Honda Ruckus 250cc Top Speed
If you're thinking about owning or leasing a street legal motor scooter you are probably facing the classic question, which engine size should you go for?
It's an excellent question and there are many differences and factors to consider.
Motor scooter engine sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc)
There are three common engine sizes for you to choose from:
50cc (Often called "mopeds")
150cc (Some manufacturers offer 125cc models too)
250cc (Often referred to as "Maxi-Scooters")
In this article I will lay down a few key details about each of these engine sizes in order to guide you which option will suit your needs best.
In this comparison I have considered speed, practicality, safety and usability.
Motor Scooter Speed
As you've probably guessed, the size of your scooter's engine will determine how fast you can go.
In considering which scooter is best for you, you will need to ask yourself the question, how fast do I need to go on my scooter?
How fast can a 50cc motor scooter go?
50cc scooters or "mopeds" are not built for speed.
Generally they have a top speed of 35 to 40 mph (64 kmh).
However, this top speed can be seriously diminished if the rider is heavier and especially when there's a passenger tagging along for the ride.
In these cases 50cc scooters will likely struggle to surpass 30 mph (48 kmh).
In some areas, especially for exclusive use on urban inner city roads you aren't going to need any more speed than a 50cc scooter has to offer.
These scooters have made a name for themselves as the ultimate traffic busters in cities as they can weave through the toughest rush hour jams.
How fast can a 150cc motor scooter go?
On a 150cc scooter you can reach top speeds of up to 60 mph (97 kmh) giving you a huge speed advantage over the smaller 50cc engine size.
These more powerful motors are ideal if you live in areas with short straits where you can really open up the throttle in short bursts.
The 150cc engine is not designed for prolonged journeys at these top speeds and is especially not suited for uphill climbs at full throttle where top speeds will dip.
This can be hazardous to other motorists travelling at much higher speeds. Depending on the legality where you are riding, 150cc scooters are ideal for short zips down the highway if you are planning on entering and exiting over a short distance.
Bear in mind too that just like the 50cc engine, a heavier rider or a scooter with a passenger on the back will likely be unable to reach the aforementioned top speeds of 60 mph. In these cases you'll probably top out at 50mph (80 kmh) in my experience.
How fast can a 250cc motor scooter go?
250cc scooters, otherwise known as "Maxi-scooters" are the fastest engine variation of scooters. They generally reach top speeds of up to 75 mph (121 kmh) making them the scooter of choice for highway riders. This additional power also makes them the top choice for heavier riders as they pack enough power to get even the heaviest riders moving quickly.
Some race spec scooters can reach speeds of 85 mph (137 kmh) but guzzle fuel much faster than standard 250cc scooters.
Perhaps, you could argue that all this speed is not necessary for the urban scooter rider as some cities make it impossible to reach speeds of anywhere near this scooters potential. But, some scooter owners prefer to own a vehicle which can weave through the tightest city traffic jams and be able to shoot down the highway without issues. Many countries restrict scooters less than 250cc to enter the highway at all.
Motor Scooter Practicality
Unless you only care about your need for speed, you will also need to take practicality into consideration. There are qualities of each engine size that make them both advantageous and disadvantageous to live with. So here is a practicality comparison.
How practical is a 50cc scooter?
Without a doubt, the 50cc scooter is the most practical option for use in the city.
The smaller engine allows these scooters to typically register above 100 miles per gallon (42 kilometers per liter). This impressive fuel range means a full tank of gas will last a long time after regular use. Just how long depends on the size of your 50cc scooter's gas tank.
Another advantage of 50cc scooters is that are smaller and this makes finding a parking spot very simple, they can squeeze into impossibly small gaps meaning you'll never arrive late to your destination because you couldn't find parking.
However, if you live far from your destination you may need to leave with more time to arrive on time.
How practical is a 150cc scooter?
150cc scooters average around 70 miles per gallon (30 kilometers per liter) making them a little thirstier than the 50cc equivalent.
Remember, this engine size is not meant to be a highway scooter, though it can handle short zips down flat straits.
A 150cc serves as the perfect scooter for those looking or a vehicle to head into the city from a short way outside. It has the power to reach high enough speeds that you can arrive quickly and it doesn't burn fuel all that quickly.
The additional power also makes 150cc scooters a better option for those lugging heavy loads onboard on a regular basis. Riders won't experience the same power loss as they would on a 50cc model.
Like all scooters, 150cc models are small. Most 150cc scooters are only slightly larger than 50cc mopeds and this means parking is also very easy which makes these scooters very practical for those who struggle to find`parking spaces.
Normally found in the mid-price range, 150cc scooters offer the maximum bang for those conscious of their budget as there can be a large price difference between 150cc scooters and 250cc Maxi-scooters.
How practical is a 250cc scooter?
