I'm thinking about buying a 49cc scooter

[ElMonoDelMar]

So I've got a 95 Dakota that gets 10mpg, and I'm thinking about buying one of those 49cc motor scooters to get around campus on. (Hey, you can't beat 80mpg, right?) Does anyone have any experience with these types of scooters? I'd like to order one online, but I want to know what kind of product to expect before I go drop a bunch of dinero on it.

Also, does anyone know if you have to get these little scooters licensed in the state of Illinois?

 

[xanis]

If you're going to drive it on the streets, then I believe you have to register it.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: Xanis
If you're going to drive it on the streets, then I believe you have to register it.

I was afraid of that. I'll have to check with the local DMV to be sure.

 

[jagec]

Chances are high you gotta register, and you gotta get a motorcycle endorsement.

 

[Kalvin00]

Originally posted by: jagec
Chances are high you gotta register, and you gotta get a motorcycle endorsement.

yes, but there is a different category for scooters. here in cali, you have M1 (regular motorcyle), and then M2, which is scooters, etc

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

I'm pretty sure I don't have to get a motorcycle endorsement for under 50cc. Whether or not I have to register it is a different story.

 

[SaturnX]

Originally posted by: ElMonoDelMar
I'm pretty sure I don't have to get a motorcycle endorsement for under 50cc. Whether or not I have to register it is a different story.

Well according to here:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/depar...rivers/drivers_license/motorcycle.html

You'll need to get a Class L license for any motorcycle running less than 150cc.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: SaturnX

Originally posted by: ElMonoDelMar
I'm pretty sure I don't have to get a motorcycle endorsement for under 50cc. Whether or not I have to register it is a different story.

Well according to here:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/depar...rivers/drivers_license/motorcycle.html

You'll need to get a Class L license for any motorcycle running less than 150cc.

This is taken directly from the "Rules of the Road" handbook that can be seen on that same link.

Motorized Pedalcycles (Mopeds)
A motorized pedalcycle (moped) is a motor-driven cycle. It produces two-brake
horsepower or less and has a maximum speed of 30 mph. If the moped has an
internal combustion engine, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centime-
ters, and the power drive system shall not require the driver to shift gears.
A moped driver must have a current, valid driver?s license of any classification.
A person without a driver?s license who wishes to operate only a moped must
obtain a Class Llicense. The owner must have a Certificate of Title and a regis-
tration plate must be attached on the rear of the moped.
A moped driver may not carry a passenger unless the moped is equipped with a pas-
senger seat and passenger footrests. If the moped is to be driven at night, it must be
equipped with a white light on the front that is visible for 500 ft. and a red reflec-
tor on the rear that is visible from 100 to 600 ft. when in front of a vehicle?s head-
lights. A red light visible for 500 ft. also may be used in addition to the reflector.

From that quote, it looks like the moped needs to be registered, though.

 

[GoingUp]

You have to register it. I had a Yamaha Zuma. Fun as hell to drive around. Got about 45MPG on a 1.2 gallon tank. A good cheap way to get around.

 

[Black88GTA]

I had two when I was in college - I had a 1989 and a 1987 Yamaha Razz. THE absolute best way to get around a college campus, IMO. All I needed was a valid drivers' license, and a $15 reg sticker that was good for 4 years, IIRC. No insurance, no special endorsement on DL, no helmet even. This was in Michigan. The rules do vary from state to state though, so you'd probably have to check with your local DMV.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

I can't quite afford a yamaha, but I've been looking around the following website:

http://www.gmimotorsports.com/moped-scooter.shtml

I know that I'm going to get what a pay for, but it's really all that I can afford right now. Plus, I'm guessing that they are mechanically simple so it shouldn't be hard to fix anything that gets fouled up.

 

[Pikachu]

Mine is so going to pwn yours!

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: ElMonoDelMar
I can't quite afford a yamaha, but I've been looking around the following website:

http://www.gmimotorsports.com/moped-scooter.shtml

I know that I'm going to get what a pay for, but it's really all that I can afford right now. Plus, I'm guessing that they are mechanically simple so it shouldn't be hard to fix anything that gets fouled up.

Heh, I paid $300 for the '89, and $75 for the '87, both complete and running A new one never even crossed my mind, as I could barely afford the $300 I paid for the first one.

I was originally going to use the '87 as a parts bike to fix up the '89, but the '87 turned out to be in much better shape...so, I fixed both of them up, and had a pair of running scooters. Having a 2nd one is nice.

 

[jagec]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/s...Abbreviation=mcy&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: jagec
http://chicago.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/s...Abbreviation=mcy&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

Interesting...I'll see what I can find.

 

[ultimatebob]

Wow, I kinda like the Connecticut laws on scooters.

Pros:

1) No registration needed for under 50cc
2) Drivers license required, but no motorcycle license needed for under 50cc
3) No annual car tax

Cons:

1) 30 MPH speed limit
2) Not allowed on major highways (With the 30 MPH speed limit, would you really WANT to?)

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Wow, I kinda like the Connecticut laws on scooters.

Pros:

1) No registration needed for under 50cc
2) Drivers license required, but no motorcycle license needed for under 50cc
3) No annual car tax

Cons:

1) 30 MPH speed limit
2) Not allowed on major highways (With the 30 MPH speed limit, would you really WANT to?)

Not with the 80cc performance kit! :evil:

http://www.gmimotorsports.com/performanceparts.shtml

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: ElMonoDelMar

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Wow, I kinda like the Connecticut laws on scooters.

Pros:

1) No registration needed for under 50cc
2) Drivers license required, but no motorcycle license needed for under 50cc
3) No annual car tax

Cons:

1) 30 MPH speed limit
2) Not allowed on major highways (With the 30 MPH speed limit, would you really WANT to?)

Not with the 80cc performance kit! :evil:

http://www.gmimotorsports.com/performanceparts.shtml

The 30 MPH speed limit is a state law (most states have it, some limit it even more to 25 or 20). I'm sure that it can go faster with some tweaking, though

 

[JEDI]

why not just buy an electric razor scooter?

PIC

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: JEDI
why not just buy an electric razor scooter?

PIC

'cause you can't legally ride those on city streets.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: JEDI
why not just buy an electric razor scooter?

PIC

Because it's not as cool. I want something that I can easily drive around town on.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Wow, I kinda like the Connecticut laws on scooters.

Pros:

1) No registration needed for under 50cc
2) Drivers license required, but no motorcycle license needed for under 50cc
3) No annual car tax

Cons:

1) 30 MPH speed limit
2) Not allowed on major highways (With the 30 MPH speed limit, would you really WANT to?)

same laws for colorado. a few people at work bought zespas last year and they love them.

 

[Kanalua]

Don't have to register in Hawaii (<50 cc). And everyone gets the regulators "fixed" and the engine "fixed" to run at 50-60 mph.

No reg/no insurance required. Gonna get one as soon as I move closer to school (at least on the other side of the island).

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Originally posted by: Kanalua
Don't have to register in Hawaii (<50 cc). And everyone gets the regulators "fixed" and the engine "fixed" to run at 50-60 mph.

No reg/no insurance required. Gonna get one as soon as I move closer to school (at least on the other side of the island).

I couldn't imagine going 50/60mph on those little wheels. I'd like to get mine "fixed" so that I could go that fast if I REALLY had to.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

I just bought this scooter here:

http://www.gmimotorsports.com/product_details.shtml?gmi0109

$1299 w/ free shipping to my door. Once I put a few miles on her, I'll write a short review. Some other folks on here might find a use for a cheap ride around town.