Are scooters safe on the highway?

[cycoon]

Okay, so I've been hearing some criticism that scooters are not safe to operate on the highway (like in between towns). For example, if an oncoming 18-wheeler passes you, the wall of air it pushes could knock you over. As well as that scooters don't have the stability to hit the open road.

If possible, do these criticisms hold water? Or are they just theories?

[ustacould]

Cycoon,

This is just opinion, you know everyone has at least one. You're on a smallish two wheel scooter and I think you could be pushed around especially if it is a windy day. I don't see them as criticisms but more of please be aware. I have seen a lot of bigger scooters on the road but they have to be able maintain the speed limit.

ed

[D-cat]

The only issue I know of concerns the scooters with 10" tires. Most of these are "J" rated which means their max safe speed is 100kmh / 62 mph. Those should not go on the highway even if they have the HP to keep up. 12"+ should be fine as long as they can hold the flow of traffic.

I personally have no stability issues running 50+ on my scooter.

[WarrenS]

My Burgman handles highways very well. The Morphous also handles highways well due to the long wheelbase and low height. The lower height helps against side winds. If you can't keep up with other traffic it is riskier to ride on highways.

[ootscoot]

I have no problem with highway driving on my 300i Citycom. It has 16" wheels, 22 HP, and weighs 400lbs.

[tortoise]

May 18, 2011 8:05:47 GMT -5 ustacould said:

you could be pushed around especially if it is a windy day

Related post.

Google News search. Everyone has to determine for themselves if the calculated risks are acceptable. Those who have NOT determined their organ donor preference are probably in denial.

When your number's up . . . Motorcyclist hit by lightning.

Even the pros have lapses in judgment . . 2007 Shawn Gann article.

Pullin G's Blog 2007 scooter accident narrative (images deleted).

[♣Luke♣]

cocoon, what ?a wall of air from 18 wheeler? that isn't true, i've been hit by 40-45mph wind here in arizona on the size but the scooter is very stable,doesn't wiggle at all. i guess it depends on the aerodynamicity of the scooter.

[D-cat]

Hmmm, maybe the fact that I weigh in at over 230 lbs and am bent over at high speed to reduce my air drag has an effect on stability; I guess a light weight sitting up can be a sail for the pushing. Thank you tortoise; as depressive as you can be it is a necessary reminder to have a realist view.

[rockynv]

The Aprilia has been stable and unaffected by 18 wheelers even at speeds over 90. Even on two lane roads with posted speeds of 65 oncoming tandem agricultural rigs going 70+ have not been a problem.

Are all scooters safe on the highway the answer is no. Are all scooterist capable of riding on highways and the answer is still no.

Just like the woman that tortoise posted the link about on Drew Street in Clearwater was not safe on a city street some people are not safe anywhere be it on a scooter, four wheeler or on foot. I ride that area in Clearwater and know that you have to watch out for lane changers, stay out of the dead zone when approaching that intersection and be prepared to split lanes if need be. The 12 second rule saves lives if followed religiously.

On the highway it is cross winds and awareness of that fact when passing in and out of windbreaks that can get you. A passing semi, bus, motor home, etc is a windbreak that if you are not paying attention will cause your compensation for a heavy crosswind take you out of your lane if you do not make the appropriate adjustments. This is not however limited to scooters and especially impacts trucks, vans, buses, motor homes and motorcycles.

[cycoon]

Alright. Would a 250cc with 14 inch wheels do okay? With a weight of about 300 lbs. (as well as me weighing about 200)? Max speed 85 MPH?

I intend to make trips of about 15 miles out of town. Maybe even more. I just wanted to know what kind of scooter would be able to safely travel that distance. As well as do good in town.

[jeffreyhunter117]

riding a freeway may seem a bit nerve racking because of the speeds you need to ride but everyone is going in one direction, i think city streets would be more dangerous anyhow. there is more cross traffic, cyclist, pedestrians and plenty of other obsticles. i believe there is a better chance of being re-ended sitting at a light(though happining on a freeway is way worse probably) but this is my oppinion.

