When debating a motorcycle vs a scooter, it’s important first to understand the distinctions between the two. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of bike. Scooters are gas-powered motorized cycles that have less power than motorcycles. In most areas they still require a motorcycle license. One common scooter, the Vespa, is a popular example.
Scooter vs Motorcycle: What are the Facts?
Safety
Some people assume that because scooters are less powerful and therefore cannot exceed a moderate rate of speed they are safer than motorcycles. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily in the case. Statistically, more speed related motorcycle fatalities happen on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less than on busy interstates. Also, with a smaller profile, motorists are more likely to overlook a scooter on the road near them. Finally, beginner scooters tend to be quieter and may not be as easily heard as a nearby motorcycle engine. If you are considering a scooter simply because you believe it to be safer, you may want to think again. No matter whether you select a motorcycle or a scooter, you are at an increased risk for injury if you are involved in a crash, and should exercise caution when you ride.
Convenience and Costs
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Scooters are certainly handy in cities where you need to frequently zoom in and out of traffic. They make parking a breeze and are great for quick jaunts on congested roads. Also, they are relatively inexpensive and offer impressive fuel economy. But keep in mind your scooter may limit your travel. Many areas ban them on highways, and most cannot reach the speeds required for highway travel. If you live in a city and rarely leave it, a beginner scooter may offer a cost-effective way to enter the two-wheeled market, but a small motorcycle could probably also fit the bill and offer you the flexibility to travel on highways.
Ease of Operation
It’s true that scooters are easier to learn to operate. Motorcycles have a clutch and gear shift, and as any car driver who has learned to use a stick shift can attest, learning to use it smoothly can take some practice. Most scooters are automatic, so you simply get on one and ride. But that doesn’t mean that basic road operations are simpler. In fact, you should take a safety course (and are probably required to take one to get your license). Maneuvering around traffic, taking curves, managing intersections, and watching for obstacles are all skills that must be acquired whether you ride a scooter or a motorcycle.
Insurance
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Scooters are less expensive to insure than motorcycles, and it’s easy to understand why. Scooters do not reach the high speeds motorcycles do, so the insurance company doesn’t have to worry about you racing down the highway. Also, scooter owners typically ride for less miles a year than motorcycle riders. On the other hand, scooter riders are more vulnerable when they are involved in collisions. For example, if a scooter hits a pothole, that alone might be enough to cause a minor crash.
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Whether you choose a scooter or a motorcycle, you must remember to follow proper safety precautions. Obey the rules of the road, ride responsibly, and use proper gear. Do not take chances when you are on your bike: the results can be devastating. Bikers are vulnerable in crashes, and injuries are often severe. If you are injured in a crash, it could cause you lifelong disability. If you are ever involved in a motorcycle crash, you simply must have an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer on your side. Call on the team at Kass & Moses for coverage across the country. They will help manage your claim so that you can focus on healing, and they will work tirelessly to help you get the money you deserve in your claim.
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