Motorcycles were invented during the 1800s but continue to be a popular choice for getting around. Scooters are also popular choices for people looking to ditch the regular car to get from place to place. Because of their relative popularity, people often ask the question: Which is better? What makes one preferable to the other?
In this article, we’ll be addressing the scooter vs. motorcycle debate. We’ll highlight their pros and cons to help you make the best (and safest) choice.
What’s the difference between the two?
When it comes to comparing scooters and motorcycles, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. Motorcycles have larger engines and therefore have higher top speeds. They usually have larger wheels and take a little more time to get used to the handling, which we’ll get to later.
Scooters, on the other hand, are much more lightweight. As a result, they’re not designed to reach high speeds but are generally more fuel-efficient and easy to control. Now that we’ve outlined the biggest differences between the two, let’s look at the specific pros and cons of each vehicle.
Safety
When looking at scooter vs motorcycle safety statistics, studies show scooter injuries have tripled in the past few years. However, it’s still not as prevalent as motorcycle injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports about 89,000 motorcycle-related accidents per year. This could be due to the high speeds motorcycles generate, but the causes aren’t entirely clear.
Understand the risks of riding both vehicles, and make sure you have a solid motorcycle accident attorney in case of any emergency.
Maintenance
In terms of scooter vs. motorcycle maintenance, the former is known to be much easier to take care of due to its simpler mechanics. Most scooters have 2 to 4-stroke engines that are much easier to take care of than more complicated motorcycle engines. While scooter engines are getting more sophisticated, their ease of maintenance is definitely a pro.
Handling
In terms of scooter and motorcycle handling, scooters have drivetrains mounted low and rearward, so there’s less weight on the front tires. This means a general lack of steering feel or feedback, making handling scooters rather stiff when compared to motorcycles.
While there are certainly a lot more parts to keep in mind, motorcycles do have more maneuverability, especially in a non-urban setting. When it comes to scooter vs. motorcycle handling, the latter has the upper hand.
Accessibility
However, when deciding between a scooter or motorcycle for beginners, it’s hard to recommend a motorcycle for someone who’s never ridden an engine-powered bike. Scooters, despite its somewhat limited handling, are more accessible and easier to maintain than motorcycles. Depending on the person, those qualities might make scooters more appropriate as their first step.
Motorcycle handling and maintenance can be a learning curve for the uninitiated, so a scooter might be the best choice for a beginner.
Scooter vs. Motorcycle: Which One Should You Pick?
When pondering the scooter vs. motorcycle debate, it’s important to prioritize your needs and wants. Motorcycles are generally more challenging to learn and expensive to maintain, but you can ride them practically anywhere. Scooters are more accessible despite having inferior handling and engine power.
Leverage this article to find out which vehicle is the right fit for you. For more informative articles, check out the rest of our site!