[medman1952]

Really the best thing is for you to take the ride on a scooter you will be using and see how it seems to you. Some people are more confident than others.

This is one you may need to figure out for yourself.

[bigphillip79]

May 18, 2011 12:34:10 GMT -5 cycoon said:

Alright. Would a 250cc with 14 inch wheels do okay? With a weight of about 300 lbs. (as well as me weighing about 200)? Max speed 85 MPH?

I intend to make trips of about 15 miles out of town. Maybe even more. I just wanted to know what kind of scooter would be able to safely travel that distance. As well as do good in town.

You should be fine with that scoot for freeway outings. Any 250 or bigger scoot should be ok for freeway. I got back from a little 85 mile run on mine and it faired well again. My buddy was on his Morpous and we cruised at about 70 the whole way.
I've even had my Riva 180 on the freeway. It wasn't the smoothest ride but it kept up in the slow lane.

By the way Cycoon we have a facebook page for local scoot riders the the RGV. Stop by. RGV Scooters.

[bigggroovy]

Dealer just told me that 400cc or bigger is safer but he would not recommend it.

[piccola]

No one seems to have mentioned state hwy laws. Here in CT you may NOT ride a 50 cc on the hwy and a 150 should not be on the hwy either. In CT the scoot must be able to consistantly maintain hwy speed. This means a 150 must maintain 65 mph. Not a likely event.

A 250 should be able to maintain speed without a problem. I however, do not usually ride my 250 Honda Reflex on the hwy. Together, we are not heavy enough to withstand the windwash from vehicles. It is too dangerous for me. I only ride my Mod Quad, (Honda Silver Wing, 600 cc with a Tow Pac trike kit), on the hwy. It is about 650 lbs.dry weight with the extra wheels so it is much more stable in the wind. If I do hit windwash, the extra wheels prevent it from going over, like the Flex.

[medman1952]

Well, in California a scooter over 150cc is legal on the freeway. Just because it is legal does not mean it is safe. A 250cc should be able to do the speed, but doing the speed does not mean it is safe. I know a guy that has a 250cc Tank scooter with a 12 inch from wheel and a I think a 10 inch rear wheel, he is not comfortable riding it on the freeway.

I know I do not like riding a my 450 Honda motorcycle on the freeway because of the crazies out there, and I'm a bit on the chicken side. My 50cc Yamaha, well it does not go on the highway.

[nougat]

When you're talking about wind currents off of trucks, a lot depends on the wind speed and direction as generated by the weather. Long while back, I was driving a 74 Beetle down an interstate in a windy downpour. I was doing about 70MPH, trying to pass a tractor trailer going in the same direction. As I got up to the front of the cab, the wind coming off the front of the truck threw the car a good two feet towards the left shoulder, almost into the gravel. Other times driving that car and passing trucks, just a little bit of buffeting, sometimes none at all. The problem is that it's *unpredictable* - therein lies the danger.

[nulldevice]

Weight, wheel size, rider size, yada yada yada. If the scooter has enough horsepower to go on the faster roads, the safety issue is not the scooter. It is the skills, experience, and confidence of the rider.

[♣Luke♣]

correct,a scooter is alwyas safe to ride anywhere, it's the rider that's in question...if he does not ride carefully,nothing is safe.

[kens97sto171]

May 18, 2011 9:29:02 GMT -5 ♣Luke♣ said:

cocoon, what ?a wall of air from 18 wheeler? that isn't true, i've been hit by 40-45mph wind here in arizona on the size but the scooter is very stable,doesn't wiggle at all. i guess it depends on the aerodynamicity of the scooter.

Going to have to confirm this... I drive an 18 wheeler. There is a large area of high pressure near the front of the truck, then vacumm on the sides and rear. You can get pushed back and forth.. hell my CAR moves around when I pass a truck head on.

Riding next to one going the same direction is a little better. But DO NOT hang out next to a truck.. either stay behind at a safe distance..3-5 car lengths at least. or pass and do it quickly.
If a tire blows with you next to it or if your riding too close behind it can take off your head...or at least scare the sh!t out of you.

