Making Cents of Vespanomics

[atlaw4u]

The main environmental benefit of a high mileage scooter is the reduction of greenhouse gasses.

Bart Madson - Motorcycle USA - May 8, 2008

I remember it well. My father and I were driving past the local gas station as the attendant was changing the price of gas and it wasn't good. My dad shook his head in somber disbelief. Surely, this was a sign of the times, of certain apocalypse in the not-too-distant future. Can you imagine it, $1 for a gallon of gas!

Fast forward a couple decades and the concept of filling your car up for under $20 sounds like a utopian dream. It's official folks, the cheap gas era is dead. The obituary has been printed. People have wept at the funeral.

The reality this summer is we're on the brink of shelling out $4 per gallon... so, what can we do?

One answer put forth by scooter manufacturer Vespa is a little thing called Vespanomics. For a more entertaining definition of the word check out www.vespanomics.com, but the overall gist is simple - save money and the environment by swapping out your gas-guzzling commuter car for a more fuel-efficient scooter.

Decades away from sustainable renewable energy as a major contributor to the energy grid, like it or not, America is dialed into fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. (Even electric scooters, which are developing as a practical commuter option, still power from fossil-fuel derived electricity.)

The key at this stage of the game is conservation - the reason why congress raised CAFE standards in the automotive industry to 35 MPG. This is where the scooter comes into play. With many designs already claiming 70 MPG figures, scooters are some of the most fuel-efficient transportation options available...[Read More]

[Superdog]

It's a terrific concept. Only problem comes when you have to lay it down and/or someone rips it off.

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by Superdog

It's a terrific concept. Only problem comes when you have to lay it down and/or someone rips it off.

Nobody lays a bike down on purpose. That is their excuse after locking up the rear wheel in a panic reaction, losing control, and sliding on their ass down the road.

No one should ride a motorized two-wheeler without proper training, a keen appreciation for their vulnerability, an obsession with defensive driving techniques, and, unlike the guy in the photo, having made themselves visible with high beam headlight, a white helmet, and brightly colored jacket or vest, especially if they are a beginning rider.

As far as the ripping off part, insurance helps, as well as some sort of cable and/or lock.

Harry

[kwj]

I had a motorcycle stolen once. It was my main transportation to college. I did get it back, but it cost a bit to fix it, and it later blew an oil seal and seized the engine a few months later.

The advantages were I could park closer to classes. Insurance was cheap. It got great MPGs. It was a blast to drive.

Disadvantages were trying to carry a briefcase and books in the rain. Going anywhere in the rain or snow (like to work). Cars tried to eat you (officer I didn't see him with his orange vest, bright white helmet and headlight on).

Heck, I think the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. It doesn't rain or snow every day. I think I'm going to fix up my bicycle, but I can't drive it to work, or to the airport to catch a plane.

[Mad Hatter]

Do they make trailers so I can haul my 2 kids in it?
Nice if your by yourself or have one passenger but I'm married with kids!

[lamebums]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Do they make trailers so I can haul my 2 kids in it?
Nice if your by yourself or have one passenger but I'm married with kids!

Maybe the sidecar will make a comeback...

And believe me, if you've ever been to China, the unofficial towing capacity of a motorbike is three tons.

[kwj]

My dad had a Lambretta when we lived in the PI. He loved it, but when we moved back to the States, he never got another 2-wheeler anything.

MadHatter, they do make some interesting Popup trailers and side cars. You and the wife on the cycle, the kids in a side-car, your stuff in the trailer.

And then it rains.

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by kwj

And then it rains.

I've been on my bike on the Interstate in a cold rain, 40F, where I'm sure all the other motorists thought I was miserable, cold, wet, and nuts. The reality was, I was very dry in my Goretex Aerostich riding suit, and nice and warm with my Widder electric vest pumping out lots of BTU's. My current motorcycle has heated handgrips, which make a huge difference in comfort.

Rain isn't that tough, and touring riders deal with it. Snow, that's another issue...

Harry

[Ophbalance]

I really considered getting a scooter when living in PA and being only 7 miles from work. I'm now 50+ miles from work, and 40 of those miles are strictly interstate. Several of the interstate miles are in a posted 70 MPH zone. I'd never take anything but a mid sized motorcycle up on that highway for fear of getting thrown off the bike. But, getting a bike would also require investing in the safety equipment to go with it (helmet, leathers, gloves, boots, etc.). I think I'd rather invest in a more efficient car, than a bike in my situation.