What is a scooter?
The term "scooter" as commonly used in the newsgroup (NG) alt.scooter refers more properly to a
"motor scooter", which are a subclass of motorcycles utilizing a distinctive structural design. These
are generally two-wheeled vehicles originally based on motorized versions of children's push
scooters, although some three-wheeled scooters are considered to exist. Motor scooters (or simply
"scooters") have been around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two has
often been blurred. The most commonly accepted definition of scooters requires two-wheeled
vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified to have a rear axle) that have wheels between 8 and 14
inches in diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-thru frames and typically engines that are low
and close to the rear wheel [see The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1997), vol. 8, pg. 367].
However, it should be noted that this definition is not universally accepted, as some have argued
(Dregni & Dregni, for example) that scooters need only have 2 out of 3 of these attributes. Scooters
also often incorporate full bodywork, including leg shields and generally are designed to be easier to
operate than standard motorcycles. It should be noted that scooters may be of any engine size,
though historically they typically have ranged from 50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation
to possible top speed inherent in scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph.
Incidentally, the term "scooter" is also commonly used for "medical scooters", which are typically 3
or 4 wheeled vehicles for people with mobility problems, but are quite unlike "motor scooters".
There are also scooters with very small engines (under 40cc) commonly called "go-peds" (a
prominent brand), which look like motorized children's push scooters. However, they are not
covered by this FAQ because they have their own NG, alt.sport.go-ped and since they differ
significantly from the larger motor scooters commonly discussed on the "alt.scooter" NG. There is
also a popular German techno band named "Scooter" that sometimes leads to confusion as well,
especially when using search engines. [11/99]

How do scooters differ from mopeds?
It is a common mistake for people to confuse scooters and mopeds. In fact, many vehicles are
BOTH. By legal definition, a "moped" is any two-wheeled vehicle of any design which meets local
regulations that commonly relate to speed restriction. Commonly, mopeds may not exceed 30-
35mph and still legally be considered mopeds. Confusion reigns, however, because some localities
may require pedals, while others do not, and speed restrictions may vary from place to place.
Further, a common moped design has been large, motorcycle-type wheels on vehicles that can
commonly look very much like scooters, blurring the distinction. However, the term "moped" in any
locality will always refer first to any vehicle that meets local regulations to such vehicles, and
secondly to whatever designs people there may commonly associate with mopeds. Many speed-
restricted scooters are legally marketed as mopeds, sometimes even with pedals (in places that
require them). The overlap simply goes to body design with speed restrictions. It should be noted
that most mopeds can be modified to exceed designed speed, in which case they are no longer
legally mopeds, but motorcycles. If they have a scooter design, they will simply be faster scooters.

How do scooters differ from motorcycles?
By definition, motorcycles are nearly any two-wheeled, motorized vehicle. Therefore, scooters are
by definition simply a specific motorcycle design. This is why in most localities, there are no
regulations for scooters per se, and thus scooters fall either under moped regulations (assuming they
meet the proper requirements to do so) or by default, they are legally treated as motorcycles. There
are a few localities that have specific regulations for scooters, but as these are extremely uncommon
and follow no real pattern, they are not covered here. The reason that scooters are commonly not
treated as equals in motorcycle circles is simply because they generally are slower and not as
performance-oriented as their larger cousins. So technically, all scooters are motorcycles, though
usually only scooters that more closely resemble what are more commonly called motorcycles will
be referred to as such.

What are "classic" scooters?
The term "classic" scooter has been coined to differentiate the older, original scooter designs from
those that developed later on in the 80s and 90s. Piaggio has produced its Vespa scooters since 1946
and the design has been endlessly copied by other makers right up to the present day. Likewise,
other makers have copied Lambretta designs. There have also been a few innovative designs related
to neither, but the vast majority of "classic" scooters are variations of a Vespa or Lambretta. Those
that prefer this type will commonly point to the classic 50s and 60s styling, almost exclusive use of
metal bodywork, extensive use of manual shifting mechanisms, kickstarters, and typically older
scooters, though these designs are still produced all over the world. Contrary to popular belief, even
early Japanese scooter design followed the "classic" scheme, which is why 50s and 60s Japanese
scooters by Fuji, Mitsubishi, Honda and Yamaha are all commonly accepted in classic scootering
circles. Likewise, some "classic" scooters have automatic transmissions (e.g. Fuji Rabbit, Heinkel
Tourist) and electric starters (e.g. some Vespa and Lambretta models).

What are "modern" scooters?
Vespa and Lambretta scooters long dominated world markets and all those attempting to compete
typically copied their designs. This included early scooters produced in Japan. Because those
designs ultimately could not compete with Vespa and Lambretta, scooters were no longer produced
in Japan in the 70s. When the 80s dawned, Honda and Yamaha decided it was time again for them
to produce scooters, albeit with a different design concept. These new designs featured radical,
futuristic styling; plastic body panels to reduce costs; automatic shifting and many features not
commonly found on older Vespa and Lambretta scooters. These are now called "modern" scooters
to differentiate them from the older, "classic" designs. It should be noted that Piaggio produces both
the "classic" Vespa scooter line and a wildly popular "modern" scooter line as well. Because
"classic" scooters are still produced by several companies, the terms do not relate to date of
manufacture. It is typical of "modern" scooter design that the distinction between motorcycles and
scooters has been seriously blurred, though it still clearly remains.

