Driving a motor scooter on snowy roads and at high altitude?

Question

I am looking to buy a motor scooter and I would be driving it from an altitude of 7000' up to about 9000' to the ski resort 5 days a week, 20 miles each way.
I need at least a 150 cc right? What advise do you have for me? Maybe get motorcycle snow tires on it? Thanks for your suggestions.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It's doable. If you can find studded tires for your scooter, fit them. If not, try ice screws, either Gold Screws or Kold Kutters. Fit the tires with the deepest, most aggressive tread you can find, and use the longest screws you can without going through the carcass. 5/8" or longer will stay in the best.

The number of screws you use depends on what kind of conditions you will ride in the most. If you see mostly clear pavement, keep the center of your tread free of screws. If the road will be mostly hardpack or ice, run the screws all the way across the tread. You don't need a lot of screws, no more than one per knob or every other knob on a typical DOT knobby.

A 150 should work ok for you as long as you do not have to run in fast traffic.

For winter riding tips, join the Rounders:
http://www.yearroundriders.com/join.html

Source(s):

Seven Elephant Rides, regular winter riding in MN, and a little bit of time on the ice.

Answer 2

Oh... that's not really such a great idea... It's pretty dangerous to drive two wheeled vehicles over snow and slippery surfaces. I mean you can spill even on a wet spot or some gravel if you hit it right - and that's on a perfectly lovely summer day.

A scooter or moped would be the most dangerous of all I think because they're so light. Still, you CAN get studded snow tires for them. People do this, so I guess there's no reason you can't.

If you're gonna do this, you've got to play it ultra safe. Make sure you've got a good helmet, and I'd invest in a proper set of leathers. Check out your tires and the studs for wear after every ride. Keep on top of it, and stay safe.

Just for the record though, I officially don't recommend it. Sounds like a nasty accident waiting to happen. :-/

Answer 3

Would you consider the Piaggio MP3 250cc? You've got two wheels in front and you can still put snow tires on it.

Source(s):

http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters.php#/…
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/3…