Why is it illegal to ride gas scooters but not electric ones?

Anyone familiar with gas scooters in the 150 to 250 cc range?

• I am thinking of getting a gas scooter in the 150 to 250 cc range to use commuting to work (15 miles on back country roads) in order to save money on gas. Does anyone have one and can tell me if they are reliable and comfortable to ride. I am currently looking at the brand Tank, but, am willing to consider other brands.

• Answer:

  Honda hasn't sold a scooter in the 125cc and 150cc range in the USA since the '80's, though they are popular in Europe. Go figure. Honda 250cc's are good, but pricey. Silverwings are the ultimate scoooter from Honda (500cc ?) Suzuki has the choicest-looking ones, next only to the Aprilia models (Scarabeo 200cc, Atlantic 500cc); they're advantaged by being better-priced and -serviced on the Left Coast. Currency conversion, y'know, Yamaha was a good choice in the smaller sizes years ago, Ijust don't see many current models running around NorCal. The Tank- izzit true that they are made in India from former Piaggio (Vespa) molds? Check around carefully for reliability and parts availability. I tend to associate them with the Chinese stuff sold mail-order from SoCal. Bleccchh! BTW, I have ridden a restored 1987 Honda 150cc for ~12k miles in the last two years; great for streets and even expressways (45-55 mph) . The hills around the SFBay area are manageable in light traffic, but seek the first turnout when being followed. 250CC works, but 400cc min is advised for hills and highways. Keep the shiny side up.