Having a two-wheeler is a brilliant idea to save time spent on traveling around and searching for parking spaces, lower maintenance costs, and protect the environment. In fact, many prefer to buy and ride a scooter to avoid traffic jams. Having a scooter allows you to use some special lanes and restricted access areas. Thus, you’ll worry less about spending a lot of time getting stuck in traffic.
Aside from less time on the road, you’ll have an easier time looking for parking spaces. Some major cities, such as Washington, Minneapolis, and Santa Monica, are biker-friendly, encouraging the use of micromobility vehicles. For instance, Santa Monica provides special parking spaces and slow zones on the boardwalk for e-scooters.
Furthermore, scooters require less fuel and produce less carbon dioxide. Therefore, maintaining them is cheaper than maintaining cars, and using them not only helps protect the environment but also eases traffic congestion. Because scooters have lower emissions of pollutants, a lot of cities don’t impose restrictions on two-wheeled vehicles.
If you’re planning to buy a scooter soon, here are important factors you’ll need to consider:
1. Brand
Just like buying a car, getting a scooter is an investment. So, if you have your eye on a particular scooter for sale, make sure it’s from a well-established brand that’s known for its quality products and excellent customer service. Besides, a model from a reputable brand will last for a long time and guarantee high resale value.
2. Resale Value
Apart from the brand itself, the resale value depends on the year and current condition of the scooter. As mentioned earlier, you’re more likely to get a better deal with a branded bike.
3. Engine Capacity
Scooters have engines that are either petrol- or electric-powered and vary in size, depending on their capacity. Like vehicles, the size of the scooter’s engine determines its acceleration and speed limits. Low-capacity engines deliver significant mileage but lack acceleration. A large engine capacity produces optimal performance but impacts the mileage. If you tend to travel long distances and value fuel efficiency, choose a scooter with a smaller engine capacity.
4. Type Of Scooter
Determining the primary purpose of your scooter can help you decide on the type that suits your needs. For instance, people use mobility scooters because of their benefits, like increased accessibility and injury prevention. Lightweight scooters that are low-powered are ideal for beginners. On the other hand, heavier and more powerful scooters are best for experienced riders that can handle extra weight.
5. Mileage
It’s just as crucial to consider the scooter’s mileage, which is the distance a vehicle covers in over one liter of fuel. Specifically, a good scooter should deliver a mileage of around 35 to 40 kilometers per liter. Note, however, that you should take account of the mileage in the city rather than on the highway, as you’ll mostly be using it on major roads and narrow city streets.
6. Budget
Set your budget, so you can easily make a list of options to consider. Prices of new scooters have risen in recent years due to the integration of expensive and advanced technology. However, scooters are still accessible.
Opt for a second-hand scooter if you’re short on funds. However, you should set aside extra cash for repairs and hidden costs. Invite a friend with technical knowledge of scooters when you shop around, so you’ll be able to pick the best pre-owned scooter.
7. Size
You can try sitting on a scooter to check whether its size is right for you. Aspects, such as the height of the seat, can have a significant impact on the rider’s comfort. You’ll be able to control the scooter easily if the seat’s height is proportional to the scooter itself.
8. Durability
A durable scooter should adapt to all road types and withstand harsh weather conditions. After all, it’d be a great loss to buy a scooter that’s prone to damage and vulnerable to natural elements. To determine a scooter’s durability, check out reviews.
9. Maintenance Costs
Scooters need to be maintained regularly, but their maintenance costs are lower than those of cars, as previously mentioned. In addition, maintenance costs vary, depending on the brand. To save more, select a brand that offers low maintenance costs. Research the service and maintenance of scooters, so you can find out which brand boasts affordable maintenance.
10. Service Center
It’d be wise to buy a scooter that comes with a service center close by. With access to a nearby service center, you wouldn’t have to worry about traveling far for services and repairs in case of emergencies.
11. Availability Of Spare Parts
Newly launched scooters might lack spare parts on the market. Waiting for a long period to get some spare parts may lead to unforeseen mishaps. Hence, you should get a scooter from a brand that provides spare parts that are readily available.
Takeaway
Scooters are a convenient mode of transportation that makes it easier for you to maneuver through traffic and reduce maintenance and fuel costs. Take all these factors into consideration, and you’ll find the best one for your needs.
