Anyone who has rented a 49cc scooter while on vacation can vouch for how much fun these vehicles can be, but with today’s urban traffic problems and the high cost of gasoline, 49cc scooters are also a very practical choice.  Some motorcycle enthusiasts may scoff at the humble scooter, but the fact that scooters are a form of motorcycle can’t be denied. Indeed, early motorcycles featured some of the design characteristics that today define the scooter.

Scooters typically have a step-through frame design, where an unobstructed space occupies the area between the rider’s knees where the engine and fuel tank would be on a motorcycle, these items being relocated under the seat. Such a layout allows the rider to more easily mount and dismount and permits the wearing of clothes that may not be suitable when a rider swings their leg over a conventional motorcycle seat. It also gives a better degree of weather protection to the rider’s legs which, rather than sticking out to either side, are safely behind the front bodywork of the scooter.

The typical scooter drive-train also lends itself well to keeping the rider protected and clean. The engine and transmission are usually tucked away under the seat near the ground, and rather than a messy drive chain, the transmission and drive belt or gears are fully enclosed. The layout and rigidity of the transmission makes it perfectly suited for use as the swinging arm, thus saving weight. Smaller diameter wheels also help to minimize spray when the scooter is ridden in wet weather.

The controls of a scooter differ from those of the typical motorcycle in that they are very easy to use and are quickly mastered. Both front and rear brakes are actuated by levers on the handlebars, and forward motion controlled by a conventional twist-grip throttle. The use of a constantly variable transmission is what allows the small 49cc engine to keep up with city traffic by keeping the engine in its power-band while also eliminating the need for a clutch lever or gear shifter.

Those used to filling up a large car or SUV will marvel at the economy of a 49cc scooter; the saving in fuel costs alone can be more than enough to justify the initial outlay on a scooter with some averaging over 100 miles per gallon.

As well as saving money on fuel, riding a 49cc scooter can also save on insurance premiums and licensing costs. While all states differ in the licensing and registration requirements, those scooters below 50cc usually benefit in some way.

Here are some examples of 49cc scooters from several good manufacturers:

Aprilia SR50

Aprilia makes a number of high performance scooters. One of the most famous is the SR50 which has been one of the top-rated sports scooters of the last ten years. The bodywork of the SR50 is inspired by the aggressive styling of Aprilia’s RSV 1000 R superbike, and there are several paint options on the SR50 for race replica paint schemes.

The SR50 isn’t just for show though. The two-stroke engine is one of the most powerful in its class, and the handling and braking are also excellent. Scooters usually sacrifice some braking performance by fitting a drum rear brake, but the SR50 has stainless steel disks front and rear, with high performance opposing-piston calipers.  13” wheels front and rear with low-profile tires help give the SR50 great road-holding ability; no other scooter can boast 13″ wheels.

Vespa LX 50 4V

Vespa scooters are the epitome of Italian chic, the LX 50 4V is the smallest in their lineup with the signature Vespa style. The somewhat retro looks are combined with the best modern features like the powerful disk brake and an advanced engine.

The four-stroke single-cylinder engine of the LX50 is capable of pushing it up to 39mph, relatively high for a four-stroke of only 49cc, thanks in part to the overhead cam design. The price of higher performance is a decrease in fuel economy, with the LX 50 achieving 85-90mpg.

Lambretta UNO50

Lambretta are another Italian scooter manufacturer with many years experience making some of the classiest designs, and the Uno 50 is no exception. A 49cc scooter can sometimes have fewer features than scooters with larger engines; weight is the enemy of such a small engine. By fitting a more powerful 2-stroke engine, Lambretta have been able to include some features usually found on larger models.

Aside from the stunningly beautiful bodywork and distinctive vertically mounted twin headlamps, the Uno 50 has 12” alloy wheels fitted with performance Michelin Pilot tires, telescopic front forks with disk brake and adjustable hydraulic rear suspension for a smooth ride to match its looks.

Honda Ruckus

With their Ruckus scooter, Honda has cleverly tapped into what was once a fringe thing. Much like their larger sport-bike brethren, where accident damaged machines would have their bodywork stripped and twin headlights mounted to create a “street fighter” look, sporty scooters have increasingly had the same treatment at the hands of owners wanting to stand out from the crowd. The result of removing the bodywork is a more utilitarian machine with a more aggressive look.

Now, with the Honda Ruckus, such a scooter is available direct from a major manufacturer with all the cool looks but in a well engineered and safe package. With chunky tires and a bare-bones design, the Ruckus is about as off-road capable as a 49cc scooter is going to get, but what really stands out is the fuel efficiency of its liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine. At 113 mpg, and with a tank capacity of 1.3 gallons, the Ruckus keeps gas stops to a minimum.