HONDA ZOOMER 50 (2005 - 2012) Review

Overall rating

The chunky little Honda Zoomer is a weird cross between a 50cc twist-and-go scooter, a Tonka toy and a stripped-bare army Jeep.

It’s easy to ride, nippy and stylish. Honda claim low emissions, it has lots of bungee hooks and there’s lots of storage space, thanks to the skeleton frame and lack of bodywork.

They arrived in the UK in 2005, but were first produced in 2003 for the US and Japanese Market. It’s called the Honda Ruckas in America. It’s not a big seller in the UK, most Zoomers are used in race paddocks or strapped to the side of cool surf dudes’ motorhomes.

Fast forward to 2023 and the Zoomer name is back, reimagined as an electric bike.

Ride quality & brakes

For zipping around town, or in race paddocks, the Zoomer handles perfectly well.

It’s comfy too, thanks to a big padded seat and big floorboards to rest your feet on.

With no pillion seat, there’s only room for one. The rider enjoys a Honda Zoomer seat height of 735mm.

Engine

The Zoomer had the distinction of having the smallest fuel injection system Honda made at the time!

It feeds a 4bhp, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 4V, SOHC, 50cc engine, and has a Honda V-Matic gearbox.

It has an electric start with a kick-start back-up.

Reliability & build quality

Build quality and durability is right up there, as you’d expect from a Honda.

Our Honda Zoomer owners' reviews don't show anything too concerning regarding reliability.

Value vs rivals

As funky as it is, the Zoomer doesn’t do anything a much cheaper moped can’t do, so you’re paying a lot of money for looks and style alone. There aren't as many 50cc mopeds and scooters to choose from as there used to be so if you're looking for a new bike, options are thin on the ground.

The WK Scrambler 50 is an option if you fancy a motorbike rather than a scooter. If you would rather a scooter then the Niu NQi GTS Pro electric or the lower power version of the Vespa Elettrica.

Equipment

The Zoomer is basic, but you do get a centre-stand, twin headlights, a parking brake and helmet lock.

There are also aftermarket Honda Zoomer accessories on sale to personalise your bike or make it more practical. In fact, there's quite a large enthusiast scene for this tiny tearaway.