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High fuel prices and increased environmental awareness have led to an increase in the use of scooters and motorcycles for everyday transportation. The exceptional fuel economy and low price of the scooters on the market today makes them an attractive alternative to a car for many people. People in other parts of the world have known this for years, particularly in densely packed urban European cities. There has always been a stigma against the scooter in the United States, but the tide seems to be changing.

Automobiles are in little danger of being replaced in this country, as the distances between cities and the commute from suburban areas makes the scooter a poor choice for many drivers. The average commute in the U.S. is reported by the census bureau to be about 16 miles, however. That is well within the range of a scooter, and with the average commute taking about 23 minutes it's an easy ride.

Scooters are at their best on short trips, particularly if highway driving is not involved. The top speed for a 50CC scooter can be as little as 45 miles per hour. That, combined with their light weight and small size make for an uncomfortable if not dangerous highway ride. In urban and non-highway settings these traits turn into virtues. Scooters are more maneuverable and easier to guide into traffic than cars. While lane splitting is dangerous and illegal in most areas, a scooter will definitely fit into openings that a car will not.

Parking can also be a big advantage of owning a scooter. In urban areas you will often see a number of scooters parked in one parking space and some employers and storeowners will allow riders to park on sidewalks or other spaces where parking is not typically allowed. Designated motorcycle parking is sometimes seen and we may see more of that in the future to encourage the use of two-wheeled transportation.

The disadvantage of a scooter is that the rider is exposed to the elements and the limited carrying capacity. Scooters are most attractive in areas of the country that have dependable weather for at least part of the year. Many scooters have enough cargo area for a laptop and lunch bag, making them suitable for most commuters. Backpacks and specialized bags are available as well.

Rather than a replacement for a car, the low purchase and insurance costs for a scooter make them an ideal addition to a driver's options. It is much more cost effective to have an SUV and a scooter than it is to have an SUV and a compact car, for example. If the scooter can be used for even a quarter of the annual mileage, the fuel savings will be significant. It's hard to imagine that scooters will replace cars for most people in all but urban environments, but they can be an additional tool in reducing our energy consumption and environmental impact.

Learn more about this author, Eric Wolf.
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