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Post by floridagull on Oct 16, 2015 9:53:06 GMT -5
I have been checking out 50cc scooters, mainly due to cost and the fact that 50cc scooters fall under less regulation here in sunny FL than anything over 50cc. In looking at scooters online, I have found some 50cc scooters that state a "weight capacity" of 220 pounds (Ice Bear - as an example this one - www.icebearatv.com/product/pmz50-12 - or 225. then I see ones like this Wolf Blaze - wolfbrandscooters.com/products/blaze/ - that state a 330 pound weight capacity. They both have a single-shock rear suspension. Does this discrepancy have to do with the frame? I noticed that Tao Tao doesn't state a weight capacity for their scooters on their website - www.taotao.us/index.cfm/scooters/ - this would be good information to know! My question - can the typical 50cc scoot with at least 12" wheels carry up to 330 pounds - or 220 - 225? For reference, I am 210-215 pounds, and my wife is 115-120 pounds - so, I could take her with me on a Wolf 50cc, but not an Ice Bear 50cc or Tao Tao 50cc? Are the specification claims on the manufacturer websites in error? Is Ice Bear estimating low, or is Wolf estimating high?    Here's one that says 280 pounds - www.scootersus.com/motorinoallegro.html - and this one says 400 - www.scootersus.com/motorinosupremo.html - aghh! |
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Post by rockynv on Oct 16, 2015 11:57:34 GMT -5
The 280 lb bike is single shock and the 400 lb dual shock on a larger frame.
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Post by floridagull on Oct 16, 2015 12:52:20 GMT -5
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Post by ricardoguitars on Oct 16, 2015 15:49:37 GMT -5
I see no reason for a Chinese manufacturer to make several types of frames, tyres, shocks and so for a bike that could be either 50cc, 125cc or 150cc+ on the same body; I think is safe to assume that the load capacity is based on the engine capabilities rather than on the bike body itself |
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Post by floridagull on Oct 16, 2015 17:20:04 GMT -5
So, I guess I need to trust the specs, and get one that is at least 330, if not the few 400 pound ones I have seen...
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Post by ricardoguitars on Oct 16, 2015 17:35:27 GMT -5
So, I guess I need to trust the specs, and get one that is at least 330, if not the few 400 pound ones I have seen... I have a 125cc that struggles to do little uphills with two passengers of average weight, I wouldn't even think on carrying a passenger on a 50cc unless riding on slow traffic on flat roads. |
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Post by floridagull on Oct 16, 2015 20:39:11 GMT -5
Slow traffic on flat roads is exactly the intended use - not many hills around here - a little fun on weekends - might consider a BBK. The local scooter rental place that now sells Tao Tao sells one with a BBK for just over $1K... Edited to change BBT to BBK - typo!  |
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Post by ghcoe on Oct 16, 2015 21:04:54 GMT -5
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Post by rockynv on Oct 16, 2015 22:50:14 GMT -5
Part of that spec is based on how fast the bike will go too. A 50 cc bike on a 150cc frame can have higher weight ratings since it will not be carrying that weight at speeds of potentially 65 mph. Some will confuse matters more by giving their weight rating at 50 mph to make it appear higher than it actually is so a bike rated for 400 lbs at 50 mph could have the same capacity as one rated for 330 lbs at 65 mph or may even be the exact same bike.
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Post by horace on Oct 17, 2015 15:21:49 GMT -5
Some folks will recommend a bigger scoot for a bigger rider... That kind of defeats the regulations involved. JMHO. I can only assume you need transportation..... At a decent price point. A 50cc will indeed work just fine. That being said however, take note of the top speed in your area. Especially on roads you will be using....... 35MPH is the limit of a 50cc for legal reasons...... Modifications will indeed let you do a bit more. Remember, if the speed limit is 35, most cars will be doing 40-45 anyway......... A heavy set rider can indeed "keep up" with traffic no problem---- So long as the scoot is taken care of. Out of the box performance may not be up to your needs though....... That's why forums like this exist  Go ahead and get the scoot you want !!!!!!! Then, make it do what you want......... I say that if you get a 50cc or a bigger bike.... Either way. Ice Bear has some really nice trikes too...... Just a thought. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! |
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Post by floridagull on Oct 17, 2015 18:24:54 GMT -5
Horace, I didn't think I'd find a 50cc trike with a higher weight capacity - but there is one! The Ice Bear Q6/PST50-17 - www.icebearatv.com/product/pst50-17# - has an advertised weight capacity of 441 pounds - all the other ones are 220 pounds.  Cool! Now to find out how much that is... Would really like one of these -  A Scoot Coupe - but $7000!  I did a quick search online on the PST50-17 - 3 of the websites state a 220 pound weight capacity, one states a 250 pound weight capacity, and Jim's website for Rapid Repair (perhaps wisely...) doesn't give a weight capacity spec in his specs for the vehicles. The price range is such that I would order from Jim at Rapid Repair without hesitation - however, I need to know the real weight capacity of the PST50-17...  |
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Post by foxrider603 on Oct 17, 2015 21:03:04 GMT -5
Not sure where you like but there's a guy selling one of those trikes, the 2nd one you have pictured in my town of laconia nh
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Post by ricardoguitars on Oct 17, 2015 21:26:05 GMT -5
I checked my 125cc today and it says 90kg (198 pounds) max capacity
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Post by rockynv on Oct 18, 2015 19:06:15 GMT -5
What ever you do don't get infected with the sick bird syndrome (ill eagle) and get a 35 mpg moped and modify it to run at motorcycle speeds on public roads where you need a motorcycle license and liability insurance to do so. Yes there are many folks that quite vocally recommend riding outside the law but do not be a Lemming and follow that very extremely bad advice. You may hear all sorts of crafty talk about how unlikely you are to be caught and such however that still does not make it the lawful way to do things and is a bad rut to get into.
Asses your needs and buy the bike that will meet them out of the box without need for modification and it will be safer and cost you less in the long run. It may require a Motorcycle Endorsement on your Drivers License along with some related expenses but that's part and parcel with being a good citizen and neighbor.
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Post by floridagull on Oct 19, 2015 10:53:08 GMT -5
I checked my 125cc today and it says 90kg (198 pounds) max capacity 198 pounds? That seems low - me, myself, and I are 215... |
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