00:00 - Intro
01:20 - What is the purpose of this 50cc scooter?
03:50 - Powertrain (engine and transmission) review
07:06 - Chassis (suspension, frame and brakes) review
11:00 - Rider comfort
13:17 - Features and Usability
15:29 - Style (aesthetics)
16:53 - What's it like to own and "live with a tao tao"

In my experience working as a technician in independent motorcycle shops I worked on everything from CVO Harley Davidsons to Honda CT90s. But there was one bike that always stood out with exceptionally poor quality. The Tao Tao 50cc GY6 (139QMB) scooter. And now I'm going to put this scooter to the test and find out if they really are little money pits, or if the issues with the bike are a result of the people who buy these kinds of scooters.

So I purchased a Tao Tao "Pony" ATM 50 and my plan is to make it my main means of transportation for 6 months. Yes from June 1st to January 1st this little scooter is going to be my daily driver. I'll be logging all of the miles, issues and expenses of keeping this scooter running in a log. Doing this will allow me to present a true cost of ownership at the end of this experiment.

The Tao Tao Pony 50 is based on the generic GY6 139QMB platform. They were sold under many different "Brand" names like Wolf, Bintelli, Fly, Rocketa, MotoBravo, Italica, and Dongfang just to name a few. You may be riding one and not even know it!

I know 1000 miles is far from a "long term" review but consider how long it takes to travel that distance when your top speed is around 34 MPH. Considering the quality control issues I've already had with this scooter in the first 1000 miles I definitely would not recommend it to someone who wants to rely on in for daily transportation. If you don't have a lot of mechanical experience or a decent set of tools this scooter can leave you on the hook for some pretty costly repairs.

However I cant say that its all bad. I have been enjoying the fuel economy of this scooter and it does a pretty nice job of carrying all my stuff to work and back. I just wish it didn't look so bad doing it.

Here is my review of the Tao Tao ATM 50 (Pony 50)
Powertrain: ☆☆☆
Chassis: ☆
Rider Comfort: ☆
Features and Usability: ☆☆☆☆
Style: (no stars)

While this scooter is "good value" for the money at the 1000 mile mark I feel that name brand scooters will catch up in the "cost-per-mile" category as this experiment goes on.

The parts I've used in this experiment are so far are:
Bel-Ray 10w40: https://amzn.to/3d623vR
Bel-Ray 80/90 Hypoid gear oil: https://amzn.to/2N3yFft
NGK CR7HSA spark plug: https://scooter911.com/shop/ngk-cr7hsa-spark-plug/
Brake line: https://www.scooterworks.com/Blue-Line-Front-Brake-Hose-40-GY6-QMB139-P14105.aspx

I haven't had to replace my drive belt YET but when I do I'll be replacing it with this: https://amzn.to/3hC3rt2

Here is the carburetor jet kit I've ordered for my scooter: https://amzn.to/32UtBTu
I set the idle using this Digi Synch Manometer/Synchronizer: https://amzn.to/37B81nl

Follow my experiment in real time! Here is a link to my Tao Tao log/Health Report!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jthNJ0TVLXvj9A_vST70fJF0aN-bwLcwtO36E_AYNII/edit#gid=177351472

If you want to keep up with this project between videos be sure to follow me on social media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garretseesingofficial
Twitter: @SeesingGarret
Facebook: facebook.com/garretseesingofficial
#TaoTao #Gy6 #Scooter