We live in the golden days of alternative transportation: city-wide bike-share systems, electric motorcycles, improved public transit, and rideshare apps have all taken huge leaps forward in recent years. The ways people move around has never been more diverse.
It doesn’t stop there: small, fuel-efficient gas scooters have also exploded in popularity as an inexpensive and quick way to maneuver around town. Typically not even requiring a license, gas scooters are quick and small enough to deal with tight traffic and limited parking, but powerful enough to be noticed on the road and move quickly through both urban and rural environments. If conventional options like a vehicle or a bicycle just don’t make sense for you, a gas scooter can be a great option.
- Factors to Consider in a Gas Scooter
- Top 10 Best Gas Scooters 2024
- 1. Best Overall Gas Scooter: X-Pro 150cc Scooter
- 2. MotoTec Uberscoot 2X 50cc
- 3. Best for Kids: Syx Moto Kids Mini Dirt Bike
- 4. Best Budget Gas Scooter: SAY YEAH Gas Bike 50cc
- 5. TaoTao DB14
- 6. Best Off-Road: Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize
- 7. Best Premium Gas Scooter: TaoTao Quantum 150
- 8. Coleman Powersports Mini Trail Bike
- 9. TaoTao CY50-A
- 10. Dirt Bike Hawk 250 Enduro
- Guide to Buying the Best Gas Scooter for 2024
- Buying Online
- Wrapping Up
Factors to Consider in a Gas Scooter
From traditional mopeds to standing scooters with gas engines, gas scooters have plenty of design and feature variations that can make shopping complicated. Be sure to consider the following factors:
Displacement
Displacement is the primary way a scooter’s size and power is measured. Typically measured in cubic centimeters, or CCs, it quantifies the combined size of the engine’s fuel combustion chamber. Scooters can range in size from under 50cc to around 250cc for the most powerful models.
It’s important to check your local regulations, as displacement is the main way governments classify the road-legality of a scooter. So if you’re trying to buy a scooter for on-road use, or if you’re looking specifically for a vehicle that doesn’t have to be registered, make sure you check your local government’s requirements.
Gearbox
Gas scooters need to transmit power to the road. They typically accomplish this via a gearbox. While most car transmissions are similar, there is a wide range of gas scooter gearboxes. Some motorcycles feature simple one-speed gearboxes that don’t require much training or maintenance, while others utilize a much more involved multi-speed gearbox that requires some more experience and training. A complicated gearbox can also mean you’ll need more advanced licensing or registration. If you’re less familiar with gas vehicles, a simple gearbox is better.
Street Legality
Owning a street-legal scooter is a two-edged sword, with plenty of pros and cons to consider. A street-legal motorcycle is defined differently by different local governments and municipalities, but a scooter’s classification typically depends on the size of the engine and the design of the gearbox.
If you’re looking for a scooter for commuting, it’s nice to have something that’s street-legal, but in most cases, it requires extra licensing, registration, and insurance. If you want something to get around private land or if you just want a fun motor-powered toy, you might be served better by something that doesn’t need to be registered.
Off-Road or On-Road?
Gas scooters typically fall in one of two categories: off-road or on-road. Off-road variations use knobby tires and low gear ratios to navigate rough, hilly trail systems in rural areas. On-road scooters have smooth tires and are designed to operate at higher speeds for commuting around town. On-road models also normally come with bigger, more powerful engines to get up to higher speeds. Some models, like the Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize, straddle the line between on- and off-road and can perform well both on the street and the trails.
Delivery and Assembly
It can be nerve-wracking buying an expensive piece of heavy machinery online. If you haven’t seen it in person and don’t know exactly what you’re going to get, shipping one to your door can feel like a shot in the dark. The research we’ve done for this list includes vital information related to delivery and assembly, informing you as to how much work will be involved on your part once you’ve pressed ‘buy.’
