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What are Scooters?

The classic scooter design features a step-through frame and a flat floorboard for the rider's feet. This design is possible because the scooter engine and the drive system transferring power to the rear wheel is attached to the rear axle or under the seat. Unlike a motorcycle, in which the engine is mounted on the frame, this front-hinged arrangement allows the engine to swing vertically together with the rear wheel. Most vintage scooters and some newer retro models have axle-mounted engines with a manual transmission and the gear shift and clutch controls built into the left handlebar. Most newer scooters use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Unlike most motorcycles, scooters usually feature bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanicals. There is often some integral storage space, either under the seat, built into the front leg shield, or both. Most modern motor scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37.5 cm) in diameter, although maxi- and big-wheel scooters may have larger wheels. Most scooters have smaller engines than motorcycles, 50 cc to 400 cc with a single cylinder, although larger models have twin cylinder 400 to 800 cc. motors.

Most jurisdictions have no legal definition for scooters, and instead classify scooters with engines smaller than 50 cc as mopeds, and subject them to lower safety restrictions and licensing fees. Scooters above 50 cc are usually legally considered motorcycles, although some jurisdictions have an in-between definition for motorized bike for scooters and motorcycles between 50 and 150 cc.

Until recently, most modern motor scooters came with air-cooled two-stroke cycle engines with automatic two-stroke oil injection although some of the higher spec small ones and large ones are water cooled, such as the Honda FC50, the 2002 Yamaha YQ50. Scooters increasingly have four-stroke engines, such as Honda GY6, to meet stricter emissions controls. Trends around the world have seen new variations on the classic scooter, some with larger engines and tires. High-end scooter models now include comprehensive technological features, including cast aluminum frames, engines with integral counter-balancing, and cross-linked brake systems. Some of these scooters have comfort features such as an alarm, start button, radio, windshield, heated hand grips and full instrumentation (including clock or outside temperature gauge).

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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Scooters"