Motorized scooters, motor scooters, and gear and accessories affiliated with these vehicles are the focus of this part of our guide.
Motorized scooters essentially evolved from the kick scooters. They feature a narrow floorboard, T-bar handle, small wheels (4"-10"), and a modest engine or electric hub motor (250 W-1 kW). They are typically intended for short hops, last-mile commutes, or leisure rides in parks. Examples include the Segway Ninebot Max G3, the NIU KQi Air, and the NIU KQi3 Pro.
Motor scooters are traditional two-wheelers with a step-through chassis, a larger floorboard, substantial seats (often for a rider plus a passenger), and engines ranging from 50 cc to 400 cc, or the equivalent electric output. They are built for both urban commuting and longer suburban errands, blending comfort with moderate performance. Examples include the Vespa Primavera 150, the Yamaha YMAX 300, and the Honda SH125i.
Key distinctions are that motorized scooters emphasize portability and minimalism, while motor scooters prioritize rider comfort, storage capacity, and sustained speeds.
A motorized scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by either a small internal combustion engine or, far more often, an electric hub motor in its front and/or rear wheel. They are generally designed with a large center deck on which the rider stands. Recently, electric kick scooters (e-scooters) have gained popularity with the introduction of scooter-sharing systems that utilize mobile applications to allow users to rent them by the minute. Such systems were initially found in the United States and Queensland, Australia, but are now available in major cities and throughout the Western world.
The ten most popular manufacturers of motorized scooters include Xiaomi, Segway Ninebot, GoTrax, Razor, Swagtron, Minimotors (Dualtron), Kaabo, Inokim, Apollo, and Unagi.
A motor scooter is a motorcycle with a step-through frame, a seat, a transmission that shifts without the operator having to operate a clutch lever, a platform for their feet, and a method of operation that emphasizes comfort and fuel economy. The popularity of motor scooters dates from the period following World War II. The Vespa was introduced in 1946, and the Lambretta followed in 1947.
The ten most popular manufacturers of motor scooters are Honda, Yamaha, Vespa (Piaggio Group), Suzuki, Kymco, SYM (Sanyang Motor), Genuine Scooter Company, BMW Motorrad, Lance Powersports, and Aprilia (Piaggio Group).
Gear and accessories relating to motorized scooters and motor scooters include helmets (full-face, modular, or open-face/jet), eye protection (tinted visors, goggles, or sunglasses), windshields and fairings, phone and GPS mounts, locks and alarms, and maintenance kits, mini-compressors, and chain lube.
Both motorized and motor scooters have carved out a significant niche in mobility and transportation systems worldwide. They champion efficiency, ease of use, and accessibility, supporting an accessory market to ensure safety, personalization, and convenience for various riding styles.
The future can be expected to include advances in battery technology, greater use of lightweight composites, integrated connectivity, and tighter regulatory frameworks. Shared scooter fleets can be expected to evolve alongside private ownership.
Recommended Resources
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with a U.S. office in Bedford, New Hampshire, Apollo is a leading North American direct-to-consumer e-scooter brand that designs and builds everything in-house (powertrain, suspension, lighting, and app integration), then sells its products directly from its website. Its lineup spans nimble commuters to high-power performance machines. Key models include its Apollo City, Apollo Go, Apollo Pro, and Apollo Air, which are featured here.
https://apolloscooters.co/
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer in Noale, Italy. Founded in 1945, the company entered the scooter market in the 1990s and was acquired by Piaggio in 2004. Its signature models include the SR 50 (49 cc two-stroke), the SR Motard 50 (49 cc two-stroke), and the Scarabeo 150 (150 cc four-stroke). Its SR series emphasizes peak response and lightweight handling, while the Scarabeo offers a more relaxed riding position and storage space. Brochures may be downloaded.
https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/
Genuine is a Chicago-based manufacturer of motor scooters, notably the Stella and Buddy models, which are marketed through a network of dealers in the United States. Founded in 2002 as an extension of Scooterworks USA, a vintage scooter business that sold vintage Vespa and Lambretta scooters through a mail-order catalog, which also features scooter parts and accessories. The company also offers motorcycles and e-bikes. Dealer and finance information is provided.
https://www.genuinescooters.com/
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dallas, GOTRAX designs and sells electric scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards, go-karts, and kids' rides. Several retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart) carry their products, but they can also be purchased directly from the website. Direct-to-consumer perks include free shipping, a 1-2-year warranty on adult e-scooters, and a 14-day return window, parts excluded. Photos, descriptions, technical specifications, and reviews are provided.
https://gotrax.com/collections/electric-scooters
Hiboy is a personal electric vehicle brand known for its affordable, user-friendly e-scooters and e-bikes. Its product line spans adult commuters, kids' rides, and fat-tire e-bikes designed for mixed surfaces. Its flagship scooters include the S2 Max and the S2 Pro. Its products may be purchased through the official website, with flash deals and free shipping, or through Amazon, Best Buy, or other retailers carrying Hiboy products. Dealers may be found through the site.
https://www.hiboy.com/
Honda Motor Company is a Japanese multinational conglomerate automotive manufacturer. Founded in 1946, Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959. It also produces scooters, including the Metropolitan (49 cc), Ruckus (49 cc), PCX (157 cc), and ADV160 (157 cc), each of which are highlighted on its website. For each, the engine, drivetrain, chassi, suspension, and brakes are featured, along with dimensions, specifications, and other details.
