I have been reseachering on mopeds and scooter that are able to go as fast as 90 mph because I am looking into getting one cause of gas prices and just cause I am young So I would like to know if there is a huge difference between a motorcycle and a sport moped/scooter with a 250cc engine.
The only safety benefit of a scooter is that it will generally be ridden at slower speeds than a motorcycle, since it has less performance and is limited to surface streets. Safety benefits of a 250cc motorcycle: -better stability from larger front wheel assembly; -FAR better brakes; -stiffer frame; -FAR better suspension; -greater wheelbase; -better riding position for control; -(usually) brighter lighting; -less susceptible to cross-winds; -better weight distribution; -better acceleration for evasive maneuvers; -gets (a little) more respect from other motorists.
Sport scooter is an oxymoron. Ever wondered why there are no scooter races?! Scooters are designed as city transportation devices and they do a great job at it. Keep your 3-piece suit, put a half-helmet on, ride some streets and in no time you will be sitting at your desk ready to start a day of work. Easier to handle traffic, cheap on the gas and parking is a breeze. But once you hit the road (or the highway) on a scooter you are playing a different game. At low speeds you are at the mercy of any idiot that changes lanes without seeing you. At high speeds. I am a motorcycle rider with over 20 years experience and once, I borrowed a Vespa 250 from a friend and rode the highway with it. I was never as scared in my life before. No stability, no braking power, no throttle power. 70mph you just pray that you don't face any emergencies because the vehicle will not respond. City transportation? Scooter! Road and highway? Motorcycle.