We have more information for you after the reviews, but now let’s kick into gear and scoot through the best gas scooters on the market currently.
| Product | Displacement | Gearbox | Street Legal | On-Road or Off-Road | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Pro 150cc Scooter | 150cc | Automatic | Yes | On-Road | 5 |
| MotoTec Uberscoot 2X 50cc | 50cc | 2-speed thumb shifter | No | On-Road | 4.5 |
| Syx Moto Kids Mini Dirt Bike | 50cc | Fully automatic | No | OF-Road | 4.5 |
| SAY YEAH Gas Bike 50cc | 50cc | Single gear | no | On-Road | 4.5 |
| TaoTao DB14 | 110cc | Semi-Automatic | No | OF-Road | 4.5 |
| Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize | 196cc | Automatic | Depending on the jurisdiction | Both | 4 |
| TaoTao Quantum 150 | 149cc | Automatic | Yes | On-Road | 4 |
| Coleman Powersports Mini Trail Bike | 196cc | Centrifugal Clutch | No | OF-Road | 4 |
| TaoTao CY50-A | 49cc | Automatic | Choose to register as street-legal or not | On-Road | 4 |
| Dirt Bike Hawk 250 Enduro | 250cc | 5-speed manual | Yes, except in NY, PA, and FL | Both | 3.5 |
Top 10 Best Gas Scooters 2024
1. Best Overall Gas Scooter: X-Pro 150cc Scooter
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 150cc
- Gearbox: Automatic
- Street Legal: Yes
- On-Road or Off-Road: On-Road
Review
The yearly cost of unlimited public transit in New York? $1500. Washington, D.C. public transportation costs about $1884 per year, in San Francisco, it’s a little under $1200. Instead, this is a street-legal gas scooter that costs under a grand. The X-Pro scooter is a fun and cost-effective option for getting around town.
Even adding gas cost (the scooter is particularly fuel-efficient) and insurance (pretty low for liability-only on mopeds) and you’ll still be ahead of the game in DC and New York. Throw in resale value, and the math gets even better.
That’s pretty much the design philosophy of this gas-powered scooter: extract maximum durability and road-worthiness out of $1000 of assorted, Chinese-made moped parts. And we’re not gonna lie, the X-Pro does a pretty good job. Sure, build quality isn’t the same as a Honda or a Kymco, but for a brand new scooter under $1000, we’re impressed.
The 150cc 4-stroke engine makes almost ten horsepower, taking the scooter up to a more-than-necessary 55 miles per hour. It has an electric starter motor which always turns over on the first try, and an automatic transmission which means anyone with a driver’s license can hop on. DOT and EPA approval are also impressive for a scooter at a $1000 price point.
Our only complaints are the rear drum brake (we’d prefer hydraulic disc) and the moped’s mostly-plastic body construction. While you can probably expect a couple of years of use, thinking you’ll be able to hand down to your kids is probably optimistic.
Delivery and Assembly
For a road-worthy moped, assembly is surprisingly minimal. Shipping is difficult, as expected, and the scooter can’t be sent to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, or California. It can be sent to Alaska and Hawaii, but it’s cost-prohibitive. An hour of assembly seems reasonable for something that can get up to highway speeds, but the delicate packaging means it is a good idea to collaborate with your shipper to get this thing to you in one piece.
Pros
- Inexpensive transportation is more reliable and less expensive than other cheap options
- 10 horsepower takes you up to 55 miles per hour
- Electric starter turns over on the first try
- DOT and EPA approved
Cons
- Can’t be shipped to several states
- Expensive to ship
2. MotoTec Uberscoot 2X 50cc
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 50cc
- Gearbox: 2-speed thumb shifter
- Street Legal: No
- On-Road or Off-Road: On-Road
Review
Taking a more casual form factor, the MotoTec Uberscoot looks a lot more like a children’s kick scooter than a motorcycle. That’s not to say it isn’t powerful, and a 30 mph top speed means it can get you around more quickly than any electric scooter on the market. The two-speed gearbox will keep things running smoothly from low to high speeds, and the non-clutch finger-based system keeps gear shifts simple for beginners.
