How far can you commute on a scooter?

Question

I'd like to buy a scooter and commute to work on it. How far can you go on one? Would a 30 mile round commute be ok daily?

And how much are they please? (second hand)

Thanks - any help much appreciated. I'm assuming that you don't need a licence to drive one?

And I'm in the UK.

Answer 1

The 30 mile daily commute would be fine as long as you don't mind bad weather and car drivers that don't see you. You do however need a provisional motorcycle licence and a CBT (compulsory basic training) certificate then you can ride up to a 125cc engine. For a decent second hand model your looking around 1500 but don't be fooled into buying a new one for around 2k as they are Chinese imports and have no go in them. If you need any more information please feel free to contact me [e-mail]

Answer 2

A scooter is a great way to commute to and from work. I use a Honda Reflex(I think, it's Jazz in Europe) in the warmer months. My commute is 80 miles round trip from Tecumseh, MI to Wayne, MI.

The Reflex saved a great deal of money over the summer because of the 70mpg the bike can get. The range of the Reflex is limited by its 3.2 gallon tank. So I have to get gas two or three times during the week. Your commute of 30 miles would be easy for a scooter.

I would however warn you off from buying a 50cc or less bike. These scooters are just to small for regular long distance travel and can not keep up with traffic well. A 125 or 150cc scooter would be more then enough to handle regular road speeds, but will not keep up on the freeways. If you will be traveling at freeway speeds, don't get anything less then a 250cc bike.
If you will be riding two up, the 250cc scooters will be slow to respond, and you may need something like a 400cc or better.

I bought my Reflex used for $4,000 US. only had 1075 miles on it.

Here in the U.S., a motorcycle license is needed to ride legally on the public roads. More then likely the U.K. will have similar laws.
Good Luck and Ride Safe

Answer 3

You will need a provisional licence to ride a scooter, and also do the CBT test (Compulsory Basic Training) just to make sure you're not a hazard to yourself.
As for distance, 30 miles at 30mph will take you an hour. Easy as that. Personally I would rather use a bigger bike for that distance, but give it a try anyway. You just might catch the biking bug and progress onto something bigger.

Answer 4

for a 30 mile trip on a scooter, if the route is freeway traffic, a 50cc scooter wont cut it. u'll need at minumum a honda silverwing; big engines in a scooter frame.
if the trip is just on back roads, a 50cc honda helix would work. they tap out at 45 mph max tho. thing with the helix is, very small tires, and very short wheel base. definately takes some getting used to.
the silverwing is a bit bigger and would give a better ride.

they are classified as motorcycle's and u do need a mc license. the test is easy. used silverwing's might be goin for cheap...check cycletrader.com. they'll handle a 30 mile trip no problem.

Answer 5

"Scooters" covers a lot of territory these days. They are ranging from 50cc pocket bikes up to 600cc almost motorcycles. You may need a license to operate one depending on your local laws. You can find out from local law enforcement types. As for price you get what you pay for. 30 miles a day might not sound like much on a big comfy seat but on a narrow thin pad of a seat you may hate the ride in a couple of days. Another consideration is that not all scooters are allowed on the highway or can even reach highway speeds.

First find out what you need to ride (license, helmet. etc..)
Second find a comfortable ride
Third find the long way home and learn to ride.

Answer 6

30 miles a day should be fine, as long as you have enough gas and energy for it. I believe that scooters are not allowed on freeways and highways in California.

You should check your local DMV office to find out if you need a particular license to use one and you could double check whether or not you can use them on all roads.

I do know that you have to insure a scooter, just like a car and motorcycle. I've seen scooters new in the $3,000 range. Look around your local scooter sales places and in the local newspapers to see if there are any used ones available. You may also want to check with Kelly Blue Book to see if they have used prices on them.

Answer 7

Prices can vary from roughly £500 - £2500 and depending on the bike you choose a journey that distance can take well over an hour! I once went from Milton Keynes to Kings Lynn and back in a day on my Suzuki TS50 (a great 50cc bike!) I left at 11am and got back at about 7:00pm. An average of about 40mph

Answer 8

You need at least a provisional license and a CBT pass certificate to ride a 50cc scoot in the UK. You'll be ok doing 30mile a day as long as you look after it. You'll get a decent one for a few hundred I reckon.

Answer 9

I used to commute 40mile round trip on a Honda C50 with no problems apart from the embaressment turning up at the office.

Answer 10

how big will it be? if its a 50cc if i was you id go for a bigger bike. a 125 is more practical, and almost as cheap.you can get 125 scooters that a really cheap and comfy.then you dont have to have a silly two stroke. ;)