How to Buy a Scooter

introduction

From a classic moped used to zip around the city to contemporary scooty motoring around the city, motorized scooters have become popular throughout the world. Scooters offer great convenience of comfortable driving, cost saving and fuel efficiency. Currently they are the trendiest vehicle for almost anything - from sightseeing in style to roam in the city to commute within the city. They are suitable for riders of every age and gender.

With wide variety of sizes, engine performances, colors, and styles, scooters are in rage right now. If you too have decided to commute around the town, work/college, and get back on your super stylish scooter, then it we have got some scooter buying tips for you.

As a buyer it is really important to scrutinize all the details to avoid unpleasant surprises while buying a used scooter.

Here are some tips and advice to consider making an informed decision before buying a scooter.

Buying a scooter is stressful and each step matters a lot. Make these critical decisions before you decide to buy

• Type of scooter: Depending on your needs and preferences, you need to choose what kind of scooter you want to buy. Scooters are available in various shapes, sizes, styles, and colors; consider your personal needs before choosing one.
• Engine capacity: Carefully choose the engine capacity as per requirements. The higher engine capacity will give higher power but will result in lower fuel efficiency. An engine with low capacity might provide low power but will of high fuel efficiency.

new Vs used scooter

Current market offers a lot of options under used and new scooters when you think of buying one. But, it’s obviously a tough area to provide a precise advice. Both new and used scooters are associated with various tradeoffs, and as such there’s no right choice. It depends completely on individual’s personal preference. Here are a few points to consider:

price

Used bikes are much more affordable than new ones. It may also come with some extra gear. And obviously the performance would have been depreciating since the moment it is ridden.

condition

Whatever it be, a pre-owned scooter is actually used by someone and its condition needs to be scrutinized properly. Buying a second hand scooter comes with a lot of risks and unknowns. There can also be some hidden costs of maintenance with it. You need to check the service records to determine condition of various parts like brakes, tyers, chain, or more. You can even take up the inspection service to assure the vehicle you are buying is a great deal.

documents

New motorcycle comes with all registration papers, company warranty, insurance and more. But in case of a used bike make sure to check all the original documents like registration certificate and details of all previous owners (if any). Also find entire service records, accidental history (if any), insurance coverage papers, and more.

trusted seller

Most important of all is a trusted seller. You will find hundreds of listings for used motorbikes on number of online classifieds, but getting a trusted one is like finding a needle in the haystack. Buyers can trust droom.my to buy a used scooter, as they get only verified sellers, transparent transactions, authentic listing, buyer protection and unbeatable customer support.

top 5 pitfalls to avoid

A used scooter comes with a lot of risks and question marks. While you are buying a used one avoid the common pitfalls to end up signing a great deal.

• Clocking: Clocking is the reduction in the mileage of a vehicle to increase its potential selling price. It is the most common way of selling a vehicle at a price higher than the fair price.
• Improper Vehicle Inspection: Take help from a trustworthy mechanic and get the vehicle inspected. This will minimize chances of any unpleasant surprises after the purchase. Don't inspect the vehicle in the rain, poor light or at night. You can even contact with vehicle inspection service provider to get a verified document regarding the condition of the motorcycle you have thought to purchase.
• Misleading Disclosures by the Seller: Seller may omit certain facts that are material and can change buyer’s view or buying decision about the vehicle, such as accident, usage of vehicle etc.
• Vehicle Cloning: Sometimes one vehicle is given the identity of another by replacing the number plates with those from an almost identical vehicle - same make, model and colour.
• ‘Cut – and – Shut’: When the remains of two or more vehicles, which have usually been accident–damaged and written off by insurers, are welded together, then illegally given the identity of one of the wrecks.

cheat sheet

Types of Scooter

Scooter is a huge market in Malaysia. The scooter motor range from 49cc up to 250cc or more, these numbers refer to what is known as “engine piston displacement.” This specifies how big the engine is. Also engine size determines how fast and how far the scooter will travel. With advent of technology market has seen a tremendous growth and there’s wide – range of scooters available in Malaysia. Below are types of scooters –

50cc Scooters

A 50cc scooter has a maximum speed of 35 to 40 Kms. per hour for the average rider. 50cc scooters are best for light weight or average weight riders, and to drive on city roads at less than 40 kms/hour. This is also known as scooty or lightweight scooters.

110cc Scooters

110cc scooters have higher speed and engine than 50cc. These scooters have a maximum speed of 80 to 90 kms/hour for the average rider. These are good for comfortable rides on city roads and beyond that (short rides only).

150cc Scooters

The 150cc scooters have a maximum speed of 90 to 110 kms/hour for average riders. 150cc scooters are best for those who can’t avoid the occasional highway rides, requiring higher speeds. Though this scooter is not intended for long highway rides, yet 90-100 kms per hour top speed is sufficient while still maintaining a good mileage.

Electric Scooter

Quieter, easier and cleaner, Electric scooters run on battery power e.g. Honda Electric scooter. These are great for city rides with speed of 25km/hour and has a battery range of 70 kms/charge. The major downside of electric bikes is their high price tag and low speed. Electric versions are appealing to those looking to save on fuel, but the scooter itself is significantly more expensive than its petrol powered counterparts. It is not for those riders needing to travel at higher speeds or longer distances.

who provides it?

If you are looking forward to buy a new or used scooter, there are multiple ways to choose from. Both online and offline, there are different vendors who can help you get the scooter of your needs. Here we go with them:

1. Classifieds – Online space is overcrowded with classified websites offering listings for used scooters. You can ransack these various online portals to get one that fits your requirements.
2. Marketplace – You can go to droom.my, to get your dream vehicle. Get enormous listings of used and new scooters along with cars, bicycles, and bikes. Droom is the first online transactional platform providing sellers and buyers with a plenty of other benefits.
3. Dealer – Contact a dealer online or visit him personally to buy a pre-owned scooter.
4. Individual Seller – You can find an individual seller and contact him to crack the used scooter deal.
5. Authorized Showroom – Visit an authorized showroom to buy a new branded scooter. Different makers have their own dedicated showrooms that offer wide selection of latest models of scooters.

how can i get it?

You can opt for any of the above mentioned options to buy a used or new scooter. But it is always better to get it with some additional benefits. Companies like droom offers some hot coupons, buyer protection, genuine listing, safe platform, extra benefits, and so on as bonus.

You can click here to check listings for used scooters.

Things to remember before getting one

Before choosing a vehicle make sure to keep in mind the below mentioned points especially when it’s about a used scooter.

Seller Verification: The seller’s credibility should be well-established. If required ask for professional references from the seller.

Dealer Reviews: Get reviews of a dealer from previous customers or try finding them online if possible. This will help knowing the trustworthiness of the dealer in long run. At droom.my you can find seller reviews and authentication.

Registration Documents: All original documents like RC, insurance papers, service records and more must be available for viewing and verification.

Diagnostic Reports: You can opt for vehicle inspection to get a professional diagnostic report mentioning about health and condition of your vehicle. Vehicle inspection is done by an automobile expert who will offer an unbiased review about the vehicle.