The scooter is set up with a seat for longer voyages, as the gas tank can get well over 100 miles per gallon in the best of circumstances. This yields a range of well over twenty miles. Power is delivered smoothly and efficiently through the engine mounted at the rear of the scooter via a thick chain to wheels with pneumatic tires and mechanical disc brakes.
Although this scooter is definitely meant for on-road use, the pneumatic tires allow it to be, at the very least, functional off-road. This scooter can take you on grass trails and pea gravel, although a better choice for serious off-road usage (especially for kids) would be a scooter like the Syx Moto Mini Dirt Bike.
Delivery and Assembly
A relative lightweight for the category at about 60 pounds, the MotoTec Uberscoot 2x 50cc ships simply (and typically for free). Since it folds over on a pivot point, the scooter fits in a relatively small box and thus requires almost no assembly. Just unfold the frame and you’re good to go, although we might recommend a lubrication and tightness check of all the important bolts after your first month of use.
Pros
- Lightweight 60-pound construction ships like standard packages
- Almost no assembly required
- Faster than any on-road electric scooter
- Incredible fuel efficiency at over 100 miles per gallon
Cons
- Not great for off-road use
3. Best for Kids: Syx Moto Kids Mini Dirt Bike
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 50cc
- Gearbox: Fully automatic
- Street Legal: No
- On-Road or Off-Road: Off-Road
Review
The Syx Moto Kids Mini Dirt Bike is small and easy-to-learn. Starting with the simple automatic transmission that deploys power directly to the drivetrain without the use of a clutch, resulting in a kids moto that requires very little training before rolling off. This pint-sized moto is set up simply so that the rider can truly learn to use it, forgoing the ‘traditional’ motocross bike features in favor of an ultra-simple gas-powered kids bike that can help solidify riding fundamentals.
Safety is important as well, and an impossible-seeming sub-$300 (not including shipping) price tag delivers disc brakes, pneumatic tires, a suspension fork, and a rear shock. Street legality is an impossibility with a miniature two-stroke engine that runs on a gas-oil mixture and tops out at a mere 25 miles per hour. However, this bike doesn’t exist to get to work—it exists for your young rider to rip around your land, cabin, or yard and to learn fundamentals about how motorcycles function.
Delivery and Assembly
Syx, the manufacturer of this motorcycle, claims that their bikes come 85% assembled, and we’d say that’s a stretch. No tools come included, so every wrench, socket, and screw has to be cinched down with your own tools, and there’s a lot to do. The rear shock, fender, and handlebars all require attention and it’s not a bad idea to give the engine itself a once-over. While it’s not easy to set up, once you’re done you’ll be good to go and covered by a three-month warranty.
Pros
- Great dirt bike for teaching young riders
- Powerful mechanical disk brakes
- Suspension fork and rear shock cushion rider
- Low price at below $300
Cons
- Designed exclusively for kids
- A lot of work required to assembly the motorcycle
4. Best Budget Gas Scooter: SAY YEAH Gas Bike 50cc
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 50cc
- Gearbox: Single gear
- Street Legal: No
- On-Road or Off-Road: On-Road
Review
While the SAY YEAH Gas Bike is one of the least expensive gas scooters in our lineup, it’s also one of the least road-worthy—with a top speed of only around 15mph, it’s only a hair faster than most electric scooters on the market.
While its form factor and power are comparable to models with electric motors, this unit does have some premium features that those scooters miss, such as a plush seat, disc brakes, and high-volume air-filled pneumatic tires. The pneumatic tires make for a smooth ride, but they’re not even close to the off-road capable. For any trail use at this price point, try the MotoTec Uberscoot, which has tires with a more aggressive tread for gravel and grass riding. The tires on this gas scooter are almost exclusively for on-road use.
Efficiency is a strong suit, and a slow-ish top speed means you’ll get great mileage out of the scooter’s 1.25-liter gas tank. The engine is EPA approved, so it meets emissions requirements related to the concentration of pollutants that come out of the exhaust. Most of the other gas scooters on this list don’t typically meet those requirements. While many parts are made of cheap-feeling plastic and build quality is less-than-stellar, customer service is great and the company has a long history of shipping replacement parts for free and without difficulty.
