150cc Bikes

Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic rise in the purchase rate of small bikes.  With four-wheelers falling out of favor, and the enormous maintenance that goes along with owning jet skis, dirt bikes have surged.  In addition, the economic downturn focused people's attention on the street-worthy bikes, which were small, cheap, and fast.  Many folks found them to be an excellent alternative to gas-guzzling cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles for short commutes to and from work.  For those who aren't familiar with these 150cc motor bikes, here's an overview.

Types of Bikes

There are several types of vehicles running on a 150cc 4-stroke motor.  First, and most obvious, you've got your dirt bikes.  These are the recreation bikes, made for off-road entertainment.  But these aren't the 50cc starter bikes; these can move.  Then, there are the street bikes.  Essentially, there are similar in form to a motorcycle, just smaller.  Finally, you have scooters and mopeds.  They are essentially terms used interchangeably for motorized bikes that have a more natural seat (you don't strattle) and a foot rest which is not separated by the engine.  Traditionally, mopeds had a peddle and scooters didn't, hence the name moped (motor and peddle), but today they are essentially scooters (no peddle).

Road Worthy

In the Unites States, you can take a scooter or motor bike onto the highway as long as they are street worthy, and can maintain the posted speed.  Street worthy means that they have turn signals, tail lights, mirrors and the like.  As for the speed limit, that's what makes 150cc bikes great.  They are able to hit 55 miles per hour, often more.  These aren't the slow, granny scooters with the basket on the front.  These are freeway capable, sleek and styled, mini-bikes.

The Economics

One of the major drivers being the 150cc motor scooters and mopeds is the price.  You can get a 150cc moped scooter for around $600, maybe less, and even cheaper if you go for used.  This is far less than you can get even a beater for, and far more fun.  With many Americans struggling today to make even the primary car payment, adding a second is near impossible.  Therefore, many people are opting for a moped or scooter for the short commutes to work.  It makes economic sense, and its much cheaper to maintain than a car or SUV.

For the Fun of It

150cc bikes are perfect for getting out of the mobil shell we call cars, while maintaining a threshold of safety not so easily grasped when riding a hog or crotch rocket.  The relatively low top-end speed is enough to get you on most streets and freeways, but not so high as to leave you a puddled mess at mile marker 11, 12, and 13.  You get to interact with the environment: breath the air, feel the wind, hear the birds; things you most likely miss entirely when traveling by automobile.

In Conclusion and In Summary

The 150cc bike is both just enough, and so much more than one would need in either a recreational bike or a sturdy commuter bike.  Make sure you check out the images, videos, and links on this page to get a better idea of what these bikes are, and what they can do.