You're Not Too Short to Ride (ANY) Scooter You Want

Don't let height stop you from finding THE perfect scooter for you. You have options to mod your scooter lower, techniques when riding, and then I realized what made a scooter feel too tall for me... and it wasn't the seat height! 🔽🔽🔽🔽
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[@cwheremonster8870]

Great conversation. I spent 35 years on large 800 (plus) lb touring bikes. I’m close to six feet, but have a short inseam (30.75 inches). I recently bought my first scooter (Burgman 400), and I’ve never had so much fun a bike. I was trained 25 years ago as a motorcycle cop. 755-800 lb Harleys.. stop and go traffic for 8 hours a day. We were trained to only ever stop with our left foot. Right foot is for brake. It’s so much easier and intuitive to ride this way. It’s the reason why so many shorter ladies and men can ride huge touring rigs all day long with no issues. It just takes a little practice to get over our brain thinking it needs both feet for stability. It’s the same reason 900 lb bikes only have a kickstand on one side. As a matter of fact, super low bikes are more unstable, as your knee is much more bent. It’s the only time I feel like I have to use both feet, and that’s with some of these low cruisers. There’s thousand of hours of research/testing that show the that “stop light” drops are almost eliminated with strategic single foot stops. It sounds counterintuitive. But with both feet down there’s risk of bike “wobble “ either way depending on external factors. And with two feet, you tend to have neither foot firmly planted. A 500 lb bike while sitting on its axis only required a few lbs of resisting force to remain stable upright. In addition, it allows the bike to be leaned over a couple degrees to the left, eliminating issues to the right. It doesn’t present us with it’s true weight until it’s leaned over 45 degrees .. or half way down. At that point, most of can’t hold up a 40 lb bicycle, much less a motorcycle at that angle. Sorry for the ramble.. just food for thought.

[@andrewpark7242]

I lean on my right foot vs left foot. Should I train myself to use the left foot

[@cwheremonster8870]

Andrew Park, nah.. your fine. We did left side because classic motorcycles have right foot brake. If you’re on modern scooter, you should be fine with either side.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Yes! I feel much more able to ride whatever I want with the one foot method, and I totally get that one foot stops is much more solid. I fought & fought on that mentally!

[@vesparama]

Great and relevant points!

[@cjvillaluna2413]

Thank you for this. I’ve been doing research for awhile now. Haven’t committed to a particular scoot-scoot yet. I am 5’2”. The dealers that I have spoken to say “During a great ride, my height doesn’t matter. But at a time of panic or at a time of “need”……being able to drop my feet to the ground is “crucial”.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I do agree in theory. I wish I had mentioned seat width plays a part here, too, but most of the scooters have a 1-2” play in the width, as well. Which are you considering?

[@vasilyru]

@@ScooterNewbie, we have the same dilemma) My wife is 5’4, deciding between 150 Primavera and 300 GTS… Riding mostly in-town, but occasionally need to go two up in 50mph zones… She’s concerned about weight and height of GTS… she still oh her tippy toes when off central stand :| Any suggestions?

[@rosasusanapena9329]

Why am here 😩

[@tammidee7402]

I think that sometimes the problem is not the height of the seat but the width of the seat. The Kymco AK550 may only be 31" high, but it is so wide that it may as well be 35".

[@RogierYou]

Its not just the height of the seat but also how wide it is. Wide seat spread your legs further apart…. Check our doodle channel she is a petite girl riding big bikes. Telling how to ride a tall bike.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Great point Max Expert. The seat width on scooters is a real eye opener. I sat on a new Kymco ak550 yesterday. The sest height seemed much taller that the listed 31 inches due to the odd width. I’ve had dual sports with much higher seats that would ride shorter. I keep forgetting about the width. It’s a double edge sword . We love the storage under the seat and sofa like comfort of scooters at speed. But that comes at a price. I guess it’s a tradeoff ?