One of the reasons trucks get over when they are passing a disabled vehicle on the interstate... is the change in wind pressure. People have been sucked out onto the road by the change in pressure.
Plus it's the law in most states to get over for emergency vehicles anyway, so we just try and make a habbit of getting over if we can.

Ken

[califmike33]

My 2cents is i would never drive a scooter on the highway, or freeway, where you need to do 60+ to keep up with traffic, i would prefer a motorcycle for that.

You cant down shift a scooter, or hit the throttle and its around cars to make qucik moves to get out of trouble. I will stick on the city streets, and get a motorcycle for the freewayss or highways, just my opinion.

[scripting25]

I don't like taking my 150cc on our main Route Rd. which runs from 35mph-55mph, much less get any where near the highway.
I drive the highway every day in rush hour traffic. When we're not sitting still, we're hauling butt doing 80+!
I would think common sense would help make the decision.

[imagesinthewind]

I think it would also depend on the highway.
Here in Denver, we have 285 (ridden that on my Pegasus, no problem), C-470 (also no big deal)
I-70 (wouldn't ride that on two wheels at all!!) and I-25 (also not scooter friendly).

So, also think about the highway you'll be taking, the drivers on that highway and time of day you'll be riding. Also wouldn't take less than a 250cc, safer all around.

Good luck!

[hairbear31]

Best way to tell if your scooter can handle it is take it out for a short trip on the highway and see how it handles and if it can keep up with traffic, and if you yourself feel comfortable enough riding it on the highway. make sure your engines over stressing the engine trying to keep up with traffic.

[Brooster]

Last year, my first year on my scoot, The wind, highways, semis and also pickups, were a challenge with the wind and turbulents. This year it seems quite different. I've taken my 150 on I-75 several times for short distances and US10,70 speed limits, + other 2 lane roads, 55-60 limits, with very little problems. My Scoot will cruise at 55-60 all day. I guess what several have said its all about experiance, confidence, and having a bike that will keep up with the flow or just about.

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[scootdudeman]

I would never even ride a motorcycle on the highway, let alone a scooter. If you go down it leaves other drivers very little time to react.

[rockynv]

In all truth your biggest danger zone is the place where most assume that they are the safest. The 25 mph zone is where most scooterists get into trouble not on a highway. They forget their MSF training and ride in the dead zone and that is when and where they mostly get clipped. They become inattentive and forget the rules for looking ahead and seeing dangerous situations before they happen.

If you are cautious without being paranoid when you go out on a highway this is a good thing as you will be paying more than the usual attention and not less. You will then be safer then when riding someplace that you are very comfortable/complacent with.

[Bluefront]

I've ridden 500/600cc cycles at high speeds on various interstates for long distances, without any wind-related incidents. But even these heavier 2-wheelers are affected when passing trucks....it's something you get used to. My own 150cc scoot weighs about 550lbs with me on it.....the wind effects even off the interstates are noticeable.

The speed problems are much worse. Around here interstate traffic probably averages 70/75 in all but the curb lanes, which is where most scooters would have to ride. Even there the slower cars do 55/60.........which is pushing your luck on anything smaller than 250cc.

During rush-hours it gets much worse of course. My own recommendation would be to stay off the interstates with your 150cc anything. The wind problems are something you'll have to learn about on your own......but if I owned one of the bigger scoots, I wouldn't be afraid to use the interstates for long-distance cruising. I used the interstates for 10 years on my Honda 250 Elite....no problems. (maybe I was lucky )

[cycoon]

Thank you all for your advice and insight!

But I think I'll stick to the local town roads on a 150cc.

Once I get a more mighty scoot... perhaps. 250cc+ for sure. Also the experience issue. Maybe once I've got a few years under my belt, I can try the highways and freeways. Safety first!

Thank you all again!

[medman1952]

May 19, 2011 10:54:03 GMT -5 cycoon said:

Thank you all for your advice and insight!

But I think I'll stick to the local town roads on a 150cc.

Once I get a more mighty scoot... perhaps. 250cc+ for sure. Also the experience issue. Maybe once I've got a few years under my belt, I can try the highways and freeways. Safety first!

Thank you all again!

Good choice, stay safe my friend.