I've researched 50cc scooters and decided I would probably do better with a 150cc, considering how there are some hills here and most non-residential roads have speed limits of around 40.
Top tip; go for a used one. Those 150cc and up scooters are usually 4-strokes and they do not require much maintenance. You could get less than year old scooter in very good condition for up to half price compared to new. Also bikes and scooters are mechanically pretty simple so you could do maintenance yourself. Also, it seems that you live in the U.S. so if you're still looking for 50cc, do not buy a scooter. I'd suggest buying Puch Maxi or other older moped, they have a lot of style and spare parts available in the States.
That is true but in the long run I would save lots of money on insurance, gas (these things can easily get triple digit mpgs), and maintenance (they are simpler than cars to fix)
DANG! You're taking this "no replacement for displacement" argument to a whole new level! Anyway, @gigawert, if you ever find that 150cc is lacking, you could possibly supercharge it to get the world's weirdest-placed blower whine. It's been done before: and it looks something like this, as well: They look to be relatively cheap, ($400 seems to be the price cap for these things), and you may even get yourself a tiny sleeper with mega fuel economy.
But as always i have to find a decent income to save up for one. I've been saving for a year now with almost no spending, and all I have is not even enough to buy a cheap bike (I already have one though)
I would suggest a 212cc motorized bicycle. Has top speeds of around 40-50mph depending on the bike... The 212cc predator motors are reliable and fun! Not to mention people always get away with a loophole regarding mopeds and these bicycles in CA all the time! I've been riding my 80cc beach cruiser on the streets of LA and any cop that sees me operating it doesn't care! (I sold it a week ago) You can find these bikes starting from $200ish all the way up to 1 Grand! Just wear a helmet and obey traffic laws and you'll be fine!
Well I've read at the DMV site that to operate a motorized bike capable of more than 20 mph requires at least a license. At 30 mph I think you need insurance and registration --- Post updated --- From the dmv California website " A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is: A two or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with: - Fully operative pedals for human propulsion. - A motor producing less than two gross brake horsepower and an automatic transmission. - An electric motor, with or without pedals for human propulsion. (CVC §406(a)) Driver must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2). A "motorized bicycle" is also defined as a vehicle with pedals and an electric motor (not more than 1,000 watts) which cannot be driven at speeds of more than 20 mph on level ground even if assisted by human power. (CVC §406(b)). If you operate a motorized bicycle which meets the definition of CVC §406(b), you: - Must be 16 years of age or older. - Must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. - Are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and moped plate requirements (CVC §12804.9). A motorized bicycle is issued special license plates and identification cards, which requires a one-time $18 fee. No renewal is required. "
In Wisconsin anything under 50cc does not require a motorcycle license, only a normal license for cars.
