Truth be told, I had never driven a scooter until I visited my friend Chris at ScooterChimp and rode some of the scooters he was raving about. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I went for it anyway. He threw me the keys to a Yamaha Zooma and said “Have fun this weekend.”

Man, did I ever and all I spent was $3 on gas! I’d always read and heard that these things get good gas mileage, but this is insane! I figured they would be slow and pokey, but I was wrong again. The Zuma doesn’t go above 40mph, but it gets there quickly. Don’t worry about cars honking behind you, you’ll be accelerating faster than most drivers will.

There isn’t a ton of storage space, but let’s be honest here, this isn’t a hatchback or a wagon. It has enough storage for a small trip to the grocery store, especially if you put a bag between your feet. And those trips to get a movie or get a six pack? Hop on and enjoy, you’ll be able to more than fit that. It was so much fun to ride that I found myself making excuses to take it out on errands: “I have to get, um [looks around] PENS!”

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, “oh look honey, another ugly scooter” either. The bold headlights and black and grey color scheme make this anything but ordinary or boring. Vespas might be the vintage appreciator’s glory, but this scooter is cheaper and meaner looking, not to mention will last just as long as any Italian scooter.

Driving this scooter around was a blast and something I would recommend everyone tries. If your daily commute to work doesn’t include hauling lumber or carting kids around, this is a great, not to mention fun, way to get to work and save money. Visit Scooter Chimp today and ask Chris for a test drive. You’ll have fun and end up saving money too.

Key Features:

* The sporty Zuma is a fantastic combination of fun and practicality.
* Carburetor settings and exhaust catalyzer technology reduce exhaust emissions.
* 49cc of reed-valve-inducted, Autolube-injected, two-stroke performance keeps the Zuma at the head of the 50cc pack.
* Fully automatic transmission and pushbutton electric starting make the Zuma super-convenient.
* There’s room for two atop the Zuma’s seat and lots of locking storage beneath it.
* The Zuma achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 123 mpg** with a fuel tank that holds 1.5 gallons of gas.

Engine:

* Feisty 49cc, air-cooled two-stroke engine features a high 7.0:1 compression ratio for strong, usable power—perfect for around-town performance.
* Reed-valve induction provides excellent throttle response and power delivery.
* 14mm Teikei carburetor ensures seamless fuel delivery and crisp throttle response.
* Fan-assisted cooling system keeps engine temperatures reliably under control, even while idling at stoplights—for maximum efficiency and longer engine life.
* Exclusive Autolube Oil Injection System ensures no mess or hassle of premixing fuel and oil.
* Easy-to-read indicator light located on instrument panel alerts rider when oil level gets low.
* Easy, dependable electric starting with backup kickstarter.
* Fully automatic, V-belt transmission ensures easy, twist-the-throttle-and-go operation.
* DC-CDI system provides precise, high-voltage spark for seamless engine performance and excellent reliability.
* Automatic choke makes cold starting a cinch.

Chassis/Suspension:

* Step-through frame design allows easy mounting.
* Long wheelbase (50.2 inches) and large dimensions (74.4”L x 27.8”W x 43.7”H) enhance rider comfort with roomier ergonomics.
* Five-spoke cast wheels wear fat, low-profile 120/90-10 front and 130/90-10 rear tires that deliver tons of grip and attitude.
* Telescopic fork features beefy outer tubes for strength, while slider shrouds help protect inner tubes from debris.
* Telescopic front fork with 2.6 inches of travel smoothly soaks up what the road throws the rider’s way.
* Single rear shock with 2.4 inches of travel ensures plush ride quality in either solo or two-up mode.
* 155mm hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes combine for serious stopping power.

Additional Features:

* Super-sporty styling and bodywork create a racy package with an aggressive profile and riding position.
* Wide front apron and floorboards enhance Zuma’s sporty profile while providing exceptional wind/weather protection and all-day comfort.
* Headlight system features dual bulbs with housings mounted atop the apron (vs. recessed) for great visibility and a sporty finish.
* Huge underseat storage compartment, perfect for hauling schoolbooks or groceries.
* Plush dual seat is long and wide for improved rider and passenger comfort.
* Sturdy rear cargo rack boasts stainless finish and features extensions that double as passenger grabrails.
* Electronic fuel gauge lets rider easily keep track of gas level.
* Easy-to-read instrument panel features turn signal, high-beam and low-oil indicator lights.