Below are three important questions that you should know the answers to if you want to find the right motor scooter for your needs, instead of one that is unsafe and never used. I'll give you those questions, and then offer a quick explanation of the correct answer.

1. When choosing a motor scooter, my primary consideration is:

a) color and style
b) frame fit
c) engine size

The correct answer here is B. A proper-fitting motor scooter is the single most important factor in choosing a make and model. Why? Because the fit is in large part responsible for the safety of the motor scooter.

If the scooter doesn't fit your frame size, if it is too heavy for you to handle at stops and slow-speed turns, if the brakes and signals are difficult to reach, etc., you are riding on an unsafe scooter. Your safety is always the number one concern.

2. When choosing a scooter size, I primarily consider the top speed I expect to reach on my scooter.

a) true
b) false

This question is a bit of a trick question, as the answer is both true and false. You should carefully consider the speeds you want to attain with your scooter, but you should consider speed as it pertains to your expected usage of the scooter. If you're using a scooter for commuting, you'll probably want to choose one with a larger engine, even if you expect to be sitting in traffic for part of the commute. Having that acceleration at your fingertips is usually safer than not having it.

3. When buying a motor scooter, what sources do you use for pricing?

a) local dealerships
b) online scooter stores or sellers
c) both of the above

The correct answer here is C. Whereas we have an objective source of reliable pricing information for pricing cars and motorcycles, we have much less information about motor scooters.

A great place to start is your local dealership. Obviously there will be a markup, and often, you'll see a significant markup, as there's usually much less local competition for motor scooters.

Once you get your dealer price, do some research online with scooter stores and by connecting directly with sellers of scooters. Your best deals will likely come from connecting directly with a seller, as you're cutting out the middle man, but both of these options can yield significant savings from.

Keep in mind, however, that there are benefits to purchasing from a local dealer that just can't be replicated online, so factor maintenance and service in when making your decision.

So how did you do on the quiz?