Right off the bat, I must say that I fell in love with the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50. This entry-level scooter offers good balance, ideal handling, decent comfort, and smart power.

Keeway, which is owned by Quinjiang Group, designs and develops scooters in Italy, has them built in China, and then distributed in Canada by GO4IT Sales. These products boast a sweet mix of styling and technical expertise that makes them oh-so refreshing.


Styling
The 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 looks youthful and sporty. Sleek colour schemes and trim packages really enhance its presence. A quick glance at my Red/Silver tester with aluminum accents will convince you. Additional paint options will join the lineup for 2013, including Platinum Blue, Matte Black, and Red/White.

Storage and convenience
Under the seat of the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50, you'll find enough room to store a half-helmet. A rear top case might be a good complement, however. There's a cargo hook on the front panel, and a conveniently located, lockable fuel filler cap behind the seat. Speaking of which, the long seat and the floorboard-integrated footrests allow you to bring a friend along for the ride.

Performance
The 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 is motivated by four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant, which meets Europe's stringent emission standards, delivers progressive takeoffs and maintains a top speed even when going uphill. On the other hand, cold starts require a double twist of the throttle.

The 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 looks youthful and sporty. (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

Riding experience
At just 86 kilograms, the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 is easy to handle and park. The fully digital, easy-to-read instrument panel deserves praise for including a fuel gauge, battery level indicator, clock, tachometer, trip meter, as well as multiple lights. Also worth mentioning is the nicely sculpted seat that ensures a perfect riding position for anyone, regardless of body size. Elsewhere, the non-slipping floorboard provides ample room for the feet, contributing to the overall sense of freedom delivered by this scooter.

With 12'' wheels and proper suspension settings, the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 soaks up bumps with ease and delivers decent comfort. It also does a good job of threading through traffic. The brakes, which consist of a front disc and rear drum, allow confident stops in a wide range of situations, with little pressure on the levers.

With 12'' wheels and proper suspension settings, the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 soaks up bumps with ease and delivers decent comfort. (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

A sensible purchase
Priced at $2,225 in Canada, the 2013 Keeway F-ACT50 is a high-value, entry-level scooter that offers great riding dynamics for beginners and advanced riders alike, be they short or tall. That's what makes it really stand out.

Pros
Styling and build quality
Nice rider's seat
Flexible engine
Decent performance

Cons
Needs a stronger cargo hook