I talk a lot about motorcycles on this website, but there’s another two-wheeled machine that deserves some love and that’s the scooter, specifically 50cc scooters.
Lots of motorcycle riders crap on 50cc scooters, but I actually like the things. They’re easy to ride, simple to maintain, and they get you from point A to point B without much fuss. Are they super cool? Not really, but you know what’s cool? Getting close to 100 mpg and having some killer storage space.
When it comes to urban commuting scooters can’t be beaten, and the 50cc scooters are the way to go in many urban environments. The engine is a perfect size for many applications. Here’s a look at the 10 best 50cc scooters out there and what makes them the best on sale today.
What Makes a Good 50cc Scooter?
There are plenty of things that make 50cc scooters good, but what attributes should you look for in a scooter if you’re thinking of buying one? First up, 50cc scooters should be reliable and efficient.
This likely means that you’ll be buying from a well-known and well-liked brand. Honda comes to mind first for me, but any of the big motorcycle and scooter manufacturers will do. Some of the machines from Honda may even qualify as cool scooters.
Once you’ve identified some top-quality brands, then you’ll need to look for things like top-quality features, including a strong and efficient engine, comfortable seat, hook for a bag of groceries, plenty of under-seat storage, and even a USB charging port in some cases.
Finally, you’ve got to look at the price. Make sure to find a 50cc scooter that fits your budget, and weigh the other options. Yes, Vespa makes some of the best scooters out there, but they’re often quite expensive. If you’re okay with that, then you can definitely buy a Vespa. However, if you need something that is more affordable, I’d turn to Honda, Genuine Scooter Company, Kymco, and some of the other brands listed below.
1. Honda Metropolitan
When it comes to good, cool scooters, Honda has you covered with the Metropolitan. This bike costs a mere $2,599, and it features retro styling and good features. It’s perfect for the city dweller who needs a quick and easy way to get around town but doesn’t want to break the bank or get anything that’s too large. The Metropolitan is the perfect urban commuter.
The little scooter has a V-Matic automatic transmission, Honda’s 49cc four-stroke fuel-injected engine that’s liquid-cooled, and 22 liters of under-seat storage. There’s also a convenience hook to hand a tote or bag, handy for groceries.
2. Honda Ruckus
The Honda Ruckus is the badass of the 50cc scooters from Honda. This little bike has a rugged tubular frame and tough good looks. The bike has a price tag of $2,899, so it’s a little more pricey than the Metropolitan, but not expensive by any means. The cool scooter is perfect for around town, cruising the campground or countryside, or everyplace in between. It’s a great all-around scooter with some serious attitude.
The scooter features a liquid-cooled four-stroke 49cc engine and an automatic transmission for simplicity. Add to that electric start (a kick starter is also included) and you have a simple machine that will get you from place to place.
3. Genuine Scooter Company Buddy 50
Looking for something from an American company? The Genuine Scooters Buddy 50 is a great choice. It takes that classic, cool scooter styling to new heights for only $2,049. Styled like a much more expensive European scooter, this little machine is another great option for the urbanite, someone who has a commute that’s just a little too far for a bicycle. It’s hip, fun, and affordable—the perfect combination.
The great thing about this scooter is that it has a two-stroke engine. Some folks don’t like the two-stroke, but it makes more power, which makes it better in my book. The engine is a 49cc air-cooled engine and it is mated to an automatic CVT transmission. The Buddy 50 also comes with a USB port to charge your mobile device.
4. Genuine Scooter Company Roughhouse 50
Borrowing some of its cool scooter visual cues from the Honda Ruckus, the Roughhouse 50 is a little more modern and rugged than the Buddy. It’s still an affordable ride, though at $2,049. The scooter brings a dual headlight setup and some more muscular styling to the mix. While it’s by no means a speed demon or an off-road beast, it’s suited for the rigors of the world and is a fantastic companion in the city.
The scooter gets the same air-cooled two-stroke engine as the Buddy. This 49cc engine is mated to an automatic CVT, and the scooter has a USB charging port so you can connect your phone.
5. Genuine Scooter Urbano 50i
The Urbano 50i takes on Vespa at its own game. This scooter is a great machine, but it’s not on the same level as Vespa’s machines. That said, it is considerably cheaper to buy at just $1,899.
The engine on the bike is similar to the others but with some notable changes. It’s an air-cooled four-stroke with a displacement of 49cc. The transmission is also a CVT. What sets this bike apart is the fact that it has European styling that’s modern and unique.
6. Vespa Primavera 50
The Vespa Primavera 50 is the Vespa scooter most people think of when they think of this venerable Italian brand. The scooter comes with a high price of $4,149, but then Vespas retain their value very well. This brand, owned by Piaggio, is one of the most coveted in the world. Vespas are luxury items, and they’re well-loved by almost everyone out there. This Primavera 50 scooter is no exception.
The Primavera 50 comes with a 49cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection. The engine is mated to a CVT transmission, and it is ready to roll all over town. The scooter is a premium machine and will catch some eyes no matter where you go.
7. Vespa Sprint 50
The Vespa Sprint 50 is another good option from the company. If you’re looking for a different shift on the Vespa styling, you should check out this scooter. The model has a $4,249 price tag. While there’s not much difference between the Primavera and the Sprint scooters, there are some noticeable stylistic differences, and to many, the changes there are worth the notable price hike.
The bike gets a fuel-injected 49cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The scooter’s engine is attached to a CVT transmission. If the Primavera isn’t your cup of Italian espresso, then maybe the Sprint 50 will be your choice.
8. Kymco Like 50i
The Kymco Like 50i scooter is another good option that features retro styling. This 50cc scooter is a well-equipped machine and it still manages to come with a $2,599. If you don’t want to pay Vespa prices, and Honda’s scooters don’t do it for you, then the Kymco Like 50i scooter is all for you.
The Like 50i features a fuel-injected 49cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine. It’s an air-cooled engine and is mated to a CVT. If you want something that rivals the Vespas in the looks department for less money, the Like 50i is a good option.
9. Kymco Agility 50
The Kymco Agility 50 is one of the most generic-looking scooters of all time. While it’s not much to look at, the Agility 50 has its merits and still manages to be a lot of scooter for the money. In fact, it’s one of the best cheapest 50cc scooters. The scooter comes with a price tag of only $1,799. At that price, there is little not to love about this simple and enjoyable machine.
The Agility 50 features a 49cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The bike doesn’t have fuel injection. Instead, it gets a carburetor, one of the ways Kymco keeps the price down. While it’s not an amazing machine, the Agility 50 is a really good 50cc scooter for the price.
10. SYM Mio 50
The SYM Mio 50 is a modern-looking scooter that is perfect for urban exploration and commuting. The SYM Mio 50 comes with a super reasonable price tag for what it is. The bike comes with a $1,999 price. That makes it one of the best cheapest 50cc scooters out there, and you still get an attractive package that can get you from point A to point B easily. What’s not to like about that?
The Mio 50 features a 49cc single-cylinder carbureted engine. The engine is mated to an automatic CVT. The bike gets its low price tag due to its carbureted four-stroke engine.
