New to scooters. Eugene, Oregon.  By  Skunk Shampoo (Read 3,934 times)

Hi Terrilee & Doug

I live in Oregon and I think the manual from the DMV says I just need a car license for a 50cc.

I live 6 miles out of town, up in the hills. In most cases, my trips will be 8 to 15 miles. 20 on occassion. The road home is not too bad. Next to no traffic. Fairly light incline with a few steeper spots. There are also a couple corners while going downhill. All paved roads.

Once I'm in town, everything is easy. Flat and level.

And last but not least, we have quite a bit of rain over here.

The scooter that has my attention is a Trans-It 50cc which I found on Green Earth Scooters. It seems to go by "TPGS-830". Manufactured by Peace Sports, I think. That's just what I could gather from Google.

Here's the store page for the scooter I'm looking at:
www.greenearthscooters.com/detail.cfm?id=974

The main points of interest here are the 340lb max load, the 50cc engine (no motorcycle license needed), and the extra cargo options. The style looks plain, but the features give it a lot of value to me. I'm only 150 lbs, but I'm hoping that the 340 lb max load would give me extra power if I need it.

Here it is from the side
www.usaluxe.com/PictureModelAngle.php?Picture_Angle_No=100035

My main concern with this scooter is the weight (275 lbs). I'm concerned how this would effect the performance when riding on hills, cornering, and braking... As well as how I might be able to pull it out of a ditch, haha .

I also see they make a 150cc version.

Is Peace Sports a good brand?

*edited* Trimmed the text down so it isn't too long to read

Yeah. If you have to keep the size down to avoid needing a motorcycle license I would suggest getting a two stroke. Those are a chunk of change if you can find one but would handle the hills much better. If you go for the ones you posted I think you will need to modify it for riding up and down hills.

If you get the 150cc scooter it will probably keep you happy much longer than a 50 cc four stroke would.

The 50cc models do seem like less of a hassle with the DMV and things... But yeah... the hills. I was afraid of that. That's ok. I didn't really want to be putting around at 30MPH anyways . 150cc it is.

I see the Trans-It TPGS-830 has a 150cc variant, the TPGS-830-150
www.greenearthscooters.com/detail.cfm?id=983

Are the 150cc models more dependable in most cases?

And say I get adventurous and decide I'd like to take a trip down to the coast (80 miles away. I've never had that level of freedom so this has got me thinking of the possibilities), would that be a good idea on a Chinese scooter, or should I be looking closer to Japan or Taiwan?

This will be my primary mode of transportation (thus, the rather boxy looking utility scooter).


I'm liking the longer body with all the great storage space.

yes, again i concur
if your planning on 80 mile trips a 250 might be better for ya.
a 150 can do the trip, but at lower speeds.
a finely tuned and cared for 150, can run 45-50 mph all day long
but for a 80 mile trip id do 1/2 that, stop for a hour or so
then do the other 1/2


Check your Craigslist for used ones.
as DOUG also said, if your NOT mechanically inclined
id spend a bit more and go Jap or Taiwanese scoot

Hi guys, the feedback has been much appreciated. It has given me a lot to think about.

I think my desire to stray far from home will only get worse as I discover my new limits. There's plenty of interesting places in my state that I would love to visit. The coast being one of the closer spots (80 miles).

Then there's the town of Sisters, which is a fun tourist town.


Peterson's Rock Garden


Enchanted Forest theme park (hey, why not?)


I'm considering raising my budget to accommodate something more hearty.

And craigs list does have some interesting deals...

150cc Vespa for $1,000
eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/3615797334.html

150cc Yamaha for $1,250
eugene.craigslist.org/mcd/3638052416.html

I'm wondering if I should start out with a cheaper scoot for local trips and to gain experience with riding and maintenance... Eventually, I would like to save up for a touring scooter. Something hearty and dependable.

There are so many choices and options to consider. This is a whole new world for me .

Welcome, skunky!

Ken's right--find and take a beginner's MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) class. Best money you'll spend for your scooter! Even improves car-driving skills.

Then get the scooter. If you're like me (meaning non-mechanical), avoid Chinese. Or else have a close friend who doesn't mind tinkering on your bike for you. Japanese, Italian are built like rocks. Taiwanese is right up there.

Here's a few more in Eugene's CL I found--

eugene.craigslist.org/mcd/3654782194.html (I believe this is only a 150cc, but the larger tires will help get a higher top speed. And rocky'll tell you Aprilia's are more than rock-solid, and that his 250 hits 80+ mph)

eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/3630817137.html (Suzuki Burgy-hey, nothing wrong with dreaming big!)

eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/3559530928.html (Piggy Fly)

corvallis.craigslist.org/mcy/3610317926.html (older Honda, but folks'll tell you still a good bike)

corvallis.craigslist.org/mcy/3643775805.html (Oh man, a Yami Morph! Drool, drool!)

Btb, the Vespa you listed is actually a Piaggio, made by Piaggio. Pig owns Vespa, not the other way around. Seller is an idiot, but that's okay maybe you can get a good deal off him.

Lots of good used out there, depending on what look you want. Me, I'd be hitting on that Morph 'cause it's so sharky and cool.

Biggest thing is when you find one you like, go sit on it. See how well you and it fit each other. If you feel like you're reaching, or cramped in, it's not the right scoot for you and move on. If it feels good, then have the owner give you a ride on it. Listen to it, feel how it rides, see if there's anything that doesn't feel like you think it should--really really shaky, extra loud, etc.

But take that class first--lots of excellent skills you'll learn, plus most states accept the final riding test for your motorcycle license.

>'Kat