So, you want to save money, enjoy a faster commute or just buy into that cool Italian vibe? Well, first things first – decide what model of scooter you’re interested in owning. Once you’ve done some research and decided on the best scooter for your needs, here are some things to bear in mind when you start your search:
What will you be using it for?
Deciding why you want to purchase a used scooter is the first step in the process and will help to narrow down your search, making it easier to find exactly what you need. Is it purely for pleasure as a weekend run around, to make the daily commute cheaper and easier or will it be used for work purposes such as delivery or courier services?
Always see the scooter in person
Buying online certainly gives you greater choice but photos are not the best judge of a scooter’s real condition. Not only do some sites reduce the quality of displayed photos making it harder to see in fine detail, but photos can always be angled in such a way as to hide faults. Remember that any signs of neglect on the exterior are highly indicative of interior neglect also. View the scooter in daylight and ideally, in dry conditions.
Questions to ask
Ask loads of questions about its history, any modifications and always complete a hands-on inspection – twisting the throttle, moving switches, popping the seat etc. Ask how many miles are on components like spark plugs, roller weights and drive belts. Does the seller seem knowledgeable or vague about how the scooter runs and maintenance history? If the engine feels hot, find out why the seller just fired it up. Could it be an attempt to disguise idling issues or difficult cold starts?
Test Drive
You wouldn’t buy a house just from seeing it from the outside, you’d want to get a feel for it. The same goes for vehicles. Leave your ID or keys with the seller and take the scooter out for a spin. You’ll want to know how it handles, what the performance feels like and whether there are any signs of issues like pulling to one side or back end wobbles on turning. Most scooter issues are easily fixed but any scooter service and repairs will leave you out of pocket so it’s important this is reflected in the price.
The price is right
It’s easy to get carried away if everything looks good or even if there’s work to be done. If you’re unsure about any aspect, then be sure the price reflects that uncertainty. Before seeing a scooter, always do a little research on what the current average price is for the model you’re viewing. Remember that prices can vary yearly, by region and are affected by the current availability of particular models on the market. The older the model, the more leeway you want to give yourself financially for those inevitable surprises that will need fixing at a scooter repairs garage.