Ideal inner-city traffic snarl dodger

It's called the Madass and it's made by German suspension master Sachs, the oldest bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer in the world, having started in 1890.

If you need a scooter for around-town errands but you wouldn't be caught dead on something pink and "girly", then the Madass could be for you.

But be aware, it's only a 50cc four-stroker with a top speed of about 61km/h; that's downhill with a cyclonic tailwind.

At that speed, it's pretty stable, but there is a real tingle coming through the handlebars, pegs and seat.

Starting from the lights, you had better get your foot down and give yourself a decent shove off, because it is not exactly quick off the mark. Don't filter to the front of the traffic or you will be run over when the lights turn green.

However, if it's just a mode of transport for negotiating inner-city traffic snarls, this is ideal.

Because it's under 50cc, you can ride it on an open car licence and because it's automatic, you just twist and go. If you can ride a bike, you can be on your way on this with a couple of minutes of tuition.

Scooterama in Fortitude Valley claims it has orders for 10 at the moment, with six from a law firm that wants them on hand for people to run errands or nip out for lunch.

But don't expect to carry anything as, unlike normal scooters, there is no cargo carrying capacity. It will accommodate two people so long as they are reasonably friendly with each other since the rear seat is tiny. Your pillion also will have to be willing to help paddle to get started and may need to get off and walk on uphills.

But at $2990, it is cheap and cheerful city transportation. Ride down the street and people will give you a double-look and then a broad smile.

The Spartan lightweight bike features a 4.6 litre fuel tank in the frame, conventional bike indicators, meagre headlights that can be switched off, a useful horn, a kill switch, electric ignition button and little else.

The front disc brake is actuated by a handlebar lever and the rear via a foot pedal. It stops well enough for the weight of the bike, although the front disc will lock up pretty easily — so take care in the wet.

Those big 16in wheels and long-travel Sachs suspension give a comfy ride through the potholes of downtown Brissie and it is so nimble you can slice your way through the busiest traffic snarl, leaving white van drivers cursing you in your wake.

The Madass is designed in Germany, assembled in China and a 70cc kit is now available for an extra $295. A 125cc bike will be available in a few months for less than $3500.

It comes in a macho matte black or trendy silver. Build quality is good with beefy looking welding on all the joins.