If you're looking for a new way around town, you might want to consider a motor scooter or moped. Whatever the reason, many people seem to think they are a great way to get around: scooter sales jumped 50% between the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. The fact that they're light at the gas pump doesn't hurt, either.
There are plenty of pluses to owning one of these fun two-wheelers. But they come with some downsides, too. And even though they're small, scooter insurance is required.

Before you hit the road on a motor scooter or moped, don't forget Rule #1. You need scooter insurance. In every state, insurance is required for any vehicle that's used on public roads.
Many insurance companies may insure scooters and mopeds under their motorcycle coverage. Insurance for these vehicles is usually less expensive than motorcycle coverage. * There's no hard and fast rule about how much cheaper, though - talk to an agent to get an apples to apples comparison.
Bottom line: You need scooter or moped insurance if you're going to ride one. Thankfully, it's easy to get a fast, no-obligation quote. You can call us at 1-877-379-BIKE (2453) or find an agent near you to get info that puts you in good hands - and gets you on the road to motorcycle, scooter, and moped discounts like these:
- With our Early Signing Discount, you get up to a 10% discount right off the bat, just for switching to Allstate.
- Take advantage of our Multiple Motorcycle Discount to save 10 to 35 percent by insuring multiple bikes.
- You may be eligible for a discount if you've recently completed a motorcycle, moped, or scooter safety course.
Scooters and mopeds offer more than a high cool factor. Whether you get an old-school retro model with a steel body or a tricked-out modern version with LCD displays, scooters and mopeds are usually less expensive than motorcycles. Almost all of them have automatic transmissions, which make them easier to drive than motorcycles.
Yet for all of their pluses, there are some downsides, too. For starters, scooters and mopeds don't have the protective air bags and seat belts that come standard on cars, and they don't have the on-road stability of motorcycles.
Many people like the vintage cool of older models, but they can be labor-intensive to maintain, tracking down parts can be challenging, and they may require a lot of TLC (and scooter know-how) to keep on the road.
A scooter or moped may be a fun way to zip around town, but you still need to wear the right gear. Check out our Tips for Buying the Right Gear article before you make decisions about the gear you'll be wearing.
If you're ready to hit the road on your new two-wheeler, call Allstate to protect yourself and your bike. Get an easy no-obligation quote, call us at 1-877-379-BIKE (2453), or find an agent. Are you in Good Hands?