In Texas, you only need a basic (Class C) driver’s license to ride a Moped. Moped/Motorcycle and scooter laws vary from state to state. All riders must follow the laws of the state in which their license was issued (For example, if your driver’s license is from Texas, you would follow Texas licensing laws). In Texas, if the scooter is on the Texas Certified Moped List, than it qualifies as a Moped. If it’s not on this list (Like the Honda Ruckus for example), it is considered a motorcycle by state law and you’ll need a motorcycle license to legally ride. All of the new 49cc scooters we sell qualify as MOPEDS in Texas!
We strongly recommend all riders complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, even if you’re riding a 49cc scooter.
This is going to sound a bit crazy, but by Texas law, you can buy any scooter or motorcycle with only a GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID. That could be a driver’s license, state or federal issued ID card, passport, etc.
Now for the MASSIVE disclaimer: the requirements to BUY a scooter/motorcycle and the requirements to LEGALLY RIDE a scooter/motorcycle are very different. To ride most 49cc scooters in Texas, you only need a basic Class C driver’s license.. the same license that allows you to drive passenger cars/trucks. To ride anything above 49cc (and 49cc scooters not on the certified moped list) you’ll need a motorcycle license. See our FAQ about Licensing for Mopeds vs Motorcycles for more info.
Scooter batteries are much smaller than car batteries. Because of this, their magical power to start your scooter dissipates more quickly. Frequent riding can often be enough to prevent this, but a battery trickle charger can also be a useful tool to keep your scoot ready to go at a moment’s notice! We keep trickle chargers in stock and they sell for around $50. They attach to your battery and plug into a wall outlet to keep your battery fully charged.
If your bike doesn’t want to start using the electric start, try these steps;
1) Check the electronics. When you turn the key to on, does anything respond (blinkers or brake lights)? If no, ensure your kill switch is in the ON position. If there are still no signs of life, it’s likely that your battery is dead.
2) Some older models come standard with a choke, this can help a cold motor come back to life. Be sure to turn the choke off once the bike has warmed up to operating temperatures. If your bike doesn’t have a manual choke, it’s likely an Automatic Choke (AKA Fuel Enricher Circuit), try holding about 1/3 throttle and try to start.
3) Check fuel. You’d be surprised how often this is the issue. If your scooter has a manual petcock (typically older scooters) then ensure that this is not set to off.
4) Attempt to kickstart. Scooters will charge the battery on their own much like the alternator in your car. Almost all of our models come with a kickstart lever. Turn they key on and try and kick it over. If this works, be sure to ride around for a few minutes to let your charging system properly charge the battery.
Much like licenses, helmet laws vary from state to state. In Texas, if you are 21 and have an applicable health insurance plan, you do not have to wear a helmet.
For obvious reasons, Scoots recommends riders wear full safety gear anytime they plan on riding. Scoots will also require all rental clients to wear a helmet for their safety.
For more information, visit the Texas DPS site here
In Texas you DO need to carry liability insurance at the state minimum coverage of 30/60/25. Fortunately, insuring scooters is CRAZY CHEAP! A typical liability policy on most scooter runs less than $80 for the whole year! You can also carry full coverage for most scooter models with price averages around $35/mo. Of course your insurance rate will depend on a number of factors like driving history, age, scooter model, etc.
If your scooter battery is dead, you can bring it to Scoots and we will test and recharge your battery at no cost! If it needs to be replaced, we will probably have your battery in stock! If not, we can order it for you.
That depends primarily on motor size, as well as other factors like size of the rider, weather, and components used. Our 50cc bikes can all easily do 30-35 and some can top out in the 50s.
Larger motors greatly increase acceleration. For all the speed demons out there, our largest bike, the SYM Citycom 300 can handle highway speeds with ease!
For the most part, scooters require very little maintenance. It varies a little between the models we offer, but regular gear and motor oil changes should keep you scooting for quite some time. Like a traditional car, batteries, belts, filters, tires, and spark plugs will occasionally need to be checked and possibly replaced. Unlike a traditional car, most wear items (including tires) cost less than $60 for the majority of scooters!
No worries! We process the Title & License work at the point of sale, but unfortunately, the state does not allow us to help with lost titles. In order to get a replacement, you will complete form VTR-34 (application for a certified copy of title) and mail to the state along with $2. NOTE: We’re talking about Texas here, other states may be different.
Scooter motors only carry a quart or less of oil, so it gets dirty much sooner. On the flip side it requires much less oil per change so we are able to use a higher quality lubricant for much less than an equivalent car oil change.
We suggest coming in for regular oil changes every 500 miles after the initial 200 mile break-in.
Not all bikes follow the same maintenance guidelines, ultimately it’s best to check your user manual and follow the instructions provided.
All of our scooters recommend 91 octane or better. This is readily available at all gas stations. Most stations also offer lower octane fuels; while a single tank will likely not cause issues, repeated use can shorten the life of your motor.
If you accidentally use a lower octane, just pay close attention to the motor and listen for irregular noises. If you hear anything, either bring it in to us or drain and replace the remaining fuel in the tank.
This also varies greatly based on model and motor size, but our lineup ranges from 75-140 mpg advertised. You can take a look at our Products Page to see all of our models and associated MPG.
Just like cars there is a scooter parking pass for both Texas A&M and Blinn campuses. The good news is, they’re typically cheaper! Texas A&M scooter permits only cost $54/yr (or $108/yr if you don’t have a car pass). Blinn motorcycle permits cost $75 for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (based on 2018 data)
These passes are different from car passes in that they let you park in any designated motorcycle area. Texas A&M campus has over 60 different lots to choose from, come check out our map to find the best locations for you!
Contact your school for more instructions on how to purchase one of these.
Yes! Scoots works with several providers to bring you the best in aftermarket parts available. This includes (but certainly isn’t limited to) shocks, forks, big bores, and exhausts.
We also have a full service shop and are more than willing to install your go-fast bits!
It is possible, but the electrical system in your scooter is designed to operate at a much lower amperage. Jump starting a scooter with a car will likely damage the scooter’s electronics which will lead to costly repairs. We recommend purchasing a battery trickle charger if your battery needs to recharged. Or bring it to Scoots and we can test and recharge your battery at no cost!
Most scooter batteries must be charged at less than 1100mA.