There are many questions you will want to consider before you head right out to look at cheap scooters.

Perhaps the most important thing is to define just what you mean by cheap. Scooters can cost anywhere from under $2,000 to over $8,000. And compared with autos and SUVs, those prices are inexpensive for sure.

But you really want to be certain that you get what you want when you buy your scooter.

Here are some questions you’ll want to answer for yourself as you look for the best cheap scooters:

What can you afford to spend?

  • The answer to this will help to limit your search. But don’t make cost the only factor you consider. If you buy an inadequate scooter, or a piece of junk scooter (yes, this can happen), then any amount you spend is too much.
  • Don’t forget to include the cost of helmet, gloves, rain gear, and any accessories for your new scooter when you get ready to start checking out your scooter options.

How will you use your scooter?

  • Do you plan to ride yourself, or will you also want to take a passenger?
  • Are you planning to use your scooter for trips to work and back, or for explorations into the countryside? Or both?
  • Are you wanting to do grocery shopping with your scooter? Do you have a big computer bag to lug to work and back?

Roads most traveled?

  • What is the maximum speed limit of the roads you plan to travel? You will need to get a scooter that can keep up with traffic, to avoid being the lead vehicle in an angry mob of SUV drivers forced to follow you at 20 mph below the speed limit.
  • Are the roads paved or gravel? One or two lane? Steep uphill and downhills? Crazy curves with steep dropoffs?

How good are you with motors? Do you love to tinker?

  • If an afternoon spent with your head and hands inside an engine is your idea of a great day, then you can afford to take a bit more risk with a perhaps less reliable scoot. Any time you are looking at really cheap scooters, you are probably looking at scooters from China or a used scooter. Both can lead to more breakdowns and stuff (both big and little stuff) going wrong.
  • If you don’t love to mess with motors, or can’t afford to have yours in the shop, get a reliable scooter.

Are you kinda short or really tall?

  • You’ll want to make a list of the possible cheap scooters you are thinking of buying, and then test them out if possible. Each design is unique, and if you have really long legs, you won’t want a scooter that puts your knees directly under your chin.
  • If you are looking at more than a short daily commute on your new scooter, then you’ll really want to look for comfort factors.

Are you OK with getting a motorcycle endorsement to ride your scooter?

  • The larger and faster the scooter, the more likely you’ll have to get an actual endorsement on your drivers license to ride.
  • Check your state’s rules and regs to make sure, but generally, scooters that go faster than 30 mph or have an engine that is more than two horsepower require an endorsement.

And the always important question - do you like how it looks?

  • You’ll want to enjoy riding your scooter, and that includes liking its styling, color, features…

We’ll look at more questions and info later, but if you can answer these questions, you have a good start in finding your very best cheap scooter.

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