Delivery and Assembly
For a small scooter with a foldable frame, delivery and assembly are harder than expected. Shipping is free via Amazon but can take longer than usual due to its heavy weight and sensitive contents. Assembly does require some mechanical savvy, but the unit ships with all the tools and thus requires no additional purchases. Keep in mind that this scooter, unlike some others in the category, runs on 2-stroke 25:1 gas-oil mixture, so you won’t be able to fill up directly at the gas station.
Pros
- Premium features like a plush seat and mechanical disc brakes
- Very inexpensive
- Great gas mileage
- EPA-approved engine runs cleanly
Cons
- Lots of plastic parts, so-so build quality
- Runs on harder-to-find 25:1 gas-oil mixture
5. TaoTao DB14
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 110cc
- Gearbox: Semi-Automatic
- Street Legal: No
- On-Road or Off-Road: Off-Road
Review
The TaoTao DB14 is one of the gas scooters with the biggest engines in this lineup. With over 110 cubic centimeters of piston displacement, this mid-sized moped is a hard-driving and hard-accelerating gas scooter that’s capable on the dirt. A bigger engine makes it more suitable for road usage and adult riders than the similar Syx Moto Mini Dirt Bike.
This gas scooter is a bit more safety-oriented than other bikes in the category, opting for powerful hydraulic brakes over cheaper mechanical versions. CDI electronic ignition keeps combustion clean, and a four-stroke engine is unique at this price point, with quieter operation and non-polluting exhaust fumes and emissions.
That’s the star of the show here: the powerful gas four-stroke engine. It starts with a kick, typically turning over on the first try. Strong combustion will take you all the way up to 40 miles per hour, making this one of the quickest bikes on our list. While it will take you up to a reasonable top speed, the moto is still not street legal, meaning it’s better for getting around neighborhoods and mixed-use trail systems than for commuting.
Delivery and Assembly
With a large engine and a shipping weight of well over 150 pounds, this gas-powered scooter will go through a completely different shipping and handling process than typical items purchased online. While it doesn’t take a mechanical genius to set up, we recommend some mechanical experience before assembling. Use thread lock and check bolt tightness frequently, as this model is prone to vibrating some of its bolts free. An aftermarket air filter can unlock some power; the inexpensive stock filter clogs up and causes the bike to run poorly.
Pros
- Big engine with a high top speed of 40 mph
- Powerful and clean gas four-stroke engine
- Safety features like hydraulic disc brakes and CDI electronic ignition
- Aftermarket air filter adds power to the already-brawny engine
Cons
- Takes some mechanical knowledge to assemble
- Not street legal
6. Best Off-Road: Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 196cc
- Gearbox: Automatic
- Street Legal: Depending on the jurisdiction
- On-Road or Off-Road: Both
Review
This gas-powered scooter, although expensive, is something special. While it’s unique for the category as a vehicle that’s both off-road focused and street-legal, it manages to check all the boxes for almost any gas scooter buyer at a price that’s only slightly above average.
The 200cc engine is powerful but not out of control with a gear range that’s more suited to offroad riding than road-cruising. A benefit of these smaller-than-normal gears is safety, as similar models can accelerate to well above 50 miles per hour. We’re a lot more comfortable with a top speed of a little over 25. The gear ratios are not just for safety, though: when rolling around off-road trails, this dirt-capable scooter (with a beginner-friendly automatic transmission) can practically drive up a vertical wall.
The order process is simple and involved as the US-based customer service team will work directly with you to solve any questions about shipping and delivery. Thick, low-pressure tires are comfortable and fine for the road but perform optimally on dirt and grassy terrain. While the scooter can be permitted in most jurisdictions to be street legal, it performs best off-road, and it’s one of the few on this list that can truly pull double duty.
