Why can't I keep my Buddy scooter running after it starts?

by Jeanne
(Sharon, MA)

I am a scooter novice, so simple responses are appreciated. My Buddy 50cc will start when jumped, and then almost immediately dies. Why?


My scooter was unused all winter, then I used it a few times this spring. I was gone all summer, but a family member left the ignition on; when I came home, the battery was completely dead.

After locating the battery, my husband and I jumpstarted it with no apparent problems. After about 30 seconds, the engine died. We jumped it a couple more times, but it would never stay running for more than a couple of seconds.

I don't even know where the spark plug is to check it. So, any steps to follow would be appreciated.

The scooter is kept in a storage shed, so is never out in the weather. It has 530 miles on it, and is just over a year old.

Thanks for the help! Jeanne

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Comments for Why can't I keep my Buddy scooter running after it starts?

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Sep 07, 2010
Bikes need a charged battery to run.
by: Mark

I agree with Jim, that the battery is so dead that it is drawing down the charging system. A scooter or motorcycle has a stator rather than an alternator so it needs the voltage from the battery to run.

Also the charging system on some bikes is limited and does not have enough "extra" to run the lights, spark for the engine, etc. while putting enough amperage out to also charge a dead battery.

A completely dead battery can draw as much as 12 amps or more while charging. Try putting a low amperage charger, 2 amps or less on it for a day and see if that works.

Such small batteries as found on scooters don't have a long life, especially after being left dead for a month or more. You may need to get a new battery.

I leave an automatic battery charger, one that will cycle on and off depending on the state of charge, on all winter for my bikes.

Sep 06, 2010
Change Battery
by: Jim Zeiser

Yes on change the battery. It's dragging voltage out of the system and killing the motor. Some say you can run a scooter with no battery after kick starting it, I say they're wrong when a battery is shot.

Sep 05, 2010
Buddy
by: Anonymous

The battery is not holding a charge. Replace the battery.

Sep 05, 2010
I Heard...
by: Kathi

Jeanne... My loyal & knowledgeable scooter friends here will certainly chime in with accurate answers here, but I'll get the ball rolling in a general way...

I recently attended a little workshop the mechanic at my scooter dealer gave. He said that if you run your battery down to zero, then you may just have to buy a new one.

Now I can tell you that I left my key in the ignition twice recently on my scooter and ran the battery down (I think I have too much stress in my life... jeez!) and I was able to get it going again with a trickle charger, but I felt lucky to have been able to do that after what the mechanic said.

So you might have to buy a new battery... but then again, Jim Z. or someone else here might have better, more pleasant, advice for you. I hope so, anyway! :)

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