[@RogierYou]

@@cwheremonster8870 it’s easy to deal with. Just lean to one side. Crank the gas and go. The bike will go upright immediately and you can retract your foot back. Scary at first but easy once you have done it a few times.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Mac, I agree 100%. I trained many motor cops years ago. Once people got familiar with a proper one foot stop, it seemed to open a new world of machines and riding to them. I appreciate your perspective. Ride safe.

[@RonConsumer]

Keep them all... I have 7 ponies in my corral now... everything from Vintage Harley's, ADV bikes, Royal Enfields, and scooters. Of course, now that I'm older I tend to ride my smaller displacement bikes a lot more than my bigger bikes but I still take them all out to stretch their legs. I understand your position as far as seat height goes but being vertically challenged myself I just learned to move my butt around on my seat so I can get a foot solid on the ground. It's all about planning and looking at the terrain you are coming up to a stop on... It's so funny how many riders believe once they are seated on the bike they cannot move their butt around on the seat.

[@michelepraught1600]

This is so great. .Lots of questions answered. Having had a 1969 Honda scrambler where I could definitely flat foot it I was reluctant to side lean on my choice of a Royal Alloy 150. It's a heavy scoot at 263lbs. They have a low profile seat which I'm getting. But I'm going to have to perfect my lean. The other thing that helps is to wear motorcycle type boots. Not only do they add height but safety. I know scooters are fun to hop on and go but having tipped a bike over on my leg and being able to pull my foot out of a boot still stuck under the frame convinced me of the importance of proper footwear.

[@lisaseid4525]

Great video! I own a 2022 Vespa Primavera 150. Shaved the seat myself (not too difficult, just messy) and installed the lowering bracket. I finally feel safe enough to ride. Didn’t think about being 5’1 at the time of purchase!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Whoa! I’m impressed! Would love to see a photo if you’d be ok sharing - [e-mail]

[@olironrider8918]

Ummm…. If you do decide to lower your Vespa.. I might suggest that you try the bracket lowering kit first. The low profile seat can be a “little” more expensive than the bracket kit… and if your “sitting area” is not completely comfortable, you’re kinda stuck with it. Jus sayin……. PS As an “older” Harley rider, I’ve been considering giving up motorcycles… but not riding. Do like the Vespa very much, and am seriously considering the switch. I have owned the Kymco Downtown 300i in the recent past. Nice scooter but at my age now.. I kinda lean towards the more “conservative” Vespa. Really enjoying your channel.

[@Matahalii]

I've bought a Primavera 125 racing 60s after riding a Peugeot Jetforce 50 for years and I can tell you that there is a significant difference in quality riding experiance! Beside it is the smaller model of Vespa, it is a fully grown scooter, fitting almost any size of people comfortably. The Primavera is noticalbly more zippy in downtown situations or curvy mountain passes in opposite to not really loving the cruise on long straight open roads.

[@ScooterwolfsMotovlog]

You always have the best topics and excellent points for your viewers. Thanks for sharing, as it has given me a lot to think about. Seat height is definitely important as it effects the contact patch of your foot on the ground. Like the contact patch of your tires, it's important to give your bike the foot stability it needs to hold it upright when at a stop. The less of a foot/boot contact patch there is, the more likely there is of a slip, especially if the foot/feet are planted on loose gravel, a dusty pavement, ice, leaves, or a road with uneven or slanted camber. For tall riders knee placement is also an issue on scooters as sometimes the knees, when in the riding position, may come too close to the handle bars or the leg shield fairing on the front of a bike. I've heard of riders who pass on getting a bike because their knees feel too cramped when riding on the road.

[@Busywave]

What is great about putting your feet down on tip toes is you probably won’t get gum on your shoes. Great video!

