NOTE: This article was originally written in 2020 and motorcycle prices may have changed since then.
With social distancing considered the “new normal” everywhere in public transport, lines and queues are longer on the MRT, buses, and jeepneys. Because of this, many are probably thinking of buying a motorcycle to make their daily commute easier.
Many first-time riders, however, don’t know what kind of bike they need and are intimidated by the choices. For beginners, nothing beats the simplicity of scooters. With these bikes, you just turn the key, twist the throttle and go. No need to fumble with a clutch to switch speeds.
The scooter’s low seat height, floorboards and underseat compartments also make them ideal for commuting and errands. You can easily put your feet down in traffic, put your grocery bags on the floorboard, and store your valuables in the storage compartment. Some models even come with USB charging ports for your gadgets.
Parking a scooter is also a breeze. With their small wheels and compact frames, scooters can squeeze easily into parking spots.
Here’s a look at some beginner-friendly scooters available in the Philippine market as of May 2020, listed by price range.
Table of Contents
Honda BeaT
The Honda BeAT is one of Honda’s scooter lines that continually gets upgraded with advanced features and technology with each new model. This 110cc scooter aims to be stylish and modern. I’ve used BeATs a lot in island provinces like Siargao and Camiguin, where they’re commonly available as rental units.
The new Honda BeAT now comes in three new stripe designs: Street, Fashion Sport, and Premium design. The Street and Fashion models come in different stripe designs in different colors to choose from, while The BeAT Premium is a higher-end version that features a combi brake system–where one brake lever activates both front and rear brakes, idling stop system–which helps save gas by turning off the engine when idle, and eco-indicator–which tells you if you’re riding speed and style is saving gas.
The BeAT has a low seat height, which makes it ideal for beginners, including female riders. It is very easy to use even if you aren’t that tall. SRP: The new Street (STD): Php 66,900.00; Fashion Sport (STD): 66,900.00; Premium (ISS/CBS): Php 70,400.00
Yamaha Mio
The Yamaha Mio is one of the most popular scooter models in the Philippines. Chances are if you’ve seen a scooter, it was probably a Mio. The Mio is a very reliable commuter scooter. My first scooter was actually a Yamaha Mio Fino Classic, and it’s proven to be a reliable ride over the years. Some newer variants available in the market these days include the Mio Soul MX, Mio Soul, and Mio Sporty. SRP: Php 71,900 – Php 75,900.
Check out the review of the Mio Sporty on Ride Moto here.
Honda Genio
The Honda Genio is a chic and stylish scooter designed specifically for women and younger riders. It has a low seat height and minimalist dashboard. The scooter incorporates modern tech features like a built-in charger in the seat compartment and an eco setting for better fuel efficiency.
This scooter has a built-in safety feature where the engine stops when you put down the kickstand. The Honda Genio is a relatively new scooter model in the Philippines (released December 2019), so there aren’t a lot of models out there on the streets yet, making it more unique. SRP: Php 72,900.00.
Suzuki Skydrive Sport
The Skydrive is Suzuki’s answer to the Honda BeAT and Yamaha Mio. For those who prefer something a little speedier, the Skydrive Sport (pictured below) offers a functional and convenient ride with a robust and dependable 113cc fuel-injected engine. This fashionable and fuel-efficient ride offers a comfortable riding experience perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The front of the scooter has a distinct appearance with 5 different lights and also has spacious under-seat storage. SRP: Php 78,900.00
Check out the review of the Suzuki Skydrive Sport on Ride Moto below.
Yamaha Nmax
This is Yamaha’s higher-end scooter line. It’s a much bigger and more powerful scooter than the Mio, and it has many high tech features too. This scooter is ideal for working professionals who like touring during the weekends.
While the Mio Sporty has a 115cc engine, the NMAX has 155cc engine, which allows it to be faster and carry much more weight. However, for trips to the grocery or carrying big loads, this is not the ideal scooter because it doesn’t have a floorboard in the middle where you can place your bags, but you can get additional storage for longer trips by putting Givi boxes.
The seat height is also a bit taller too at 30.1 inches, but the seat is wide and plush and perfect for hours of travel. There’s spacious under-seat storage, too. This scooter is great for urban commutes and long rides out on the open road. SRP: Php 109,000 (Standard); P119,000 (with ABS)
Yamaha Aerox
The Yamaha Aerox is also part of Yamaha’s higher-end scooter line. It shares the same powerful 155cc engine and high tech features as the NMAX, but looks more sporty, aggressive and racing-inspired. It also comes in more colors. SRP: Php 102,900 – Php 122,900
Honda PCX
The Honda PCX is an elegant and modern 150cc scooter ideal for working professionals who want a faster way to beat the traffic.
