For college students, getting around campus and town doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on gas, parking, and transportation. A scooter can be an affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-ride option for getting to class, grabbing groceries, meeting friends, or commuting to work.
But what makes a scooter a good choice for college?
The best scooter for a college student should be affordable, easy to ride, inexpensive to operate, fuel efficient, and easy to park. Depending on where you live and how far you need to travel, the right engine size can make a big difference, too.
Here are the key things to consider when choosing a scooter for college.
1. Look for a Scooter That Fits Your Budget
College is expensive enough without adding a huge transportation bill.
Compared with many cars and motorcycles, scooters can have lower upfront and ongoing costs. In addition to the purchase price, students should consider fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, and parking when comparing transportation options.
A scooter can also help reduce the everyday costs associated with driving a car. You don't need to spend as much on fuel, and you may be able to avoid expensive parking fees or finding a full-size parking space.
When shopping for a college scooter, consider the total cost of ownership, not just the price of the scooter.
2. Fuel Economy Matters
One of the biggest advantages of a scooter is fuel economy.
Genuine scooters are designed to make efficient transportation a priority, with several models capable of delivering 90–100+ MPG depending on the model and riding conditions.
For students who commute to campus every day, that efficiency can add up quickly.
Actual fuel economy will vary based on factors including rider weight, speed, terrain, weather, maintenance, and riding conditions.
3. Parking Is Easier on a Scooter
Finding parking can be one of the biggest headaches of getting around a college campus.
A scooter's compact size makes it much easier to maneuver through busy streets and park than a full-size car. Depending on your campus and local regulations, scooter and motorcycle parking may also be available in designated areas that are more convenient than traditional automobile parking.
Before buying, check your school's rules regarding motorcycle and scooter parking, registration, permits, and where scooters can be stored.
The smaller footprint also makes a scooter practical for apartments, dorm-adjacent housing, and other places where parking space is limited.
4. Automatic Transmission Makes Riding Simple
If you're new to two-wheel transportation, an automatic scooter can be a great place to start.
Most Genuine scooters use an automatic CVT transmission, which means there is no manual clutch or traditional gear shifting to worry about. Instead, you simply twist the throttle and go.
That makes scooters particularly convenient for short trips around campus and town.
You'll still need to learn proper riding techniques, understand local traffic laws, and wear appropriate safety gear. But the automatic transmission removes one of the biggest learning curves associated with traditional motorcycles.
5. Choose the Right Engine Size
Not every college student has the same commute.
If most of your riding will be on or around campus, a smaller-displacement scooter may be all you need. If you expect to travel farther, ride on roads with faster traffic, or regularly carry a passenger, you may want to consider a larger engine.
50cc Scooters
A 50cc scooter can be a great option for students whose riding is primarily local and on lower-speed roads.
The Genuine Buddy 50 and Genuine RoughHouse 50 are compact, fuel-efficient options with the classic scooter experience.
Before choosing a 50cc scooter, make sure you understand your state's laws regarding licensing, registration, insurance, and where 50cc scooters are permitted to operate.
125cc Scooters
A 125cc scooter offers a step up in performance while maintaining the convenience and efficiency that make scooters popular.
The Genuine Buddy 125 and Genuine Buddy Kick 125i are strong options for students who want a little more capability for commuting around town.
170cc Scooters
If your college commute takes you farther from campus or involves roads with faster traffic, a 170cc scooter may be a better fit.
The Genuine Buddy 170i and Genuine Hooligan 170i provide additional performance while retaining the convenience and efficiency of a scooter.
Always check your local laws and road restrictions before choosing a scooter based on engine size.
6. Storage Is a College Student's Friend
You don't need to carry a backpack full of everything you own, but having convenient storage makes everyday scooter riding much easier.
Depending on the model, Genuine scooters offer practical storage options for everyday items. Accessories such as rear racks, top cases, and luggage can add even more carrying capacity.
That can make a scooter useful for more than just getting to class. Groceries, gym clothes, books, and other daily essentials can all be easier to carry with the right setup.
7. Don't Forget About Maintenance
Like any vehicle, a scooter requires regular maintenance.
Oil changes, tires, brakes, belts, fluids, and other wear items should be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
The good news is that scooter engines are relatively small and the vehicles are designed around simple, efficient transportation.
If you're buying your first scooter, consider purchasing from an authorized Genuine dealer. A dealer can help you select the right model, explain maintenance requirements, and make sure your scooter is properly set up before you hit the road.
So, What's the Best Genuine Scooter for a College Student?
The answer depends on where and how you plan to ride.
Best for maximum fuel economy:
The Genuine Buddy 50 or RoughHouse 50 are excellent choices for students primarily riding on lower-speed roads.
Best all-around college scooter:
The Genuine Buddy 125 or Buddy Kick 125i offer a useful balance of efficiency, size, and performance for everyday transportation.
Best for longer commutes:
The Genuine Buddy 170i or Hooligan 170i are worth considering if your commute involves longer distances or faster roads.
The most important thing is choosing a scooter that matches your commute, local laws, and comfort level.
Is a Scooter a Good Choice for College?
For the right student, absolutely.
A scooter can provide an affordable and fuel-efficient way to get around campus and the surrounding community without the expense and hassle of driving a full-size car everywhere.
They're compact, easy to park, simple to operate, and inexpensive to fuel. And with multiple engine sizes available, there's a Genuine scooter for everything from short campus trips to longer commutes around town.
Before you buy, make sure to check your state's licensing requirements, your college's parking rules, and the roads you'll be riding on.
Ready to find the right scooter for college? Explore Genuine Scooters and compare models to find the one that fits your commute.
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