[@askagaydad]

Thanks for this info. I’m 5’6” and I’m here to tell you that 5’6” ‘s are not all the same. Some have longer inseams then others. I don’t want to be on my tip toes. So I’m going to order the lowering bracket. Or full on platform boots. 😊

[@TylerAldrich]

I'm not sure if I helped or made your decision more difficult on whether or not to keep or sell the Kick😝. I can't even tell you how many times I test rode the 300 and then asked to try the 150 (even though I had one for years) and vice versa. They are just so different in how they ride. Ultimately it came down to the fact that the 300 just felt safer especially when large trucks blow by you. It also just has that premium feel when compared to the smaller scooters. Not to mention it gets up hills without holding up traffic. If I could have both I probably would. Either way, all I know is I just have more fun on a scooter than a motorcycle regardless of weight and engine size.

[@barryervin8536]

Hi! Interesting topic. I've owned about 25 2-wheelers, and have never had one that I could put both feet flat on the ground with my knees bent (or even without my knees bent). Riders today seem to have been brainwashed that they have to be able to do that. The fact is that the bike is never going to fall both directions at once so you just lean slightly to one side or the other when you stop and put one foot down. I find that I tend to use my left foot most of the time because I'm programmed by riding motorcycles to use that one so I can use the rear brake while stopping, but it works either way. I guess if you are riding a 900 lb. monster touring bike you might want to keep it totally upright and use both feet, but the one foot method has worked fine on my 550 lb. Yamaha 750 which is about as big as I want to go anyway. If I need something bigger than that I have a nice KIA and it even has air conditioning. BTW, don't even try to come off the centerstand while on the bike. If you are worried about it falling away from you and toppling over (done that), just turn the bars a little to the right when you push it forward off the stand and the weight will shift toward you and avoid that awkward "standing on the left side of the scooter while it falls to the right side" situation. Have you adjusted the valves on your Like 150 yet? I just turned 2000 miles on mine and am about to do that. I've heard it's a bit difficult to get to and of course there are 4 of them. We shall see.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Spot on, Barry. Two feet are often more unstable for riders. It’s just a tough habit to break for many. I worked with a woman for over 20 years who’s daily rider was a 900 lb fully loaded Ultra Glide. She even had that thick puffy touring seat. She was/is 5’4”. Her response when people were shocked to see her riding a big bike: “I just ride the d@mn thing.. I don’t need to bench press it.”

[@mf7513]

Great points here! I also think the width of the seating area and overall scooter plays with the way you can put your feet on the ground and balance the scooter.

[@ScooterNewbie]

So true!!

[@TheJournier]

I'm 5' 1" with a 28" inseam and will be looking at a Honda Metropolitan this weekend. As I become more experienced, maybe I could handle a taller bike. You're right about scooter weight mattering, too. Some scooters have better weight distribution making them easier to balance at a stop, even if you can only get one foot down.

[@MrJimmy-ox7fq]

I'm 5'5' on a good day with a 29.5" inseam. This comment may be getting to you late. The Honda Metropolitan is a fantastic machine. But as far as your stature is concerned, you may find that you have outgrown the Honda in less than a week. Sit on a couple of 125 to 200 cc bikes and see how you can balance them. You may be happier in the long run having the extra "escape" power in the engine. Best of luck to you.

[@jrnumex9286]

jay leno has over a 100 moto's . they don't need to be ridden to be happy, a comfy garage and a kind owner all they want. looks like a vespa medium windscreen, nice.

[@mahaleylynn2]

I bought boots with 3/4 inch heels. Flat foot now! Had considered shaving seat, and watched Robots lowering back suspension. Am concerned with lowering how much it would change the dynamics of riding my Vespa GTS 309 Super. Will be watching to see what you decide. But I am really happy with my boots and being able to be flat foot ride

