Scooter Nation?

We're sure we are not the only ones seeing more scooters riding around town. Truth be told, due to high gas prices, there has been a rise in scooter purchases. According to the Chicago Tribune, sales of motorscooters have jumped 24 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Scooter sales have doubled since 2004 to 131,000 last year. Why?

Well Scooters can get up to 95 MPG! Not to mention they're pretty cheap. A new one could be had for only $2,000 -$3,000. Even the insurance can be way low. Lets be realistic, it would be cheap and fun to have a scooter, while only paying a few bucks a week in gas, but most likely you're going to need your car still. A scooter isn't going to cut it when you have to take the kids somewhere, go get groceries, or if it's pouring outside.

If you're thinking about getting one, or if you want one now. There are a number of things to look at. Depending on how much you drive, what kind of gas millage your current car gets, and how much you would be willing to ride a scooter. It could take a while to get your money back or to even start saving.

This article on MSN Money has a calculator that shows you how long it would take to make your money back and then start saving.

Will the United States eventually become a scooter nation and have millions of scooters on the road in the next 5 - 10 years? We're not sure about that but if gas continues to rise, the dollar keeps dropping, then something will have to give. A scooter is a cheap environmental friendly way to cut back on emissions and of course save you money. Just make sure to wear a helmet!