Deciding Between a Motorcycle and Scooter

If you’re looking for compact, exciting, economical, and green ways to get around town, your top two choices are going to be motorcycles or scooters. It can be hard to know which fits your needs and lifestyle best, however. We here at East Bay Motorsports want to make your search as quick and easy as possible, so we’ve put together a brief guide to deciding between a motorcycle and a scooter, below. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles and scooters we have for sale, contact our store in Hayward, California, today!

Main Differences

First, let’s talk about the primary differences between scooters and motorcycles. Motorcycle engines range from 150cc to over 2,000cc in size, while scooters are more likely between 50cc and 250cc on the high side. Motorcycles are categorized by type and how they’re meant to be ridden, like cruisers, touring bikes, and sportsbikes. Scooters, meanwhile, are categorized by engine size and speed potential.

Motorcycle seating is pretty variable, ranging from upright sitting positions to hunched-over ones. Scooters, meanwhile, all have upward sitting positions. Motorcycles also tend to be larger overall than scooters, not just in the engine department.

Benefits of Scooters

Scooters may not always seem like a flashy-enough option, but before you dismiss them, it’s important to consider the advantages they provide.

Affordability

Of the two vehicle types, scooters will generally be more affordable than motorcycles. The smaller sticker price provides a lower initial barrier to buying, and they’re also cheaper to insure, register, and maintain. With the lowered risk of accidents, they’re also less likely to need serious repairs, making them perfect for tighter budgets.

Control

Whether you’re new to two-wheeled vehicles or a returning pro, a scooter is going to be much easier to maintain control of. Most models use automatic transmission so there’s no need to shift gears manually, and their compact frame and smaller footprint makes navigating traffic and tight areas a breeze—and finding parking will never be easier!

Benefits of Motorcycles

Of course, motorcycles have their own advantages to consider.

Thrilling

These powerhouses tend to be a more exciting ride than scooters with much larger engines and better torque. They’re a perfect way to commute while getting your adrenaline rush for the day.

Fewer Limitations

There are scooter models that have fairly small engines, limiting their maximum speed and making it difficult for them to access higher-speed roads and highways. Meanwhile, motorcycles face no such restrictions. These machines are built for speed, and there’s no road they can’t conquer.

Ready to get started? Contact us at East Bay Motorsports for more information, or to see the motorcycles and scooters we have available. We proudly serve the people of the Bay Area in California—let us serve you today!