What are the special characteristics of a scooter? That its framework is pressed from sheet metal parts? This is also the case with motorcycles. Moreover, not each scooter construction trust on sheet steel structure, but still has a tube-joist.

If that's not the difference, what then? Certainly you have to mention the function of the position of the drive at this point. Apart from certainly here again existing exceptions, the engine of a scooter is not more or less rigidly connected to the frame, but rotatably mounted under the seat, so a good bit further backwards. It is striking that thereby space is created for broad footboards. It is possible to put the feet side by side, if not exactly in the middle is present a bump by the frame tube.

Incidentally, this creates both convenience as instability. The question remains why the engine is rotatable. This is due to the swingarm, of which it provides the top or better front part. On its other end is attached the rear wheel. Here the combination of spring and damper takes effect, connected with the frame at their other end. With each jounce rotates with the swingarm the engine a little.

Difficult is their mounting because at the same time the mounting of the swingarm. Rubber should keep away here frequencies of the engine from the frame. Certainly, the all too resilient mounting of a swing arm is also not purposeful. Because beside the engine must be arranged also still clutch and gearbox, despite mostly single-cylinder method of constructuion, a balance shaft is difficult to place. These problems belong probably clearly to the disadvantages of a scooter.

In addition to compactness is advantageous the one-armed swing arm, the also significantly simplifies a wheel change. A chain need not be changed as often as at a motorcycle, because it runs in the closed swingarm. Moreover modern scooters usually have a belt drive with an automated gear changing. The resulting additional space can be used then for a theft-proof storage, but unfortunately only for a helmet.

One could compare the drive of the scooter with a cardan drive of the motorcycle, e.g. from maintenance. Only that, when scooter the effort is substantially lower. This also applies to the unsprung masses at the rear wheel, because a cardan drive needs here again two bevel gears instead of a sprocket wheel. Similarities also result from an additional rod, the can also be found at the cardan drive. But when scooter it should give the engine a little more freedom of movement. 10/15