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I'm in Barcelona right now with a friend, and we ended up renting scooters and riding them around the city. It was my first experience operating a two-wheeled motorized vehicle, and it was great fun and much easier than I expected.

Since I had no previous experience with scooters, I ended up on what I think was a 50cc four-stroke. It sure was pretty slow. The throttle was basically an on/off switch - I needed to peg it to get rolling at a decent clip or to get any real acceleration. The highest speed I hit was 60km/hr, and I doubt it would have gone much faster. My friend got a 125cc four-stroke, and I had a hard time keeping up with him. We swapped bikes for a brief time, and I liked his much more. It had the right amount of power for the city, and the brakes worked much better for some reason.

I enjoyed the riding so much that I'm tempted to buy a scooter back home. I like to ride my bicycle when I can, but I think there are some situations where a scooter is clearly the better machine: a trip to the grocery store to pick up a bottle of wine and a few other items; or a trip that's just outside casual bicycle range but not long enough to demand a car. Based on the cursory research I've done so far, I think it would be nice to have large wheels so big potholes aren't so dangerous (though I'm not sure this is as big an issue as my friend makes it out to be), and an engine barely larger than 150cc so the scooter can legally enter freeways. While I wouldn't want to make a habit of riding on freeways, in California there are many unfortunate instances where going through a controlled-access interchange is by far the easiest way to get somewhere.

Two models that look particularly interesting are Aprilia's Scarabeo 200 (http://www.apriliausa.com/en-US/Model/22643/SCARABEO+200/Overview.aspx) and SYM's HD200 (http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm). The Honda SH150i (http://powersports.honda.com/2010/sh150i.aspx) seems even cooler than these two (fuel injection!), but it's significantly more expensive, so I doubt I'd buy one unless I found a great deal on a used one. I'm looking forward to doing some test-riding when I get home, assuming I'm still excited about scooters by then.

One ironic quirk is that my California driver's license allows me to ride scooters in Spain, but not in California. As I understand it, scooters are regulated as motorcycles in CA, and thus require a motorcycle license. It's pretty easy to get a learner's permit, though, and I could see myself going through with getting a full license if I get serious about buying a scooter. The main requirement for a motorcycle license is taking a motorcycle safety class, which is probably a good idea for anyone riding something with two wheels and an engine.

I love my Scoot. It's the Honda SH150I. I get close to 100 mpg, and I can't count the smiles. Whatever you choose, make sure it has larger wheels. That gives it stability.

You may want to look at the Honda PCX125. It should be in showrooms anyday now. It has good storage, and an 125cc fuel injected motor. 14 inch wheels, and best of all, it's retail is $3300. That's a pretty good deal.

http://powersports.honda.com/2011/pcx.aspx

Thanks for the suggestion. The PCX125 does look really nice. As I mentioned, I think it would be nice to get something 150cc or just over because of the regulations in California, but I don't think displacement is going to be a dealbreaker for me. Other than that, it looks perfect.

I'm envious of your SH150i. I keep seeing them in Europe, and they *always* get me to turn my head before I even realize which model I'm looking at. How did you end up picking a SH150i vs. a cheaper scooter in the same class? Do you love the look, like I do, did you want fuel injection, or was it about how it feels to ride?

It rides just like a motorcycle due to it's 16" wheels. The nice part is is that it doesn't have a clutch and that makes it a dream to ride. This may be heresy on this site, but I usually ride wearing flip flops and you can't do that when you have to shift gears. The power is incredible and if I want to be the fastest thing around town, I can be. My other bike, a Yamaha 125 Vino isn't nearly as fast. (actually, it's my wife's)

My only gripes are that the turn signals are too quiet and there is very limited storage. I thing the PCX125 has a lot more. I built a turn signal noisemaker and put it in myself.

I did want fuel injection and liquid cooling. The emmisions are a lot cleaner than the Vino's.

As far as the price. Everybody is different, but I figured that I was going to spend a lot of time on this bike (4000 mile this year) and an extra $800 was worth it to me.

Hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Scooters are amazing and I remember feeling the same way after riding my first one! It handles really well and when I rode my first one I had never been on a motorcycle or anything so I was pretty nervous. Luckily, it is one of the best things to drive around are populated areas like the area in Barcelona you were in.

My first ride was in the Florida Keys riding along the boardwalk and it was such a great experience that every time I get on my scooter at home in the Midwest now, it makes me feel like I'm on the Florida beaches!

Lobanw, what kind of scooter do you have, and what kinda mileage can you get?

I had motorcycles with turn signal noisemakers. I disabled them.

I would love to have a scooter. I know I would "miss" shifting and engine braking , but for my commute or even for long pleasure rides ( remember those ?) a Honda PCX would be perfect for me.

Edwin, you would not miss engine braking. The cvt trans is like a drag chute when you throttle back.

Edwin, you would not miss engine braking. The cvt trans is like a drag chute when you throttle back.

Agreed, and you can't FAS until the clutch disengages at about 10-15 mph.

I'm looking at the Burgman 400 scooter. I need the higher speeds.

You can’t go wrong with the Bergman or the Yamaha Majesty. Both will have all the power you need (ever), a nice windshield that makes riding a lot more comfortable, a seat that is Barcalounger like for the rider and the passenger, and lots of room, as in small pizza, under the seat. Expect 55 - 60 mpgs. Consider a headlight modulator.