The focus of this section of our guide is on motor scooters and motorized scooters, particularly the experience of riding them.
While both are referred to as "scooters," motor scooters and motorized scooters are not the same thing.
A "motor scooter" typically refers to a seated, step-through two-wheeled vehicle powered by a small internal-combustion engine or electric motor, with an engine size ranging from 50 cc up to 800 cc. On the other hand, a "motorized scooter," often referred to as an e-scooter, is a stand-up platform scooter powered by a hub motor (electric or gas) mounted in the front or rear wheel. Riders stand on a deck and steer via a collapsible handlebar.
They are both referred to as "scooters" because both designs feature low decks (foot rest platforms or standing decks), so mounting and dismounting require minimal leg lift. Both had narrow profiles, typically 8"-14" on motorized and 10"-16" on motor scooters, as well as upright ergonomics that facilitate curb-to-curb maneuvering. Most motor scooters employ a continuously variable transmission, while motorized scooters use electronically controlled motors; both eliminate the need for manual clutch and brake levers for shifting.
Motor scooters have a bench seat, often seating two, underpinned by a frame that integrates storage and fuel tank beneath and behind the rider. Motorized scooters are stand-only, folding for portability, and offer no integrated storage. Motor scooters are powered by internal combustion engines ranging from 50 to 800 cc or electric motors with a power output of 2-10 kW, reaching speeds of 30-70 mph and a range of 80-100 miles on fuel or battery. Motorized scooters utilize 250-500 W hub motors (either gas or brushless electric), achieving top speeds of 15-30 mph and ranges of 10-40 miles per charge. Frame motor scooters feature larger wheels (12"-16"), telescopic forks, front and rear shocks, and stamped-steel monocoque or tubular frames for enhanced stability at speed. Motorized scooters feature smaller wheels (8"-14"), minimal to no suspension, and lightweight aluminum decks.
Motor scooters utilize air- or liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke or brushless electric hub motors, a CVT (automated belt), and a centrifugal clutch. The chassis features a steel bodywork with an integrated under-seat fuel and battery compartment. They use hand-lever brakes (hydraulic or drum), a twist-grip throttle, a foot peg, or a floorboard. Motorized scooters feature a front/rear hub motor with an electronic speed controller. The structure consists of a folding stem, an aluminum deck, and minimal guard or fender. They use regen braking, plus a mechanical disk or drum brake on the wheel. A lithium-ion battery pack, handlebar-mounted throttle, and brake lever power them.
The first motorized scooter was the Autoped, patented by Arthur Hugo and Cecil Gibson in 1915. It featured a 155 cc front-wheel engine, fold-down steering column, and 10" tires. It reached 20-35 mph.
In Italy in 1946, Piaggio introduced the Vespa, a monocoque steel-body motor scooter with a 98 cc two-stroke engine, CVT, and enclosed mechanicals for ease of use. Also in Italy, Lambretta followed in 1947.
While both are scooters, the evolution and realities of motorized scooters and motor scooters dictate that the former is more closely related to the non-motorized kick scooter, while the latter has a closer affinity with motorcycles.
Early kick scooters swapped human power for a tiny electric or gas motor, and left everything else the same, including the folding stem, standing platform, and minimal suspension. Motor scooters, on the other hand, essentially borrowed the drivetrain and chassis engineering of motorycles (engines, transmissions, suspensions), and repackaged them in a step-through monocoque or tubular frame with a lower center of gravity, an automatic clutch, and a wider floorboard.
Motorized scooters top out around 15-25 mph, and can travel from 10-30 miles on a charge, while motor scooters, with 50-300 cc engines or 2-5 kW electric motors, hit 30-60 mph or higher, and can travel 50-100 miles on a charge or a tank of gas, which is more in line with entry-level motorcycles scaled down for urban use.
In most jurisdications, motorized scooters require no vehicle registration or only a minimal power cap. In contrast, motor scooters typically fall under the rules for mopeds or light motorcycles, requiring plates, registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license; some jurisdictions offer specialized motor scooter licenses. In some jurisdictions, motorized scooters can be ridden on sidewalks or bicycle lanes, while motor scooters are restricted to streets or roads.
Motorized scooters and motor scooters share a sense of simplicity, but they are not the same thing.
Recommended Resources
A community for small-displacement scooters (49-150 cc), the site includes a question-and-answer-style FAQ covering maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance tweaks, a tech library with how-to articles, tuning tips, upgrade guides, and build logs, as well as an acive discussion forum where members diagnose issues, show off custom builds, and parts tips. The site also includes free manuals for various models. Links to its videos on YouTube and to its discussion forum on Proboard are included.
https://49ccscoot.com/
CCOA is a national club for Cushman motor scooter enthusiasts, with an emphasis on the restoration and preservation of classic Cushman scooters. With an active membership across the United States and Canada, membership includes the club's quarterly magazine, a membership card, and a printed membership directory, along with complimentary listings for scooters for sale, parts, repair services, and Vanguard conversion specialists. Bylaws and contacts are included.
https://www.cushmanclubofamerica.com/
The ESG Forum is the official community forum operated by Electric Scooter Guide, where you can connect with fellow riders, swap tips, ask detailed maintenance or upgrade questions, and share ride reports. Included are general discussion areas, and areas to discuss daily commutes, local laws, battery range, riding styles, reviews and comparisons, do-it-yourself and repair topics, and a marketplace where members can buy, sell, or trade used scooters, parts, and aftermarket upgrades.
