Brian and Jackie originally bought one TaoTao ATM50-A1 and loved it so much that they ended up buying two more, one more for themselves and one for their father. Now, the family scooter gang is growing even more since they just placed another order for their mother!

What a fun family...Thank you again, you are all truly Scooter Madness All-Stars!

A very big thank you to 2 of our newest members of the Scooter Madness Family for sharing all their updates and pictures while waiting for and enjoying the newest members of their family.

This is why we love this business, because of people like you and helping make memories like these happen. We look forward to many more...

Yes, the absolute most important #1 rule (even ahead of "Having Fun") is: Don't Die. 

That doesn't mean to live in fear. It just means to be more self-aware, and possibly even more importantly, be more aware of others. Scooters are small, so we have to be more careful and protect ourselves with the increasingly larger vehicles on the road.

Always keep your eyes moving and your mind clear. Use your riding time as an opportunity to clear your thoughts of any obligations, troubles, stresses, responsibilities, etc. Think of it as an opportunity to be completely in the present moment, with a zen-like state of awareness. We are meant to use our instincts. Tune into them and tune everything else out while you ride.

Some people meditate, some paint, some exercise, some read, some hunt to get into this clear mindset...we ride!

This shouldn't be a fearful thing, just remember...when you're on (your bike), be "ON". 

And remember this...

"The most common type of crash involving a car and a motorcycle is at an intersection when a motorist makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. 

All too often motorists will turn left into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist either because the motorcyclist is hidden by roadway features or because the motorist just didn’t “see” the motorcycle. In fact, Fighter pilots are taught to continually keep their heads on a swivel and their eyes always moving. Because, if you fix your gaze on one object long enough while you yourself are in motion, your peripheral vision goes blind."

Read more here.

Once you are aware of this and made it a natural practice, remember the whole point of this all...to have fun :)

Ride-on Scooter Madness Family!

Simple question. Difficult answer.

All states have different laws so please check with your local DMV and/or any other applicable agency to verify that your vehicle is street legal in your area BEFORE buying or riding.

In general...
For 50cc scooters you need a driver's license, but not a motorcycle license.
For 150cc you need a driver and motorcycle license.

BUT...Keep in mind though that every state is different! 

For example, the majority of states require a motorcycle license for 150cc scooters (and above) since they exceed speeds of 50mph and can be operated on highways. Some states also require a motorcycle license even on 50cc vehicles. However, keep in mind that since all our 50cc scooters come titled as "49cc" scooters, those states might not require a motorcycle license for these engine sizes. Some states don't require a motorcycle license on any size scooter and some states don't even require a driver's license at all (especially when you're dealing with electric scooters which are a whole different story)! Then some states only allow certain engine size scooters (such as allowing 50cc but not 150cc). Some states consider 50cc scooters as bicycles and allow parking on sidewalks at bike racks...cool! 

Stop the scooter madness, can't we all just get along?!?

There's no simple answer, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Since we can't be on top of every state's ever-changing laws, please look into your own state laws before purchasing (we are not responsible or liable if your state does not allow you to register or drive your vehicle). 

And don't forget the most important law of them all...Have fun!!

Have more questions? Read more here.

These bikes are durable and inexpensive, making them truly unique in the marketplace.

The fine folks at Max Speed Media have put together a great video tutorial of how to start, shift gears and ride an SSR 125 pit bike.

In this video you will learn how to start a pit bike, use the choke, locate the kill switch, turn the fuel on/off, operate the gear selector and clutch … everything you need to be up and running on a new SSR pit bike.

The video above features the SSR 125cc Pit Bikes which is the perfect option for first time riders who need to learn how the clutch and transmission work together with the engine to propel the bike forward.

For casual riders, there’s the SSR125SEMI semi-automatic and the SR125AUTO fully automatic transmission pit bike models to choose from. Our pick is the semi-automatic, as it provides a very similar thrill factor to the full manual but with less of learning curve.

Which would you choose?

Your gas powered scooter will arrive inside a metal crate. The crate is packed inside a cardboard box.

1.Separate the cardboard box from the metal crate.

2.Unbolt the scooter from the crate, working from the top down.

3.Free the scooter from the crate by cutting additional shipping wires (used to hold the scooter in place).

4.Most scooters ship with the front wheel unattached, but if your wheel is attached, free the front wheel by unbolting the front axle from the crate.

Gas powered scooter assembly: locating and charging the battery

Your gas powered scooter includes “starter” battery. Within the first 100 miles, we recommend you replace the battery with a more reliable version that can be purchased from an auto parts store. The battery that ships with your scooter is best suited for starting the scooter and completing this inspection only.

Locate the battery (check under the seat if you do not find the battery elsewhere). Follow the battery assembly and charging instructions carefully. While the battery charges, complete the remaining assembly steps below.

