared a list with three tips:
- Fuel consumption. Absolutely every user will be pleased to save a little money, at least on fuel. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about running out of gas quickly and frantically looking for the nearest gas station.
- Brake system. Check it when purchasing it in a store or in person. Serviceable brakes are one of the guarantees of safety on the road and your health.
- Scooter engine. Most scooters are now produced with a 4-stroke engine, but it is worth remembering that they will not be suitable for all purposes. But the 4-stroke machine is quieter in operation, more environmentally friendly and retains good maneuverability on the road.
Prospects
The main motive behind the attempt to introduce a driving license resolution for scooter riders is to ensure road safety. A large number of such drivers do not have the slightest idea about the rules of the road, which provokes numerous emergency situations, often with a sad outcome.
In addition, insurance companies refuse to enter into contracts with scooter drivers. As a result, if the moped hits someone’s car, the repairs will have to be done at your own expense. As a result, there is no clear answer yet to the question of whether 50cc motorcycles require a license. On the one hand, affordable transportation has become widespread among the population. On the other hand, this is a direct threat to road safety if the moped is driven by an inadequate driver or a child (which is not so uncommon).
Which good scooter is better to choose for the city, village and country house?
If you are going to operate your iron horse in the city, then you need a device with low fuel consumption and great maneuverability. These motorbikes include:
- Honda Dio AF34
- Racer Meteor 50
- Peugeot Speedfight 4
Well, for a village or cottage, the main indicator is ground clearance and high-quality suspension assembly. This technique can safely be attributed to:
- Sym Orbit 50
- Irbis LX 50
- Suzuki Address 110
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.
Do you need a license for a scooter up to 50cc?
Since 2013, the Russian Federation began to issue licenses of a new type, which have a new driver’s category “M”. Having this category gives you the right to drive small mopeds and ATVs up to 50 cubic centimeters.
The authorities were forced to take such radical measures after the number of accidents involving small vehicles on Russian roads sharply increased. In addition, very often the drivers of such vehicles were minor children. Therefore, now everyone who wants to acquire a small iron horse is required to undergo training at a driving school and pass an exam at the traffic police.
Bottom line
So, units of both Chinese and Japanese production are very popular. The Japanese significantly outperform their competitors due to build quality, power and maximum speed. Well, the “Chinese” are hired mainly because of the low cost of the devices themselves and their maintenance. European-made mopeds are famous for their good quality. But here the price also bites.
In addition, please note that to drive a scooter, regardless of engine size, you must undergo training and obtain a driver's license from the traffic police. Therefore, only a person who has reached the age of 16 can drive such a vehicle.
Do you need a driver's license?
To operate a scooter, a special license is not required if the vehicle reaches a speed of no more than 60 km/h and has an engine capacity of no more than 50 cc. Such a vehicle is equivalent to a moped. Various innovations are being introduced in this area to ensure road safety. Therefore, the most powerful 50 cc motorcycles, as well as models with an engine larger than 50 cc, require registration with the traffic police and obtaining a certain category of license.
The general list of required permits includes:
- document on registration with the traffic police;
- received permission to drive a vehicle;
- document confirming timely completion of technical inspection;
- road tax receipts;
- additional documentation required by law.
When purchasing a scooter, you need to check with the seller for information about its technical capabilities and the required minimum documentation to allow legal movement on the road.
