Buying a scooter – what matters before you decide
Licence, automatic transmission, running costs and the route to the right motor scooter
A motor scooter is quickly chosen and ridden for years. To make that choice hold up, it pays to look soberly at four questions beforehand: which licence is needed, how much machine your own route actually calls for, what running it costs – and how to find out whether the seating position and handling really suit you. The sections below sum up what we are asked most often.
The licence: from the age of 16 with category A1
A scooter of up to 125 cubic centimetres requires category A1 in Switzerland. The learner permit is possible from the age of 16, together with a first-aid course, traffic theory lessons and the practical basic training. Anyone who already holds a category B car licence has certain exemptions depending on the date of issue. The individual steps, deadlines and forms are set out on our page about the motorcycle licence.
One advantage is often underrated: every machine shown here is an automatic scooter. There is no clutch and no gearshift – twist the throttle and go. That shortens the settling-in period considerably and makes the start easy, especially for riders coming from a car.
How much machine does your own route need?
The most honest answer comes from the distance you ride every day. If you stay inside the city, stop often and park frequently, a light city scooter is the most relaxed choice: low weight, tight turning circle, narrow silhouette. As soon as country roads are added regularly, the picture shifts in favour of a maxi scooter with more wind protection and a calmer chassis.
The second point is seat height. The figures on this page range from about 750 to 799 millimetres – that sounds like a small difference, but it decides whether you stand securely at the lights. Shorter riders should try the lower versions; taller riders should also check the knee room in the footwell.
Third comes storage. A helmet under the seat saves the rucksack, two helmets are already a question of the model. Anyone who shops regularly or carries documents adds a top box – that can be retrofitted to every model family.
New or used?
New and used both have their place. A new scooter comes with the full warranty, the current state of the art and a free choice of colour. A used machine or a demonstration model is cheaper and often available immediately – an argument in spring in particular, when delivery times grow. The price list further up shows the new machines; used and demonstration machines follow directly below. Stock changes constantly, so an enquiry is worthwhile even when nothing suitable is listed at that moment.
When buying used, mileage, service history and the condition of tyres, brakes and drive belt are what count. Machines from our own stock are inspected and handed over after a service; we will take your current vehicle in part exchange on request.
What does it cost to run?
Running costs are made up of fuel, insurance, road tax and servicing. A small machine uses very little, road tax in this capacity class is low, and third-party insurance is considerably cheaper than for a car. For servicing the rule of thumb is: once a year or by mileage, whichever comes first. The wear parts are tyres, brake pads and the drive belt.
If you would rather spread the purchase, we offer financing and leasing. All prices quoted are non-binding and price changes remain reserved at any time.
Try it rather than compare it
Spec sheets help with the shortlist, the decision is made in the saddle. Our model families stand side by side – let us know briefly in advance and the machines you want will be ready, so you can compare seating position, handlebar width and the view directly. For a test ride we charge a small contribution towards costs, which we credit against a purchase.
If you want to deepen your riding skills, a riding course is the place. On a closed circuit you can practise emergency braking, visual guidance and evasive manoeuvres without traffic behind you – training that experienced riders benefit from as well.
Accessories, service and workshop
Every model family has genuine accessories with an illustration, part number and non-binding price: top box and carrier plate, taller windscreens, hand guards, inner bags and comfort seats. The brochures are further up in the accessories section. Fitting is done here in our motorcycle workshop – including on machines you did not buy from us.
For clothing, helmets and gloves we carry our own range; proper gear is part of riding, especially in town where things can happen quickly. The page on motorcycle clothing gives an overview.