[@wfomph1435]

i saw in an old video , you bought a vespa, congratulations .do you know vespa means "wasp". i rode a 06 suzuki an 650 burgman daily for a year . when you get a chance to ride one , do it and pay attention to the sound it makes . not like a piston engine but a moan like " ahooooooooooooooooo " up to around 115 mph .the 06 dash is digital and the numbers are over an inch tall .very easy to see at 115 and smoothe as silk ..you are talking about height im 5.5 male 60 yrs been riding since 11 years old .so im comfortable on anything . the burgman is 610 lbs ,i weighed it. new riders should start on something small ,light small and simplecomfortable ,easy to ride . like you have .start slow and easy and as your experience grows so can you're bike until you are ready to ride what you want to ride.but when you start you should ride what you need to ride , small and easy which is safer .enjoy the vespa .keep the rubber side down . thanx

[@maxlevett7474]

I bought a pair of motorcycle boots a few sizes larger. About 1 1/2 inches empty space in front of toes. Inserted rubber under foot insert thick enough to make boots fit my feet. I could not get heels on ground but had much more front of boot grip. Am about 5`6" short. A bit taller with boots on.

[@ScooterNewbie]

That boot grip is so important! Glad you found something that worked!

[@DanielPerez-vt5ez]

Good video. My mom was born in Arecibo PR! Cool shirt!

[@justiroyal8100]

Thank you so much for this video i needed clarification👍 Much love!

[@8th_Decade_Adventures]

Robots video lowers the Primavera & Sprint 150s. Will the same bracket work on the GTS300? If not, is there another way to lower the 300 without reducing the seat thickness? Thanks.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Your scooter videos are great. Keep'em coming! :)

[@marty37]

Great video. You made some Awesome Points and I strongly feel that this will help those that might be a shorter person or someone one new to the scooter scene. Sounds like you're going to keep the Buddy Kick. Like you said and learned, there's a difference on how both ride. I guess that comment from Tyler was helpful to open up your mind and see how both scooters ride different from one another. Plus, how cool of that person from Puerto Rico to send you that Puerto Rico Vespa T-Shirt. It sure was a cool shirt. You're making friend all over. LOL. Oh, here's a good question. Will the riding performance of the scooter change if you or someone switches out the bracket for a bracket that lowers the seat? That would make for a good video. A Before and After of how it rides if the bracket seat is changed out to lower the seat. Maybe if you know someone a Collab with them and get their thoughts on the change? Anyways, Thanks Renee for another great video. Can't wait for the next one.

[@twinfin8571]

Oh my gosh! I’ve never ridden a scooter or motorcycle and I’m looking to get one. I’ve signed up for the MSF course class and I’ve picked out a scooter (without a road test ride, unfortunately). I’m leaning towards the Buddy 170i. I’m 5’2 and can only get one foot flat on the ground. It’s worried me to no end. After days of thinking I won’t be able to handle the bike without two feet on the ground at a stop, I found there is a cut down seat for Buddies (made by Genuine). I had the dealer order one. (This all just happened yesterday and I find this video the next day!). It’s 1 1/2 inches shorter to the ground. I hope that helps relieve my apprehension. I think the biggest problem with not being able to reach the ground would be maneuvering the bike to park, etc. But what do I know? I’ve only sat on them in the showroom. My main use will be recreational on back Oklahoma roads. I’m retired….older….and speed doesn’t interest me. Safety is way more important.

[@lisakaye2699]

See this is what I would love to talk to you about. I am on tip toes with the buddy kick. I look like you on the Vespa.

[@vesparama]

Great info! thank you.

[@floridasaltlife]

You do great scooter videos, great content and presentation

[@ScooterNewbie]

Thanks so much!

[@avrilgarcia8327]

4’10” and struggling to find a scooter or motorcycle 😭

[@crystalparker8360]

Where did you get your seat? I love it. I'm 4'11 inches and I want the buddy kick 125. A local dealer keeps trying to get me on a bicycle chelsea. I've not heard good on those. I cant find a dealer with a blue buddy kick or any fo4 that matter.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I'll have to look up the bicycle chelsea as I'm clueless on that, too! The seat is cover through Cheeky Seats. Here's some info on it since it was a custom one scootersfornewbies.com/best-scooter-seat-cover/ Let me know what you land on! (The thumbnail image of the video is my 4'11" sister. She felt good on the Kick, but she won't ride. lol)

[@jahronziebluegordon4728]

Love your videos!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Oh yay! I so badly want everyone to see them as an option where they aren’t the norm!

