Considerations for a Motor Scooter

Question

Ok,

I'm finally considering it, but I'd like some opinions and some Advise. I already have a car aka a Mitsubishi Gallant 2000 ES with a V6 that does about 30mpg. I'm considering getting a Motor Scooter for my shorter distance trips and regular commuting trips with using the car for long distance commutes and dates (lol) untill something like the Carver One or Venture One comes to my state (Florida). I'm looking for something that does about 90mpg. Here are a few questions I have about scooters:

1. For these 90mpg vehicles, how large is the tank?

2. How fast do these vehicles normally go (I'm no motor head so I couldn't tell you the difference between a 2 stroke 50cc and a 2 stroke 150cc)

3. Is it a viable long lasting solution regardless of where gas prices may lead?

4. What's the general perception of people riding them now addays? It used to seem and look rather stupid years ago...

5. Will the price of maintenance = the amount I saved for gas with these vehicles? Or are they relatively low maintenance?

Basically I'd really use it to get to work (about a 15min drive from where I live), and go to a couple stores I normally go to in my area, with limited trips to Hallendale or Miami beach (about 30 to 45 min away).

Answer 1

1. In order for a vehicle to achieve 90 mpg, weight must be kept to a minimum, so the fuel tank is usually very small (less than 2 gallons).

2. A 50 cc scooter will probably top out at 40 mph, a 150 cc will probably do 55 mph. This is assuming a lightweight rider, no heavy luggage and flat terrain.

3. For short trips, on secondary roads, during nice weather a scooter will get you to your destination. Any more than 5 miles will be uncomfortable. If you take the scooter on the highway, you won't be able to keep up with traffic and the money you save on gas will buy you a nice casket.

4. Scooters are invisible to many drivers. Real motorcyle riders will feel sorry for you, but won't let you join their "club". A member of the opposite s*x will see you as a wimp (reference: Terry the toad from American Graffiti).

5. These scooters cost almost nothing to maintain, take up little space, and in a pinch, can be pushed for miles. I have a Honda Passport C70 that I purchased for $100. It always starts on the first kick (electric starter never worked), It uses so little fuel that I often forget to check the tank. It is so quiet at idle that you must strain to hear it run. But I will never take out on a street where the speed limit is more than 35 mph.

Answer 2

So a Bicycle isn't an option for getting to work?  No gas. Even less maintenance, no license, insurance or parking fees.

Just a thought.  It's only 15 minutes.  Did you know a scooter pollutes more than a Hummer over the same distance?

Oh never mind!  My 2 cents!