Types
A scooter is a type of motorcycle with a step-through frame and usually with smaller wheels designed for urban transportation.
Various types of scooters
- Two-wheeled high speed seated scooters separated from motorcycles by swing through space in chassis 0-72 mph (0–116 km/h)
- Two-wheeled Stand-up scooters (like a kick scooter) 0-25 mph (0–40 km/h)
- Two-wheeled Seated scooters 0-25 mph (0–40 km/h)
- Two-wheeled, side-by-side stand-up scooters like manufactured by Segway PT 0-12 mph (0–20 km/h)
- Three-wheeled stand-up cambering scooter like Trikke Tribred (3CV 3-point carving vehicle) 18 mph (28 km/h) with dynamic suspension and front wheel drive
- Three-wheeled standup scooters 0-15 mph (0–25 km/h) (ie Easyglider X6)[6]
- Three- and four-wheeled Mobility scooter (disability riders) 0-10 mph (0–15 km/h)
- Three- and four-wheeled Seated scooters/golf carts 0-25 mph (0–40 km/h)
Electric motorcycle or electric bicycle
Two-wheeled motorcycles are generally differentiated from electric bicycles and mopeds (motorized pedal cycles) by speed, with motorcycles having greater speeds—usually greater than 30 mph (about 50 km/h). This line for what constitutes a 2 wheeled motorcycle has blurred due to marketing, styling, and public opinion.
3-wheeled motorcycles
Due to vagueness in motor vehicle laws, any three-wheeled vehicle that can travel over 31 mph (50 km/h) may be classified as a motorcycle. This classification does not depend on whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements. Several automotive startup companies made their initial designs three wheeled vehicles, because the motorcycle classification does not require the same costly battery of crash safety testing as a four wheeled vehicle. They may find a sales advantage because insurance and licensing requirements are simplified or non-existent if the local laws classify these types of vehicles as a bicycles.
- 1 wheel in front and 2 in back, known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design
- 2 wheels in front and 1 in back, known as a tadpole design.
Some three wheeled motorcycles enclose the rider in a "cabin" or cockpit. These include the Twike, Myers Motors NmG.
Some three wheeled motorcycles have independent suspension allowing the vehicle to tilt or lean, such as the Carver one.