Anyone buying a Scooter to help save on gas?

[shortbun]

We got a Vespa last year. My husband is 6'5" and 240lbs. so he needed a larger, good quality scooter. He loves it!

 

[plummer925]

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.

Wow - thank you SO much for sharing this perspective!! I put a financial scenario out a few days ago for people to consider, but you really did great showing the TRUE cost of scooter ownership...the financial AND emotional AND physical cost. I, for one, truly appreciate your post!

 

[fletchers5]

My Scooter was $1250.00 out the door..already have a helmet, gloves and glasses since my hubby has a motorcycle.....scooter insurance is $95.00 for the year....title and registration with plates is $100.00 and taxes on the scooter is $100.00......so this year total cost will be $1545.00

My husband is awesome at doing mechanical work...on the cars and motorcycle...so anything mechanical will be done by him if need be.

so next years cost will be $35.00 for registration and $95.00 for insurance....Total $130.00....not to shabby. And as stated before.....it will help with wear and tear on my vehicle which in the long run will save me money.