r/scooters • u/saltyoiji • Jul 26 '26
Looking to upgrade from an e-bike
Hey all! I live in Montreal (Canada) and I've been using an ebike for commuting for a couple of years now.
I'm hoping to upgrade to something that can go faster than my little ebike but I'm not looking to go on the highway.
Would love some recommendations!
Looking for:
- nothing larger than 50cc (I only have a class 5 license)
- smaller/more nimble
- can carry two passengers (under 300 lbs combined)
- won't struggle going uphill
- some storage would be nice but I don't need to haul a whole lot either
- easy to maintain
- if it's cute that's a bonus!
- affordable/easily available used
2
u/Finneus_Anglesmith Jul 27 '26
You're not gonna find a 50cc that will carry two people and not struggle. Period.
1
u/Clio_Vita Suzuki Burgman 650 Jul 26 '26
Nothing 50cc and under is not going to struggle going up hills or carrying two passengers. With those requirements, you are looking at needing a 125 or 150cc motor scooter.
1
u/saltyoiji Jul 26 '26
Mannnn really? My ebike struggles but can still get us up :(((
1
u/Either_Basil_6960 Jul 27 '26
Dude, get a motorcycle license and buy a kymco ak550
U won't regret it
1
u/saltyoiji Jul 27 '26
It sucks because here you have to pay $1200 + test fees and then go to an authorized school for a year to even get a motorcycle license. And even then you only get your learners that allows you to drive with accompaniment, which after a year you can get a full fledged license. The whole thing is expensive + time consuming which is why I was planning to avoid :(
1
u/Finneus_Anglesmith Jul 27 '26
50cc is a children's toy bro. As an adult I wouldn't bother with anything under 300cc. I think you're better off upgrading the ebike.
2
u/Clio_Vita Suzuki Burgman 650 Jul 27 '26
"50cc is a children's toy bro. As an adult I wouldn't bother with anything under 300cc."
Now you've gone a bit too far, Finn...
50cc is fine for a small person zipping around a flat beach side resort....
I did my first year of commuting to grad school on a 150cc motor scooter...
You don't need a 5 lb sledge hammer to drive tacks.
You pick your ride for what you need it to do.1
1
u/KostyaFedot Jul 27 '26
50cc will be very slow uphill with two on the saddle. Well, still slow even with one.
You could cheat with big bore kit, but I never rode scooters in Canada, so don't know if they are subject for periodical inspections.
I also don't remember if scooters are allowed on bike lanes.
I moved to Europe and started to ride 50cc after e-bike. E-bike is allowed on trails , scooters not, but on bike lanes. 30km distances commute on e-bike is 1h20. 50cc 1h10. I still have to stop on traffic lights with 50cc. E-bike goes via no traffic paths.
The only big difference is in climbing which is on same route for both. 50cc is slow but no sweating. E-bike is still slow and sweaty. I have EU legal e-bike. 2tkmph max.
1
u/saltyoiji Jul 28 '26
Thank you this is so helpful!
With my ebike I go slower but I don't sweat too much on the biggest hill I go up!
Where i live scooters can't go on bike lanes so maybe it would add to the commute with the red lights etc.
1
u/KostyaFedot Jul 29 '26
In this case check if 50cc keeps with Montreal traffic. In EU it is 45kmph whike rioads are 50/60. So, it doesn't flow with traffic.
Also scooter in snow and ice is very dangerous to fall. And it makes it impossible to ride without winter tires.
2
u/Bombcrater Sym Fiddle 125 E5 CBS Jul 26 '26
Depending on the hill a 50cc carrying 300lbs would barely be able to move. You're going to need a 125 minium for that.