To scoot, or not to scoot. That is the question

[Allentc2]

A coworker just got back from a trip out west in their Class C and as I'm inching ever closer to RV ownership, we were talking about what they'd learned from their trip. One topic that came up was secondary transportation.

I know some feel a toad is mandatory, especially with a Class A. Me, I really don't want to deal with towing another vehicle. I'd been looking at electric bikes, and my coworker brought up scooters.

Now I've got about a decade of motorcycling under my belt. I don't now, but when I did....I loved it. That said, I dismissed the idea of an actual motorcycle because even then there were times when my body did not want to throw a leg over the saddle. But a scooter....that's different. Inexpensive, can put it on a rack, simple, great mileage. Seems like a no brainer. I mean I'm just looking for something to do local exploring (no real traffic to compete with) and maybe run down to the shop n' rob to grab milk or something.

Thus far, two have grabbed my attention. The Honda Ruckus and a Yamaha Zuma 125. One dark horse....I know I said I wasn't really interested in a motorcycle but the Yamaha TW200 seems like a contender with a 31" seat height.

So all that narrative to ask.....what say ye? Any of you full-time with a scooter as your other ride?

[biggcrisp]

There are a lot of interesting scooters out there. I would look at the weight and get the lightest one out of the group you are thinking about.

If you have the time and money - Enjoy!

[Green D]

I use a Suzuki 400 Burgman carry it on a simple rack off the trailer hitch.
It has good weather protection, storage capacity under the seat plus i added a top box too. Will haul two people fast enough not to get you ran over going to get milk.
The Ruckus is nothing but a motor, frame and two wheels. No protection, carry capacity or speed.

[jimmy braden]

Used one of these for over 2 months in Maine https://www.amazon.com/UberScoot-EVO...ectric-Scooter

[Green D]

Here is a pic of mine and u can see the carrier on the back which will also flat tow a car.

I normally take my scoot and my car.
I am in the must have a toad group for sure.

[O-man]

No scoot, full size Harley Ultra Limited

[tcg]

I have a Bergman 200 on the back of my Class C. I'm about to unload because one of our fellow campers told us about an old general store famous for their ice cream about 25 miles away.

Some trips it never gets unloaded, some trips we just chill at the camp ground. It's nice to have.

Getting on and off is easy for the driver but a little more difficult for my wife. It is more comfortable than a motorcycle.

Go to a dealer and test ride one with a passenger.

It does take two people to load. One person can get it on the carrier but someone has to steady it while you get a couple tie downs on it.

[twinboat]

I just picked up a China made, 150 cc scooter, and carry rack for $650, off Craigs list.

Working out the tie downs and placement. Need to move the license plate.

[NYBobbo]

My View has a weight limit on the hitch, yours might be the same.


I chose the Honda PCX 150 with a weight of 300. I use a versa haul (long model) since the weight is further to the rear on this build. The rack w/ramp is 109lb. Still keeping me under the 500 lb. limit. I can and do load the bike by myself!



The PCX is a nice looking machine, street and highway legal with governed speed of 62 with 90mpg. It is a step through model so campgrounds that do not allow motorcycles let you in even though it is a motorcycle not a scooter. It's got great pickup and a solid feel as compared to Chinese scooters.


With that being said, I avoid highway driving with it and most often use service roads when needed. It has plenty of storage and a top box can be added. I use a backpack when I go shopping for extra room. My usual range is about a 30 mile radius, I've gone further but for me that seems about right. For longer rides I just close up my RV and use it.



Brand new the PCX goes for close to $3k. The rack I think was around $300 and is super solid.


I'd do the same setup again if given the chance.


The Ruckus is way to small with 50cc. putting you in the danger zone with not being able to keep up with other vehicles... same with the import scooters. The bergman is good but much bulkier and heavier and not as easy to maneuver as the PCX.


good luck with your search

[weredoingit]

The DW rode on the back of my ultra classic Harley for years and always told me how bad she wanted her own scooter. So one day we pulled into a Vespa dealer. We bought a 2008 Vespa 150 it had 2600 miles on it. that was about 2012 it has 2800 miles on it (Mostly from me) She has not rode it since 2012 She doesn't want to sell it. So I'm thinking of finding a way to bring it with us in our 5th wheel. Anyway don't forget about the Vespa's they really are a great machine. I'm 6'3" 275 I rode it to work one day My co-workers couldn't stop laughing they said I looked like Herman Munster on it.

[georgelesley]

One caution: lighter is better. The more weight you have hanging behind the rear axle, the lighter the steering will get.