Best Scooter Covers

Buying guide for best scooter covers

Written by Rich Gray

Updated December 2021

As scooters gain popularity, a primary problem scooter owners face is how to protect their ride when they’re not actually riding it. This is particularly important for scooters that are stored outside, where everything from rain and sun to pollution and bird droppings can quickly mar a scooter’s finish and perhaps even shorten its life.

A scooter cover is the next-best thing to being able to park your scooter in your living room. When you look at what’s available, you will quickly find a variety of factors and features to consider. In this guide, we scoot you through everything you need to think about, from size and construction materials to maintenance and price.

If you were hoping for some scooter cover recommendations from experts who have already done the research, we have those, too. 

In addition to protecting your scooter from the elements, a cover can also act as an “out of sight, out of mind” theft deterrent.

Key considerations

Size

Scooter covers come in a variety of sizes, from 80 inches up to 100 inches or more. Potential buyers often wonder what size to select. Our advice is to measure the length of your scooter from front to back and use that as a reference when buying a cover.

Waterproofing

All scooter covers offer some form of water resistance or waterproofing. Your plans for how to use the cover determine how important this factor is. A water-resistant cover may be fine for indoor use, such as inside a garage or shed. If you store your scooter outside, a completely waterproof cover is a better idea. Further, if you experience extreme weather such as heavy rain, a highly waterproof scooter cover is definitely in order.

UV protection

The degree of UV protection you need depends on where you store your scooter. If the scooter is parked under a roof or in the shade, UV protection is less important. If the scooter is parked in full sun, stronger UV protection is recommended to prevent the cover from fading and breaking down.

Cleaning

Your scooter cover is going to get dirty; that’s kind of its job. How you should go about cleaning it varies from product to product. Some covers can be easily tossed in the washing machine. Others should be washed by hand with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap. Check usage recommendations before attempting to clean it.

There are some fairly universal points to bear in mind when cleaning a scooter cover:

• Never dry a scooter cover in a clothes dryer. The heat from the dryer can quickly break it down.
• If washing by hand, rinse the cover completely to remove soap residue.
• Store the cover only when it is fully dry. Keep it in a location where rats, mice, and other pests cannot sink their teeth into it.

Are you purchasing a scooter cover or a mobility scooter cover? The latter tends to be wider and won’t fit a regular scooter as effectively.

Features

Construction and materials

The construction of a scooter cover impacts its durability and effectiveness. Some have a variety of layers, which can provide more protection to your scooter but also result in a heavier cover. The cover should not easily rip or fray; double stitching can contribute greatly to durability.

The outer layer of a scooter cover is usually some form of polyester, which can help keep water out. Some covers have an inner layer of fleece or another soft material that protects the finish from scratches.

Additional design elements may include the following:

• Elastic on the bottom of the cover to help cinch the cover and keep it on the scooter.
• Vents built into the cover to cut down on condensation build-up.
• Heat-resistant paneling to prevent hot exhaust pipes from melting the cover.

Straps and buckles

Some scooter covers include straps or buckles to help secure the cover in windy conditions.

Grommets and locks

Some scooter covers have standard or oversized grommets along the bottom to help secure the cover against the elements. Any included grommets should be reinforced and rust-proof. Grommets are sometimes combined with a lock to secure both cover and scooter against theft. While rare, a chain lock or U-lock to secure the cover to the front wheel of the scooter may be included.

Color

Scooter covers are available in a variety of colors, although black is the most common due to its ability to hide dirt and grime. While some companies offer one color, others offer a range. In addition, reflective strips or other reflective elements may be built into the cover for safety.

Storage bags

While not standard, some scooter covers include a storage bag or pouch to house the cover when it’s not in use.

Scooter cover prices

Inexpensive: At $20 and under, scooter covers tend to be thinner and less durable than other covers. These usually offer little water resistance and are generally designed for compact scooters that are stored in a garage, shed, or elsewhere out of the elements.

Mid-range: For $20 to $30, a variety of scooter covers for indoor and outdoor use exist. These covers have a thicker design than budget covers and come in a range of sizes. Grommets, built-in buckles, waterproofing, and UV protection are common.

Expensive: Scooter covers over $30 tend to offer the best in durability and waterproofing. If your scooter will be left out in harsh elements, consider shopping in this price range. For the money, you should get something long-lasting and, in many cases, large enough to fit even a motorcycle.

Built-in ventilation panels can help minimize mold and mildew growth beneath a scooter cover.

Tips

• Lightweight scooter covers are easier to fold and carry than thick covers, albeit less durable.
• If you use standalone straps to secure your scooter cover, consider a cover that includes a built-in pocket for strap storage.
• Reflective strips can help a dark-colored scooter cover stand out, which may be especially important in high-traffic areas.
• Warranties for scooter covers vary considerably. To protect your investment, consider a scooter cover with a lifetime warranty.

When in doubt, size up a bit. A larger cover can be easily cinched for a tighter fit, but a cover that’s too small will leave areas exposed.

FAQ

Q. Can these covers be used both inside and outside?

A. Not always. Any scooter cover could be used for indoor storage, but you’d need a tougher cover for outdoor storage due to wind, water, temperature fluctuations, and UV exposure.

Q. Is a scooter cover hard to put on and take off?

A. Ideally, no. A scooter cover should be quick and easy to put on and take off. To make things easier, some covers have labels or other indicators to simplify this. Any included clasps or fasteners should have quick-release buckles.

Q. Are scooter covers heat-resistant?

A. Generally, no, so be sure to keep yours away from open flames. Some scooter covers do have heat-resistant panels so they can be used with hot exhaust pipes without the risk of melting. If your cover does not include such panels, allow your scooter to cool down before covering it.