First, I want to make one fact clear. I hate scooterettes. I hate them because of the nature of their build. They’re light, fast and inherently dangerous. The safest one you’ll get is the sunny(though im not so sure when it comes to the Zip variant). But if you still want to go in for a scoterette, then this is one I would surely recommend.
My sis needed a scooterette, and since I happen to be the official moped/mobike/scooter expert in the family, I had to take the responsibility of selecting the right model and in training the user(my sis) to use it.
After much research, we decided to buy the scooty.We bought the Kickstart model, simply because I didnt trust the electricals on the vehicle. On hindsight, perhaps we should have taken the Kickstart version, if not for anything else, simply for the fact that its not possible to fit an electric start later.
The vehicle is pretty easy to drive. The handling is good too.
Engine is a mere 65cc, but the light build more than makes up for it and delivers enough power to transport one rider at a max speed of about 50kmph.
The light build has the added advantage of making it easy for women and the elderly to handle it.
Transmission is automatic and saves the trouble of changing gears, especially if you drive in crowded urban centres. Braking is adequate for low speeds.
However a word of caution. The vehicle is extremely light weight and has a very small wheelbase. This added to the relatively high powered engine(for its body weight) makes it a dangerous proposition at speeds exceeding 35kmph. The wheels can lock and throw you into a skid when braking at speeds like that.(especially considering that you are likely to be the heaviest part of the bike, and hence giving the bike a high center of gravity.)
Coming to the usability part, I could teach my sister, who doesnt even know how to ride a bicycle, how to ride this bike. Now thats not a very easy task, teaching a 20 year old lady how to ride a powered two wheeler, when she doesnt know how to balance a two wheeler. Well, I did, and she now rides it with elan.
The kick start is easy and starts in a single kick.
The glove compartment is under the seat and can easily store a mid-sized helmet.
Changing tyres is easy too. All you need is the toolkit that the manufacturer has so thoughtfully provided.
Now to the shortcomings:
First, once you’ve bought a kick-start only version, you cant upgrade it to an electric start model.
The fuel tank is really tiny and can store only 3.5l of petrol (including a 750ml reserve). The reserve doesnt take you far(I discovered a maximum range of about 25km).
The shock-absorbers are, for lack of a better expression, truly shocking. The front suspension is tiny and feels like it doesnt exist at all. The rear is better, but feels better than it is, because it is compensated by the high cushion seat.
Handle too is quite narrow and feels uncomfortable for someone who’s been riding other bikes/scooters. But then, the general profile of Scooty users I have seen is that they are usually first timers, and want easy-use bikes. This bike definitely suits this purpose.
Maintenance on this bike wont cost you much at all. The only serious part I needed to replace on this bike was the choke switch(within 6 months...result of a fall. Cost? 10INR), and the horn(After 4 years) and brake shoes (after 2 years each). But then my sis is a light rider and doesnt push bikes around the way I do. I would rate the four years that its been with us as about 1 year my time, which is still pretty good for the bike.
So final recommendation?
If you want a simple no-fuss bike, easy on your pocket and easy to use, and all it needs to do is help you commute alone, then get this, but handle it with care. Dont pull too hard on that throttle...;-)