January 24, 2024
Are you trying to trim your gas budget? Or maybe you’re just interested in an alternate way of getting around. For commuting and short trips, a scooter is a great solution. Scooters are cheap to operate and fun to ride. Scooter financing can let you get a new ride by paying over time with convenient monthly payments.*
Just as you finance other vehicles (like your a boat), you can get an installment loan for your new scooter. With a Synchrony installment loan, you can choose from the brands you love and finance your new or used scooter at a variety of dealerships.* Plus, you can roll the upgrades and equipment you need, like a new helmet, a lock and maintenance plan into one installment loan at the time of vehicle purchase.
A Synchrony loan offers flexible terms, allowing you to pay back the loan over time and make convenient monthly payments.* You can also use the loan to bundle in the approved accessories and gear you need at the time of vehicle purchase.
Ready to ride? Find a dealer near you that offers Synchrony financing.
Learn more:
You may remember human-powered ride-on scooters from your childhood, but those aren't the scooters we're talking about. The scooters we're discussing are a type of motorcycle. You might also hear these called mopeds, motor scooters or Vespas.
Scooters are motorcycles you can step through, as opposed to straddling. The driver sits on a seat, with their feet resting on a platform. Scooters have relatively small engines, between 50cc and 250cc (cubic capacity), and are designed to carry one or two people.1
Another option for commuting short distances is an electric scooter. Electric scooters more closely resemble the scooters of your youth. The driver stands on the scooter, which is moved by an electric engine. These are extremely lightweight; some can even be folded up to take into an office or on the subway.
Here's an overview of three types of scooters that commuters and other drivers might consider.
| Scooter type | Rider capacity | Engine | Important details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric scooter | 1 | 250- to 3,000-watt electric motor. Some models have a motor on each wheel.2 | Driver stands. Good for short solo commutes. | $300-$2,5002 |
| Moped | 1-2 | Less than 50cc1 | Think of it as a cross between a bicycle and a motorcycle. No special licensing required in most states.3 Top speed of 28 mph; can't be ridden on highways.1 | $700-$3,0003 |
| Scooter | 1-2 | Usually 50cc-250 cc, though some models can have up to 850cc1 | Requires a motorcycle license. Most can reach highway speeds. Automatic transmission, unlike other types of motorcycles.1 | $2,000-$10,0003 |
Bikes, motorcycles and scooters are all great for commuting. They let you cut through city traffic, avoid the headache of finding parking and reduce fuel costs. But among those options, scooters stand out because they provide the best of both worlds.
Scooters are motorized, so they give you extra power. After all, not everyone wants to break a sweat on their ride to work or before they go out to dinner. With the help of an electric motor or internal combustion engine, you can go farther on a scooter than you can using your own two legs.
Although you might think bigger is better, mopeds and scooters have advantages over larger types of motorcycles. If you're driving a moped, you don't need to have a motorcycle license in most states.1 That means you can hop on and go. For scooters with an engine larger than 50cc, you'll need a motorcycle endorsement on your license.1 However, scooters are smaller, lighter and less powerful than motorcycles. They also have an automatic transmission, as opposed to the manual transmission found on most motorcycles. That, along with their maneuverability, makes scooters a great choice for people who are new to riding a two-wheel vehicle.
As when operating any vehicle, especially powersports equipment, it's important to follow safety guidelines when you're on the road. Some tips when you're operating a scooter or moped:4,5
With Synchrony, getting started with scooter financing is simple. Talk to your favorite enrolled dealer. When you apply for a Synchrony loan using our digital application,you'll need to provide your:
Scooter Accessories | Powersports Financing for Beginners | Motorcycle Accessories
*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.
**Subject to credit approval. See synchrony.com/outdoors for details.
Disclaimer: The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in this content are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. All product and company names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder of their product brand.