The 4 Best 49cc Scooters 2020 [Reliable and Stylish]

If you’re tired of being stuck in gridlock traffic or crowded in rush hour on local transportation, a moped scooter is a great option for getting to work on time, or just running errands throughout the city.

There are many great options on the market for scooters that are street legal, fast and efficient, and don’t require a title or registration to operate.

We’ll be going over a few street legal motorized scooters, as well as talking about some important things to know before venturing out on the road. Towards the end, we’ll be answering some commonly asked questions—like the difference between mopeds and scooters, as well as the meaning behind 49cc.

Here is  a list of the 4 Best 49cc Scooters  that are great options for commuting and travel, and each has individual advantages for the road.

Renegade TPGS-805 49cc Moped Scooter

The Renegade TPGS-805 is an affordable option for commuters and travelers who need a little more storage capacity on a vehicle.

The 49cc scooter comes equipped with 10-inch steel rims, disc brakes, suspension, and a twist throttle. With fully automatic lighting, the Renegade is also street legal in most jurisdictions, so signaling other vehicles on the road shouldn’t be a problem.

Storage is the main selling point of the Renegade TPGS-805, with  a sizable trunk  for any personal items or bags, as well as a compartment for smaller items such as your wallet and phone.

Speeds of up two  35 miles per hour  can be reached on the Renegade TPGS-805, and a lower price point in comparison to similar vehicles ensures that the 49cc scooter remains  competitive and a great option for first-time buyers .

TaoTao CY50-A 49cc Scooter

The TaoTao CY50-A is an excellent option for travelers interested in a sharper design without sacrificing on features.

Much like the other products on our list, the TaoTao CY50-A is a  fully automatic and street legal 49cc scooter . Twist throttle and fully automatic lights keep the scooter easy and simple to use.

The TaoTao CY50-A can move up to  25 miles per hour  on major roads, and the suspension should aid in traversing speed bumps and other road hazards. The scooter is also available in four vibrant colors to customize the scooter and draw in a few wandering eyes.

If you are looking for a straightforward product at a reasonable price, the TaoTao CY50-A may be worth your time and consideration.

TaoTao CY50-B 49cc Scooter

The CY50-B may be easily confused with TaoTao’s other model on paper, but make no mistake—this isn’t your regular scooter.

The TaoTao CY50-B is a premium scooter with the design and build quality to back up that claim. A single colored stripe on the white exterior is reminiscent of classic mopeds and an Italian design. The scooter comes equipped with  a trunk for storage and a leathery seat  to add to an older and more European aesthetic.

Alongside the street legal requirements of lights and signals, the TaoTao CY50-B also comes with a speedometer and odometer to keep track of miles at speeds of 35 miles per hour or more.

TaoTao ATM-50A1 49cc Scooter

The last scooter on our list is another TaoTao product—and another respectable choice for travelers and commuters in search of consistency and customization.

The TaoTao ATM-50A1 features an aerodynamic design and a single, bright headlight at the top of the product. Storage capabilities, much like the CY50-A, are plentiful. There are multiple spots on the scooter to hold bags, purses, or other materials you may need to carry with you around town.

The scooter also boasts a  rear drum brake, all the necessary qualifications of a street legal bike, and can travel up to 110 miles on a gallon of fuel . The seat itself is even large enough to permit two adults to ride without issue.

Considerations When Purchasing a 49cc Scooter

A scooter may be small and fuel efficient, but maintenance and care will still be necessary. Oil changes will need to be arranged periodically, as well as the performance of smaller tasks like maintaining tire pressure or replacing bulbs in the headlights. Much like with a vehicle, operating a 49cc scooter without proper headlights may result in a fine, so be sure to check these often.

If you’re experiencing maintenance problems or a loss in performance with your 49cc scooter, a maintenance shop will likely be able to sort out the problem and provide possible solutions.

Small environmental considerations will be necessary to remember as well. For instance, colder climates may result in the corrosion of the metal over time, and higher altitudes may require adjustments to keep your scooter running at peak performance.

Road safety is also paramount when switching from a vehicle such as a car to a more vulnerable mode of transportation. Although mopeds are required to have turn signals, keep a close eye out and watch for any oncoming traffic.

Keeping to the right side of the road or remaining in the bike lane when possible will allow you to stay visible to others and out of harm’s way. Remember that most jurisdictions limit scooter and moped usage to roads with a speed limit of under 35 miles per hour. For your safety, keep off of highways and major thoroughfares of traffic.

Finally, even though operating a scooter does not require registration or a title in most states, you are required to have a valid driver’s license when using your scooter. If your license is expired or you do not have a driver’s license, you will not be able to use your scooter legally.Frequently Asked Questions About 49cc Scooters

Q: What does 49cc mean?

A: The term “49cc” refers to the capabilities of the engine inside of a scooter or moped. The American Automobile Association (or AAA) provides some valuable information about the requirements of motorcycles, scooters, and the distinctions between them for future reference.

Here’s the short answer—the “cc” at the end of 49, in this case, refers to the displacement of the pistons in the engine, which provide the energy to move the scooter. According to United States law, any vehicle with a 50cc engine or stronger is to be designated as a motorcycle—and thus, requires a title and registration to operate.

Scooter manufacturers commonly use the term “49cc” to signify a scooter that is legal to operate without a title or registration—but the specifics of the law will vary by state.

Be sure to consult the AAA guide and your local DMV before operating a scooter in your area, to make sure you’re covered by the law before any potential problems arise.

Q: Is this a scooter, or a moped?

A: The difference between scooters and mopeds can get a little bit confusing since many companies use the terms interchangeably.

The most straightforward answer we can give you is that mopeds can rely on pedals and manual power to operate, whereas scooters are utterly reliant on the power of the engine. Scooters and mopeds also tend to be lumped together under the confines of the law, which can cause even more confusion.

So long as your vehicle has two wheels, operates with a 50cc engine or weaker, and keeps under a variable speed limit dependent upon the state, the difference should not matter.

Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?

A: Absolutely.

Operating a scooter, moped, or even a bike without a helmet is dangerous and illegal. While much of this guide refers you to seeking out local info on laws, this one is ubiquitous.

Luckily, there are many options available for commuters to find the helmet that’s right for them. Some of the scooters on our list have storage capabilities for you to store a helmet securely inside the scooter, so you never even have to think about it.  

Q: Which is better? A 49cc scooter or an electric scooter?

A: There isn’t an easy answer to the debate between gas-powered and electric scooters.

While gas-powered scooters are almost always faster, they tend to require far more maintenance and upkeep. Electric scooters may be more expensive to purchase, but also require less to operate over a longer period of time.

A gas scooter will be easier if you need to move a heavier loa, or a second person, while electric scooters can typically fold up and be easier to transport from location to location.