Delivery and Assembly
In a class of products that generally requires some mechanical talent for assembly, Massimo has put plenty of thought into making their motorcycles particularly user-friendly. Motorcycles are shipped completely assembled, just attach the handlebars with a torque wrench, fill the gas tank, and you’re good to go. You’ll also have to sign up for a specific delivery time.
Pros
- This gas scooter pulls double duty, performing optimally on- and off-road
- 200cc engine is the biggest in our line up but not too much to handle
- Low gear ratio is safe and good for off-road use
- Street legal in most jurisdictions
Cons
- Must sign up for a specific delivery time
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 149cc
- Gearbox: Automatic
- Street Legal: Yes
- On-Road or Off-Road: On-Road
Review
While other scooters try to skirt restrictions with street legality, this one skirts the line between a scooter and a motorcycle, with just one cubic centimeter separating the scooter from being considered a full-blown motorcycle in most states. Fortunately, though, it doesn’t quite reach the requirement, resulting in a moped that’s plenty powerful but simple enough to operate. Thanks to this goldilocks approach, anyone with a driver’s license can hop on.
Compared with the 50cc TaoTao CY50-A, this moped exists in a different universe. While it’s not a luxury moped that you can get at a dealership, a premium price helps earn a lot of the same features.
While others in the category kick start, the TaoTao Quantum uses an electric starter to turn over. Less expensive motorcycles forgo expensive luggage boxes entirely while this motorcycle adds a spacious lockable box for free.
Other features have to do with street-worthiness as the TaoTao Quantum 150 adds mirrors, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights that make it legal to ride on the road in nearly every jurisdiction. A four-stroke engine cycle cleans up combustion, helping the moped pass even the most rigorous of emissions requirements. All in all, these features yield one of the least expensive road-legal mopeds on the market today.
Delivery and Assembly
While the moped is legal on the road in all fifty states, mailing regulations mean that the scooter can’t be sold in California, Hawaii, or Alaska. Initially, assembly is quick, but assembly isn’t the only thing you’ll do to this bike. The TaoTao stock parts have short lifespans, and some corners are cut on the hydraulic fluids and oils that come with the bike.
We’d recommend swapping out brake fluid and oil during the first 5,000 miles of use. Keep an eye on the replaceable components—while the chassis and engine are solid, factory parts are cheaper than conventional generic parts you can pick up at an auto parts store.
Pros
- Powerful but only requires a driver’s license
- Higher price earns street-legal, premium features
- Lockable luggage box
- One of the least expensive street-legal mopeds on the market
Cons
- Replaceable parts are of low quality
- Can’t be sold in California, Hawaii, or Alaska
8. Coleman Powersports Mini Trail Bike
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 196cc
- Gearbox: Centrifugal Clutch
- Street Legal: No
- On-Road or Off-Road: Off-Road
Review
Even though Coleman practically invented the category of ‘mini’ dirt bikes here, this small moto is nothing to scoff at. Compared with the Syx Moto Mini Dirt Bike, its powerful 196cc engine is a workhorse, and in terms of size, its plenty fit for an adult rider.
However, instead of miniaturizing a conventional dirt bike, Coleman created a new one. A steel frame completely lacks suspension, favoring instead to use fat, high-volume tires to cushion off-road riders. A lack of suspension has the side benefit of great on-road capability, as the thick tires can still spin up to higher speeds without a sacrificing in power transmission.
While on-road use is possible, the size and design of the bike mean it can’t be registered as street legal. Even with the large engine, a low gear ratio yields a top speed of only about 25 mph, great for climbing steep grades. Sealed bearings and a reputable name keep the moto rolling practically eternally. For being without suspension, it’s actually quite comfortable to ride, and this motorcycle is perfect if you live in the country and you want something a bit more maneuverable than a truck or a four-wheeler to move around your neighborhood and your land.
Delivery and Assembly
A metal welded frame means that there’s not much to screw on besides the engine and the wheels, which both come pre-installed. While it’s a good idea to tighten down the important bolts, not much is needed to get on the trails besides pumping up the tires. The worst part of the buying process is shipping, as an inconvenient delivery timetable and often-inadequate packaging cause many buyers to end up with dents in their new machines. Coleman does have good customer service, although they won’t take care of the little dents and scratches.
