Raptors & Rockets presents the BMW C1-E electric scooter concept featuring Vectrix technology

Friday, October 9, 2009

Save Money With An Electric Scooter

Electric scooters are beginning to pop up everywhere. With the high price of gas, many people are even looking past the traditional gas scooter in their quest for more savings. The question, of course, is whether or not an electric scooter is a good buy. How much will that "economical" scooter cost you in the long run. Follow along as we take a look at answering those questions.

First of all, how much is it going to cost to buy the two wheeled electric scooter itself. In basic terms the weight of the rider is an initial consideration. Most scooters bear riders in the 180 to 200 pound range. If you're a lot lighter than that then you may get away with a low-end scooter costing around $200. If you weigh in the given range, you can probably get away with a $300 electric scooter. There are scooters built to accommodate heavier riders and they obviously cost more to buy but you get the basic idea.

Next is the running cost of an electric scooter. Speed will be a consideration in using up the energy but most electric scooters run at 10 mph with higher end models doing over 30 mph. Terrain will also have to be considered. If you live in an area with any significant hills then you are advised to spend to get at least a 350 watt electric motor. But we want to know in general terms, in a normal city environment, how much will it cost to run the electric scooter.

Gasoline scooters average about 70 to 100 miles per gallon depending on the variations noted above. Some people report using $6-$10 a week using a gas scooter in quick commutes. That's a considerable difference versus an automobile considering an average Honda Accord probably gets about 40 miles per gallon. On the other hand [plugging into a 120 volt outlet] typical electrical recharging costs for a year run from $73-$150. Other estimates put recharging costs at about 10% of the price of gasoline to run a gas powered scooter. Obviously an electric scooter can offer tremendous cost savings.

And considering that an electric scooter has no combustion engine, no belts, no carburetor no oil changes and no spark plugs, cost of maintenance is almost nil. This all adds up to illustrate that the running costs of an electric scooter is incredibly low. And you normally don't have to get a license or insurance to run it and parking becomes free! Electric scooters are great for the environment and your pocketbook.

So, adding the cost of ownership to the cost of running an electric scooter, they offer a great alternative to a gas guzzling vehicle and even a low-cost gas scooter as well.

What are you waiting for! Find a great electric scooter today since you can easily shop online for one at Shopping Onlne Galore.

Lee MacRae - EzineArticles Expert Author