Is 50cc Enough? - First Look

Getting started on two small wheels.

Welcome to the wading pool of the motorcycle industry, the 50cc scooter market. They also happen to be the best way to get around a crowded urban environment ever devised by human hands. And talk about pinching petrol! Most will return an easy 70 miles or more from a gallon of gas. Take that, OPEC!

Now, don't assume that because a friend of yours had a 50 in college and he had to get off and push it up hills, all 50s are slow. Some of them in stock trim can exceed 50 mph, and with (not-so-environmentally responsible) modification can achieve truly scary top speeds. Also, the quality of brakes, chassis and other components is important: Stick to well-established manufacturers with plenty of dealers. Value-packs of motor oil or tube socks are good to buy at big-box retailers, motorized vehicles...not so much.

How you use a 50 is also important. A short commute—less than 5 miles—is ideal, especially if you can stay off big, busy streets. These include roadways with controlled access and aggressive traffic that regularly exceeds the posted speed limits. In the L.A. area, a 30-mph speed limit means 45, and 40 means Deathrace 2000. A motorcyclist's main protection is a "space cushion"—empty space around the vehicle to give the rider time to react to sudden situations—and to maintain that the rider needs to be able to control the distance over-caffeinated, frustrated, inattentive drivers are from him/her. If you can't go the flow of traffic on your expected route, you may not feel comfortable constantly fearing a Buick enema.

If you don't have a license, check with your state's DMV. Many jurisdictions require a motorcycle or moped license to ride even a small scooter. Even if no certification is required, do you really want to mix it up out there with no training at all? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers its motorcycle RiderCourse—it's inexpensive and just takes a weekend—in every state and is the best place to start.

Small scooters are worth the effort. They are a perfect transportation solution for many folks; way more fun than taking the bus and quicker than walking. But to ensure maximum fun, be properly educated, trained and equipped before you hit the road.