Pros
- Ultra-durable, powerful off-road scooter
- 196cc engine can climb steep grades
- More maneuverable and road-ready than a four-wheeler
- Steel frame and simple engine last forever
Cons
- Pretty expensive compared to other scooters
- Doesn’t get up to high speeds
9. TaoTao CY50-A
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 49cc
- Gearbox: Automatic
- Street Legal: Choose to register as street-legal or not
- On-Road or Off-Road: On-Road
Review
The TaoTao CY50-A is a small, street-legal gas scooter that has a similar format to other more expensive scooters you might see on the road. Power comes via a 49cc engine that just squeezes under the common 50cc size requirement that requires a vehicle to be registered. Practically, this means that in most cases you can make the choice of registering the vehicle and using it legally on the road, or choosing not to register and using it to roll around the neighborhood.
While the 49cc engine size makes regulations a bit easier to skirt, it’s not particularly powerful and acceleration is lackluster. Gearing is meant to maximize top speed, not to minimize the time it takes you to get there. Getting up to 20 miles per hour is relatively quick, making it good for neighborhood and city use, but beyond that, the power curve flattens quite a bit.
Build quality is a downside. That said, for an inexpensive, roadworthy scooter, it’s hard to complain too much. Aside from the metal frame, most parts are made of cheap-feeling plastic that rattles and twists during operation. The scooter might need some help staying in riding shape, but that’s part of the game you play when purchasing gas scooters online—name brand manufacturers simply deliver products with more rigorous quality control. At the price, it’s not a bad thing, but each buyer will have to compare and make their own decision.
Delivery and Assembly
Be aware that California, Texas, Hawaii, and Arkansas have different regulations regarding small gas engines and this scooter unfortunately can’t be shipped to those states. Assembly is not particularly difficult, but we’d recommend some mechanical knowledge to handle whatever problems might crop up. Screws and bolts frequently loosen, the engine, while it’s reliable in turning over, sometimes has trouble with running too rich or too lean, necessitating some light adjustments.
Pros
- Straddles the line between commuter and casual transportation
- Quite inexpensive
- Quick acceleration up to 20 miles per hour
- Can be registered as street legal
Cons
- Can’t be shipped to California, Texas, Hawaii, or Arkansas
- Engine frequently requires adjustment
10. Dirt Bike Hawk 250 Enduro
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Displacement: 250cc
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Street Legal: Yes, except in NY, PA, and FL
- On-Road or Off-Road: Both
Review
The Dirt Bike Hawk 250 Enduro is the most powerful gas scooter on our list. 250ccs of engine displacement produce 14hp and quickly take you up to road-worthy speeds—in fact, this is the only gas-powered vehicle on the list we’d feel confident with on the highway. Build quality is solid, but at well above $1500, it’s the most expensive model we have reviewed here, over $500 more than its nearest competitor.
A five-speed manual isn’t great for beginners, but more experienced riders will appreciate the level of control and reliability that a standard transmission offers. An important note with this is that the 250cc engine and 5-speed transmission will require a motorcycle license if you’re planning on using the bike on public roads.
High-performance suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a nice set of tires are expected for the price tag. Modeled after popular Asian-manufactured dirt-bikes like the Kawasaki KX250 and the Honda CRF 250, this gas-powered dirt bike just doesn’t match those manufacturers’ build quality. The moto’s finicky engine and transmission require frequent adjustment, a plastic body is prone to frequent breakage.
Delivery and Assembly
As the biggest gas-powered scooter in this lineup, shipping is difficult and you might come across some difficulties when getting this model to your house. Check with your local DMV if you live in New York, Pennsylvania, or Florida, as those states have more rigorous manufacturer requirements for road use and you could have trouble registering this bike. Assembly is tough if you don’t have mechanical experience, and we might recommend getting this built up by a pro.
