I've been doing more research on scooters:
They get 70 miles per gallon and go 40-100 miles per hour, depending on the model.
If Americans were to switch just 10% of their total mileage to scooters, they would consume 14-18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day as well. (Source ICR survey, May 2006)
On an individual level, they could also reduce your fuel consumption by approximately 58%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 80%.
Hip was right about the motorcycle license, and it looks like it will cost anywhere between $400-1000 to insure one of the things for a year.
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12 comments:
i agree - a vespa would be very cool. you can talk to the lays about the scooter fun - as they have a couple as well.
one thing i did read recently in the wweek surprised me about scooter emissions. apparently some are worse than SUVs? here is the link. http://www.wweek.com/editorial/3240/7867
i still think a scooter would be cool though - and im sure there are some that are far cleaner.
Seriously; I can't recommend 2-wheeled, motorized transportation enough for San Francisco living. I prefer a motorcycle to a scooter simply because I need to be able to ride to work in Richmond, and I like the extra freedom of being able to go medium distances on the freeway and carry a passenger and even go camping. But for getting around town, a scooter is just as good.
The most important thing is that if you're going to ride a bike or scooter, you have to do it in the safest way possible. Take the class, get the license, wear a helmet and gloves, etc.
I read that WWeek article. It seems the big problem with the conclusions is that they test the parts per million of hydrocarbons and the percent CO2. But this tests how much bad stuff is in a fixed volume of exhaust. SUVs put out way more volume of exhaust. You'd have to do a better test to compare the actual total amount of pollution put out by both vehicles per hour or per mile.
The downside to riding around on a scooter is that you would be riding around on a scooter.
Turd, isn't one of your favorite fake memories an image of Hip E on a scooter with a big girl?
Hip, what is the word on that class you took? Where can I find out about it?
the website for the class is
http://www.motorcycleschool.com/
It might sound kind of expensive, but it's the easiest way to get a license, and the peace of mind you get from actually knowing how to ride correctly and safely is well worth the money.
Sign up quick, looks like there are 9 seats left This Year (for the SF location - there's also Vallejo).
My mistake, there are 9 seats left open for October 5, 7 & 8
I agree that a two-wheeler can be a fun and economical way to get around. And I'd ditto what hip e. had to say about their usefulness in an urban setting. But, before you take the plunge, you might want to consider a couple of "other items".
Do you have a secure place/area to house your scooter overnight? On the street overnight is definitely not a good idea in any urban locale.
Maintenance is maintenance whether the vehicle in question is big or small. You'll either have to do it or have somebody else (usually the dealer) do it.
Finally, don't even think about a scooter unless you have taken the Motorcycle Safety Course (these guys will usually let you ride a scooter during this class - otherwise you have to take the class on a bigger bike). And, as good as this class is, it will not protect you from the "other guy" who may be distracted by his cell phone while he's speeding away in his SUV. Gotta drive VERY defensively.
Oh, and one last thing.......Vespa is not the only kind of scooter out there. I'm told there are some excellent (and cheaper) alternatives.
The class I took had 125 & maybe a couple 250cc very small motorcycles. No scooters. But if you can ride a small bike you can ride a scooter. Same deal.
As for parking on the street, I've always parked on the street. If you get a cover for it (~$80) then the elements won't take too much toll. In about 3.5 years of owning a bike mine have been knocked over by cars or the wind about 3 times. I live on a hill though.
It's true, riding a scooter is more dangerous than driving a car, because you don't have a steel frame surrounding you to protect you from some idiot. But I'm convinced that by A) wearing a helmet, B) taking the class, C) being properly licensed, and D) being of above-average intelligence, you can lower the risk of really bad injuries enough to make it not a crazy thing to do.
You have to read this scientific report on motorcycle accidents and injuries, it is very informative on what to think about when you're riding:
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html
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