In North America the automobile is vehicle of choice for most people, but in Europe and Asia, 2 wheel scooters have been one of the most popular modes of transportation for many years. Ideally suited to navigating congested city streets, these compact motor vehicles can easily maneuver through traffic. And most importantly, they are inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to operate.
This type of street legal scooter resembles a small motorcycle and is available with gas, electric or hybrid motors. These scooters are manufactured by such well known companies as Vespa, Honda and Yamaha. A gas scooter with a 4 stroke, 50 c.c. engine will generally have a maximum speed of around about 35 MPH and travel up to 150 miles on a gallon of gas. Larger models can achieve speeds up to 80 MPH but their gas mileage is reduced accordingly. Electric and hybrid (combination gas/electric motors) models generally achieve lower maximum speeds.
There are many other types of motorized two wheel scooters, some of which are designed purely for recreational purposes. Stand-up power scooters, a type particularly popular with kids, look like a skateboard with a fixed handlebar and a motor. These scooters are lightweight, maneuverable, easy to control and durable. Most models fold up and can be stored in a locker or under your bed. They’re available with either electric or gas motors. Electric scooters are the easiest to maintain; just plug it in before you go to bed. Gas scooters require regular maintenance but are much faster, achieving speeds up to 35 MPH.
One of the most innovative products to hit the market in the past several years has been the Segway Personal Transporter. Unique among stand-up electric scooters, it is a versatile, fun machine. Its creator described it as “the world’s first self balancing human transporter”. These scooters are designed to go anywhere people normally walk. They can be used indoors in shopping malls, offices and airports and are great for travelling short distances outdoors. They travel up to 24 miles (38 km.) on a single charge, at speeds up to 12.5 MPH. They’ve become a popular mode of transportation in the U.S. at places like Sea World and Universal Studios, where you can rent them by the hour.
The most revolutionary feature of the Segway is its balancing system which is designed to respond to the rider’s movements by using tilt sensors and gyroscopes. To move forward the rider merely leans forward, to reverse you lean back and to stop you stand-up straight. The Segway allows riders to adjust to different pedestrian environments with three operational settings, each with its own maximum speed, 6, 8, and 12.5 MPH respectively. Although the Segway is not inexpensive, with prices ranging from $5,300 to $6,400 (USD), it is a quality product that is built to last; the ultimate in fun and mobility.
Whether you need practical, economical transportation; are looking to reduce your carbon footprint; have to walk too many miles a day on your job; or just want to have fun; a two wheel scooter might be just the thing you need. 2 wheel scooters are great little machines that can save you money while providing you with an enjoyable ride.
