Less gas more, emissions?
With warmer days fast approaching, have the open roads begun to beckon? Looking at the high cost of gas and insurance, it would only be natural to wonder if a scooter might be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the summer months than an automobile. If the thought has crossed your mind, you aren’t alone.
According to a Retail Sales Report released by the Motorcycle Industry Council, scooter sales increased 41% in 2008, and some dealers said they could have sold more if they hadn’t been limited by availability. With its small size and cheaper-than-a car price tag, you might think a scooter is a great way to go green, but the facts on these motorbikes may surprise you.
According to the California Air Resources Board, the average motorbike is 10 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, light truck, or SUV. The reason? Although a motorbike uses less gas per mile than a four-wheeled vehicle (and thus theoretically contributes less carbon dioxide), it has a much higher emission rate for nitrogen oxides, which creates smog. According to recent studies, motorcycles and scooters – which represent only 1% of the vehicle miles traveled in California – contribute 10% of the smog-creating pollution.
Since bikes are lighter, they are generally not equipped with catalytic converters, which reduce these pollutants. Many bikes also use a two-stroke engine which burns an almost 50% fuel/oil mix, contributing more to the exhaust. Although the EPA is tightening emissions standards across the country in 2010, two-wheel standards will still be more lenient than emissions for four-wheel vehicles since they are generally tested longer and at higher speeds.
To make your scooter as green as possible, consider the following:
· The faster you drive, the higher the emissions. Take the back road, slow down, and enjoy the view
· Consider an electric scooter that can be recharged from renewable energy sources
· If you’re buying a scooter that uses gas, avoid the two-stroke engine and look for a model with a 3-way catalytic converter
Whatever your reason for getting a scooter – economic, environmental, or just for fun – they are still motor vehicles and will be subject to insurance, licensing, and safety standards. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing, and seriously consider taking a motorcycle training course. You might even make new friends for those back country drives!