Manila is among the top ten cities in the world when it comes to traffic congestion. As reported by Interaksyon, the 2022 findings of the TomTom Traffic Index show that it takes an average of 27 minutes for Filipinos to travel ten kilometers in Metro Manila. The report also showed that annually, Filipinos lose 103 hours or around four days on the road because of traffic.
It’s no surprise that more commuters, including women, are turning to motorcycles to address transport woes. We all know that small displacement scooters can get you to your destination faster than cars especially if you have to find parking in narrow streets and tight areas. In the long run, driving a motorcycle on your own is generally more affordable than relying on ride-sharing services and way more convenient than taking public transportation with multiple transfers.
However, not all motorcycles are suitable for dealing with the daily traffic of the metro or are easy for women and beginners to use because of their size and weight.
As of 2023, data from ZigWheels shows that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kymco are the most popular scooter brands in the Philippines. Specific models popular in the local market, include the Honda Click 125i, Yamaha Nmax, Yamaha Aerox, Honda Click 160, and Honda PCX 160, to name a few. These models can and are often used by both male and female riders.
Based on their style, dimensions, safety features, and other factors, let’s zero in on some of the newer scooters available in the Philippine market that might appeal specifically to the fast-growing female rider market.
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Honda Genio
The Honda Genio is a stylish scooter ideal for female riders and beginners because of its light weight and safety features. The 110cc automatic scooter is easy to use, with a curb weight of 89kg, seat height of 740mm, and ground clearance of 147mm, making it easy for women and younger riders to handle confidently. The bike comes with an LED headlight, digital gauge, power outlet, park brake lock, and inner rack for easier stashing of personal belongings. Fuel capacity is 4.2 liters. Based on my test rides on this scooter, the Genio is practical and fuel-efficient for city errands, commuting, and casual rides. It’s very easy to use even if you’re not that tall.
The Genio comes in five colors: Ross White with Red Stripes, Ross White with Blue Stripes, Vintage White, Valiant Red, and Gunpowder Matte Black Metallic. You can also get decals and a stylish muffler to customize the scooter further.
2023 Honda Genio prices
- Honda Genio - P72,900
Honda Beat
While it’s been around for years, the Honda Beat remains one of the brand’s most popular scooter models because it is accessible to everyone and continues to get upgrades. The latest Beat has a sleek design and slim profile, making it comfortable and easy to handle even for those not yet used to riding two-wheelers. With its 4.2-liter tank capacity, this compact scooter is a practical choice for urban settings and dealing with traffic. It comes powered by a 110cc engine, has a seat height of 742mm, a curb weight of 90kg, and 146mm of ground clearance.
The basic Honda Beat is available in six colors in the Philippines. The Playful variant can be had in Fighting Red, Pearl Sylvestris Gray, Pearl Nightfall Blue, and Clipper Yellow. The higher Premium trim, meanwhile, is available in Pearl Arctic White and Matte Axis Gray Metallic. All scooter variants come with tubeless tires, a key shutter system, a parking brake lock, and a side-stand switch. For this new iteration, there’s also a 50th Anniversary Edition model available, sporting special white livery with blue and red accents.
2024 Honda Beat prices
- Honda Beat Playful – P71,400
- Honda Beat Premium – P72,400
- Honda Beat 50th Anniversary Edition – P74,400
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Suzuki Skydrive Sport
For women looking for a basic and sporty ride that won’t break the bank, Suzuki’s Skydrive Sport might fit the bill. This sportier version of the Skydrive scooter offers a practical and trendy ride for those with active lifestyles like busy students and daily commuters. The fuel-efficient ride packs a powerful 113cc fuel-injected engine and a sharper design which offers a comfortable riding experience suited for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
The Skydrive Sport has a seat height of 740mm, a curb weight of 93kg, and a ground clearance of 150mm. Based on their marketing materials, this 110cc scooter focuses on style to appeal to its millennial target market.
The Skydrive Sport is available in five colors: Black, Blue, Matte Black, Pink, and Candy Jackal Green.
Suzuki Skydrive Sport prices
- Suzuki Skydrive Sport – P70,900
Yamaha Mio Fazzio
The Mio Fazzio launched in 2022 in the Philippines embodies Yamaha’s desire to provide a fashionable style for riders. With its modern retro look (which we haven’t seen in Yamaha’s lineup since the Fino), affordable price tag, and nifty tech features, this 125cc automatic scooter will immediately catch women’s attention.