The PCX offers a luxurious and comfortable ride, making it ideal for city use and weekend rides. The under-seat storage space is also very roomy. You can easily stash a full-face helmet securely inside along with other things. This is great for when you park at malls or anywhere since there’s no need to clip your helmet under the seat or use a lock. The PCX is surprisingly lighter than it looks, and is a pure joy to ride. SRP: P133,900.00.
Kymco Like
The Kymco Like is what is known as a modern retro scooter. Unlike the NMAX and the PCX, the design of the Like is a throwback to the classic scooters of the 50s and 60s. The Kymco Like Italia has a 125cc engine, but the newer model comes with an updated 150cc engine and high tech features. The premium Noodoe version, which has been my personal scooter since January 2019, has a built-in GPS-map app on the dashboard.
The scooter also comes with a LED head lamp, bright LED tail lights, easy front fuel filler opening, a 12” aluminum-alloy wheels, and Bosch anti-lock braking system, which allows better balance and stability. It’s a bit heavier and the seat height is taller than some of the other scooter models making it more difficult to back out if you’re not that tall, but it’s still very manageable and beginner-friendly. SRP: Kymco Like Italia 125cc: Php 79,900.00; Kymco Like 150cc ABS: Php 119,000; Kymco Like 150cc Noodoe: Php 139,900.00.
Vespa S
Vespa is the most iconic scooter brand in the world is usually an aspirational luxury motorcycle for many riders. Their lineup of scooters like the Primavera, Sprint, and GTS are high-end scooters in the Php 195,000 to 200k+ price range.
Vespa recently launched a more affordable entry-level scooter called the Vespa S, reminiscent of the legendary “Vespino” that charmed generations of young people all over the world in the ’60s. The most important innovation comes in the form of the new Piaggio i-get Euro 3 powerplant, capable of ensuring brilliant performance, contained consumption and extremely high overall efficiency. SRP: Php 145,000.00
Honda ADV
Currently, the Honda ADV is one of the most sought-after scooters in the motorcycle community. It’s an automatic scooter but looks really aggressive, sporty and stylish with a distinct adventure look. For a 150cc scooter, the ADV is a real eye-catcher and just stands out from the crowd.
Notable features include the futuristic design, adjustable windscreen, all-LED lighting system, full digital meter panel for clear riding information reading, power charger console box, 28L large utility box with seat stopper, naked handlebar, and Smart Key System. While it might be a bit hefty for city use, it could be a good choice for those who want more of an adventure feel for their ride and who plan to do a lot of travel and don’t mind spending a bit more for their first scooter. SRP: Php 149,000.00.
For more information on each scooter model, check out my ride reviews in the related links section.
UPDATE: Top selling scooters in the Philippines (2023)
Data from ZigWheels shows that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kymco are the most popular scooter motorcycles brands in the country. For specific models, the most popular scooter models include the Honda Click 125i, Yamaha Nmax, Yamaha Aerox 155, Honda Click 160, and Honda PCX160.
The cheapest now is reportedly the NWOW Golden Butterfly 2 2023 for P25,000 while the most expensive scooter in the market is the Yamaha TMAX Techmax 2023 for P849,000.
When I visit the Philippines, I like to have my own transportation. I usually rent Honda, a full automatic scooter. So small which is great for me since I am not big either. It takes a bit to get used to it if you are from places where you mainly drive cars, and it can get dangerous especially when you are slow, trying to turn. But you can get the hang of it!
Me too. I usually rent scooters when traveling solo to smaller island provinces. It’s a great way to explore 🙂
I always hesitate trying to drive a scooter or motorbikes on my own but not afraid to ride one. I like the color and style of Yamaha Nmax tho.
Hi Cha, it’s just a matter of building confidence on the road. If you know how to ride a bicycle, it should be easy to learn how to ride a scooter. 🙂
Hello Ms. Kara, i am considering buying a scooter/motorcycle. My choices are the NMAX, Mio and Vespa, but i like the NMAX more. I am a girl with 5’7 height and with 78kg weight. do you think i can go with the NMAX? is it bulky and hard to maneuver? i tried the SYM scooter but it is too bulky for me. Thank you!
Hi Mica, I haven’t personally tried using the NMAX so I asked some other rider friends who ride it. One person said his wife is 5’2″ and can ride the NMAX without any problem. But the geometry of the NMAX is ideal for long distance driving and is very comfy specially if you replace the stock shocks with branded ones. Another friend gave this comprehensive input:
Having ridden the bikes mentioned and owning one of the choices, this is my personal opinion. Where will the bike be used? is it a daily workhorse or something that she will be using on long rides or something in between?