A larger engine unfortunately means sacrificing some fuel economy. 250cc scooters normally average around 60 miles per gallon (26 kilometers per liter) meaning you'll be heading to the gas station a little more often.
But, 60 miles per gallon still beats the majority of MPG figures for cars and trucks so you'll still be saving when using a scooter daily.
One huge practicality advantage of the 250cc scooter engine is its ability to travel on the highway. You won't be forced to head the long way around to arrive to your destination because your scooter is unable to take the fastest route. For those that rely on highways to travel to work or their desired destination on a regular basis, the 250cc is the only practical option.
However, for city living, on streets where the scooter is unable to reach the top speeds of anywhere near 75 mph, you have to ask yourself if sacrificing fuel economy to own a more powerful scooter is worthwhile?
Maxi scooters are normally a little bigger than smaller engined scooters, this makes it ideal for larger riders and a heck of a lot more comfortable if you are riding with a passenger. Finding a parking space will prove slightly more tricky than it would for a smaller scooter, but you'll still be able to slot your Maxi-scooter into spaces impossible for most cars.
Motor Scooter Safety
If you, like me, take riding safety seriously then you need to consider the pros and cons of each engine size for your safety. The differences are marginal and what is most important is the skill of the rider. However, based on a generalisation between these engine sizes, here are the things we must consider for safety.
How safe is a 50cc scooter?
All motor scooters are considered to be less safe than trucks and cars.
However, the lower speed capabilities of scooters arguably render them safer than motorcycles.
50cc scooters are often lighter and are unable to reach the speeds of even the smallest motorcycles.
However, a huge part of scooter safety is down to the rider.
Considering In many countries, a two-wheeled vehicle with an engine 50cc doesn't require a motorcycle licence, 50cc scooters can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced rider.
50cc scooters are the smallest variety of motor scooters and this comes with its own hazards:
Wheel size: 50cc scooter models often come with smaller wheels. This makes them slightly more susceptible to hazards on the roads like potholes or debris. Due to their smaller wheel size 50cc scooters give a lesser gyroscopic effect. This is the effect which keeps two wheeled vehicles upright during movement.
Scooter size: 50cc scooters can be tiny. This is a hazard in itself due to the reduced visibility for other motorists.
Scooter speed: The limited top speed of 50cc scooters can be hazardous. When riding slower than the majority of traffic, other motorists are forced to maneuver around your scooter. Accidents can occur when we combine this factor with the small size of the 50cc scooter. Lack of visibility when you are travelling considerably slower than other motorists can be dangerous.
This is why the 50cc scooter is best suited for city streets where top speeds are not an issue and traffic is slower.
How safe is a 150cc scooter?
Compared to 50cc scooters, 150cc models are a little safer in terms of scooter size and wheel size. Most 150cc scooters offer marginally larger wheels which will slightly improve the gyroscopic effect. But this improvement is very minor.
These faster models are better suited to avoid the problem of travelling too slowly on side roads but with increased speeds of course comes the risk of severe accidents.
However, being larger than their 50cc equivalents, 150cc scooters do provide slightly improved visibility which can make them the safer option.
There's really not too much of a difference here, as long as the driver is prepared and driving safely, which they should be considering most countries and states require a licence and examination to operate two wheeled vehicles over 50cc.
How safe is a 250cc scooter?
With their increased speed abilities and ability to hold their own on a highway, 250cc scooters are arguably the most dangerous scooter option.
Highway riding can be very safe on a 250cc and indeed the majority of road traffic accidents recorded in the USA occur on roads with average speeds of under 35 mph.
However, travelling at speeds of up to 75mph (121 kmh) on a scooter which offers less protection than a car or a truck can of course be hazardous, as it is on a motorcycle.
On the other hand, the larger wheels typically found on 250cc scooters do aid the gyroscopic effect and balance of scooter when facing potholes and obstacles.
These larger engined scooters are also in most cases slightly more visible to other motorists which increases safety.
I think that in the right hands a 250cc scooter can be a very safe mode of transport. Being a bigger engined scooter, riders in most areas are required to pass examinations before heading out onto the roads, this is an important step to riding safely and increases your safety when riding your scooter dramatically.
Motor Scooter Suitability
So once you have considered the speed, practicality and safety of these scooter engines you may still be wondering which engine size would be most suitable for your needs. Here are some ideas.
Who is a 50cc scooter best suited for?
I'd recommend choosing a 50cc scooter IF:
- You live and travel in the city and have no intention to take their scooter on long distance journeys. If short trips are your goal, 50cc scooters are all that you need.
- You are just starting out with scooters. Perhaps you want to get a feel for riding before you go all in and buy a larger scooter.
- You are a Younger rider. Many countries restrict younger riders to 50cc scooter models and these models provide the perfect platform to learn the basics.
- You are Sunday rider. If you are thinking of getting a motor scooter for pleasure rides, a 50cc scooter is ideal for leisurely and steady journeys down country roads.