The Fazzio has a seat height of 750mm, a curb weight of 95kg, and a ground clearance of 135mm. It also comes with 12-inch front and rear tubeless tires offering excellent grip and balance for easier handling, a spacious 17.8-liter underseat storage for stashing stuff, an electric power socket for charging gadgets, and accessory ports for customization. It also comes with a 5.1-liter fuel tank for longer rides and a digital instrument cluster with Y-Connect system integration to allow smartphone connectivity.
The Fazzio comes in three eye-catching color variants with striking designs: Ivory White, Red, and Cyan. Since the model is relatively new, you don’t see much of these on the road yet, which makes it a great option for those who want to stand out with a unique-looking scooter.
2023 Mio Fazzio prices
- Yamaha Mio Fazzio – P92,900
Kymco Like
For women looking for a dependable scooter with a classic silhouette, the Kymco Like 125 and Kymco Like 150i are both solid choices. With its retro design, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, this Taiwanese scooter brand is a practical option for daily use through city traffic as well as leisure rides. Its cushy seat will make it comfortable even for longer rides.
The Kymco Like has a spacious under-seat storage compartment, which makes it very convenient for carrying personal items or groceries. With its combination of style, performance, and affordability, the Kymco Like is a great option for women riders. The Like 150i Noodoe version comes with built-in navigation and ABS.
Compared to other scooters, the Like has a slightly higher seat height and feels heavier to use and back out, but is still manageable for women to use. The seat height for the Kymco Like is 770mm, while the curb weight is 115kg. The ground clearance is also a bit low at 120mm, which means it tends to hit on humps especially if you have a backrider.
When it was first launched in the Philippine market in 2018, the Kycmo Like 125 Italia came in Green, while the Like 150i originally came in three color options: Bright Red, Pearly White, and Deep Blue Metallic color schemes while the Noodoe ABS came in Matte Grey. Earlier this year, Kymco unveiled new colors and softer shades that are sure to attract new female riders. The Like 125 now comes in a powder blue-like finish, while the 150i gets a really refreshing mint green option. Yellow and white colorways are also available for both scooters.
2023 Kymco Like prices
- Kymco Like 125 – P89,900
- Kymco Like 150i ABS – P119,000
- Kymco Like 150i Noodoe – P134,000
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Vespa S 125a
With its iconic brand and looks, Vespa remains one of the most attractive and sought-after scooters out there, with the Vespa S 125 being the most affordable in the Italian brand’s lineup. The scooter’s design is inspired by the timeless Vespa design but has more angular lines for a dynamic and energetic vibe.
The Vespa S 125 is powered by a 124cc air-cooled four-stroke engine and comes with an automatic transmission and a fuel tank capacity of 8 liters, which provides a whopping range of 300 km on a single tank, ideal for those long weekend rides out of the city. Among this model’s standard features are LED headlights, an LCD digital screen, a USB charging port, a glove box, and a spacious under-seat storage compartment. The seat height is about 785mm while curb weight is 105kg.
The Vespa S 125 comes in five colorways, namely: Gray Titanio, Yellow Sole, White Innocenza, Black Vulcano, and Blue Vivace.
2023 Vespa S125 prices
- Vespa S 125 – P160,000
Vespa Primavera
For ladies who don’t mind investing more for an iconic ride and making a fashion statement wherever they go, the Vespa Primavera is one of the best scooter choices available in the Philippines. Its classic Italian design, smooth ride, and advanced safety features make it a perfect fit for young entrepreneurs and recreational riders who want something for their weekend coffee meet-ups and brunches with friends. The Primavera has a fuel-efficient engine and comfortable seating, making it a handy alternative to taking the car to the office or on quick city errands.
A 150cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine powers the agile Vespa Primavera. The Primavera is ideal for taller women, as it has a seat height of 790mm and a curb weight of 117kg.
The Vespa Primavera S 150 comes in numerous color options like Verde Amabile (mint green), Grigio Delicato (gray), Blu Energia (blue), Bianco Innocenza (white), and Nero Convinto (black). Other limited-edition variants are also available like the Gold 75th edition and two-toned blue and orange Color Vibe.
2024 Vespa Primavera prices
- Vespa Primavera S 150 – from P210,000 to P298,000
Which of these scooters catches your fancy?
