Sons first scooter, help

[freeriders]

Hello, Moped Riders forum,

My son is turning 16 in a few months and has asked me if for his birthday he can take his lessons and get a scooter which is no problem but I do need a little advice in the bike purchasing area. I understand for a 16-year old that a 50cc is the most powerful engine they are legally allowed to ride.

He has shown me some second-hand 50cc scooter online EDIT: http://www.for-sale.co.uk/50cc-mopeds this one. and they look pretty beaten up but they are ''what everyone wants'' but for the same price I can go into a Piaggio dealership and buy a brand new bike. What would you guys suggest I do? what is the better choice? Let's say the second-hand scooter isn't a bad choice, what kind of things should I be looking out for when going to test ride? is there anything known for going wrong with scooters in general?

I would greatly appreciate any info that you can share with me! If there is anything that I should know and that you pros have learned, please share!

Thanks

[John]

By new, do you really need someone elses troubles? Price points the same or very close.

[oilyhans]

new (with warranty) is good for your first scooter.
low miles used is good if you have some experience.
basket case(parts in a box)best value if your a scooter veteran
and have access to parts .

oilyhans