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ScootersA scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through frame in which the rider sits without straddling any part of the engine. The classic scooter design features a step-thru frame and a flat floorboard for the rider's feet. This design is possible because the scooter engine is either attached to the rear axle or under the seat with a continuously variable transmission transferring power to the rear wheel. In contrast to a frame mounted motorcycle engine, this front-hinged arrangement allows the rear of the engine to swing vertically in conjunction with the motion of the rear wheel. Older Vespas, most vintage scooters, and some newer retro models have axle mounted engines with a manual transmission with the gear shift and clutch controls built into the left handlebar. A typical mid-1980s "twist and go" scooter.In contrast to most motorcycles, scooters generally feature bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanicals. There is often some integral storage space, either under the seat, built into the front leg shield, or both. Most modern motor scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles, between eight and 12 inches (20-28 cm) in diameter (though maxi- and big-wheel scooters may have larger wheels). Most scooters have smaller engines than motorcycles (between 30 cc and 250 cc with a single cylinder, though larger models have twin cylinder 400 to 650 cc. motors). Most jurisdictions have no legal definition for "scooter". In general, 50 cc and under scooters are classified in most states and countries as a moped and are subject to reduced safety restrictions and licensing fees. Scooters above 50 cc are generally legally considered motorcycles, though some states have an in-between definition for motorized bike for scooters and motorcycles between 50 and 150 cc. Until recently, most modern motor scooters came with air cooled two-stroke cycle engines with automatic two-stroke oil injection although some of the higher spec small ones and large ones are water cooled such as the Honda FC50|FC50 or the 2002 Yamaha YQ50s. Scooters increasingly have four-stroke engines to meet stricter emissions controls. Trends world-wide have seen new variations on the classic scooter. A common variation, the 'big-wheel' or commuter-style scooter features wheels as large as a motorcycle. Popular models of the commuter-style bike include the Aprilia Scarabeo models, the Piaggio Liberty/LT models, and the Taiwanese Kymco People models. High-end scooter models now include comprehensive technological features including cast aluminum frames, engines with integral counter-balancing, and cross-linked brake systems. Some of these modern high-end scooters also come with comfort features such as windshields, heated hand grips and full instrumentation (including clock or outside temperature gauge.) High-powered electric road scooters are on the horizon now that small electric motorcycles like the e-max and the eGO have been released. In an effort to reduce emissions, there are now LPG powered scooters that run on LPG rather than petrol or diesel. History Popularity In the last few years, new technology has emerged. Fuel-injected scooters are very efficient and durable. Aprilia released the SR Ditech in 2002. The fuel consumption of this direct injection scooter is one litre of fuel for 50 kilometres of driving (189 mpg). Later on, more brands, such as Derbi and Peugeot, started using direct injection systems for their scooters. Due to new environmental laws, scooters had to change because the Euro3 standard allows only four-stroke engines. Some scooter drivers don't agree this is a good solution because they are used to two-stroke motors. More recently China has become the largest manufacturer of scooters producing over 50% of the worlds supply according to the MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council). With lower prices and better quality control, China is now making scooters which meet strict United States DOT & EPA standards. Some manufacturers from China and Mexico like Ricardo Motors meet the very strict California Air Resources Board's CARB requirements. In the 2000s they have gained popularity in Latin America, specifically in Puerto Rico. Maxi-Scooters This trend toward larger, more powerful scooters with fully automatic transmissions is matched by an emerging trend in motorcycle design that foreshadows automatic transmission motorcycles with on-board storage. This is exemplified by Honda's redesign of their Silverwing motorcycle into a maxi scooter with an engine size of 650 cc. Scootering lifestyle In the UK, starting in the 1960s day members of youth subcultures such as the mods, skinheads and scooterboys have driven customized Vespas and Lambrettas, some adorned with many extra mirrors and chrome parts (and others cut down to the basics). The scootering scene has spread to other countries as far away as Australia, Japan, the United States and Canada. All around the world people continue to gather their vintage scooters at rallies which are held throughout the year. A calendar of scooter rallies can be found on the Scoot.net Calendar. External links |