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4 reasons why scooters are the best choice for commuting in the Philippines

Looking to commute on two wheels? A scooter may just be the right two-wheeler for you.

Martin Asuncion Martin Asuncion on Apr 05, 2021
Honda Today Scooter

Our daily commutes on our two-wheeled machines are not always going to be as fun and as exhilarating as a weekend ride out for leisure. On most commuting days, getting from point to point will simply feel like a utilitarian task—and while there is nothing particularly wrong with being obliged to commute on a scooter, being able to make our day-to-day tasks on a two-wheeled machine much easier can be a huge benefit for our bodies and energy levels over time.

That isn’t to say, however, that all two-wheeled machines are going to be troublesome for our day-to-day rides. The scooter is an amazing example of how a simple choice of one body style over the rest can drastically change the day-to-day experience of commuting on a two-wheeler. If you’re curious to find out why choosing a scooter can be a great option for your everyday commutes, here are four reasons to consider.

Related:
Is a scooter the right motorcycle for you?

Automatic transmission

Classic Vespa

Let’s face it. Automatic transmissions are significantly easier to operate when compared to manual transmissions. In contrast to a manual transmission where both left limbs are tasked to operate the gearbox and both right limbs take charge of accelerating and braking, the rear brake operation of a scooter is transferred to the left hand while the right-hand takes charge of the front brake and the throttle. Because of this, riders will not have to exert any extra energy on using the legs for the ride. 

With scooters your legs and feet can simply relax on the floorboard, allowing your body to conserve a bit more energy for your day-to-day rides. Over many days or weeks of commuting, feeling even just a little bit more fresh on your everyday rides out can do so much for your body—and true enough, automatic transmissions are almost only usually found on your beloved scooter. 

Practicality

Yamaha NMAX 155

Another great advantage of this body style is that scooters are often designed with practicality in mind. Underseat storage is a standard offer for most scooters, with storage often large enough to hold a full-face helmet. The same practical storage compartment can be used to carry small groceries, accessories, a spare helmet, and so much more. On top of this, scooters also make use of a floorboard for your feet and legs and will come in handy for preventing road debris, rain, mud, and dust from kicking up onto your clothes. Overall, the design elements and choices manufacturers make for the scooter point towards practicality and usability—a very good reason they make great everyday machines.

Related:
5 beginner tips for motorcycle commuting in the Philippines

Comfort

Red Vespa

Scooters are very comfortable machines to ride. Apart from typically having a wide and plush seat to cushion your bottom, scooters also have a very approachable and comfortable rider triangle. The distance between the handlebar and the torso is often very relaxed being not too stretched out and not too cramped, while the design of the seat and floorboard allows for a comfortable seating position—almost like sitting on a chair. Spending hours on the saddle every week is made a lot more comfortable and enjoyable with the ergonomics package of a scooter.

Weight

Kymco Like 125

The last and possibly most important factor for day-to-day usability would be the incredibly light weight of scooter. In general, scooters are about 15-35 kg lighter next to their similarly sized motorcycle counterparts. Because there’s a lot less weight being carried around on a scooter, riders will also find that there is a lot less weight to manage when commuting on a scooter. Having to make u-turns, manage slow-speed maneuvers, having to balance the two-wheeler between the legs at a stop, and overall usability is made significantly easier due to the lightweight nature of a scooter. As such, scooters are without a doubt some of the best machines you can get for day-to-day commuting duties.

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