My kewl ass scooter, It is a 1987 Honda Elite (CH250) it has a 250cc 4-stroke engine with automatic transmission (CVT) it gets 60-70mpg, I got it to go 72 mph (miles per hour) on flat chicago roads without the windshield, Its also hiway legal (Toll Roads, Freeways) I usually don't go on hiways, and don't ever have a need to go past 55mph. You can beat most stock cars off the line (without the windshield). It is a good powerfull scooter for everyday driving. It requires a full "M" license (motorcycle). I have noticed that it is much better to drive on the hiway with 2 people on it because its more stable from the wind. A windshield will greatly improve the ride quality if, and if you don't wear a helmate (I always reccomend wearing one). Its great for riding to school 14 miles each way. Last week I completely ran it dry, added 1.75 gallons of 93 octane at $3/gallon I got 120 miles from it with gas left in the tank probably to do another 5-10 miles. I am getting 68+ miles per gallon. Its costing me about $5.50 to go to school 3 days out of a week (14 miles each way) and drive around town for the week (5 days). On the weekends I use my car(s). 93 Lexus Es300 (18-23mpg) 89 Toyota Mr2 (about 24-30mpg)
It cost me $35 for plate sticker and $75 for insurance for the year, that’s a total of $110. I am saving about $39 a week by driving the scooter for 5 days. It will take me 3 weeks of driving it to make up for sticker and insurance, and oil change. After 3 weeks, Total savings after the first 3 weeks will be $156 a month. I think I can get another 2 months of riding. After doing the numbers if I drove this scooter every day for 52 weeks (1 year) It would cost me about $460-$500 for Gas($6 a week)/Insurance(1 year)/6 Oil Changes (6000 miles of riding).
My Conclusion:
It would have a great money saving benefit to ride a scooter every day, but using both car and scooter does not save you as much as you would like, but you will instantly feel it in your wallet, but with many cars on the road, safety is a big concern and you may not want to take your chances just to save $2000 a year. My guess, as there will be more motorcycles and scooters on the road, car drivers will be more aware of this and may be safer to be on a scooter. As gas prices skyrocket, there is more media coverage on this and the use of scooters to save $$.