Mio
Pros:
*Lightweight
*Power is beginner friendly
*Parts are easily available
*Decent power as an everyday workhorse bike
*Cheapest out of her three options
*Seat height is friendly
*Has a floorboard for your stuff and market haul
Cons:
*A bit underpowered for long rides
*Eye candy for bikenappers
*A bit lightweight and unstable to my taste on high speeds
Vespa
Pros:
*Timeless looks
*The “vespa” heritage and badge
*Seat height is manageable
*Has a decent power for everyday errands
Cons:
*A bit tricky to work with
*Parts are expensive and not that much people can work with the bike
*Its a leisure bike
NMAX
Pros:
*Liquid cooled engine with 155cc displacement can take you on your everyday errands or long rides with ease
*9 liters of fuel tank
*Large underseat compartment for storing your stuff
*ABS braking which is a nice safety feature and traction control for the latest model
*Parts are readily available
Cons:
*A bit heavy at 127kg kerb weight
*Power might be a bit too much for beginner riders
*seat height is at 765mm which may be a bit high for some
*Parts can be a bit expensive sometimes
*bike is a bit pricey as well at 140k
*Some find the design dorky
Hello Mam Kara. I am a public school teacher in the mountain of our town. I am planning to buy a scooter/motorcycle as my daily ride. I am 5’2 in height and 50kgs. I have 3 choices in mind, ADV, Kymco Like and PCX. What would you advice me to purchase? Hoping to get a feedback.
Hi Wendy! As someone who owns a Kymco Like, I’m biased towards that in terms of looks, but the ground clearance is a bit low & it might not be suitable in the long run for mountain roads esp. if you have a backrider. Baka mas mahirap din yung parts and replacement in provinces depending on your location.
I’m only 5″ and I found the ADV a bit bulky and the seat a little too high, but I had no problem driving the PCX. Mas magaan and comfortable yung PCX. In terms of performance, similar naman sila and both have large 28L storage, which might be useful for your. Kasya isang buong helmet sa storage. I guess it’s a toss up between the 2 in terms of looks. But the 3 you have in mind are designed primarily for urban use. Mas may adventure feel lang yung ADV.
If I may suggest, the Honda XRM is really the most practical for mountain towns because it’s more rugged, and you wont feel so bad if you crash it, or have to drive through floods, muddy areas, etc. It’s not on this list of beginner-friendly scooters because it’s more of an underbone-style motorbike, but please check out my review if it’s more suitable for your needs: https://www.traveling-up.com/ride-review-hondas-all-new-xrm-dsx/
Hi, I’m 6ft tall and will be touring all over Philippines. I’d like a scooter suitable for two people and one that can go up steep hills(mountains) on various paved surfaces. Of course a scooter that can go for long trips a well. Thanks ^^😊
Hello Kurt. For traveling on toll-based expressways esp. in Luzon, you may want to have a motorcycle that is 400cc and up. Current 400cc maxi-scooters available in the Philippines include the KYMCO Xciting 400i, SYM Maxsym 400i, Suzuku Burgman 400, MBW C 400 X, BMW C 400 GT. While it’s still possible to tour the country using lower displacement scooters, you will have to take service roads and it may not be as comfortable considering you have a pillion passenger. When it comes to the Visayas region, which is made up of smaller islands, displacement doesn’t really really matter and you’ll be boarding ferries a lot to cross islands.
Hi, hingi po ng suggestion.. Im planning to ditch my car over a scooter, hindi po ba nakakatakot? I’m a 5’3 female.. weighing 79kilos
medyo pataas kasi ang street namin, can I use a 125cc engine or mas maganda ba yung 155cc? laging may back ride..
choices ko po are the ff
Click, Sky Drive, Mio i
And Metro Manila po 🙂
Hi Miss Kara, regarding kymco like – can it accommodate a pillion rider comfortably if both are above 5’4″
Hi Emman. Personally for me, I like driving the Kymco Like 150 solo, but I don’t feel that comfortable when I ride as a pillion passenger. Medyo matagtag siya. And since the ground clearance is low, there’s a tendency na sumayad sa humps. But maybe you should test it out first for yourself before you decide or ask other Kymco Like owners. Here’s a longer review written back in 2019. I’ve been using it mainly for solo riding up to now: https://www.traveling-up.com/ride-review-kymco-like-150i-noodoe/
Hi ma’am! Planning to buy scooter for my everyday errands and wanted to use for long ride since every now and then I visit our province. Makati to Batangas. I’m quite unsure what to buy. I am 4’7 and weighs 45kg. I really love Kymco Like. May I have some suggestions please. Thanks!
