Wildside Scooters
In The News

Scooters don't get due
Two-wheeled solutions ignored by politicians
by Steve Bond, Toronto Star

When Transport Canada announced its EcoAUTO rebate and penalties recently, not surprisingly, it overlooked a segment of the transportation market that could have a significant effect on overall fuel consumption and emission figures - motorcycles and scooters.

Save for a couple of hybrids, virtually everything on two wheels "outgreens" the whole list of four-wheelers that qualify for a rebate.

Even high-performance sportbikes and power cruisers get better fuel ratings under everyday conditions than the huge majority of four-wheelers do under the optimum highway rating. And scooters take another giant step forward.

Significant fuel could be saved if only a small percentage of city commuters would park the cage and hop on a scooter, not to mention easing the horrendous traffic situation. More than a year ago, the City of Toronto offered free parking for scooters and motorcycles, a policy that still stands, yet doesn't seem to be promoted much.

Ontario, meanwhile, is the only jurisdiction in North America that doesn't allow motorcycles in High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, unless they're carrying a passenger.

If Americans used scooters for just 35 per cent of their weekly driving, they could, in aggregate, reduce fuel consumption by 53 million litres a day, ICR found, citing U.S. Department of Energy data. They could also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 147.2 million kg a day.

Canada's population being roughly 10 per cent of America's, the same effort applied here has the daily potential to save more than 5 million litres of fuel and cut CO2 emissions by almost 15 million kg.

A number of low-cost, efficient scooters qualify as green.

Most 50 cc scooters have a top speed in the 60-to-70 km/h range, meaning they are strictly urban assault vehicles. Perfect for around town, but don't even think about highway use.

A more practical choice for full-size adults would be at least a 125 cc unit, with a top end in the 90 km/ range. For any kind of highway use, you need at least 250 cc of displacement.

Scooters offer a real alternative to four-wheel commuting by one person. A motorcycle licence is required, but they're easier to ride as there is no clutch - simply twist the throttle and go.

Most scooters have a surprising amount of underseat storage and excellent wind and weather protection.

So how about it, Transport Canada? If certain small SUVs that waste fuel at the rate of 8.1 L/100 km are eligible for a $1,000 rebate, a scooter buyer should get at least that. It's only fair.

Scooters are practical, good for the environment and - don't tell anyone - fun.