Any recommendations on a good scooter to buy for our 20 year old daughter?

Question

She will be using it to drive to and from work, and around town in the suburbs. She will not be driving at more than 40 mph on it, and when she needs to drive on the highway, or drive her friends, she can take the family car.
She wants a Vespa. She loves the retro look. We want to make sure we get the most for our money, and get something that is easy to maintain. We want to spend no more than $4000.

She will be using it to drive to and from work, and around town in the suburbs. She will not be driving at more than 40 mph on it, and when she needs to drive on the highway, or drive her friends, she can take the family car.
She wants a Vespa. She loves the retro look. We want to make sure we get the most for our money, and get something that is easy to maintain. We want to spend no more than $4000.

Oh, gosh, person who lectured me on how to raise my daughter, thanks for the advice. Notice I said she would be using it to drive to WORK! Our spoiled American princess is wasting her time every day in the deli department at a supermarket, saving money for college. Please forgive me and her father for easing her path a bit. I said we were buying her a scooter, not a LEXUS!

Answer 1

If a 30 mph top speed is acceptable (slower on inclines), might look at the 49cc moped category, which may not require registration or insurance (every state is different). Above 50cc is usually considered a motorcycle in most states and requires a driver license motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance.

Vespa, scooter, moped, or Harley . . makes no difference . . the same laws of physics apply during a collision. Wear a full face helmet and padded riding jacket EVERY TRIP!

For used values, check your regional craigslist > for sale > motorcycles.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/

Answer 2

As gy650 points out, gravity does not care what you are riding. Some people look at the "cuteness" of a scooter and it seems like a safe toy. She should still take a safety/riding class to get the right mindset for two-wheeled motor travel. The pavement is just as hard if you fall off of a Ninja or a Vespa.

Answer 3

actually a small motorcycle is easier to keep under you if u go over some loose gravel or oil. For some reason the small wheels on a scooter make them go down easier. Honda makes a small scooter that looks like a vespa. China makes some really cheap scooters but no parts are available. Honda will be easy to find parts for. She will need something with a place to lock stuff.

Answer 4

The best Bike for the money for anyone who is shorter and weight is less than 150lbs.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R Sport. They sell for around $3400.00 New and will run over 110 MPH if needed, on the highway as well as around town. Light weight, get's better mpg(65) than a Vespa does.

If she get's any Vespa, the only one to buy is this one. Vespa GTS 250ie. They only go about 60 MPH and wobble.

Answer 5

Vespa's a good choice. Fashionable and reliable. Not too fast if you're a 240lb guy, but good for lighter riders.
Too bad Farvd's parents didn't raise her not to be a total jerk.

Answer 6

$4000 is a lot! You can get her a used one for $1000 or less. Look for an older Honda Elite 80. Those things are bullet proof.

Oh yeah, encourage your daughter to date guys who ride motorcycles! :-D

Answer 7

Go Vespa.

Answer 8

I'd say the best scooter to buy for your 20 year old daughter is the one she buys herself! 20? C'mon, teach her some financial responsibility....why waste $4000 on a scooter anyway, she should save up and buy her own car. This is why our society is so screwed up, parents who give their child everything...then they go into the workplace with that same expectation...and guess what, they get a big fat surprise!