Once pigeonholed as two-wheeled transport for the dolce vita set, scooters are enjoying a renaissance thanks to spiraling fuel costs and recession-friendly prices. The new breed of scooters can be fuel-efficient commuters and even peg-scraping canyon carvers.
By Basem Wasef
Stylish Hot Rod
Vespa GTS 300 Super
Price: $6199
Vespa's basic scooter design has barely changed for the better part of seven decades, but beneath the GTS 300 Super's familiar exterior lurks a gutsy 278-cc single that can propel it to 80 mph. Although it sports an elegant Italian silhouette, torquey thrust makes this a surprisingly entertaining urban sled. And while this Vespa's a relative gas guzzler in a segment where triple-digit fuel-economy numbers aren't uncommon, the GTS 300 Super's estimated fuel economy of 65 to 70 mpg still makes it a Prius beater for the price of a used Civic.
Price: $6199
Vespa's basic scooter design has barely changed for the better part of seven decades, but beneath the GTS 300 Super's familiar exterior lurks a gutsy 278-cc single that can propel it to 80 mph. Although it sports an elegant Italian silhouette, torquey thrust makes this a surprisingly entertaining urban sled. And while this Vespa's a relative gas guzzler in a segment where triple-digit fuel-economy numbers aren't uncommon, the GTS 300 Super's estimated fuel economy of 65 to 70 mpg still makes it a Prius beater for the price of a used Civic.
Shoestring Runabout
Yamaha Zuma 50F
Price: $2540
Yamaha has sold more than 79,000 Zuma scooters since 1989, and this lithe ride receives a series of 21st-century upgrades for 2012. The smoky two-stroke engine has been ditched for a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 49-cc four-stroke. Fuel economy is claimed to be an exceptional 132 mpg, though the Yamaha also takes a while to creep to its top speed of around 40 mph. At least there's a handy cup holder for the parched, and an available Garmin nav system that displays local speed limits—not that you'll need to worry about those.
Price: $2540
Yamaha has sold more than 79,000 Zuma scooters since 1989, and this lithe ride receives a series of 21st-century upgrades for 2012. The smoky two-stroke engine has been ditched for a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 49-cc four-stroke. Fuel economy is claimed to be an exceptional 132 mpg, though the Yamaha also takes a while to creep to its top speed of around 40 mph. At least there's a handy cup holder for the parched, and an available Garmin nav system that displays local speed limits—not that you'll need to worry about those.
price (10,000
BMW's first foray into the U.S. scooter market is a bold one. When the all-new C 600 Sport and C 650 GT reach American shores this fall, they'll introduce a Teutonic distraction in a realm typically dominated by Japanese brands. Although both models are powered by a 647-cc twin-cylinder mill that produces a potent 60 hp bundled with standard ABS, the GT's bigger and lower saddle is more accommodating for all-day rides. With its floorboards, adjustable passenger backrest, and electrically adjustable windscreen, the GT is a viable alternative to smaller-engined touring motorcycles.
BMW's first foray into the U.S. scooter market is a bold one. When the all-new C 600 Sport and C 650 GT reach American shores this fall, they'll introduce a Teutonic distraction in a realm typically dominated by Japanese brands. Although both models are powered by a 647-cc twin-cylinder mill that produces a potent 60 hp bundled with standard ABS, the GT's bigger and lower saddle is more accommodating for all-day rides. With its floorboards, adjustable passenger backrest, and electrically adjustable windscreen, the GT is a viable alternative to smaller-engined touring motorcycles.
Smooth Operator
Honda PCX
Price: $3399
If 50 ccs are too wimpy and 150 ccs too much, Honda's 125-cc PCX is the solution. Big, 14-inch wheels reduce the twitchy handling inherent in scooters, and linked rear-to-front brakes make quick stops an easy task. Taller riders may find the PCX's proportions a bit tight, but there's plenty of space for storage—a large underseat area swallows full-face helmets whole. Its gas tank holds only 1.6 gallons, but an estimated fuel-economy rating of 110 mpg should keep the fill-ups infrequent.
Price: $3399
If 50 ccs are too wimpy and 150 ccs too much, Honda's 125-cc PCX is the solution. Big, 14-inch wheels reduce the twitchy handling inherent in scooters, and linked rear-to-front brakes make quick stops an easy task. Taller riders may find the PCX's proportions a bit tight, but there's plenty of space for storage—a large underseat area swallows full-face helmets whole. Its gas tank holds only 1.6 gallons, but an estimated fuel-economy rating of 110 mpg should keep the fill-ups infrequent.
EV with App Appeal
Evolve Helium
Price: $2900
Brooklyn-based Evolve Motorcycles scored Internet buzz with its battery-powered Tron Light Cycle replica, but that $55,000 ride is miles away from the company's bread-and-butter offerings. The Helium is the most affordable of the EV scooter lineup, and its LiFe PO4 battery yields a 40-mph top speed and 45 miles of range. Crave more distance? A $1500 model upgrade boosts that figure to roughly 110 miles. The Helium's styling might be textbook internal combustion (and a bit on the bland side), but a smartphone app with GPS and a charging-station locator gives this pint-size ride a futuristic twist.
Price: $2900
Brooklyn-based Evolve Motorcycles scored Internet buzz with its battery-powered Tron Light Cycle replica, but that $55,000 ride is miles away from the company's bread-and-butter offerings. The Helium is the most affordable of the EV scooter lineup, and its LiFe PO4 battery yields a 40-mph top speed and 45 miles of range. Crave more distance? A $1500 model upgrade boosts that figure to roughly 110 miles. The Helium's styling might be textbook internal combustion (and a bit on the bland side), but a smartphone app with GPS and a charging-station locator gives this pint-size ride a futuristic twist.
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