Runner Skooty 110: A versatile companion for urban mobility

When it comes to maneuvering the busy streets of cities like Dhaka and Chattogram and deftly weaving through dense traffic, motorbikes have become the preferred choice for daily commuters. Nevertheless, due to concerns related to safety and the intricacies of manual transmission, many riders opt out of two-wheelers altogether.

This is where scooters emerge as a dependable and agile choice for those seeking a quick and cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation.

Ever since the pandemic started, scooters have become a common sight on Dhaka's streets. One of the most preferred models among scooter buyers is the Runner Skooty 110. It is the first proper scooter launched by Runner Automobiles Limited and is the cheapest scooter available in Bangladesh.

Today, we delve into the merits and features of the Runner Skooty 110 and explore why it has become a popular choice among busy Dhaka commuters.

The Runner Skooty is tailor-made for urban commuters seeking a compact two-wheeler that effortlessly navigates the bustling streets of Dhaka. With its svelte curb weight of merely 100 kilograms and nimble design, this bike grants riders a remarkable advantage–whether you're zipping through congested traffic or finding your way through narrow alleyways, Skooty's compact size gives you the upper hand.

For practical features, the Skooty comes with hooks, a couple of storage compartments and even a USB charging port. Photo: Akif Hamid

Setting it apart from conventional scooters, the Skooty offers an array of practical features at an appealing price point. It has a convenient hook beneath the dashboard for securing bags upfront, complemented by a second hook tucked under the seat. Additionally, the Skooty offers two spacious storage compartments beneath the dashboard, aptly sized for stowing essentials like cell phones and water bottles. Notably, there's even a handy USB port above the storage area for on-the-go phone charging.

The underseat storage, however, is much larger and can accommodate small bags or even a half-faced helmet – if not a full-faced one.

While the Skooty does not strive for a head-turning appearance, its utilitarian design speaks volumes. Admittedly, it may lack some of the distinctive aesthetics associated with other two-wheelers. Nevertheless, Runner compensates for this with an impressive variety of vibrant color choices, including red, blue, yellow, and green. Furthermore, riders can opt for either a matte or glossy finish, with the black model exclusively available in matte black.

Under the hood, the Skooty houses a 104cc engine, designed with practicality rather than high-performance thrills in mind. It delivers a maximum output of 7 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 7 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. While it won't outpace high-performance sports bikes, these figures suffice for daily city commutes and occasional short intercity jaunts.

It's important to note that the Skooty, due to its low-displacement engine, won't transform into a speed demon no matter how vigorously you twist the throttle. It excels at lower speeds but might leave you wanting for more confidence as you accelerate. This slight imbalance can be attributed to its lightweight frame and, notably, the petite 10-inch tires it rides on. This setup can pose challenges when traversing large potholes and slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of losing balance.

The Skooty has a claimed top speed of 90 km/h, but no one on our team had the courage to push the scooter that far. Even though having a lightweight frame has its pros with handling, the scooter does get wobbly when pushed.

The 10-inch rims of the Skooty can make it feel unbalanced but the disk brakes ensure exceptional braking experience. Photo: Photo: Akif Hamid

Some users complain that the suspension is a bit stiff, and it worsens when you're riding with a pillion. During our testing this wasn't much of an issue. What did cause an issue, however, was the lack of adequate legroom and the slightly high flooring, which forced me to sit quite far back, thus reducing the pillion seating space.

Navid Iftekar, the owner of the scooter, mentioned that the scooter has an average fuel economy of 37 km/l. Having a 5-liter fuel tank means the Skooty needs frequent refueling, though it's a universal issue with all scooters. Although the economy could've been better because if it were a 110cc bike, the economy would've been way north of 60 km/l.

Despite having a long seat, the lack of adequate leg space forces riders to sit far back, reducing pillion seating space. Photo: Akif Hamid

With a price tag of Tk1,29,000, the Skooty has become a great contender for people looking to beat the scary city traffic, especially with its low maintenance and practical features. Whether you are a daily commuter or simply looking for a fun and efficient way to get around town, the Runner Skooty might just be your ticket to hassle-free, cost-effective mobility.

Specifications:
Engine: 104cc single cylinder air-cooled
Transmission: Automatic 
Power: 7 bhp at 7500 rpm
Torque: 7 Nm at 6500 rpm

Price: Tk1,29,000