https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/scooter
Inokim is a leader in high-end electric scooters for adults, blending sleek, iconic design with robust performance. Its lineup, from the ultra-portable Light 2 to the long-range OX, caters to both urban commuters and weekend explorers. Each model ships with a complimentary one-year warranty in the lower 48 states of the U.S. and comes backed by in-house support. Its key features, design, and safety features are highlighted, and each of its models is highlighted on the site.
https://inokim.com/
Kaabo is a top-tier electric scooter manufacturer that designs both agile commuter and high-performance machines. Its compact commuter models include the Mantis line and its Skywalker series, while its high-performance line is dominated by its Wolf series. Each of its models is highlighted, including descriptions, specifications, sizes, and reviews. Purchases can be made directly on the website, which includes information about dealers, affiliates, service centers, and contacts.
https://www.kaabo.com/
Kwang Yang Motor Company (KYMCO) is a Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with production facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and PR China. Founded in 1946, the company originally made parts for Honda, built its first complete scooter in 1970, and began marketing under the KYMCO brand in 1992. In the 2000s, it became the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan and the fifth-largest scooter manufacturer worldwide.
https://kymcousa.com/
In business since 2004, Lance Powersports has partnered with SYM since 2009 to bring a distinctive lineup of retro-styled scooters, like the Cali Classic, Cabo, PCH, and Havana Classic, to dealers across the United States. Since introducing a full scooter range in 2005, Lance has been recognized by both dealers and riders for its customer support and excellent price-to-feature ratios. Its key models and specifications are featured on the site, along with descriptions and owner resources.
https://www.lancepowersports.com/
Founded in 2000, Razor revolutionized urban micromobility with its first kick scooter, which was light, foldable, and built to last. Today, the company's catalog includes stunt scooters, electric rides, and hoverboards. Its electric-powered rides include the E200 Electric Scooter, featuring a twist-grip throttle, a chain-driven 200 W motor, a 12 mph top speed, a 40-minute ride time, and a 24 V SLA battery. Beyond its E200, its models include the E300 (up to 15 mph) and the Pocket Mod series.
https://razor.com/
Scooter Stop is an online dealer founded in 2012 that sells gas- and electric-powered scooters and delivers them 100% assembled, fully fueled, and road-tested anywhere in the United States. The company offers new and used scooters in engine sizes ranging from 50 cc to 550 cc, as well as various styles (folding, sit-down, and stand-up). It also has a rental and a buy-back program in which it purchases new, old-stock, and used scooters, and offers servicing and repairs.
https://scooter-stop.com/
Besides its signature two-wheeled self-balancing personal device, Segway, which the company no longer manufactures, Segway (now owned by Ninebot), produces a similar device, the Segway Ninebot S2, along with GoKarts, E-Bikes, several models of eKickScooters, Kids Scooters, power stations, solar panels, parts, and accessories. Photos, descriptions, options, prices, and customer reviews and ratings are featured for each item, and purchases may be made online.
https://store.segway.com/
Suzuki Motor Company is a Japanese multinational mobility manufacturr of automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs, and other small internal combustion engines. It also produces scooters, from city commuters up to big-engine maxi-scooters. Each of its models are highlighted on the company's official scooter portal, along with specifications, dealer locators, and demo video tours. Parts and accessories are also available.
https://suzukicycles.com/scooter
SYM USA is the American arm of Taiwan's Sanyang Motor Company, distributed exclusively by Alliance Powersports since 2011. Its current scooter lineup includes the Citycom S 300i, Jet 14 200i, Fiddle IV 200i, and Mio 50. The company strives to keep specifications, colors, and equipment up-to-date, although changes may occur without notice. Its website features a dealer locator, a parts and accessories store, an owners' gallery, downloadable owner manuals, and warranty and dealer information.
https://sym-usa.com/
Founded by David Hyman in 2018, Unagi is headquartered in California. Its flagship models include Model One and the Voyager. Model One is available in single-motor (350 W) and dual-motor (2 x 250 W) configurations, featuring lightweight magnesium alloy frames and one-click folding, designed for portability without sacrificing performance. The Voyager emphasizes extended range and power while maintaining Unagi's clean lines. Its products are compared with the three primary rental options.
https://unagiscooters.com/
Vespa is an Italian brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio. The Vespa evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio and Company, and now offers a full line of scooters. From its inception, Vespa scooters have been known for a painted, pressed steel body which combines, in a unified structure, a full cowling enclosure around the engine concealing dirt or grease, a flat floor panel protecting the feet, and a prominent front to divert wind and rain.
https://storeusa.vespa.com/
Wocomotors is a one-stop online shop specializing in electric scooters, replacement parts, and accessories that enhance your ride. Its platform caters to both individual commuters and businesses seeking eco-friendly urban mobility solutions. Its electric scooters include a range of high-performance scooters designed for effortless city travel and reduced carbon emissions. Purchases made from the site include featured deals. Affiliate programs, a blog, and contacts are provided.
https://www.wocomotors.com/
Yamaha Motor Company is a Japanese manufacturer of mobility products, including motorcycles, motorboats, outboard motors, and scooters. Its scooter lineup includes the Zuma 125, a 125 cc street-legal scooter with a 245 mm front disc, 230 mm rear disc and Unified Braking System for balanced stopping power, as well as the ZMAX 300, a true maxiscooter with a 292 cc liquid-cooled engine, ABS, LED lighting, and under-seat storage. Dealers are available through the site.
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/scooter
