Buying a vehicle of any kind is a great challenge. Now, you decided to buy a scooter instead of a motorcycle. Still, you wonder if it is worth the money, time, and energy for getting it.
Buying A Scooter Is Worth It If:
- you choose a new or used one according to your budget;
- you save money and get a return on the investment;
- you use it according to its purpose;
- you are more productive in performing daily activities;
- you are happier and have fun while using it;
- you maintain it properly and have the opportunity in the future to sell it and get a return on the initial investment.
In this material world that we live in, possessions can lead us to get lost in piles of products bombarded on every corner. But we can also make purchasing decisions that will improve our quality of life. One such decision is yours to buy your first scooter.
Brand New Scooter vs. Used One | Nº 1 Dilemma
As with any vehicle, the same dilemmas apply: to buy new or used? As opposed to purchasing a new car, buying a new entry-level scooter is much cheaper. With the purchase of a scooter, you get a totally regular vehicle for transport. You will be able to use it almost every day during the season.
Buying A New One:
By buying a new scooter, even a cheap one, you get some advantages that you do not have by purchasing a brand scooter bought second-hand. You get a warranty of at least one year and covered service. New parts, new tires. Peace of mind.
But for a short time after the warranty period (and very often within the end), expect the first problems to occur. Of course, the driving experience is different compared to the premium model.
The first thing you will feel is the effect of the tires on such scooters that come with hard (plastic) tires that give unsafe steering. The crackling of the control buttons will be louder and louder. It goes on and on.
But everything has a price. If you are on a budget with the right choice ( even Chinese) when buying, you can feel the magic of a two-wheeler right away.
If you can buy a premium new scooter, this is the best choice. You have everything right out of the box. You get a package that includes an excellent driving experience, warranty, durability, and aesthetic value. Let’s not be fooled. Unfortunately, we live in a world where it does matter if you show up with a cheap Chinese scooter or brand new Vespa on a date.
Buying A Used One:
When it comes to buying a used scooter, keep in mind that we don’t recommend purchasing a used Chinese scooter. If you decide to buy second-hand, our recommendation is to buy a premium model, but be careful and follow the following instructions:
Be wise and choose your scooter, keeping in mind your budget and the circumstances in which you find yourself.
The scooter market is very active, and the interest, especially in season, is very high. If you maintain your scooter regularly, there is always an opportunity to sell it for a fair price.
Scooter As a Financial Investment
Scooters have an incredible MPG ratio. Starting from 50cc scooters up to 200-300cc, you get excellent fuel consumption compared to a car and even public transport. For example, with the ZUMA 50F, you travel an incredible 132 miles on one gallon of gas.
If you replace your car with a scooter with each ride slowly but surely, you will get back the money you spent buying it. The time saved and the fun while driving is a bonus.
The Scooter Is For Transport Through The City From Point A To Point B. Not For The Racing Track
Especially if you are a beginner, do not try to ride your scooter aggressively. Riding a scooter should be an experience where you will have great control in the driving, comfort, and safety even though you are on a two-wheeler. The small wheels, the complete construction of the scooter is not designed for fast driving with sharp turns and strong braking. This puts you at risk of a car accident where you will endanger the health and lives of others in addition to your own.
Also, this way of driving leads to a more significant depreciation of the scooter. Consumption is doubled. The true purpose for which it is intended is missed: easy driving, high fuel economy, cheap maintenance, and excellent safety.
From Home To Work By Car: 40 min. From Home To Work With A Scooter: 20 minutes
Time. We all try to get another minute, hour, day … for ourselves and our loved ones. During the scooter season, you get extra valuable time with each trip. Minute by minute, calculate how much time you have saved in one season riding your Vespa. Yes, owning a scooter and using it regularly will give you more time each day.
A Completely New Experience In The Transport
Fresh air in the morning, as opposed to stale in the car. The smell of fresh subcutaneous grass along the streets. Cloudy weather and a drop of dew on your coat. It’s not that boring box called a car we’re so used to. Cut off from the outside world’s reality, with multimedia gadgets, radio, GPS, air conditioning … The scooter is synonymous with freedom. With the first mile, you will feel the mobility of the 100-year-old internal combustion engine. What an invention; with a few dollars worth of gasoline, you ride hundreds of miles.
Now you will be in love with weekends, holidays and pleasant weather. You will look forward to them. You will discover all the possible natural beauties nearby your town, and you will never get tired. Riding a scooter is fun. You will find yourself smiling while riding. The scooter is intended for two. It is always pleasant and worth sharing the joy and happiness with someone.
Isn’t this wonderful?
* on the topic, I recommend the book: Zen and Motor Repair by Robert Pirsig ( there is no affiliate link)
Maintence| Slightly Dirty Hands, Better Price Afterward:
Everything in the world has its own lifespan. The stronger our habits of keeping things in good condition, the longer we will use them and repay our investment. Here is some advice when it comes to maintenance your first scooter:
- Cleaning
- Check engine and transmission oil;
- Check lights and turn signals;
- Check the tire pressure;
- Take care of the air filter;
- Clean the spark plug;
- Check the gaskets;
- Regularly clean the carburetor;
- Check the drive belt;
This is not a waste of time. During your time spent in the garage, maybe you will go deeper into this hobby of mechanics.
With a maintained scooter, the years to come will be without any problems and money spent on major repairs. But what is even more important is the value that your scooter will have when you decide to sell it. It will be a great deal for you for sure.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Scooter?
Take every opportunity to drive it. At work, for a weekend for fun, to the store, everywhere. Do not skimp on it at all. Scooters are very durable, and their maintenance is much cheaper compared to car ones. For every staff we own, we use its value only if we use it regularly.
Do not despair, even if your scooter is simply running out. Such is the nature of things; everything has its own lifespan. But what will remain is your experience and, in this case, the experience of owning and riding a scooter.
Read further about the adventures and lifestyle of a scootersita.
Drive carefully!