Choose your dealer before your scooter. You won’t regret it. The dealers are the true reflection of the products. Everyone agrees that 2011 will see business and sales take off again. Though no one is expecting a spectacular year, it’ll be easy to do better than 2010.

Not much going on
City scooters (50 cc) are still popular and account for a large share of the market, as they don’t require a motorcycle license, though riders now have to take a mandatory course in Quebec, the Road Safety Education Program, and pass a practical and theoretical exam.

In light of growing environmental concern and in a bid to better cater to a young client base, the number of models available has dropped, with three variants still dominating the market: the classic, Vespa-inspired scooters that have been stylized by modern designers, the simple machines like the traditional BWs and the slender sport models. Among the well-known brands, Aprilia is launching the SR50; Keeway has taken Benelli under its wing and will be offering two models this year.

2011 Kymco Downtown 300 (Photo: Kymco)

We’re seeing a growing trend in the city towards 125- and 150-cc models, which, unlike 80-cc machines, are allowed on service roads. All’s the better: they increase both mobility and safety, being eminently capable of keeping up with traffic. The 250s are making way for comfortable and powerful 300s, as they’re even better suited to urban driving and capable of travelling down neighbouring roads and highways. Sym is introducing the RV300 and Aprilia now has the BV300. Kymco has replaced the Best&Wins with the Downtown 300.

Electric scooters are still in their infancy. National Motorsports has announced the arrival of the Zero brand, now approved by Transport Canada. We’ll have to test the products to establish their balance and life expectancy, however.

We’re planning an entire season of testing for you, and we’ll touch on every class. Have a good season!