Author Topic: Bike vs Scooter  (Read 7012 times)

Freda

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Bike vs Scooter
« on: April 23, 2013, 05:46:20 AM »
Just curious because I never see anything "in between" the car and the bicycle on here. I have a bad knee so some biking is probably achievable but we live in the burbs (no busses here either). Biking at the level I am capable of won't actually GET me anywhere.  I am about to leave my "35 miles each way" job, and would like to decrease my dependence on my car (which is paid off, btw). But most of the stuff I would want to get to would probably be about 25 miles round trip.

Is there a reason a scooter wouldn't be an option? 50cc ish, I am thinking.

And yes, there is probably some aspect of complainypants in this. But I am also trying to avoid real injury. 

olivia

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2013, 06:20:24 AM »
I had a scooter a couple of years ago and liked it a lot.  Mine was a 50cc Genuine Buddy. I got it derestricted and could get up to 45-50 mph.  And in some states (this was the case for me) if it's 50cc you don't need a motorcycle license and don't need to register it.

The gas mileage is ridiculous and it's pretty maintenance free as long as you keep an eye on the battery. (It dies pretty easily in the winter.)  I sold it when I moved to a city with more public transportation options because I just didn't see myself using it. If I had a longer commute or travelled as far as you need to, I would buy one again.  My work commute is only 5 miles round trip so I bike it. And I have no injuries so this is fine for me.

You can probably find a used one if you're in or near a decently sized city, too.

cyclevillian

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2013, 06:39:08 AM »
Scooters have been talked about before.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/08/19/guest-posting-get-rich-with-scooters/

"MMM Note: I heartily agree with this strategy, although you still should eventually throw in as much biking as possible, it’s even better for you. "

I looked into a scooter, even got my motorcycle permit so that I could get a 150cc Piaggio. but after looking at how much it would cost plus the accessories (helmet, clothing, etc.) I decided against it. BUT, I already bike a whole lot. So I couldn't justify the savings. If I would have been replacing car miles instead of bike miles, it would have made more sense. Sounds like your situation would warrant a close look at scooters.

kudy

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2013, 10:40:16 AM »
We've also discussed electric bikes a few times, which may be an option for you?

Freda

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2013, 10:46:01 AM »
I will do some looking!  Thanks!

yolfer

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2013, 12:01:32 PM »
I have a bike and a scooter, and I find the set-up works really well. Between those two, I can limit car trips to just a few a month (usually out-of-town trips and/or carrying children).

The scooter is for "oh crap, I have to be across town in 10 minutes" or "I just did a 4 mile run and now I have to take this box to the post office." The bike is for everything else.

I have a Genuine Buddy but I got the 125cc model. Due to the displacement (i.e. engine size), it does require a permit (in my state. It was easy to obtain) but the benefit is that it has enough kick for hills and carrying a passenger. Other than a helmet the only other thing I needed to buy was rain pants, and now I can ride in any weather. There was an MMM article on dressing for the cold (http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/02/01/the-oil-well-you-can-keep-in-your-pants/), so read up on that. If it's 50F and you're going 30 mph, it can feel like 20F!


Freda

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2013, 01:04:02 PM »
I bet!  I live in Michigan so weather can be a big issue. 

Hubby is convinced I would get myself killed on a scooter.

mikefixac

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2013, 05:41:51 PM »
My scooter gets 85 MPG. Can't tell you how happy I am with it. Huge money saver and time saver.

Check out this site: http://www.powersportsmax.com/ It's sounds almost too good to be true but I went and checked it out. There are others around the So Cal area. Of course they aren't as good as a Honda, but for the price, it can't be beat.

PatSabre12`

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Re: Bike vs Scooter
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2013, 01:43:26 PM »
I'm thinking about a Honda Rebel. It's 250cc and gets 65-70mpg. Plus it only goes up to 70mph so I won't be tempted to get speeding tickets.

 

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