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.
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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.
