Anyone buying a Scooter to help save on gas?

[RangerPooh]

Check your state laws if you're looking into a scooter. In many states, all you need is a driver's license, not a motorcycle license.

In many states a 50cc scooter does not require a motorcycle license, it's once you reach 150 cc that you do.

My dad had a 150cc Tank Scooter for two years that he took to work and it did just fine. Sadly someone stole it from our driveway. The officer said that they are pretty easy for thief's to steal as they are lightweight and can easily be "hot wired" so to speak.

DH has a Honda motorcycle and will be using that very soon now that it looks like we're done receiving snow. I'm considering purchasing a scooter, but an nervous about it. Plus with 4 kids it would be hard to cart them about...

 

[plummer925]

Funny you happen to ask! I am going to Atlanta tomorrow to buy one!!! We found a dealer on Craigslist that is selling 150cc for $1200. I live on Fort Benning where the speed limit is 35mph and in some areas only 15mph. I live 3.2 miles from work and drive a Suburban. Gas is killing our Disney budget.

My husband rides a Harley and it's been helping the gas issue, but I can't wait to get on that scooter. I don't plan to take it off post and use it as it would be very unsafe.

I prefer to be the passenger on a motorcycle in heavy traffic. I have my MC license and have taken the Army-required motorcycle safety class so I am set!!

Set to save some money!!!

I don't mean to be argumentative but have you considered the true cost here?

You are paying $1200 for a scooter for less than 7 miles a day to work. A Suburban is known to not get good gas mileage, so let's call it 14 mpg for easy math - that is 1/2 gallon of gas a day. Say gas is $4 a gallon (it's about $3.58 here in Maine right now, so again, I'm rounding for easy math). You use 1/2 a gallon a day (approx) so about $2 a day.

You would have to ride your scooter 600 days before breaking even on the "savings" of gas to and from work, not including the extra gas the scooter would use. Also not including any insurance you may need, extras like helmets, extra clothing costs (you would probably want to bring extra clothes with you in case of wetness/mud etc).

I'm not aiming this at just you even though I used your numbers and quote - it's really to anyone to consider when looking at buying a new vehicle to save on gas. Many times the "savings" does not outweigh the cost (I used your quote and numbers because they made easy math).

 

[kelly1218]

It was $1250.00 for a 150 cc....has a trunk and windshield....and free shipping. We did do a lot of looking and pricing...this was the best deal we could find. A dealer in our area wanted almost $2800.00 for the same scooter.


* 8.04 HP 4 stroke Air cooled
* Fully Automatic (CVT)
* Deni Carburetor
* Stainless steel Bolts & Nuts
* Dual Stage Paint Treatment
* ABS / Rear Luggage Box
* Alarm, Anti-theft System
* Halogen Bulbs

I see you ordered it offline.... I just want to warn you...some states won't issue a title for it. Friends of ours bought one offline 5 years ago...and NJ wouldn't recognize the manufacter and issue a title. They couldn't register it through NJ. They ended up giving it to me and I got it registered through PA. Course I had to prove all kinds of things to my insurance company to get insurance on it (title, VIN, that it had all the necessities like turn signals, horn, etc)

Check your state laws if you're looking into a scooter. In many states, all you need is a driver's license, not a motorcycle license.

I agree to check...but you may want to get the license anyway and look into a safety course. It's free in PA

In many states a 50cc scooter does not require a motorcycle license, it's once you reach 150 cc that you do.

My dad had a 150cc Tank Scooter for two years that he took to work and it did just fine. Sadly someone stole it from our driveway. The officer said that they are pretty easy for thief's to steal as they are lightweight and can easily be "hot wired" so to speak.

DH has a Honda motorcycle and will be using that very soon now that it looks like we're done receiving snow. I'm considering purchasing a scooter, but an nervous about it. Plus with 4 kids it would be hard to cart them about...

In PA , 50CC and over require a motorcycle license.




Also for those looking to 'save'...don't forget about the cost of gear...riding boots... gloves...helmet, etc. That stuff can add up quick.



Now, I must say...I LOVE my scooter.

 

[pat fan]

Not me, but my DH has one and he uses it in the summer to go back and forth to work when it's nice out. Our youngest DS used it last summer to work as well.

We bought it a few years ago (the first time gas was nuts) so now it's paid for and only uses a few tanks of gas all summer!

In Ma. you do not need a motorcycle license for this size scooter (a Zuma), nor can you get insurance for it. We tried and tried to get insurance, but Ma. will not give you insurance on it. CRAZY!

It does make me nervous when they have to take it on the stretch of major road, but the back roads I don't worry so much about. It only goes about 40 mph so they try to stay to the side when vehicles come up behind them, but some people just will NOT pass and hover. I just pretend I don't know they are driving it when they are Our DS actually said he would like to take it (he has moved out) and use it this summer for his commute (all in town, no major roads) and if DH doesn't want to drive it, we may let him. Or he can buy his own. I think we paid $2500 total.

here's a link for the new ones http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/151/home.aspx

 

[mtblujeans]

My DH is seriously considering getting a scooter for himself to save on gas going back and forth to work. If you don't mind, can you link where you purchased the scooter and I'll send it over to him? or send it via PM?

