I live in a town where it doesn't rain very much and it snows about a couple of inches every year. I'm thinking about getting a motor scooter because it would save me a lot of money. I'm looking at getting a Honda Ruckus. My question is how bad does the weather have to get before I can't ride it anymore? I don't mind the elements too much, just I don't want to ride when I am in serious danger.

You will definitely save money on fuel and wear-and-tear on your car. Insuring a scooter is generally fairly inexpensive as well, and the operating costs if you do your own maintenance are inexpensive too. In the 2,400 miles I've put on my Vino 125 I've spent about $80 on fuel and $20 on oil (the transmission oil was expensive, but the bottle will last me another 10,000 miles).

You can often save money by taking the Basic Rider Course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. In many states, successfully passing the course will also let you waive a skills test for a Motorcycle License from your DMV, but check with them. Your Ruckus probably will only require you have a standard driver's license, but regardless of that, you face the SAME dangers EVERY motorcyclist faces on the road.

Your riding time is limited only by your assessment of your riding skills and risk.

Most people would not ride any two wheeled vehicle when there is obvious snow or ice on the road. I would also avoid riding when it's near freezing temperatures, or when there's a lot of salt on the road - you're not going to want your scoot to get that gunk on it

Most people will also avoid riding in rain, though I don't mind it as long as it's not a driving rain and the winds are decent. I would also avoid riding if there is lightning in the area.

Many people also do not like riding in the wind. A scooter is a light vehicle and does blow around quite a bit. I've rode my Yamaha Vino 125 in gusts of 30MPH and it's an interesting experience to say the least, however, as you get used to it you will become more comfortable.

It will get cold to ride on the scooter much below 65 degrees - assume you're going 30 miles per hour, that's like having a 30mph wind and associated wind chill on you.

If you're going to do all-weather riding, invest in the following:

A) Good Waterproof all-weather motorcycle jacket or a Rain Jacket to put on top of your normal jacket if it's not waterproof.
B) Suitable Rain Pants
C) A full-face, 3/4, or modular helmet that can accept an anti-fog shield
D) Waterproof gloves for warmer weather
E) Waterproof gloves for cooler weather
F) Waterproof boots.
G) A neck gaiter or balaclava if you're going to ride much below 50 degrees.

When you look for gear, buy the best you can afford, and buy motorcycle-specific gear. I recommend the full-face, 3/4, or modular helmet because any amount of rain at speed will feel like someone is shooting nails at you!