Update 17/04/2021 - We have often encountered this very question - can one ride long distances on a scooter? Well, there are certain complications involved but yes, we can. In this article, we take you through everything you need to know before you start your voyage in that lovely scooter of yours!
More and more highly competent scooters are being launched in the market with advanced technology and better engine performance. Moreover, scooters are more convenient to drive as these come with a better sitting posture and the driver do not have to worry about operating the clutch and the gearbox while riding it. However, this leaves many people asking that are scooters good for long distance? To you out with this, 91wheels brings you a detailed analysis of this topic.
Why are scooters good for long distance?
- Scooters come with a small cargo space beneath the driver seat which helps in storing small and essential items.
- The overall luggage carrying capacity of the scooter is significantly better when compared to the bikes.
- Riding a scooter is a less stressful affair due to the absence of a manual gearbox.
- The sitting posture on the scooter may be more comfortable for many when compared to the bikes.
- Riding a scooter through heavy traffic is easier.
- Modern day scooters can hold 80 km/h all day long without a stress!
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Why should you not choose a scooter for long distance?
- Scooters get smaller tyres which result in harsh vibrations and jerks at high speeds and on the badly patched up roads.
- The suspension setup on the scooters is not as comfortable and as absorbent as that on the bikes.
- Most scooters come with small capacity engines. Moreover, the engines are fitted in the engine compartment below the driver seat which makes them isolated from the environment. Such engines are cooled with forced cooling system which is not as efficient as the air-cooled system on the bikes. Because of this, it is recommended that a rider should take frequent breaks to prevent the engine from overheating.
- While the overall sitting posture on a scooter is comfortable for the rider, the seats of the scooters are not as comfortable as those found on the bikes.
- Smaller engines produce less power and thus the scooters may not be as great on the performance front when compared with the bike engines.
- The overall ground clearance of most of the scooters is lower than that of the bikes by a considerable margin. This makes them less suitable for off-road driving.
- Currently, we have a very few tourer-centric scooters in the market. The limited options that we have in the segment are priced at a very high premium. More comfortable and more powerful bikes are available at this price in the market.
- And finally, the fuel tank capacity is small which limits highway riding range. Most bikes can be ridden for 300-400km easily without a fill up but for scooters, it is usually in the range of 120-150km.
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Our Verdict
For occasional long rides, a scooter may not be a bad choice as modern scooters come with enough power and potential for the same. However, if you are someone who prefers long rides very often, it will be better for you to buy at least a 150 cc or a 180 cc bike.
With this being said, share your opinions about are scooters good for long distance in the comment box below and join our 91W Two Wheelers Whatsapp group. (Click on the link via mobile to join)