[@bikersting]

Hi, if you don’t mind me to ask, how tall are you? Just got my wife a GTS Touring and I am considering either to shave the seat or convince her to lean to one side when necessary…. She is 5’4”.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I'm 5'6", and I am ordering the lowering bracket for my GTS 300 after a year of riding. I almost dropped it because of the bulk/height in a situation last week that made me nervous.

[@vasilyru]

@@ScooterNewbie, so, how’s your experience with the bracket?

[@juliaann8135]

Where did you take your motorcycle safety course at? The one that had the scooter. I’ve called around houston and haven’t had luck.

[@dale57]

Is Rich okay. In January a F350 knocked me off my KYMCO XTown!

[@juanitamaddox2282]

I’ve been wanting a scooter but was afraid of the height because I’m 5’2. Thank you for making this video. Can you ride the Vespa on the highway? I want a scooter for daily use.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I will ride the GTS on a highway but not an interstate. I hope this makes sense! We live around Interstate 45 in Houston, and that is a no-go for me. However, I think even with a full motorcycle I'd be weird about that. I do go on Hwy 3 that goes parallel to 45. Hope this makes sense!

[@rbasso415]

Do they actually sell low profile seats or do you have to shave it down?

[@SomeRandomIndvl]

Don't bother lowering it if you are used to leaning to either side.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Are you reading my mind? I let it go, and it came up again in my head this week.

[@SomeRandomIndvl]

@@ScooterNewbie I can't flatfoot my 400+ lbs motorcycle either. But I can see how the floorboard on a scooter would make it more intimidating. Btw, who knew watching some one talks about scooters can be entertaining, good job.

[@sandyma6974]

Thank you for the video. If I am tiptoe on a scooter, how do I stop and start on an uphill slope?

[@SandStormPower]

What I used to do, with it (always used just 1 foot on the ground and I'm 169cm tall), I had the steering slightly turned to the right and rear brake applied. Accelerated until finding the cvt grab point, released the rear brake, helped a little with left foot motion, kept accelerating progressively and set foot of the board. With time it gets so natural you'll not think about it. But I understand that first time riding or riding again after so many years, are a little bit sketchy.

[@joshuasilva5514]

Great Video! I am debating between the Genuine Urbano 125i or the Genuine Urbano 200i. Im not sure if its worth paying an extra 600 for the 200i or would I be fine with the 125i?

[@ScooterNewbie]

How fast do you want to go? That 125 is going to top out around 63ish if it is like my Buddy Kick. The wheels literally feel like they are vibrating beyond that. I know this because on a 55 mph road I felt like I was going to be squished by impatient, big trucks that were going well beyond that 55. If your roads are consistently 45mph or lower, then that 125 is fine. If you see yourself using 55+, I like the 200 more for you to give you oomph (even if you just use the umph to find a different, much more relaxed route).

[@corcaa]

Like the shirt! :)

[@traceygilmour462]

I can’t find the links to the lowering methods you mentioned? I am interested in them.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Here's the full article. I'm ordering a couple of items this weekend, and I'll be sure to update it with what exactly I purchase. scootersfornewbies.com/vespa-seat-heights/

[@chuckbayman]

So now that you have owned the vespa for a while,what's your opinion

[@ScooterNewbie]

I won’t consider selling it but waver on whether to sell the Kick! Such a great ride (but does have some quirks).

[@MrJimmy-ox7fq]

Another great video. (In these modern times of over sensitive people, perhaps you should refer to us as "vertically challenged"). By the way, I'm a 5'5" 68-year-old fart so you should know that I'm just kidding. 😁

[@traineruploads5911]

Hello