FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are intended to help you:

• meet all the legal requirements for riding a motor scooter/motorcycle in Western Australia;

• select a motor scooter/motorcycle that is best for you and for your travel needs;

• achieve a safe and pleasurable riding experience; and

• maintain your motor scooter/motorcycle to maximise its value to you.

A. Licensing Questions

At what age can I apply for a learner’s permit to ride a 50cc motor scooter?

You may apply for a Learner’s Permit to ride an R-N class vehicle (moped) (ie a motor scooter/motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc) at the age of 15 years and 6 months.

At what age can I qualify for a licence to ride a 50cc motor scooter?

You must be at least 16 years of age to take the Practical Riding test to qualify for an R-N class licence to ride a moped. The R-N class licence does not qualify you to ride vehicles with an engine capacity greater than 50cc.

If I already have a Western Australian driver’s licence am I qualified to ride a 50cc motor scooter?

If you already hold a Western Australian licence which qualifies you to drive a car you are automatically qualified to ride a moped.

What licence do I need to ride a motor scooter or motorbike with an engine capacity from above 50cc and up to 250cc?

You must qualify for an R-E (Motorcycle) licence to ride a motor scooter or motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 250cc. You must be at least 16 years of age to learn to ride such a vehicle and at least 17 years of age to qualify for the R-N licence.

What licence do I need to ride motor scooter or motorbike above 250cc?

To learn to ride a motor scooter or motorbike with an engine capacity above 250cc you must hold an R-E (Motorcycle) licence. To qualify for the award of an R (Motorcycle) licence which would authorise you to ride a motor scooter or motorcycle above 250cc you must have held an R-E (Motorcycle) licence for at least one year.

(Scootamoto recommends that you to consult the Web Page of the Western Australian Department of Transport at www.transport.wa.gov.au for detailed information on the Department’s licensing requirements).

B. Picking a Motor Scooter/Motorcycle That is Best for You.

What should I look for in buying a scooter or motorcycle?

Scootamoto Central suggests that you:

• Preferably buy a new motor scooter/motorcycle. A used vehicle may have problems of which you may not be aware. The sale of a second hand vehicle will also void the manufacturer’s warranty.

• Buy from a reputable dealer who will meet all your requirements – sales, service, parts, repair and accessories.

• Pick a new scooter/motorcycle with an established brand. While it may cost more the benefits in terms of the engineering, performance and reliability are well worth the extra cost. Remember, you only get what you pay for!

• Check out details of the warranties offered by the better brand names.

• Sit on and test ride several scooters/motorcycles. It is important from the viewpoint of both comfort and safety that the vehicle you choose suits you physically.

• Specify for the dealer your travel patterns and requirements. He or she will be able to recommend machines whose performance best meet your needs. For example, a 50cc scooter is not fast enough to meet the minimum speed requirements for freeway travel.

• Bear in mind that you will need accessories for safe driving including, for example, helmet, gloves, safety clothing, a cable lock to secure your vehicle from theft, and so on. Your dealer can suggest what you need.

• If you are unfamiliar with or “rusty” about riding a scooter/motorcycle arrange a lesson or two with a reputable riding school to provide you with riding skills, safety tips and guidance on qualifying for the appropriate licence. (Scootamoto Central can advise you on this).

What are the performance differences between a two-stroke and a four-stroke scooter?

A two stroke engine can deliver more power to a scooter than an equivalent four stroke engine and thus it can, for example, generate greater acceleration. On the other hand a four stroke engine is more efficient, generates power more evenly, is more reliable and produces less engine wear. Your choice of engine should therefore reflect your needs. Your dealer will advise you on this.

What are the most popular scooter brands in Australia?

The top selling scooter brands in Australia during 2010 were:

• Sym;

• Kymco; and

• TGB.

Scootamoto Central sells each of these brands and others.

What can you do to maintain your scooter and to keep it performing well?

The following suggestions will help you to be “user friendly” to your scooter: Ensure that you:

• Have your scooter serviced regularly at intervals advised by your dealer (in line with travel distances recommended by the manufacturer) to ensure that your vehicle is maintained in tip top condition and that your warranty is preserved intact; and

• If you are not riding your scooter regularly start it up at frequent intervals to optimise its performance.