I wouldn't mind seeing the link, also. I wonder if my DD, who lives in town, would be interested.

 

[fletchers5]

Here is the link to the one we bought.

http://www.countyimports.com/inc/sd...d_for_sale___free_shipping___mp_9050___/24490

In Illinois you have to have a license for anything over 50cc....and I did get my permit.

This scooter will go 55 +.....don't ever think I will go that fast though....most of my in town driving will be 35..but my husband wanted me to get one that I can drive on most roads.

 

[wvjules]

I don't mean to be argumentative but have you considered the true cost here?

You are paying $1200 for a scooter for less than 7 miles a day to work. A Suburban is known to not get good gas mileage, so let's call it 14 mpg for easy math - that is 1/2 gallon of gas a day. Say gas is $4 a gallon (it's about $3.58 here in Maine right now, so again, I'm rounding for easy math). You use 1/2 a gallon a day (approx) so about $2 a day.

You would have to ride your scooter 600 days before breaking even on the "savings" of gas to and from work, not including the extra gas the scooter would use. Also not including any insurance you may need, extras like helmets, extra clothing costs (you would probably want to bring extra clothes with you in case of wetness/mud etc).

I'm not aiming this at just you even though I used your numbers and quote - it's really to anyone to consider when looking at buying a new vehicle to save on gas. Many times the "savings" does not outweigh the cost (I used your quote and numbers because they made easy math).

That's why I asked how much it cost. It didn't seem very cost effective to me.

 

[DawnM]

Always good to run all the numbers!

Dawn

I don't mean to be argumentative but have you considered the true cost here?

You are paying $1200 for a scooter for less than 7 miles a day to work. A Suburban is known to not get good gas mileage, so let's call it 14 mpg for easy math - that is 1/2 gallon of gas a day. Say gas is $4 a gallon (it's about $3.58 here in Maine right now, so again, I'm rounding for easy math). You use 1/2 a gallon a day (approx) so about $2 a day.

You would have to ride your scooter 600 days before breaking even on the "savings" of gas to and from work, not including the extra gas the scooter would use. Also not including any insurance you may need, extras like helmets, extra clothing costs (you would probably want to bring extra clothes with you in case of wetness/mud etc).

I'm not aiming this at just you even though I used your numbers and quote - it's really to anyone to consider when looking at buying a new vehicle to save on gas. Many times the "savings" does not outweigh the cost (I used your quote and numbers because they made easy math).

 

[Purseval]

I don't mean to be argumentative but have you considered the true cost here?

That's a good point. Even if I used my Mazda, which "only" gets about 35 miles/gallon for my commute that would translate into a gallon of gas per month.

However, I don't really think it's that good for the car or the battery to start it up, drive it a half mile, shut it down for 8 hours then repeat the process that evening. That's more of a reason I found myself a scooter than saving gas. If I was really that concerned about saving gas I could walk or ride a bicycle.

 

[mhconley]

Funny this came up... I talked to my wife last week about buying one of these.

It's more for fun than saving gas. I work from home full time, she's a stay at home mom and DS rides the schoolbus.

Martin

 

[fletchers5]

I do realize that it will take a long time before I am actually saving money.....but with gas prices rising and really doesn't look like they will come back down to reality...I am hoping in the long run that I will save money. I guess when I am driving 90 miles on a gallon of gas.....and gas is over $5.00 a gallon ....it won't bother me to be putting around.

I realize there is other costs involved....insurance is about $95.00 a year ( cheaper than my car)...licensing and getting the title and plates. Probably about $300.00 total.

FYI.....in order to title a scooter in 50 states....it must have the FEDERAL SAFETY STICKER.....and in order for any scooter to enter the USA....it must have this sticker. Otherwise there is HUGE fines. So ordering these scooters online will be OK.

 

[fletchers5]

MHCONELY......LOVE this scooter.

 

[DawnM]

I will add that for me, this hasn't even been a consideration. I have 3 kids to cart around and a scooter wouldn't work at all.

But it is fun to look at options.

Dawn

 

[fletchers5]

PURSEVAL....very good point....never even thought about that. It will help the wear and tear on my vehicle and maybe give me a lot more years out of it. What a good selling point...LOL

 

[blanq]

I own a Schwinn 50 cc scooter and paid about $1500 for it. It gets me around town at between 25-30 mph max. It gets about 100 mpg. Insurance is dirt cheap. My plate runs me $25 per year. I bought it a few summers ago, when gas began to creep up for the first time. Since I live in MN, there is a limited time of year I can drive it, but I am just two miles from work and can take side streets all the way to/from work. I park it in a bike rack at work, and lock it. I love my scooter.

