Jul 25 2007
We’re Finally Doing Something About High Gas Prices
We recently purchased a 49cc (the size of the motor relieves us from having to get a separate motorcycle license) moped to do something about getting gouged at the gas pump every time we go to fill up and today was it’s initial ride to work for me.
After years of complaining about the high price of gas and supporting big oil, Jenny and I thought it was time to finally do something about it, so when the chance to purchase a moped for a very reasonable price popped up, we jumped. The cost of the moped is roughly equal to filling up our xTerra eight times, which is crazy when you think about it, and the moped - with it’s 1 gallon tank should get us around 75 miles per gallon. On top of the money we’re saving, it also feels good to know that we’re doing a small part to cut down on the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases that we produce.
Jenny will be the primary rider since I have to take two kids to daycare three days a week, but on the days I don’t, I’m looking forward to riding it to work and to run quick errands around the neighbourhood.
Today’s maiden voyage was a rude reminder of how terrible many of Milwaukee’s drivers are. Quick tangent: did you know that upwards of 90,000 people in Milwaukee County drive with suspended or revoked licenses?
People who normally do 45mph on a 30mph street seemed extra eager today to swerve and accelerate around me. But I have to admit I felt a certain degree of smug satisfaction when I would catch them 30 seconds later as they waited at the next red light. At the same time, I also felt very good about our decision to purchase a helmet right after we purchased the moped.
I think I finally understand why people have those “Share the road with motorcycles” bumper stickers on their cars.
One other thing I noticed today on the ride in is how much more aware of my surroundings I was as compared to a car. I’m sure motorcycle riders have been noticing that since day one, but for me it was interesting to notice a lot of the little things along the road that I’ve never noticed before in two plus years of driving the same route.
While our story isn’t the “Motorcycle Diaries” or anything, it feels good knowing we’re doing something to curb our support of big oil and helping the environment at the same time.
I used to have a moped many years ago. I found that they get less respect than motorcycles and that their lack of power took away some options in dealing with situations.
Back then I used to be able to park on campus with it for either $9 a year or semester (I no longer remember which). So it was much cheaper than trying to park a car at UWM.
Also at the time mopeds weren’t a special category and I took my cycle test using mine, so now I have a cycle approved license.
Be sure to wear a helmet!
I had been thinking about getting a moped, in part because I think they’re funky and neat and because I’d love the gas savings, but the problem for me is that I live roughly 15 miles from where I work, and that 15 miles happens to be from the southern end of Milwaukee County to the northern end, and there’s really no quick way to get to work for me without taking 794 and the Hoan Bridge. If I could find a feasible route to work that didn’t take me all day and night, I’d love a moped.
Zach, you could get a small motorcycle. You’ll still get good mileage and driving on 794 should be reasonably safe.
Good to see people doing something about their petroleum consumption/CO2 emission, making some sort of start at peak oil recognition. As a bicyclist I certainly agree that getting out on two wheels (and slowing down, as you will with 49cc) gives you a new perspective on the world. And on the people you share the road with, though they seem crazy enough even viewed from inside a car. Especially the race to the red light—complain about fuel costs, then drive as though the goal was to burn as much as possible for as little reason as possible, possibly killing someone in the process—brilliant.
My parents had a 49cc scooter for a while, which was something of a fun toy but not as much fun as my brother’s 400cc motorcycle, and awfully expensive for what it is. Personally, I prefer no ccs and human power to 49cc and a 33MPH top speed, it frankly seems more practical to be a bit slower but get the benefit of being human powered and thus not expected to go fast, but opinion will vary. It helps to get a good price on the scooter, too.
Do keep us updated on your observed fuel consumption. Now that it’s warm and I’m gaining skill in driving it my Prius is averaging closer to 60 (those times I drive it instead of cycling), so hopefully the scooter does much better.
Bruno, I’d given some thought to getting a motorcycle, but I don’t know that I’m coordinated enough to handle the shifting that goes along with driving a motorcycle.
Zach: Could be, but for what it’s worth I found I got used to the clutch and shifting surprisingly quickly, especially given my minimal skill with manual transmission cars. I never did do very much motorcycling, but the motorcycle lessons were lots of fun.
bicycle, bicycle
i love to ride my bicycle
miles per gallon of gasoline: a bazillion (what does divide by zero give?)
greenhouse gasses emitted: only the occasional poot (especially after chili)
I have seen claims that riding a bicycle is even more energy efficient than walking even after paying the costs of making the bicycle.