The Baja Motorsport 50cc Scooter Gets 100 MPG - Beat the Gas Crunch

The Baja Motorsport 50cc Scooter gets about 100 miles to every gallon! That means the average motorist will spend about five dollars per week in gas. Yes, there are pros and cons to riding a scooter, but what can be better than saving fifty bucks a week?

The Baja Scooter Features

4-stroke quiet engine
Electric and kick start
No clutch - automatic
Heavyweight but lightweight ride
Maximum speed 50mph
Front and rear breaks
Headlight, taillight and turn signals
Ample Storage

Just turn the key, press the start and go! It's that simple. If for some reason a problem with the ignition exists, there is a kick start for a manual start. There is no complicated clutch action which makes this scooter easy-to-ride for everyone. And it's sturdy! With a weight of over 200 pounds, this little two-wheeler can haul up to 400 pounds, or one, pretty ample person. Up hills can be a bit slow, but on the straight-a-ways and downhill, the Baja can get up to 50mph. Front and rear brakes mean stopping on a dime is no problem. For safety, the headlamp is illuminated day and night; and turn signals eliminate the need for arm signals or unsafe turns.

No License Required

Perfect for underage drivers or DUI victims, this scooter requires no registration and no driver's license. Although considered a street scooter, the driver must obey the same laws as a bicycle and must drive to the right of the flow of traffic in higher speed zone areas. In fact, a bicycle helmet is legal head gear for those states that have helmet laws. Speaking of speed; if the speed limit is 45mph, the Baja Scooter may take a minute or so to reach that speed; while accelerating, the motorist should stay as far to the right as possible (like a bicycle) or in the breakdown lane if one is available. Once the scooter reaches the speed limit, it is acceptable to ride in with traffic.

Safety First

Always wear reflective clothing. Many auto parts stores carry reflective tape that may be adhered to any fabric. And ladies, if you are not frequenting auto parts stores, try your local fabric store.

Be defensive. Don't try to hog the road or cut others off. The Baja does not possess the kind of power that warrants aggressive driving. Be willing to let the 'other guy' go first - it may save your life.

(Special Note: Though tempting, try not to flip people off or carry a water pistol. Be aware that most people are aggressive drivers. Be prepared for honking horns, revving engines and rude remarks.)

The Disadvantages of the Baja

0-40mph in a minute and a half
Fatter than a bicycle
Weather dependent
Not well-accepted on the road
Slow going uphill

Though the Baja can be slow going at first, once traveling at 30mph, she can keep up with traffic in residential and some city areas. Also, staying to the right so cars can pass is marginal, at best. Some cars are afraid to pass a vehicle wider than a bicycle and as a result, become annoyed. Cold or inclement weather is also a problem on the scooter. It doesn't run as well in cold weather and can be somewhat dangerous in the rain. Although going uphill is slower than usual, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages of the scooter.

The Price

Most auto parts stores will know where to find a Baja scooter if they don't carry the line. Pep Boys (www.pepboys.com) sells them for about 799.00, and many small town dealers also carry the line. Payment options are available, but if not - it's still cheaper than a new car for summer.

The Purchase

Make sure that when you purchase a scooter you are prepared to pay the 69 dollars (or so) prep fee. This ensures that the carburetor, the plug, fuel and all that are in good working order. If you live in a high altitude (5,000 ft. or above) this prep is imperative. The first week of driving, your scooter may only get 40-50mpg until the engine is properly run in. After the second tank of gas (or the 100 mile mark) owners should see a substantial rise in gas mileage. Remember: Always use high test gasoline in the high revving engine. Failure to do so will result in poor performance and a stalling engine.

The Fun!

Overall, the scooter is just fun to ride around the neighborhood, to the park or sightseeing. Hard core penny-pinchers will enjoy its gas mileage and will ride it for hundreds of miles, saving hundreds of dollars. But, whatever your reason for purchasing a Baja 50cc scooter, you won't be sorry. Have a blast!