Motor Scooters: The Minimalist Scooter

Our Recommendations of reliable
Inexpensive Minimalist Motorscooters -- Best Prices on the Net -- from $699

See also: Stand-up/Sit-down, Classic, Basic, High-performance, Luxury, and Electric Motorscooters, California Legal Motorscooters, and mobility scooters.

Aside from the foldable carryable stand-up scooters, the minimalist scooter which gets over 100 mpg is clearly the least expensive way to acquire a first vehicle (with the possible exception of some Electric Scooters) and is the easiest way for a teen to unlock the world (See Motorscooter Freedom.) All of these scooters use four-stroke engines and automatic transmissions making them very easy to drive (See Driving a motorscooter). Our goal is to put you on a scooter. If you have parents or a spouse (or even children) who need persuading that you should have a scooter, see our Motorscooter Economy page -- we have all of the arguments prepared for you.

The Minimalist Scooter

The 50cc Minimalist Scooter
Delight your muse.

All of the following motorscooters, use the 50cc four-stroke engine. It is important to understand that these engines have undergone massive improvement since the little 50cc engines of the 50s and 60s. These are powerful little beasts. Their maximum speed is limited however, to 35-40 MPH and this renders them exempt from licensing, and insurance requirements in many states (See State Regulations). Mileage is superb. Unfortunately, the speed restriction mechanism used to limit top speed for legality, does reduce accelleration and mileage. It is possible (though not necessarily legal everywhere) to derestrict 50cc scooters so that they can achieve 40-50 mph. See de-restricting a 50cc scooter.

The RoadRunner 50cc Economy Moped Less than $900

RoadRunner 50cc Economy Moped Less than $900

RoadRunner 50cc Economy Moped

This new 3.3HP 50cc RoadRunner model has front ABS disk brakes, does 35-40MPH and gets an amazing 102 MPG. Trunk and raincover are standard but there is no alarm. Covered by a 2 year power train parts warranty. Gas tank capacity is 1.5 gallons, a good size for this size scooter (unlike the tiny tank on the TANK Sporty) It would be hard do find a better deal and take note: The maximum load is given as 300 lbs! More than many minimalist scooters. This scooer can carry two people.

The RoadRunner 50cc Economy Moped is an i-scooter, intended for online sales (see i-scooters).

Comes fully assembled. Estimated time to unpack and set up: 10 minutes. Comes in Silver, Burgundy, Purple, Black, Yellow, Pink, smf Blue.

The Maui Dreamer 50cc $599.95 On Sale

Maui Dreamer 50cc $599.95

This is a 5 HP 50cc four-stroke minimalist scooter with a top speed of 32 MPH (less than many 50cc scooters). Unfortunately, the maximum load is given as 225 lbs! This scooter is for one person only, and in some cases, not even a whole person. Extended warranty is available. Gas tank capacity is 5.5 liters (almost 1.5 gallons). Drum brakes fore and aft.

Comes in Red, Black, Silver and Blue.

The Italia 50cc Touring Moped $679.95 On Sale

Italia 50cc Touring Moped $679.95

The Italia has the same frame as the 150cc Torino, but has the smaller, more fuel efficient 50cc engine. The Italia Motorscooter retains the original classic Italian motorscooter lines and styling. With all engine parts covered by pannels, it reflects a subdued elegance. Despite its classic styling, it is a modern scooter in all important respects including a four stroke engine and stepless automatic transmission. Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, the Italia has a top speed of 40 MPH and, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs., it is not really a two-person scooter unless we are talking about very small persons. .

Comes in Black, Blue, Burnt Orange, Red, Silver and White

The 50cc Aurora Moped Scooter
$924.95

50cc Aurora Moped Scooter

50cc Aurora Moped Scooter, though sporting a 6.15 HP engine, the speed of the Aurora is given at only 25 MPH, depending upon load. The design is, however, one of the most compelling and enticing of any Italian-design scooter -- the vehicle for picnicing on the hillsides of Sienna or the orange groves of Israel.

Comes in Black, Green, Pink and Red.

The 50cc Striker Motorscooter $749.95

The 50cc Striker Motorscooter $749.95

The 50cc Striker Motorscooter has a maximum load capacity of 250 lbs. Although equipped for two riders, its limited capacity is likely to make it inadvisable to have a pillion rider in many cases. With 100+ MPG and the decen sized fuel tank, the Striker has a considerable range.

Like the other 50cc scooters, the Striker Scooter has only a top speed of about 35-40 MPH (not highway legal). It has a sleek modern design, front disk, rear drum brakes, and an excellent price/value ratio.

The Fuel Efficient Economy Moped Less than $900

Fuel Efficient Economy Moped, less than $900

Fuel Efficient Economy Moped, less than $900

The Economy Moped is simply a reasonable scooter for a very reasonable price. It has a maximum speed of 40 MPH and can carry two persons (Maximum weight: 320lbs.) Mileage is given as an astounding 102 MPG which is probably a bit optimistic. Of course, fuel efficiency varies with load and incline, but with its 5.8 liter fuel tank, this scooter has a formidable range. The Economy is in very high demand and hard to keep in stock and is therefore is provided under several brand names, Peace, TANK, Roketa, or New Star, all of which are nearly identical and made in the same factory.

The Economy Moped has front disk and rear drum brakes. Shipping is free in the contiguous 48 states. Comes in silver, red, pink, black, yellow, and blue. 12 month power train parts warranty are included. Rear trunk (not pictured) is optional.

Comes fully assembled. Estimated time to unpack and set up: 20 minutes.

The The 500 Watt Electric Scooter $649.95 On Sale

The 500 Watt Electric Scooter $649.95

The 500 watt Electric scooter qualifies as a bicycle because pedals may be used. They need not be installed however. With a top speed of 20 mph, no license nor insurance is required even in California.

Comes in Red, Black, Purple and Blue.

Other Available 50cc Motorscooters

• The Nemesis 50cc Motorscooter
• The Phoenix 50cc Motorscooter

Shipping is included in above prices.