Looking for a 50 cc scooter... (buying, road, cars, 2008)

[evilnewbie]

I am looking for a 50 cc scooter but I am not sure which one to get... I am 210 lbs but I am looking just to get back and forth every day from a place that is 1.2 miles away... I want enough "pep" with it... is there a way to make it go faster than 35 mph? That seems a little low...

[Pilgrim21784]

Take a look at the SYM Mio 50, its one of the higher end brands in the 50cc market. I have one, I'm 170 lbs. and it has decent get up and go. The speed is artificially limited to 35 to meet some state(s) requirements. In my state (Maryland), 35 is the max speed allowed for an unlicensed scooter. Maryland also prohibits you from traveling on any 50+ MPH road, so its basically back roads/low speed areas. You can easily modify it to get more speed but don't get caught --- the fines are pretty stiff, at least in Maryland. I've heard of guys doing mods for 50+mph but it kind of defeats the purpose. If you need more speed, go bigger. At 35 mph, a 1.2 mile run takes just over 2 minutes. If the roads you're traveling are 50 or below (and with decent sides to run on allowing cars to pass you safely, the Mio might work for you. Definitely test drive any one to be sure you like the ergonomics. Be careful of buying an "el cheapo" no name unit, there are a lot of junk 50s out there. My new Mio was over two grand in 2008, you get what you pay for -- the depreciation curve is pretty steep so a solid used unit would be your best deal. Stay with an established and respected brand. JMO