Scooters: Beat High Gas Prices and Have Fun
By Teresa Ambord
Ever consider zipping around town on a scooter? Don’t laugh. The combination of high gas prices and increasingly congested traffic makes the idea of motorized scooters more attractive everyday.
These are especially nice for people who like the gas mileage and the freedom of a motorcycle but fear the big machines. Imagine all those quick trips to the store to pick up one forgotten item. A scooter will make the trip using far less gas than it would take to back the SUV out of the garage. Pulling into a crowded parking lot? No problem for a scooter that will slip into a tiny space.
Scooters in general are easy to maneuver. The engine is usually right in front of the rear wheel, which means you mount the scooter just by stepping through and sitting down. You sit upright with your feet in front of you. They tend to have automatic transmissions, no clutches, and bicycle-style brakes, with hand levers.
What kind of mileage does a scooter get?
The big ones get up to 60 miles per gallon. Some, such as the DiTech by Aprilia, can go twice that far. The DiTech has a 2 stroke 49cc engine that revs high and only weighs about 200 pounds. The beauty of such a small engine is that, in many states, you don’t even need a special license for engine below 50cc.
What is the price range to buy a scooter?
DiTech and scooters like it start at under $3,000. Next step up is a bike like the Honda HMC, which can carry you and a passenger, and sells for around $5,000. And the big boys, like Yamaha’s YAMCY start at around $6,000.
The downside?
Obviously weather can be a factor. The fact that you can’t carry much is another. And then of course, there is the speed. For small scooters like DiTech, the top speed is less than 50 miles per hour, so it is best for short trips. But scooters that are mid-size and up can reach highway speeds.
Also, unless your state doesn’t require it (at least for the little scooters) you will likely have to get a special driver’s license. Usually this includes a one-day motorcycle rider’s course. You’ll also need a helmet, and insurance.
To see what your state motor vehicle department requires, click the following link and find your state:
In spite of the insurance and helmet costs, with gas prices stubbornly refusing to come down, you might very well find that your scooter pays for itself in a short time. But more than that, you might discover a fun new hobby… riding around free and easy with the wind blowing through your hair. That’s why scooter salesmen will tell you that in recent months, sales have doubled and tripled, and are still climbing.