Gas powered scooter assembly: installing the front wheel

Carefully stand your scooter up. This may require the help of another person or additional supports.

1.Remove any shipping spacers that you see between the front brake pads.

2.Guide the front wheel into the front fork and past the brake caliper. It is not necessary to remove the caliper to install the front wheel. The brake disc should slide between the brake pads.

3.On the side of the front wheel with the brake disc, there may be a metal spacer between the hole in the fork and the wheel. On the other side, there may be another spacer (along with the speed sensor, which is connected to the speedometer). Locate both spacers (if present) and move on to the next step.

4.The speed sensor typically has notches in it that line up with a peg on the front fork. The inside of the speed sensor also has two tabs that line up with the two tabs on the front wheel.

5.Line up the tabs on the speed sensor and the front wheel. Then line up the speed sensor with the pegs on the front fork and slide the wheel into position.

6.Slide the axle bolt through the assembly. If should slide in easily but may require a few taps from a rubber mallet.

7.Once the axle bolt is through, apply a few drops of thread lock on the threads.

8.Tighten the axle bolt according to specs provided in the owner’s manual.

Gas powered scooter assembly: changing the fluids and plug

Our friend Matt at Rolling Wrench has a Chinese scooter upgrade kit that we highly recommend buying and installing. Check out the video below.

The engine oil that arrived in your scooter is for shipping purposes only. TaoTao USA recommends changing the oil with 10W-40. Matt, an experienced scooter mechanic, recommends 20W – 50 “V-Twin” oil. “V-Twin” refers to the engine configuration of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which are also air cooled and tend to be run hard for long periods of time.

1. As mentioned, the oil that ships with your scooter is for shipping purposes only. However, removing the drain plug is often easier once the engine has been started and warmed up (run for 3 to 5 minutes). If you experience problems removing the drain plug, try running the scooter for a short time (the shipping oil is sufficient for this purpose). Be sure to check the gas tank for styrofoam or debris prior to adding fuel (93 octane).
2. Remove the engine oil dipstick and place a container under the scooter (to catch engine oil as is drains).
3. Once the drain plug has been removed, you should see a spring and screen assembly (part of the oil filtration system). Set the assembly aside and be sure to reinstall this assembly prior to reinstalling the drain plug. If the assembly falls into the engine oil container, use a magnet or pliers to retrieve.
4. Once the oil has drained, reinstall the screen in the spring and attach the drain plug. Be careful not to over tighten.
5. Add the required amount of engine oil as specified by your owner’s manual (usually 3/4 of a quart).
6. It is also a good idea to change the gear box oil at this time. Locate the drain plug and remove. Note: the gear box oil often flows freer once the scooter has been run for 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Reinstall the gear box oil drain plug and fill with quality 80W-90 gear box oil.
8. Locate and remove the spark plug. Replace with an NGK plug from a nearby small engine supply/service store, motorcycle shop, auto parts store or similar supplier.

Check out our oil change video below.

Here is a walk-through on how to change your Scooter Gear Oil:

Gas powered scooter assembly: replacing the valve stems

The valve stems that come with your gas powered scooter will hold air, but may deteriorate over time. We recommend you bring you scooter to a local tire shop and have them inspect/replace your tire stems with a one-part design.

Gas powered scooter assembly: pre-ride check

Walk around the scooter and check for leaks of any sort. Investigate and repair as necessary. Following the steps above helps to ensure many years of uninterrupted service.

TaoTao’s Full Official PDI Guide

It is recommended that you check all nuts and bolts and use loctite on all important frame nuts and bolts, check hoses and lines, and a few other checks for safety outlined in the full TaoTao’s Official Post Delivery Inspection Guide (PDI). Please make sure you adhere to these guidelines, as these are the adjustments that a dealer would make if the scooter were purchased uncrated and assembled with a PDI.

Un-crating Your Scooter:
The first you have to do when you receive your scooter is to un-crate it. This is probably our least favorite part of the whole process, but should only take about 15-20 minutes, depending on your skill with a wrench. This is also when you should do your initial check for any shipping damage, so we can help you replace any parts if necessary.

TaoTao 50cc Scooter Assembly Part 1:
Here is part 1 of the assembly process, which includes the handle bar, kickstand, and front wheel assembly.

TaoTao 50cc Scooter Assembly Part 2:
Part 2 shows you have to fill your battery, although in many of the newer scooters, the battery comes sealed and this is not necessary.

TaoTao 50cc Scooter Assembly Part 3:
Part 3 shows you how to install your scooter battery:

That’s it for assembly! Make sure you have seen our scooter post-delivery inspection guide, which also contains a link to TaoTao’s official full PDI document. You are responsible for doing the PDI when purchasing any crated scooter.

Happy scooting!