Scooters are cute-as-buttons, yes, but they also provide a great bang for the gas buck. That’s great news for anyone currently getting clobbered at the pumps. (Me, you, everybody.)

Here are five worthy models to check out as summer approaches, with links for more info and how to buy.

Engine: 278cc four-stroke HPE direct injection

Vespa says this is the most powerful motor ever installed on one of their two-wheelers, and that you can reach up to 80 MPH. One doesn’t buy a Vespa to do 80, but it’s nice to know if you want that kind of zip, it’s there. It also happens to be particularly gorgeous, for a couple of reasons.

Traditional gauges have been updated with new, Bluetooth-enabled 4.3 inch TFT display. Go for the SuperTech 300 GTS model and you’ll get interconnectivity between your smart phone and the scooter’s “Mia” app. There, you’ll map out destinations via GPS, program your tunes or other audio content and other media directly on your dashboard. Mileage is a very healthy 73 MPG on a 2.24 US gallon tank, delivering you a range of about 160 miles each fill-up.

Engine: direct drive brushless DC electric

Power: 2 to 4 HP equivalent depending on model

There are three trims on deck for this quirky-looking, angular electric scoot, which I have not yet driven. Trims start with the base model 1, with an extended range version called the “1+” and a top-of-the-line model called the 1 Active, which has more power than the other two – but also less range.

Each trim has a removable battery, and the charger and cord are built-in, a great touch that will keep all pieces together, all the time. Plug into any 120V outlet and charge overnight as you would any electric vehicle, and you’re in business. Range is rather feeble on all models – the most you can hope to get, for example, is 40 miles at around 38 MPH, but of course it also depends on how heavy or light your acceleration is. An underseat helmet locker will hold a 3 XL helmet, and scooter bag hooks inside the front fairing will hold most small items you need to carry.

I’ve never met a Burgman I didn’t like, and there’s a lot to like this year. A host of styling, technical, and rider features are on deck including a new Metallic Matte Sword Silver that blends with with snappy blue wheels and mod stitching on the seat. The Burgman’s nose and tail, too, now blend their Burgmanesque countenance with full LED function to give a (slightly) festive appearance, and the dual headlights have integrated position lights. The rear combination taillight, meanwhile, blend with the bodywork.

A more functional design brought to the instrument cluster is a welcome update; it clearly shows riding range and real-time fuel consumption, a bonus in these gas-is-through-the-roof times.

A revised camshaft profile and a new dual-spark technology ignition system ensures you comply with emissions standards anywhere you live. There’s also a rider-selectable Traction Control* system to better deal with inclement weather or crappy roads. An Easy Start System comes standard as well as a nice fat dia meter 15-inch cast front wheel. Tough 260mm disc brake rotors control the front, while the 13-inch rear wheel has a 210mm hydraulic disc brake. ABS comes standard.

It’s not a motorcycle and it’s not supposed to be, but it’s close. The 2022 Burgman allows you to daintily dash as need be around town, but also to get a move on (a little) on the highway and hold your own with the trucks and yahoos.

Engine: 292cc Liquid Cooled Engine

Brand-spankin’ new, this stealthy-looking, mod machine is sure to shake up the scooter world with its looks, first, performance second.

Featuring technology used in Yamaha’s high-performance sport bikes, the XMAX boasts a fully-automatic transmission, traction control and ABS combined with a frame designed for both light and neutral handling. There’s also a surprisingly large amount of lockable onboard storage, a 12V power port to recharge small devices and an adjustable handlebar and windscreen.

The XMAX is powered by a spirited 292cc liquid-cooled, four-valve single cylinder engjne crafted from Yamaha’s DiASil aluminum for excellent heat dissipation, with a lightweight forged piston and forged crankshaft. A counterbalancer ensures minimal vibration while the offset cylinder layout and semi-dry-sump lubrication system help reduce friction and drag inside the engine. There are no gears – it’s just twist-and-go, with Continuously Variable Transmission. This makes it not only simple to use but makes heavy traffic less of a chore – you’ll never stall. The CVT system also features a large air-cooling path for the drive belt, reducing heat and engine noise significantly.

The best part? You get around 75 MPG. It’s also extremely customizable with a range of Yamaha Genuine Accessories including luggage, accessory mounts, backrests and more. See the full range of accessories on ShopYamaha.com.

Engine: 149cc liquid-cooled 80º single-cylinder four-stroke

The ADV 150 was born for the city in its “rugged but capable” visage, its light weight, compactness and ability to store little things under its seat. You’ve got a reasonably strong 149cc four-stroke OHC engine and rugged steel chassis that can take a thrashing over potholes and street debris. An elevated rear seat, with pegs, enable a (skinny) passenger to take in the scenery.

It also features both a center and side stand, a 12-volt accessory adapter and a generous 2.1 gallon fuel tank which, when combined with the scooter’s impressive fuel economy, results in impressive range for day-to-day adventures. The ADV 150 gets a reported 130 miles per gallon, making it a winner in the gas-dollar-pinching department.

The LCD main meter’s design is small, as they will be in most scooters, but the information is available thanks to the meter’s square shape and a separate screen. The main meter displays date, time, oil-change indicator, fuel meter, odometer, A and B trip meters, speedometer, instant fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, air temperature, battery voltage and fuel meter. A separate sub-meter displays turn signals, high beam, coolant temperature and fuel injection. Another fun aspect is that the taillight is separate from rear turn signals, and incorporates an “X” design that expresses the crossover concept.

With Honda’s Smart Key system, the scooter’s main knob is automatically activated as the owner approaches, and the engine can be started without inserting the key. The system utilizes an “answer-back” switch that’ll flash the turn signals to help a forgetful owner locate the scooter, as well as an anti-theft mechanism whereby the handlebar remains locked when an attempt is made to start the scooter by force. The fuel lid and seat are unlocked via a rocker switch adjacent to the main knob.