https://forum.electric-scooter.guide/
This is an independent review site that thoroughly tests scooter models using rigorous, data-driven methods. Each scooter is subjected to twenty-five performance tests, thirty design assessments, and two post-purchase considerations, all measured with precision data-collection tools and expert hands-on reviews. Its core features are its standardized testing protocols, comparative guides, buying and maintenance advice, and answers to real-world questions. Contacts are provided.
https://www.electricscooterinsider.com/
The Yamaha Majesty Scooter Forum is a long-standing online community where owners and enthusiasts of Yamaha's Majesty scooters exchange tips on performance modifications, maintenance, classified ads, and troubleshooting. Powered by the Fora platform, which includes software from XenForo, key sections include technical help and operation tips, modifications and performance, a buy and sell area, and general discussion area, with trip reports, riding gear reviews, and other subjects.
https://www.majestyusa.com/
Situated in Pontedera, near Pisa, the museum celebrates more than a century of Italian ingenuity through the iconic Vespa and other Piaggio Group brands. Housed in the former tooling workshop where Piaggio began industrial production in the 1920s, the museum opened in 2000 to preserve and showcase the company's engineering, design, and social impact on Italy and the world. Its highlights include more than 250 two-wheelers, exhibits on Piaggio's aviation adventures, and interactive storytelling.
https://www.museopiaggio.it/en
Powered by vBulletin, the online forum first appears in the Wayback Machine on January 30, 2013, indicating it has been online for over a decade. Its focus is on scooters, although there is an area for new member introductions and off-topic chat. Other topics include general scooter discussions, scooter media, member reviews, classifieds, performance, maintenance, and technical matters, as well as rally, ride, and club information. Membership is free, but required for participation.
https://www.scootdawg.net/
The Scooter Cannonball is a competitive, multi-day, point-to-point touring rally for street-legal vintage and modern scooters. Riders follow a prescribed route, punch checkpoints for points and penalties, and aim to finish within tight time windows rather than clock the fastest overall time. The event began in 2004 and is run every other year, challenging riders to tackle cross-country courses on machines usually seen buzzing around city blocks. Its history, schedules, and contacts are posted.
https://scootercannonball.com/
Featuring over a thousand independent scooter reviews, videos, and how-to guides for e-scooters, the website covers a wide range of electric scooter topics, from the latest scooter models to accessories, driving tips, laws, and helpful maintenance guides. Suggestions of the best electric scooters for riders, by usage, type, and cost, are featured, along with scooter reviews posted by members of the site's team, buying guides, maintenance guides, and contact data.
https://scooter.guide/
This is an independent scooter magazine produced in the UK for scooter enthusiasts. Launched in 2017, the publication features mainly classics, such as Vespas and Lambrettas, but also covers newer or rarer machines, including those from DKW, Ducati, IWL, Maico, Moto Rumi, Peugeot, Zündapp, and others. The magazine is published in print bi-monthly, so an annual subscription is for six editions. Payment options, archives, stocklists, events, and advertising options are featured.
https://scooternova.com/
The online scooter forum is powered by XenForo. Its topics include scooter-related news, general scooter discussions, scooter guides and projects, tuning questions and tips, visual modifications, photographs, videos, ads on scooters for sale or scooters wanted, scooter meet-ups or events, and links to other useful online scooter-related resources.. Off-topic forums include general chat, bike chat, and car chat. The forum is read-only for non-members. Terms and rules are stated.
https://www.scootershack.co.uk/
Billing itself as North America's only magazine written by and for active scooter riders, The Scooter Zine was launched in 2013. It includes in-depth rally and event reports from Amerivespa, High Rollers, and others, as well as rider spotlights and club profiles, first-person touring stories, gear and accessory reviews focused on scooterists, and a serialized "Scooter Cannonball" adventure in each issue. Content is published bimonthly, available in full-color print or digital editions.
https://thescooterzine.com/
Scootering is a British magazine published by the Morton's Media Group, covering classic scooters, primarily Vespa and Lambretta, the people who ride them, and products of interest to scooterists. Published since 1985, the magazine was sold to Morton's Media Group in 2003. Published monthly, readers can subscribe to print, digital, or print plus digital access. Additionally, single issues and back issues may be ordered. Site resources include event tickets, books, and special offers.
https://www.scootering.com/
Segway Forums is an independent enthusiast website and owners' club dedicated to the Segway and related personal electric vehicles. Operated by VerticalScope, all of its content (how-tos, ride reports, and upgrade guides) is 100% user-generated. Launched in 2020, the site includes active discussions on topics ranging from basic maintenance to custom builds and troubleshooting tips for old and new models. Powered by the Fora platform, its content is read-only to non-members.
https://www.segwayforums.com/
Associated with the Vespa World Club, the VCOA is a non-profit organization whose members are dedicated to riding Vespas, sharing an affinity for both vintage and modern Vespas. Membership includes members-only discounts with retailers, access to exclusive online content, savings on registration for Ameriivespa and Vintage Vespa Days events, 25-mile roadside assistance, a monthly newsletter, a collectible yearly member pin, and a membership card. Event schedules and contacts are provided.
https://www.vespaclubofamerica.com/
