2010 Schwinn Sport Review

This American-made scooter is a perfect choice for everyday running around town. The 2010 Schwinn Sport is a 50cc entry-level scooter. Arriving out of the box in a bright metallic Schwinn Red or black, it appears to have been geared towards college students and teens. Its all-plastic trim is matched with black side covers, fenders, headlights, and instrument housings. Its sporty aluminum wheels, space-age looking halogen headlights, and body styling add to the illusion. With a width of 26.8 inches, parking anywhere is a breeze.

With just enough lockable storage space under the two-up vinyl seat for books or a quick run to the market or coffee shop, this scooter has a top speed of 40 miles per hour. Don’t expect an expressway jaunt to be your future. The storage capacity is just over a half cubic foot of storage -- large enough to hold your helmet, but nothing else. It also has a miniscule rear rack, perhaps big enough for a six-pack of your favorite soft drink. There is a paint matched bolt-on cargo box available, so consider the addition if your trips involve more than a small bag of groceries.

Fuel economy is impressive at almost 100 miles per gallon combined, but you should take into consideration that it only runs on premium fuel, which ups your fuel cost. However, filling up a 1.1 gallon tank is not that bad when the difference between regular and premium is usually around ten cents. There is an actual fuel gauge in this scooter's instrument cluster, which is a nice change from the usual trip-meter of many scooters. Other than the fuel gauge, the only other instrumentation the bike really has (or needs) is its speedometer.

The straight-up seat position is comfortable, with a versatile seat-to-handlebar position. The floorboard footing is also small, but again, adequate. There is a foot peg for a passenger, but remember performance will suffer with the extra weight. The passenger also has the safety option of matte black grab handles. The carbureted, single overhead cam 50cc engine has good pick-up in city driving. And its belt-driven continuously-variable (CVT) trans shifts smoothly. Starting is simple with an electric start. If a low battery stops you, the extra kick-start option is always appreciated. The hydraulic disc and drum type rear brake make stopping a breeze.

If you're looking for a reliable American-made scooter, this is a good choice. Weighing in at just 198 pounds, dry, it's easy enough to handle and its center stand makes parking fairly easy for the smaller statured rider.