Can you really save money
by riding a scooter to work?

People frequently ask me, Can you really save money by riding a scooter to work? Let’s do the math. I drive a minivan most days to work and I travel 35 miles to work one way. That’s a total of 70 miles per day and my minivan gets about 20 miles per gallon (less in stop-and-go traffic). If I drive my scooter four days per week, 280 miles per week, I would save $165 per month.

This does not include all the other trips I would make throughout the month – to the grocery, to the movies, to a friend’s house. With these savings, my $1,700 investment in my fabulous new 125cc scooter was recouped in one season of driving!

1. Scooters are inexpensive to operate– Gas is expensive and all indications are that prices are only going up. Fuel economy is great on a scooter – many get 80-100 mpg and some people commute to and from work all week on $5 worth of gas.
   
2. Scooters are inexpensive to buy and upkeep and insure – The cost of scooters is very competitive. The world economic recession we are currently experiencing has kept prices very reasonable. Scooter annual maintenance and insurance costs are a fraction of car ownership. Even for people who own a car, buying a scooter and just using it on a part-time basis to reduce your car mileage will usually show a pretty quick payback.
   
3. Scooters are a lot greener than most cars– Scooters, at least the modern ones, particularly 4 stroke models, are very low in emissions. Also, the production and ultimate disposal of a scooter occupies a fairly small carbon footprint compared to other motorized modes of transportation.
   
4. Scooters are easy to park – Parking a scooter is easy. Smaller 50cc scooters can be parked in bike racks. You and all your fiends can park in the space of one car. Most area restaurants are open to scooter parking near their outdoor seating.
   
5. Scooters are easy to ride – Modern scooters are automatic – that’s right – no gears to change. The brakes are hand brakes just like you would find on a bicycle. The throttle is in the right-hand grip – just Twist ‘n Go.
   
6. You can ride a scooter with a dress or skirt on – Now if you are a guy, this may not be a key selling feature, but girls scoot too and this is a killer reason to buy a scooter. No need to sacrifice fashion for the fun of the ride.
   
7. You can ride a scooter without ruining your fancy shoes – Again, no need to sacrifice fashion or comfort. A scooter rider does not need to operate a gear shift or brake pedal with their foot. When riding, your feet are flat on the floorboards and well shielded from puddles and the like.
   
8. Scooters have built in secure storage – While you can't fit a bowling ball or a hockey stick in the under-seat storage, scooters are the envy of most motorcycle commuters when it comes to plentiful secure storage. Most motorcyclists have to carry stuff in a backpack. The typical scooter has lockable storage under the seat big enough for a helmet or some groceries. Many, like the Cali Classic have hooks for grocery bags. Our Malibu 50cc has a convenient slot for a cell phone. If the built-in storage is not enough, adding a topcase or saddle bags will easily allow you to carry laptops and other essentials.
   
9. Scooters may open up a whole new social scene – There are lots of fun scooter clubs who are arranging group rides, educational seminars, and other events. Scooter riders are a diverse group, crossing all age ranges, gender and socioeconomic lines.
   
10. Scooters are just plain fun – In addition to the economic and environmental benefits, scooters are just plain fun to ride. You meet the nicest people on a scooter!