If you live in or visit a popular tourist destination, you’ve probably seen a ScootCoupe or more running around. They’re a two-seat (side-by-side) scooter that can be rented by the hour or the day and they resemble a big bug. While most are just 50cc in engine displacement, the U.S. company that builds them also sells a 150cc edition that can do 55 mph. This one was built by the Florida-based company Panther Motors in 2008 and “sports” a custom paint job. Located in Fayetteville, Georgia, this interesting runabout is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000.
The company that makes these things was founded in Deerfield Beach, Florida in 2004. While others may have copied the effort, the ScootCoupe is said to have been the first of its kind with two wheels in the front and one in the rear (like today’s Slingshot from the motorcycle world). Two models are available, the P50 and P150, with the former usually being sold to the tourist trade. A motorcycle endorsement is not needed in most states for the P50 but is required for the P150.
If you’re not happy going 30 mph (the top speed of the P50), the P150 is the way to go (as we have here). Like most modern scooters, this one uses a GY6 4-stroke 150cc engine with a “twist-and-go” CVT transmission. Features on the P150 include 3-wheel disc brakes, all DOT-required lighting, an electric starter, and the whole thing can be had brand new for $8,250 (according to Panther’s website).
The seller’s ScootCoupe differs from most because it has a Child’s Play paint job as a nod to the horror movie series of the same name. We’re told it was professionally applied by an artist and is not a wrap, so perhaps it’s a “one-of-a-kind.” The seller has a new windshield for it that the buyer can install (should be easy). Even the floor mats carry the movie’s theme. This could be a lot of fun at half the cost of a new one. But I’m a bit skeptical of its handling characteristic at 55 mph (I’m a scooter guy myself). Thanks for the tip, PRA4SNW!
I think some rubbing compound and a buffing wheel will take that krap off the side. What seems to pass for entertainment is surely a mystery. I think the vehicle is okay, still don’t like the single tire that runs in the grease/nails/ blasting cap/driveshafts strip with 3 wheelers. We zip along today, except in the Jeep, at 55mph never thinking it’s still almost 80 feet/second. An upset in this at that speed would be catastrophic. It would most certainly tumble, and not near enough protection. It would be defensive driving at its best.
Is it still available.
Motorcycle endorsement required in Washington State- as well as most others, I would guess.
A motorcycle endorsement alone will not be legal in Washington State. You will need a special 3-wheel endorsement to drive this.
Chucky wants his ScoopCoupe back.
Only a madman would go 55mph in this thing!
I would take this thing happily at 55 MPH straight to the sandblaster. If I could push it to 60 I would push it to 60. I can’t imagine what possessed someone to drive around with that on the back of their scooter, unless they were in the movie.