This Aprilia scooter has panache

Just like motorcycles, cars, 4WDs and vans, scooters have vast differences in power, handling and carrying capacity.

If you only want an around-town scooter, then you just need an open driver's licence and away you go on any 50cc machine.

While there may be a heap of 50cc scooters on the market, they are fairly similar in power and, of course, are restricted in their load capability and where you are allowed to ride them.

If you are prepared to get a special motorcycle "R" class licence, the choice of scooter is much more varied and they can be ridden anywhere.

However, not all scooters are fast, nor super-economical, nor handle or ride well. Obviously, you will have to compromise.

If you are in the market for something with a bit of get up and go, pillion capacity, light weight, miserly fuel economy and a ride that won't shatter your spine every time you hit a pothole, then Aprilia's 200cc Sportcity at $6800 is worth considering.

Engine capacity of about 200cc is probably the bare minimum if you want to carry a pillion or you want to be able to travel on highways in safety and comfort.

This Sportcity is, as its name suggests, a sporty little scooter with plenty of go for city riding.

The liquid-cooled engine means it has better acceleration, quieter running and more durability with services every 6000km, rather than the usual 2000km.

I also found it willing enough to tackle highways without flinching. The only problem here is that wind blasts from trucks can wobble a lightweight machine.

The advantage of the light weight, though, is that it is easy to manoeuvre in tight parking spaces and to lift it up on to the stable centre stand.

Another compromise you will have to make is ride versus under-seat storage capacity.

The Sportcity uses 15-inch wheels which are bigger than on most scooters. And having a high-profile tyre on a wide rim, they are, in effect, almost 16-inch motorcycle tyres. This makes handling more deliberate and precise and smooths out the ride.

When you hit a bump, you won't be abruptly knocked out of line, nor will your spine.

The compromise is that the rear wheel takes up space under the seat. There is still enough room to store an open-faced helmet and gloves, but not a full-face helmet. A lockable top box is available as an accessory if you need extra storage.

One thing you won't have to compromise on is brakes.

Most scooters have a rear drum brake, but this has discs front and rear.

A disc on the rear is important on a scooter because most of the engine, chassis and passenger weight is over the rear wheel, creating the potential for more stopping power.

In an emergency, the Sportcity can pull up so fast you will need strong forearm muscles to stay on board. And with braided brake lines, there is plenty of feel in the levers.

Aprilia is a long-time scooter manufacturer, but they are not bogged down in the past.

This scooter has a modern, trendy, aerodynamic look, even though it is a conventional step-through design.

Riding position is comfortable with a fat, contoured seat, although legroom becomes an issue for people over 183cm. Pillions have a more relaxed position with rubberised fold-out footpegs and convenient grab handles.

The analogue speedo and digital instrument panel are clear and easy to read with all the relevant information, fuel gauge, odometer, water temperature, trip meter, battery condition and digital clock. You can toggle between the odo, trip meter and battery readout with a switch on the right bar so you don't have to move your hand off the throttle.

Under the instrument pod is a hook for carrying groceries and a small lockable glove box that is not big enough for a street directory, but does have a 12V power socket to recharge your mobile phone or iPod.

Night riding is often an issue on scooters which seem to have under-powered headlights.

The Sportcity has a powerful halogen headlight with a good and even spread of light.

And the instruments are well illuminated and easy to see at night.

You will be seen from behind, too, with a bright LED rear light cluster and mirrors are high and wide enough to see everything behind you.

It is no longer available in black, only "sunset red". Accessories include a Body-Guard armoured cable lock and a higher windshield.

Aprilia is bringing in a fuel-injected 250cc Sportcity in September for about $7490. While it has only one extra horsepower, it is expected to be smoother