What is the best way to purchase a moped / electric scooter?

Question

I have decided to buy a moped (or electric scooter) to use casually around my neighborhood (not for extremely long hauls).

Since I don't know much about mopeds, the only place I went to was vespa.com. Most of their options are extremely expensive. I'm looking to spend no more than $1,000.

I'm looking for recommendations about obtaining one. Are their other good companies besides vespa? Are their moped/dealer shops that I could visit locally to actually see the different options.

Should I go and test drive one, like I do with cars? Or is this something I should simply buy online (and go that route).

Any other things I should be looking for?

Answer 1

Mopeds have pedals, scooters have floorboards.

Vespas are scooters, expensive scooters. You can get around just as well on other brands like Kymco, Genuine, Piaggio, Yamaha, Sym, and Honda but you aren't going to get any of those new for $1000.

You might be able to get a Chinese scooter new for that but even that is doubtful since scooter prices have gone up quite a bit. Also from what I hear many of shops are out of scooters these days so you might want to call around to see who has what.

I read a good review on a Velocity electric scooter but I don't know the cost.

As far as mopeds you might call some bicycle stores and see if they carry electric bikes. I have never seen one in a scooter or motorcycle dealer.

You might be able to find something used on Craigslist.

Other things....

Check into what your local laws are for licensing. In CA we have to have a M2 license even for mopeds. Some states don't require anything for up to 50cc scooters.

Figure out how fast you will need to go before you buy something. Don't get a scooter that top ends at 30 when you have to get on roads where traffic goes 45.

If you want to get more info on drop ship (online) scooters check out the scootdawg forum. A lot of the people there own Chinese scooters and might be able to point you towards better brands and dealers.

Answer 2

Most motorcycle dealers sell mopeds. You should check out your local dealer. I had a honda and a yamaha and both were good runners. I bought the honda new for 1200 but this was back in 1999. Most of the mopeds you'll find are pretty much the same. However riding what your buying is always a good plan. Good Luck :)

Answer 3

Just go somewhere where they sell em and talk to the dealer. If you are jsut riding it casually it probably isnt gonna make a big difference what you get. Just get the one you like. Most bike shops have scooters tucked in somewhere and there are places popping up all over that are selling them with gas prices so high. Id probably stay away from the Chinese and Korean ones, Honda,yamaha, all those guys make em.

Answer 4

go on ebay but, read the discription before you purchase' look to see

if it is brand new or a decade old. If the s***w (scam) you just call the

police you'll get you money back.