What are "retro" scooters?
Because the classic Vespa and Lambretta designs have endured in popularity for so very long and
continue to sell well even today, there have been recent attempts to market essentially modern
scooters with classically styled frames. A recent well-known attempt would be Italjet with their
Velocifero that has been widely marketed all over the world, including the USA. Because the
Velocifero uses a metal body in a classic design, some also consider it a classic scooter, though
others aren't so sure. When Honda went to market it's Giorno, with a plastic body, it was seen as
naked attempt to copy the Vespa magic. Likewise, Yamaha has produced the Vino, which now also
comes in a "classic edition". Malaguti and other companies are now doing the same thing, though
the most brazen copy of the Vespa must be the Suzuki Verde, which even imitates the old classic
Vespa script nameplate. It will be only over time that scooterists will decide which (if any) of these
designs become accepted as true "classic" scooters. Given the constant advancement of scooter
designs, some even feel that eventually, the first modern scooters of the early 80s by Honda and
Yamaha will eventually be accepted as "classics". Only time will tell for certain. [5/00]

What are "chopper", "cut-down", "mod" and "rat" scooters?
Because most Lambretta scooters feature a tubular frame, it is very easy to make them look like
miniature Harley chopper motorcycles, and many scooterists have done this. These are called
"chopper" scooters. Since Vespa scooters are almost exclusively of unibody design, the only way to
make them look anything like choppers is to literally cut the body panels down to make the scooter
slimmer. When they stop there, these are called "cut-downs". If they then add extra long forks, they
can also become choppers. There is a good photo of a Lambretta chopper on the lambretta.com
website.

So-called "mod" scooters typically feature lots of chrome accessories, and lots of mirrors and lights.
While it's not essential, mod scooters are usually ridden by "mods" who have mimicked their styles
from the movie Quadrophenia. Finally, "rats" are simply very unattractive running scooters, either
because they have been crashed, had their paint stripped for restoration or simply never been
maintained. Many "rat" owners purposely parade these scooters to generate amusement. It is typical
of many scooter rallies that "choppers", "cut-downs", "mod" and "rat" scooters will get their own
award categories.

What are "two-strokes" and "four-strokes" and how do they differ?
There is a very important technical distinction between engine designs in the scooter world. "Two-
stroke" engines burn the gas and lubricating oil together as part of the combustion process, which
results in greater lower end torque, fewer moving parts and greater fuel efficiency. Unfortunately,
this also means they pollute more, as unburned oil fumes exit the exhaust system. This is why two-
strokes are being banned in many industrialized countries concerned with air quality. Virtually all
classic scooters are two-stroke. The oldest models require "pre-mixing", which is simply pouring
pre-measured oil into the gas tank when fueling. Newer models have eliminated this by adding oil
injection systems that mix the oil and gas automatically. Vespas built after about 1978 typically
have oil injection, but all Lambrettas are pre-mix only. There are some very good online illustrated
demonstrations of how two-stroke engines work.

"Four-stroke" engines are more closely related to car engines, in that they keep the lubrication and
fuel systems separate, which keeps emissions down considerably since there is no oil burned in the
combustion process, unlike with "two-stroke" engines. Most modern scooters utilize four-stroke
engines, though many modern scooters also use two-stroke engines, especially in 50cc models. One
major disadvantage of four-stroke engines is that they are prone to overheating when run at
maximum speed over several hours, leading to serious internal damage. Two-stroke engines do not
have this limitation. Either engine design may be either water or air-cooled, though most two-
strokes are air-cooled and most four-strokes are water-cooled. [5/00]

What are "maxi", "touring", "sport" and "performance" scooters?
In the late 80s, Honda came out with a revolutionary new scooter design with their introduction of
the 250cc Helix (also called Spazio, Fusion or CN250). This scooter was exceptionally large,
derisively called a "Barcalounger on wheels", but it seems to have filled a certain niche market and
now many models exist, from nearly all major scooter manufacturers. These have come to be
known as "maxi", "GT" or "touring" scooters, because they are designed for riding long distances in
comfort. The trade off is that they are bulky to handle at low speeds, like in town. As of July 1999,
the largest scooter made is now the 400cc Suzuki Burgman, which is known as the Sky Wave in
Japan. It is rumored that other manufacturers also plan 400cc maxi scooters.

The "sport" or "performance" scooter has been around since the 60s, when Innocenti and Piaggio
created several new Lambretta and Vespa models (respectively) designed specifically to fit the
needs of riders who wanted very high performance. Vespa came out with models like the GS and
SS, while Lambretta countered with the TV, SX and GP. This has accellerated in the late 80s and
into the 90s with ever faster designs that seem most practical on race tracks, but get ridden on
streets anyway. Probably the two most blatant examples as of July 1999 would be the Gilera Runner
180 (21hp and 85mph stock) and the Italjet Dragster (80mph after some modifications). Again, this
trend is represented by models from almost all major scooter manufacturers now.

 

If you actually read all of this, you officially know more about scooters than our entire gang.

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