Hello Regina. Please check the individual links of models for different reviews. I’ve been using the Kymco Like 150 since Jan 2019 so I’m biased towards that, but the seat is a bit higher and it’s heavier compared to some of the other models I listed here. For your height & weight, the Honda Genio might be a good fit also 🙂 But it’s really best if you can test drive the models first and decide for yourself. It’s really a matter of what you will be comfortable driving.
Hi Ms. Kara! I own a Kymco Like and am a beginner. I love it but I’m afraid to ride it alone. I practiced alone once last year but I fell on it so I was a little traumatized. I stopped on a descending road and when I reached using my right foot, I fell together with the bike. I gave it a few scratches and I don’t want to waste any more of it’s beauty. Our house is located in a hill-like subdivision so I’m intimidated by the road. After the subdivision, I get to cross a tricky uphill sharp curve before I get to a continuous flat road. I’m 5’0 and even bought high sneakers so I don’t have to tiptoe but I’m still tiptoeing a little. What should I do to overcome this? My bf(trainer) doesn’t want me to go alone unless he’s confident that I can. Thank you very much!
Hi Eli Marie. Congrats on the new ride. The seat height of the Kymco Like is a bit high compared to other scooters, but it’s still possible to ride it safely alone. I am also only 5’0 and I don’t use any special platform shoes. But uphills and downhills can be tricky especially for newbie riders. The first thing you need to do is find the right balance with the scooter. Practice driving and braking while putting only one foot flat on the ground (not both feet) on either side of the bike, even if it’s leaning slightly. When driving in uphill areas, it’s important not to lose momentum. It helps to sit slightly forward in the seat, so it’s easier to put one foot on the ground if you have to, but just power through it. I’ve found that the engine of the Kymco Like is pretty powerful even in uphills. For descending, always go slow. Braking should be done gradually so you won’t be thrown off balance. It’s really about practice though. Driving more regularly will give you more confidence and skills. To avoid damaging your bike, maybe you can practice driving in your area on a scooter with a lower seat height, just to get the feel. If you have friends or family members with other old MC units na ok lang magasgas, you could practice with those. If you’re concerned about the Like unit, you might also want to consider installing crash guards to protect it or maybe get a customized lower seat made, though this could affect long-term cushioning and comfort. Hope this helps.
Hi Ms. Kara. Is it okay for me to buy mio 125i. Considering po na I’m 4’9 in height. Thank you po in advance.
Hi Ivy, yes the Mio 125i is ok. Since the seat height is low, it’s very easy to use.
So thankful I found your blog. Iba talaga pag babae yung nagrereview. Thinking of getting my first scooter and your article is very helpful. Solo parent ako at iisa lang anak ko kaya ang hirap ijustify na bumili ng isang buong kotse na dalawa lang kaming sasakay, kaya ngayon sa motor ako tumitingin para may mobility pa rin kaming mag-ina at tipid din sa gas. Sana maka blog ka rin about moms who ride their bikes with kids, mga tips kung saan ok pumunta na may chikiting kung out of town, beaches, camping etc, at kung paano maglagay ng maraming groceries sa motor haha. Really enjoy your reviews kasi hindi naman ako techy sa sasakyan.
Hi Angie, wow thanks for the comment. Glad my posts were able to help. I have a lot of suggestions, but if you’re traveling with a kid and it’s your first time to own a scooter, I would suggest getting used to driving and doing short rides muna before embarking on out of town trips to the beach at once. 🙂 I previously wrote about Camping destinations near Manila, most of which I went to by motorcycle and best road trips near Manila.
I haven’t written about how to bring groceries on a motorcycle, but as long as you choose a scooter with floorboards and a hook, diskarte mo na yan. I also bring a backpack and stash stuff in compartment to fit more stuff. Here are some packing tips for motorcycle road trips.
Are you not a fan of Honda Click?
It’s one of the best, if not the best 125 cc Scooter and also a beginner friendly.
Hi JC, I originally wrote this in 2020 based on my personal experience using specific scooter models that I had a chance to test drive. I also tried to include different brands as much as possible for variety. At any rate, I updated this old post with 2023 data on the top-selling motorcycles in the Philippines with prices, including 2 versions of the Honda Click.
155cc lalo na pg palagi may backride
I love how you considered not only style but also practicality in choosing the best scooters for women. Thank you for highlighting scooters with lower seat heights and lighter weights. These factors are crucial for many female riders. If anyone wants to delve deeper into the world of scooters for women , there’s a related page that covers various aspects of scooter ownership.