How to Buy Scooters

Tips & Advice Before You Buy a Scooter

When you buy scooters, you want to make the right choice. So take time to explore the relevant issues.

So, you've decided to buy a scooter? Or maybe you're still not sure whether to buy a gas scooter and you need to weigh the pros and cons? Fair enough...

I'm Here to Help You Make a Decision...

There are a few steps I'd advise you to take before you make your final choice:

1. First, think about why you want a scooter. What will you be using it for? How far—and fast—do you plan to travel on your scooter? Knowing the answers to these questions and other issues like how much scooter can you handle, will help refine your decision.
   
   Get the Facts About Scooters | Explore Your Options for Scooter Types

2. Research scooter brands & models. There are tons to choose from. No particular scooter brand/model is going to be right for every person. Sometimes it just comes down to personal preference. For instance, I love my Buddy, but you might like different color choices, more modern styling (or even more retro) or a different engine/frame size. And then of course, there's price.
   
   Research scooter brands and models

3. Analyze your choices and make a final decision. With so many different types and brands of scooters to choose from, it can be hard to come to a decision, can't it? But if you've been able to narrow your choices to 3 to 5 scooters, the free Choose It module may help you get it down to one best choice.
   
   Check out Choose It here (Opens in new window)

OK, once you've finally figured out which scooter you're most interested in buying, then you need to figure out how to do it and what you'll need legally to be able to ride your scooter once you get it home.

Where to Buy Scooters

You can buy scooters online, though you need to be careful. First off, for such a big purchase, I know I want to "touch and feel" before I buy. How will you really know if a scooter is a comfortable fit or that you really like how it looks if you buy it online?

You might see some truly stunning deals, price-wise on the Web, but I have to wonder about the quality. Here's what I've read from a reputable source.

Here's a different take on online buying, however.

Your safest choice–at least in my opinion–is probably to buy scooters from a reputable bricks & mortar dealer in your town or nearby. At least that way, you can see what you're buying, maybe take a test ride, and get a feel for their customer service responsiveness.

Here's more on how to find a gas scooter store.

Then, your next question may be whether to buy a used or new scooter. Just as with cars, there can be advantages to both strategies.

Nailing Down the Legal Stuff

The laws are going to vary from state to state in the US as to licensing, registration, insurance, etc. You'll want to research your state's requirements before you buy a scooter so that you're sure to be in compliance.

For instance, in Idaho, where I live, ANY size scooter must be registered and licensed and you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers' license. But in Connecticut, where my brother lives, anyone can drive a 50cc or below scooter on the roads without any requirements at all!

Check out these pages:

• Motor scooter insurance information
• Scooter licensing

In Summary...

In summary, when you buy scooters, it can be a joyful experience... if you've covered all the bases so you make the best choice for you and do the right thing as far as the law!

Related Pages in This Section

• Dangers when you buy a scooter online
• Finding a gas scooter store
• Should you buy a gas scooter used?
• Buying cheap scooters safely online
• Getting motor scooter insurance
• Learn about motor scooter laws
• Buying Scooters Q&A

Other pages you might find useful...

• Build your skills with scooter driving classes
• How to winterize your scooter
• Gas vs. electric... which is best?