How to Winterize a 50cc Scooter

When the weather turns cold, riding your 50cc scooter back and forth to work is not a prime choice. You will probably opt to drive in a toasty warm automobile instead of feeling an icy chill across your face. Before you abandon your scooter for the winter months, there are a few measures you should take to protect your scooter from damage. When properly winterized, your scooter will start up and run smoothly when warmer weather returns.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Clean rag
  • Dry towel
  • Gas
  • Fuel stabilizer
  • Trickle battery charger
  • Scooter cover, tarp or sheet
  • Fill a bucket with soapy water and thoroughly wash your scooter with a clean rag. Rinse well from a garden hose or bucket of fresh water. Then, dry with a towel.

  • Fill your gas tank, and add a fuel stabilizer according to the product's directions. Start and run your scooter for a few minutes to allow the gas mixture to fully circulate throughout the carburetor.

  • Attach a trickle charger to your battery; this charger helps maintain the battery's charge throughout the winter. If you do not have a trickle charger, you may consider removing the battery for the winter. Refer to your scooter's owner's manual for steps on how to remove the battery.

  • Cover your scooter with a scooter cover, tarp or even a sheet. Although it is ideal to store your scooter in a covered area, such as a garage or shed, you can leave it covered outside as long as the cover is waterproof and secure.