Considering a Scooter to Get More MPG? It's More Than Just an Exercise in Math

A scooter is a great way to have economical transportation in and around metropolitan areas, as long as you aren't going a great distance or carrying lots of things. It also helps if you live somewhere the weather and roads will permit you to make use of such a form of transportation for most of the year.

Many folks consider buying a new hybrid or other small car in order to save money on gas. The price of gas is only one consideration, so I caution everyone to not get caught up in the MPG frenzy. If you don't drive that much, the cost of a new car will far outweigh the savings in fuel. Not so with a scooter. We should stay focused on total cost of transportation which includes: licensing; insurance; payments; fuel; repair; and, maintenance.

Hanging onto the older car and getting an inexpensive scooter can make a lot of sense financially. I think we will see more of this in the major metropolitan areas around the country.

In some Asian countries, there is a sea of scooters on every street, and they're parked like dominoes lined up on the sidewalks by the hundreds. I am always amazed at what I have seen people carry on a scooter, including multiple sacks of rice, a couple family members, and a large sheet of plate glass!

The trick is to identify the point of diminishing returns and diminishing practicality, and stay well away from both of them. It's a math and personal balancing act that should consider the following:

1. If you use a lot of fuel each week, you might be too far from work to comfortably get there and back on a scooter.

2. If you don't use a lot of fuel each week, then your savings in fuel might not justify buying a scooter in the first place.

3. The number of things and the amount of stuff you must carry each day will also dictate to some extent the viability of a scooter.

4. Some folks need more than two wheels for comfort, safety and security.

5. Will you have scooter friendly roads to traverse? Moderate speeds, no potholes, and somewhat sane drivers?

6. Scooters have weight limitations. Pushing those will affect safe handling and braking. Larger people will likely be more comfortable in a car or on a larger motorcycle.

7. Scooters are fun!

The high MPG of a scooter is tempting, but I can see the wisdom of owning a scooter being something much more than just an exercise in financial decision making.

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