For those considering purchasing one, I would ask you to consider a couple of things: 1) If you live in a cold, snowy climate where you will not ride all year, and/or it will remain idle for periods of time, be aware that gas left in the tank can really gum up your carberator. The first winter I threw some Stabil in the gas tank thinking that would be enough, but it's not. You either have to drain the tank, or move to racing fuel. I did the later. It is very expensive fuel, but I only use one tank of gas per season so I am not opposed to the price, 2) Unless you are able to handle maintenance yourself, make sure you have someone local who can fix and maintain it and then be aware you need to have a way to haul the thing if it breaks down on you. I puchased from a local supplier and they also perform maintenance. DH has a truck, so we can throw it in the cab and take it in easily if needed.

 

[Purseval]

For those considering purchasing one, I would ask you to consider a couple of things: 1) If you live in a cold, snowy climate where you will not ride all year, and/or it will remain idle for periods of time, be aware that gas left in the tank can really gum up your carberator. The first winter I threw some Stabil in the gas tank thinking that would be enough, but it's not. You either have to drain the tank, or move to racing fuel.

First of all most modern fuels take a lot longer to break down than they used to. Secondly it takes a LONG time to gum up a carburetor so badly that you can't start it and once you do get it started the fresh fuel will naturally clean away the deposits.

Finally, and probably most important to know, draining your tank opens you up to an entirely different set of potential problems such as rotting rubber hoses and rust buildup from moisture left in the lines after you drain the tank. You'd be better off leaving it sit with a full tank (and some Stabil if it makes you feel better) all winter than a dry one. And if you start it and run it for a few minutes a month you will be fine when you go to run it for your next season.

 

[blanq]

First of all most modern fuels take a lot longer to break down than they used to. Secondly it takes a LONG time to gum up a carburetor so badly that you can't start it and once you do get it started the fresh fuel will naturally clean away the deposits.

Finally, and probably most important to know, draining your tank opens you up to an entirely different set of potential problems such as rotting rubber hoses and rust buildup from moisture left in the lines after you drain the tank. You'd be better off leaving it sit with a full tank (and some Stabil if it makes you feel better) all winter than a dry one. And if you start it and run it for a few minutes a month you will be fine when you go to run it for your next season.

You raise a good point about periodic starts, and it is something I should probably do. Last winter I left a half a tank of regular gas in my scooter with some Stabil in it and I could not start it last spring. I took it in and my carburetor was gummed up and needed work. This winter I have been letting it sit with a full tank of racer fuel. We'll see what happens when I fire it up next month. I think my DS said he started it a couple months ago and it fired up fine. My scooter mechanic indicated gummed up carberators are a very common occurance in this area (where we can't drive them for our long winters). He suggested racing fuel or draining the tank, so that is what I based my initial advice on.

 

[Purseval]

Speaking of periodic starts, I just started my bike for the first time in a couple of months. Took about 10 kicks to get it to turn over, about 2 minutes of massaging the throttle to keep it running and now it's idling. I'll leave it running for 15-20 minutes then it will be good for the season, which runs from tomorrow until November or so. If I was tough like the Northerners are I could use it practically year round but I let it sit until it warms up in the evenings.

 

[stego]

I'm sure you remember the last gas crisis. Like many people, I thought...hey, I'll get a scooter to save on gas! During the years, I kept my motorcyle classification on my driver's license. I'm good...

49cc wasn't going to cut it for me. I went over and over the roads, and it just wouldn't work. My commute is 10 miles each way.

So...a 171cc it was. $3200 out the door. Fine. Wait a moment, let's add to the list:
*helmet, glasses, reflective vest, gloves
*insurance, registration
*maintenance

Another factor I learned was the weather. Yes, there were just some wonderful days...but not every day was wonderful. More like high's and low's. Scooting at velocity in the wind at 30 degrees is no fun. Think cold hands, cold feet. Then in the summer I'd broil. Seriously.

I also ended up driving more than I thought I would. This meant my mileage added up; and hence more maintenance costs. It seemed I was down at the scooter shop every 3 months or so. Though reliable, the scooter needed maintenance I hadn't quite figured on.

Eventually, that wore out on me, as well as the daily struggle with non-perfect weather. But even more so I became aware of the metal boxes around me...and no protection on my behalf. Even with my high visibility vest (which I wore without fail); could I be absolutely certain all other road users were paying attention?

The answer was clearly no. I felt at 50mph I couldn't recover from a one split moment indecision. What anyone else feels is beside the point. Being on my scooter was no longer enjoyable to me.

The gas prices started coming down; and so I sold the scooter; said my goodbye's. It found a new home. I got it out of my system, and I am OK with that.

I've started to read the articles coming up again in the news about this new gas crisis, and thought it appropriate to add my experience here.

 

[Purseval]

Another factor I learned was the weather. Yes, there were just some wonderful days...but not every day was wonderful. More like high's and low's. Scooting at velocity in the wind at 30 degrees is no fun. Think cold hands, cold feet. Then in the summer I'd broil. Seriously.

The only thing that affects me is rain. Not that I care about getting wet but more about getting my feet soaked. My solution to that was to buy a cheap pair of sneakers at a yard sale for $1 and leave them at work. If it starts raining after I get to work I leave my work shoes there and use the sneakers to get home. My work shoes go in a plastic bag then into my backpack.