Over 50 brands of mopeds are available. Here’s how to narrow the list:

• Reputation: When in doubt, go with a known brand that’s been around for many years – it’s more likely to have spare parts and servicing.
• Dealer: Buy from a registered motor vehicle trader. Dealers hold spare parts, will service their models and are more likely to fulfil their warranty obligations. Dealers also tend to stock good-quality scooters: their reputation depends on it.
• Backyard operators: Steer clear of new scooters sold by private individuals using online auction websites. You’re unlikely to get spare parts or service backup.
• Online dangers: If you really must buy a new scooter on Trade Me, click on the “Buy Now” price. Don’t place a bid. If you bid you lose your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act (see our internet auctions report for more information).
• Ride it: Make sure the scooter has enough power to climb hills and carry a typical load without difficulty. Also make sure you’re comfortable with the seating position, controls, brakes and suspension: does the construction feel cheap and flimsy or well-made?
• Research: Look online for the scooter’s specifications and check out scooter blog sites to see what riders say about the machines they’ve ridden and owned.
• Price: Don’t go for the cheapest option. Being able to buy a cheap scooter on Trade Me for $500-$1000 less than a known brand from a dealership is often an illusion: you can end up paying much more than that constantly fixing a poorly made scooter – and that’s if you find a mechanic to fix it.

Buying second-hand

Mopeds don’t require regular WoF checks, so buying second-hand can be riskier than buying new. You also have few protections in a private sale, making it almost impossible to get your money back if you buy a lemon. Paying for a pre-purchase inspection is worthwhile.

Most motorcycle shops will conduct a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified motorcycle mechanic for around $50 to $60. VTNZ and the AA don’t do pre-purchase inspections for motorcycles and scooters.

Your initial check

You can do some checking of your own before you get a full inspection. Check:

• for a service record – it’s a sign that the scooter has been maintained
• wheels and tyres (no dents or buckling, good tread) 
• front and rear suspension (smooth movement, no fluid leaks)
• brakes (pad thickness, no scouring on rotors, no fluid leaks) 
• controls and lights (are they in working order?)
• for any signs a crash may have damaged parts of the scooter – particularly the frame and steering 
• whether the engine has oil (run it until it gets hot: a four-stroke engine shouldn’t smoke from the exhaust; but a two-stroke should) 
• the temperature gauge (if it comes with one) – it shouldn’t go higher than three-quarters.

Are Chinese scooters any good?

Some Chinese-made scooters have a bad reputation in New Zealand, especially among mainstream motorcycle dealers. They've often been bought in an online action so there's no warranty or Consumer Guarantees Act protections. Many shops won’t service or repair this type of scooter because they don’t want to be held liable when they break down again.

Big brands such as Aprilia, Piaggio and Honda are now made in China. But these aren’t “Chinese” scooters as such because they’re made in those companies’ factories, to those companies’ specifications and quality-control standards. Look for a recognised brand if you're buying a Chinese-made scooter. Other good-quality scooters are made in Taiwan and Korea.

We hope the proposed pre-registration checks on mopeds will sort the safe from the not-so-safe models.