Pros
- Similar to other popular Asian-manufactured bikes like the Honda CRF 250
- Powerful 250cc engine produces 14hp
- Confident at highway speeds
- Five-speed transmission
Cons
- Low build quality for the expensive price
- Transmission isn’t beginner-friendly
Guide to Buying the Best Gas Scooter for 2024
While buying a gas-powered scooter can be a great way to get around town, your neighborhood, or even your local trail systems, there are some concerns related to the purchase of a scooter that you require attention before buying. A powerful and convenient method of alternative transportation is only valuable if you can use it in the way you expected, and planning ahead before purchasing can help you avoid any hiccups.
Legal Concerns
When buying a scooter, you have to make sure it matches your needs as a driver. Scooters such as the TaoTao CY50-A are street legal and thus are able to be driven on the road, but will require registration at the DMV and a driver’s license to be operated. If you’d need a motorcycle license, check out your state’s requirements to see if the process is worth it to you.
Options like the MotoTec Uberscoot 2x 50cc skirt size requirements and thus can be used on road as transportation, but not in the same way as full-capacity scooters. These scooters are better for bike lanes, bike paths, and road shoulders and shouldn’t be treated as fully road-worthy.
Scooters like the Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize are meant for overland use on private property and thus don’t require registration, licensing, or any hassles related to on-road driving.
Buying Online
Dealer, Used, or Online?
With the advent of online retailers selling different types of gas-powered scooters at a fraction of the price of conventional shops, more and more prospective customers are changing their buying habits. As with everything, there are pros and cons to every method, but educated, savvy consumers are flocking to online purchasing due to the availability of low-priced, high-quality machines.
Still, there are plenty of ways to shear a sheep, and if you’re looking for a quick buying process, a dealer is still a convenient option. Check out the pros and cons of different buying methods below:
Moped Dealers
Most mopeds purchased in the United States are purchased the old fashioned way—directly from a dealer. Unlike car dealers, moped dealers typically carry more than one brand of moto. Dealers are great for simplicity: if you pull up to the dealership, you can roll away with a fully equipped moped and a full gas tank that very same afternoon. Convenience comes at a price, though—the cost is steep and mopeds can run up to four times as much as online models.
Used Gas Scooter
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds can be good outlets to scope out inexpensive mopeds manufactured by ‘name brand’ gas scooter producers, although you’ll want to check out the moped with someone mechanically-inclined. If you know what you’re doing, a used moped is the best way to get a gas scooter from a manufacturer like Honda, Kymco, or Vespa on the cheap.
Online Gas Scooters
At about a quarter of the price of dealer-sold versions, and about half the price of used motos, it’s no wonder that online mopeds have taken off in recent years. While low prices make online shopping feel like a no brainer, there are still concerns with reliability, shipping, and assembly for any motorcycle that’s sent by mail instead of ridden home.
Shipping and Handling
As with a lot of large and heavy items sold online, a longer delivery time is to be expected. While you might expect shipping to be expensive and difficult, online retailers have put a lot of effort in recent years to make shipping large and heavy products convenient for consumers. Some different states have different shipping considerations and restrictions as well, so look up shipping rules based on where you live.
We’ve taken shipping considerations into account with our ranking, and plenty of products including large-format gas scooters like the Massimo Warrior 200 SuperSize are available with free shipping.
Products available on Amazon are sometimes subject to scheduled delivery due to shipping restrictions on motor vehicles, and gas scooters are no exception. It’s by no means inconvenient, but when selecting your shipping option, you’ll have to have to sign up for a specific time for drop off. Many other models, though, especially smaller gas scooters, will be shipped normally.
Assembly
Never buy a gas scooter online without knowing exactly how much work you’ll have to put into assembly, as the more hours and dollars you put into a moped, the more attractive in comparison used and dealer-sold bikes become.
Some gas scooters like the Syx Moto Mini Dirt Bike require advanced assembly and continued upkeep, while others simply fold open and are ready to take on the road.
