With the price of gasoline hitting all-time highs, many consumers are beginning to look for alternative means of transportation. Because of their fuel-efficiency, motor scooters have attracted a lot of the attention. With their lightweight engines, low insurance rates and comparably low-maintenance upkeep, motor scooters may become the vehicle of choice for tens of thousands of people. Below, you'll learn how driving a motor scooter can provide relief to your pocketbook. We'll also describe what you can expect should you decide that you're ready to invest in a scooter.
The Numbers Behind The Savings
First, let's talk about fuel savings. Assume your car gets 25 miles per gallon. Your daily commute to your job is 25 miles (50 miles round trip). At $5.00 per gallon, you can expect to pay $50 per week (or $2,600 each year). If you drive a motor scooter that gets 80 miles per gallon, you'll pay $812.50 for gas during that same year, an annual savings of nearly $1,800. As the price of gas continues to rise, the savings you'll enjoy will also rise.
You'll also save on insurance. If you're paying $1,000 a year for your car insurance policy, you'll be saving nearly $800 by driving a motor scooter (you can insure your scooter for approximately $200 per year).
Knowing What To Expect
While sales of motor scooters have risen steeply this year (largely due to climbing gas prices), many people are unprepared for driving them. Operating a motor scooter is much different than driving a car. First, because scooters are smaller and quieter, people who drive cars often fail to see them. Scooter owners can manage the risk by wearing a helmet and driving cautiously. Second, motor scooters obviously have less storage space than cars. Trips to the grocery store carry inherent limitations.
Balancing Money Savings With Potential Drawbacks
Even though most people who drive to their jobs can save a substantial amount of money by trading their car for a motor scooter, it's not the right choice for everyone. Scooters have their own shortcomings, including space limitations and safety hazards. That said, for people who are disgusted with the high price of fuel and car insurance and don't mind the potential drawbacks of driving a scooter, now may be the right time to make the switch. Many well-regarded motor scooters can be purchased for less than $3,000. At that price, it would only take 16 months to recoup the cost.
If you're thinking about trading your car for a motor scooter, consider the benefits and possible disadvantages. In 16 months, after recouping your upfront investment, you may wonder why you waited so long.