The trendy Yamaha NMax and Honda PCX160 are commuter scooters that are almost instantly recognizable to most people. However, a new name with a familiar silhouette has come to challenge their dominance. The CFMoto 150SC came into play after its release in late 2024, and I was lucky to have the opportunity to test out the 150SC for a few days, courtesy of our friends over at Motostrada.

Being a relatively rare sight on the roads, the 150SC caught the eyes of folks who seemed curious. Some would strike up conversations asking about the scooter during quick pauses under stoplights, and one memorable exchange stood out for me. It was a chat I had with a bank security guard. As a rider himself, he had a lot to say after having a walkaround look at the bike and inspecting the dash up close.

We started with the most obvious aspecst: the looks and size. The 150SC sports an aggressive design similar to Honda’s PCX160 and ADV160. It features sharp angles on its mostly molded plastic body. The front is predominantly occupied by a large LED headlamp and its accompanying turn signals. Above the headlight is a small windscreen that redirects at least some turbulence away from the rider, but nothing very substantial.

The stepped seat comfortably accommodates two passengers or one fairly large rider, and it has soft cushioning which feels great on longer rides. We both agreed that the bike’s dimensions are practically identical to its market counterparts, so finding a spot to park won’t be a problem.

The digital dash shows a full-color display with information on demand. You’ve got the usual dashboard lineup: fuel and temperature gauge, warning lights, speedometer and tachometer, and even a trip odometer. Toggles for the traction control, ABS, and alarm systems are found in their menu on the dash. 

The screen is controlled by arrow keys on the left-hand side switch pod. These arrow keys take up most of the space, with the turn signal switch and horn button beneath them.. There’s also an option to connect your phone by Bluetooth, but you’ll need the CFMoto Ride.

It comes with a keyless starter system for convenience, but the old soul in me prefers a traditional key and ignition switch. The Start/Stop dial and buttons for the seat and fuel lid release are all on the opposite side of a small cubbyhole. Don’t expect it to hold anything larger than a phone, though it does come with a building charging port for both USB-A and USB-C.

I had one mild annoyance with the cubbyhole lid on this particular unit. It would open when you hit a considerable bump at speed, and closing it wasn’t as easy as you’d think. The lid is secured by a plastic snapping clip, and it was loose. Was it because of wear or poor design choice?

Our conversation moved on to how the scooter fares on the road. I said that my drive through EDSA alone probably got me experiencing most kinds of urban road conditions in just one ride. The frequent transitions between relatively smooth asphalt and nearly lunar-like crater-filled concrete – not counting the steel plates scattered here and there – had me thinking “Wow, sulit yung suspension and wheels.” I noted that minor potholes and bumps are basically nothing to the 150SC, but I did notice more comfort riding over potholes than bumps.

Getting up to cruising speed wasn’t a problem for the 149cc single-cylinder engine – granted that I’m a lightweight rider. Going around with a passenger on the back was just as you would expect for its class. The CVT makes for smooth power transfer, and the responsiveness will make anyone want to try and hit that 100kph mark.

When it comes to slowing down, the brakes were really firm and responsive. Decelerating from higher speeds wasn’t an issue. However, since the brakes are strong, a word of caution against sudden braking as it’s easy to be thrown off balance despite the ABS.

At last, the guard asked the most important question of all: “Magkano ba yan?” I presume a working man like himself would be practical and cost-conscious. The 150SC is priced at ₱119,800, and he was surprised that it costs considerably less than a Yamaha NMax or a Honda PCX160. The 150SC would be a perfect daily commuter if you don’t mind not having a trendy nameplate, he added. This single insight could be what makes the 150SC a strong contender against the more popular maxi-scooter models.