Advanced assembly is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives you a good opportunity to become familiar with your gas scooter. However, always consider the fact that a gas scooter bought online costs less than a dealer-sold scooter for multiple reasons, one of them being assembly time and costs.
Scooter Sharing Apps
With plenty of electric scooters now on the market, and even more coming to urban areas in fleets via rideshare apps like Uber, Lyft, and Lime, it can be hard to weigh the pros and cons of buying a scooter for personal use versus renting one from time to time via an app.
Convenience
As city-wide fleets of scooters continue to grow, accessibility gets better and better. If you live in an urban area, you might be able to step out of your door and find a scooter right there. Even as more scooters appear, you’ll never be able to beat the convenience of having a gas scooter available 24/7.
Power and speed
Electric motors have gotten better every year, but they haven’t yet surpassed gas motors in terms of speed, power, and even efficiency—surprisingly, if you take into account the energy costs that go into transportation and charging of the scooters, a gas scooter is much more efficient and environmentally friendly than an electric one.
Price
As far as price goes, it all comes down to how much you use it. If you’re an infrequent user, it’s probably economically more efficient to use a scooter sharing app. If you regularly commute or use your scooter, it starts to make a lot of sense to own your own scooter, especially when you consider the price of other methods of transportation.
Wrapping Up
A gas scooter is a convenient, hassle-free, and quick way to get around congested urban areas, and their explosion in popularity in recent years is a testament to that. To maximize the utility of your purchase, it’s important to consider exactly what you need in a scooter: are you looking for speed, efficiency, safety, or price? A gas scooter could be a good option. Doing the proper research and you can end up with a cheap way to travel that’s quick, green, and fun.
Is ethanol-containing gasoline dangerous to the engine? I can’t find any gas stations in my area that sell ethanol-free gasoline, so I’m hoping its not that bad.
Petroleum may jellify when exposed to air. This could take from a few months to a year. You can also use an additive to stabilize the fuel and stop this. This is advised if your carbureted vehicle will be in storage for an extended period of time, such as the winter.
How does SAY YEAH Gas Bike perform on hills?
It has a short wheel base, so it won’t go down hills very quickly. I’m over 200 pounds and I’m not bad on hills aside from that.
If you’re looking for a trouble-free, quick 50cc. Choose a Yamaha Zuma. Its a two-stroke, mixed-fuel, louder, and much more powerful motor. Additionally, you can purchase the Pollini drive kit and 70cc carb kit, which are still categorized as 50cc but have a 40mph speed.
Unless it has peddle assist, an electric vehicle will have trouble ascending hill, just remember
I’m not sure of the helmet regulations in your country guys, but I actually recommend to wear helmet.
I can say this because I witnessed a fatal motorcycle accident’s immediate aftermath last spring.
Accidents happen, even if you have a thick skull they could still happen.
My Go-Ped was safe as long as I was wearing a helmet. Just don’t let him modify it because you can increase their speed to at least 45 mph; mine only reached 23 mph, which is more than enough.
I was just envious because I didn’t have $800 for one during the late 1970s and early 1980s when all the rich kids had Puch mopeds.
I’m trying to sell a gas scooter tho. I had lent it to one of my friends and hadn’t used it in two years. Although I’ve never had any issues using it on the street and it is gas-powered, cops are more likely to issue tickets these days due to the vehicle’s loud engine. Additionally, because there is no starter key, it would be simple to steal if you didn’t lock it up properly. But it’s a fun toy for quick trips around the city.
I would advise getting you all leather clothing. Lucky for me, both times I crashed my 50cc scooter, leather was on my body. If not, my elbows and knees would have likely looked much worse. Jeans don’t really offer much protection; rather, they burn up quickly, leaving you to remove the individual threads from the flesh. Oh, and in my opinion, a helmet is a MUST if that thing is even remotely as fast as my 50cc was!
Do you need a license to drive these in Kentucky? Is this place street legal?
For 150cc scooters, each State has its own set of regulations. For information on the laws in your city, kindly check with your DMV.