What's the difference between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke scooter engine? Is a 150cc scooter good for long trips? Are hybrid scooters worth the money?

Maybe you're just getting started in the world of motorized scooters. Maybe you've been riding scooters for awhile, but you need to brush up your basic terminology. Either way, this quick and dirty list of common terms and questions should help. I'll take my cue from Einstein, and do what I can to "Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler."

What is a two-stroke scooter engine?

In the past, gas powered scooters used two-stroke engines because they were cheaper to build and faster. Their power-to-weight ratio was higher than four-stroke engines. If you're willing to get technical, two-stroke motors use two movements of the piston instead of four to accomplish basic engine tasks (like intake, compression, power and exhaust). This can make two-stroke engines peppier than four-stroke types--but the emissions level is usually higher. Some "classic scooter" enthusiasts still swear by them, but modern scooters now favor the 4-stroke engines.

What is a four-stroke scooter engine?

Traditionally, four-stroke engines weren't used in motorized scooters. However, this has begun to change in the last decade, as manufacturers have started utilizing the more sophisticated technology of four-stroke engines (four movements of the piston to accomplish vital operations). By incorporating four-stroke motors, builders can achieve better gas mileage and durability with fewer emissions. Sometimes this comes at the price of engine perkiness, but today's market favors four-stroke engines.

What does "CC" mean in reference to motor scooters?

"CC" is an abbreviation for "cubic centimeters," which basically describes engine size where motor scooters are concerned. Therefore, the bigger the CC measurement, the larger and more powerful the motor. This is useful for determining scooter type and usage. For example, the speed of 50cc motor scooters top off at around 30 mph, and they are not legal for use on streets. Scooters over 50cc typically require a state license and can be used for a variety of travel and commuting tasks. 250cc motorized scooters are now commonplace, and "monster" 600cc models are designed for extended highway travel.

What is a hybrid motor scooter?

As you'd guess, a hybrid scooter uses both gasoline and electricity, and offsets the weaknesses of both fuel sources. For example, gasoline can provide the quick acceleration that electric scooters often lack--after which the battery-only mode defaults into higher fuel efficiency. Hybrids are still being tested and developed, but all indications are that they will be even more economical and fuel-efficient than electric or gas powered models. Buyers can also expect to pay more up front for hybrid scooters.

My goal with this article was to answer a few common questions. How does it feel to have a higher scooter IQ?