The least expensive forms of transportation are the most fun. Examine walking, running and bicycling. All of these are inexpensive, and improve heath. By not using fossile fuels, these sweat equity transportations do not harm the environment.
If work is too far to get to without a motor, consider a motorized two wheeler. Mopeds are a specialty item with a very small market.
Mopeds get about 100 miles to the gallon. They are very slow – usually limited to 25 mph. New mopeds cost about 1000.00. Their small engines require little maintenance.
Small to medium size scooters are inexpensive motorized transportation. Cheap to buy. A new, top quallity scooter will cost less than the average used car. Scooters retain their value better than most cars. Scooters are easier to park than cars. Large scooters, called maxi scooters, can merge into traffic on any interstate. Scooters get 60 to 100 mpg.
I ride a maxiscooter. Here are approximate numbers for my Honda Reflex scooter.
Gas 250 $3.00 / gallon
Maintenance 300
insurance 500
Depreciation 500 or less.
Total 1550
Miles 5000
cost per mile = 1050 / 5000 = 0.31 per mile.
In 2004, AAA the American Automobile Association estimated the cost of driving the average car to be about $0.56 per mile. In the city, it is often necessary to pay for parking. Often, riders can park small scooters on a sidewalk – legally. Large scooters or motorcycles can slide in between parked cars and avoid parking meters.
Two items that do not have a place in the equation are the fun of riding and the satisfaction of being economical and ecological.
Does anyone still insist that Taxi’s are an inexpensive mode of transportation?