- You are a tourist. If you take a vacation to a sunny destination and are keen to see the sights, a 50cc scooter is perfect for renting and exploring new locations.
Who is a 150cc scooter best suited for?
I'd recommend going for a 150cc scooter if:
- You live on the outskirts of your daily destination and commute into a city where traffic is heavy and parking spaces are hard to come by.
- You live near to quiet stretches of long, straight, flat roads where you can zip on and off after a short distance.
- You hate being limited to 40 mph. 150cc scooters provide a little extra juice for riders who are fed up of pushing their 50cc scooters to the limit and still not arriving to the desired speeds.
- You have tried out 50cc scooters and have learnt the basics. 150cc are the natural upgrade if you are feeling confident.
- You want a scooter that provides the best of both worlds, fuel economy and higher speed capabilities.
- You don't need to use the highway for prolonged periods of time if at all.
Who is a 250cc best suited for?
Go for a 250cc model if:
- You need to use the highway on a frequent basis. The 250cc engine is a necessity for those with plans to travel for extended durations on long, straight, perhaps mildly hilly routes.
- You have a real need for speed. If the speed capabilities of the 150cc scooter just don't cut it for you, then the 250cc option will provide a more thrilling riding experience.
- You have a higher budget. Naturally, the bigger engine size corresponds to higher retail prices. You'll have to pay a little more for the additional power if buying a brand new scooter.
- You are a motorcyclist looking for a more economical commuter vehicle.
The 250cc scooter is the closest you can get to a motorcycle, yet they can offer considerably better fuel economy. - You have tried a 150cc scooter and are looking for the next level of scooter riding fun. While it is not compulsory to have owned and grown accustomed to a 150cc scooter, it certainly does help to build up your confidence through the different engine sizes first. This is the safest way to ride in my experience.
Conclusion: Picking out a scooter
Once you've decided which engine size best suits your needs. It is important to consider the model based on your own style.
By style, this doesn't necessarily mean cosmetic appearance, paint and body shape.
More importantly you need to consider your riding style. How do you ride?
Are you a budding scooter enthusiast, looking to own a scooter on a casual, care free basis?
In this case perhaps cosmetic attributes will place more importance than performance.
Or perhaps you are looking at owning a scooter as a means of daily transport? In which case reliability and performance must be taken into consideration.
For the care free scooter enthusiast there are many more (significantly cheaper) options than just the classic Vespa you may have set your heart on.
And likewise, for the scooter commuter that will require a scooter for even on the rainiest of days, there are some models which prioritise reliability over cosmetic beauty.
For casual scooter riders, you can, with a little searching, find bargain models which won't necessarily break the bank and yet still deliver the desired feel good factor when owning, customising and riding.
For scooter commuters, I ask you to consider this question also, do I want a scooter that can get me to my destination quickly or a scooter that get me to my destination time and time again without needing as many trips to the gas station?
150cc models, for example, will come in different forms, basic fuel saving models and sporty performance builds. Think about which type of scooter will best serve your needs.
You will also need to consider the luxury options fitted to your scooter depending on your plan for riding.
If you are planning to use your scooter for a route you know like the back of your hand, why pay more for a scooter with a sat nav holder?
Will you be transporting two people on your scooter on a frequent basis? In that case, steer away from the lightweight racier models and look for a scooter with touring capabilities.
If you can get by using your scooter with the basic stock offerings then there will be options to do so, saving you a lot of money potentially
But then again, for some riders there will be some optional extras you just can't live without. Consider these options when looking for a new scooter.
In regards to most scooters, the engine can be setup to burn less fuel by sacrificing performance. If you're not technically skilled as a mechanic then you may wish to consider this tuning setup before making a purchase.
For the technically skilled amongst you, it is possible to set up your scooter according to your needs on any given journey with a little tweaking.
These performance and added luxury bolt-ons will cause the overall price of your scooter to vary greatly depending on your needs.
Generally, you can expect to find scooters in the following price ranges:
50cc scooters can be bought new at around $500 for a basic level reputable scooter. Prices can rise significantly for top level scooters like a 50cc brand new Vespa Primavera ( $4000 )
For 150cc scooters you can expect to pay a minimum of $1000 for a basic model from a reputable brand. But this price too can go up to $5,300 for a top end brand.
250cc scooters usually start out at around $2500 for standard model but adding all the additional features and buying a high end scooter brand new could set you back as much as $7000 .
My advice to prospective scooter owners is to take your time. Really think about what you need from your scooter and be sure to buy according to what best suits you.
Owning a scooter can be a wonderful experience! So get set to enjoy a form of freedom you have never felt before. There really is nothing like opening up the throttle of your new scooter for the first time.
I hope this article has shed some light on choosing the right scooter for you.
Source: https://motorscooterreport.com/the-journey-begins/
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