by Jeremiah Smith

Created on: October 18, 2008   Last Updated: March 31, 2009

Scooters becoming more attracitve as alternative to cars

Issues like increasing gas prices and the ever-rising amount of pollution are garnering so much these days that one can't help but think of alternatives to the staus quo. For the truly free-spirited, a scooter makes one compelling case to be your alternative of choice. Adding to their attractiveness are the wide variety of styles and models currently available in the marketplace. From the straight forward Yamaha

Vino 125 to the all-out Honda Ruckus, there is a scooter for every need.

To make the case that a scooter may become a realistic alternative to a car, some comparisons must be made. For this article, we will be comparing the afore mentioned Yamaha Vino 125 and a Toyota Prius. The reason for these choices is the Vino 125 is claiming 96 MPG for the 2009 model, and the Prius resides in the 48 MPG range. Although the Vino is doubling the Prius, both are leading the way in their respective classes where fuel efficiency is concerned.

Price

Price is a factor in decision-making for 99% of the world's population, so we may as well start here and get it over with. In considering price, value is more important than dollars and cents price; even as that is the case, the actual prices are needed to obtain a perspective of value. Those prices are $2,899 and $22,000 for the Vino and Prius, respectively. Advantage: Vino, for now.

Fuel efficiency

As already discussed, the Vino doubles the Prius in miles per gallon on paper, so this section will put another notch on the Vino's bedpost. The Vino achieves this through a small-displacement engine, while the Prius uses hybrid engine technology. However, it must be pointed out that, for the price, the Prius does deliver a great amount in terms of gas savings. Easily attainable for most consumers in the low $20,000s, the Prius gives even more value back to the consumer post-purchase. Advantage:Vino

Comfort

Well if this isn't the pink elephant in the room, I don't know what is. It can be agreed upon by all, that riding a scooter in any kind of extreme weather is not a desirable situation. Full control of one's climate, as are available in a car, will go a long way towards deterring any would-be scooter purchasers in areas where extreme weather is prevalent. Also, if a commuter's daily drive includes any time on the freeway, a scooter may be a problem, due to its top speed being between 45-65 Mph. Although in some areas, there is a dedicated lane for fuel saving drivers, which the Prius would also have access to, given its hybrid nature. Advantage: Prius

Real world usability

The last portion of this comparison will be focused on what you are actually able to do in (or on) either of the vehicles we are comparing. For instance; can one purchase a full weeks worth of groceries and carry it home on what "brung 'em?" We all know the answer for the Prius, but for the Vino, it will take some finagling to get everything in its place. For those who are able to fit everything they need with them into a backpack and a couple of storage areas will be fine in the Vino. Advantage: Prius

Winner?

Since the topic at hand is whether a scooter can be a viable alternative to a car, I'm glad we don't have to pick a winner. They both clearly have advantages and disadvantages; one simply traded off for another. If the question is if the scooter can be a real world option over a car, the answer is yes. The only other inquiry is whether it's the right fit for the person considering that question.

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