Here is one of the easiest secrets to learn more about our scooters. Chinese Brand Scooters come to America under many names, and even worse, many of us buy a Scooter, and 2 minutes later, can’t even tell our neighbor the make or model we just bought. Here is the best way to figure out who is the manufacturer, and that is to find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), aka the serial number of the Scooter.

For most Scooters, it is on the middle shaft of the front of the bike. There is a 1 inch by 5 inch plastic cover. Use a screw driver and pop the plastic off to reveal the VIN. Now look at the first 2 letters. Those letters tell you the name of the manufacturer, followed by other numbers which will tell the model number and the engine size. That is all we need. If you are unable to find your serial numbers, you can lay down on the ground and look up into the scooter from underneath. Scooters also have the VIN somewhere else on the body frame. This is harder to find, but it is another option.

If you go to your local Scooter Shop or search online for parts, tell them your VIN number so they can make sure they are getting you the correct scooter parts; then there will be no mistake as to the correct parts to order. A third option is to pull out your registration. That will have the VIN number as well. It should also state the Manufacturer and Model. I don’t like mentioning this option up front, as I have seen Registrations from many States, and the DMV makes huge mistakes. I find misspellings of makers and models on over half of the registrations I see. In my State, they have a maker spelled 3 different ways. Hence the VIN is the best way to get the correct parts.

Option number four is to take photos’ of the parts we need. Then we can email them to the supplier to double check we are getting the right parts. Anytime people call us to order parts and seem unsure of their make and model, I always have them send me a picture, and then I can ship them the right parts. If they do not have a camera, a fifth way is I have them copy and email me a picture of their registration. Now I am clear with the VIN what scooter or moped they have. If you will follow these steps, it helps those of us in the parts business identify the correct parts and saves everyone time, effort and money.

* Remove the cover plate (which has to come off to replace the belt anyways)
* Unscrew/Unbolt the Front Clutch (takes one minute)
* You will see in the Clutch that all the rollers are all mixed up. Simply separate the clutch and put the rollers back in their slots (one minute). Poof… you are done. That was easy.
* A note of caution: You must hold the clutch together while putting it back in and keep pressure on it so the rollers don’t come loose while you are putting the belt back on.

See how easy that was? Scooters seem difficult. I felt the same way. I owned a scooter before having a repair shop and was very intimidated. I took out the seat and saw all the wires and hoses and decided it wasn’t for me. After having a repair shop for just a few months, I look back now at how afraid I let myself become, when it wasn’t necessary. These scooters are easy to fix now. Belts and Clutches are easy. I can do a repair in 15-minutes and send you on your way. Trust yourself, it’s mostly just common sense. If you need a belt (or even a new clutch), visit ScooterStock.com.