My next door neighbors just bought a Genuine Buddy 125 scooter. It’s cute and zippy and gets over 90 miles per gallon. And they let me drive it. Look. Just look at it:
How could I not want one now? I guess if I was my husband, I could avoid wanting one, safety nut that he is. But, me? Oh my. I want one. I want one really badly. And gas prices are giving my rationalization all kinds of ammunition.
Think. Just think of all the gas I could save! The carbon emissions! The money! We could be greener, more frugal, more fun, and way, way cooler…all by acquiring one of these beauties.
After all, living in Houston, we really can’t relocate to live within walking distance of my husband’s job, my school, and all the daily necessities. Vehicles are a necessary evil in this public transportation-less metropolis. But why do I have to burn 28 miles per gallon when I could be getting 92?
I keep thinking about the possibilities. I could zip over to the library to pick up a few books, then scoot down to the video store to drop off my DVDs. On my way home, I could drop by the grocery store to pick up a few ingredients for dinner. Or, on our date nights, we could scoot down to a gelato shop. Or we could buzz over to the park for a picnic. Or I could whiz over to a friend’s house at a moment’s notice. And I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about the gas. Oh, the possibilities!
Sure, it’s not as safe as a car. But I would counter that it’s safer than a bicycle. And we’ve certainly talked about bicycles before. I would never, ever drive it on a highway, and it doesn’t go fast enough for that anyway. I’m only talking about running errands or driving to school here. Maybe I could even convince J to drive it to work on days when I need to take a car.
Yes, I think I need one of these. Birthday present, anyone? Anyone? Please? <sad puppy eyes>
Now I’ll go mope through the rest of my day. Life is hard sometimes…
So what do you think? Utter stupidity? Or pure genius? (hint: “pure genius” will help build my case with my husband)
Ha… if I could get past my own terrors about the safety issues, I’d have had a Vespa years ago.
Ah yes, the Vespa. So chic. But they’re more expensive than the Buddy. While I would prefer a Vespa, I’ll stick with lobbying for the very reasonably priced Buddy. Better chance of success, I think. If I do succeed and I drive it all the time, maybe we’ll spring for a Vespa somewhere down the road. Dreaming is fun.
My hubby just got one, and I’m the one worrying about safety. Not him driving – others seeing him. we live 20 minutes from anything though and at 80 miles a gallon – we needed it. Thank you stimulus check!
Donielle,
Yes, that *is* a real concern. That’s why my neighbor bought the bright orange one. She was hoping she’d be more visible that way. Goodness knows that if I ever do convince my husband to get one for me, he’ll require all kinds of safety measures. I can see the contract now: “I solemnly swear not to drive after dark, to always wear a full helmet that covers my face and chin, to never drive over 40 mph, to practice defensive driving at all times, and to always put on my neon orange driving jacket before leaving the house.” Eek!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I’ll go check yours out.
Alison
It’s an awesome idea. I gave up my car the day after the 2006 elections, and I’m not looking back. I now own two scooters — a 2004 Yamaha Vino Classic 50cc, and a 2007 Kymco People 250. The money I save in insurance, car payments and gasoline means that I can buy a scooter every year.
Check out http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=TX ; they’ll have a class that meets near you, and they’ll teach you all the safety necessities. Dunno ’bout Tejas, but in Tennessee, passing this weekend course gets you the state license endorsement for motorcycles without a test.
.
Dane has been driving a motorcycle since October, and we can’t believe how much money we’re saving on fuel! I think the last time he checked, he was getting about 80 MPG.
As soon as we buy a house, we’re buying me a scooter to use to toodle around the neighborhood.
Honda makes a red one that I love!
Jeffraham,
Thanks for the great info on the training courses. I also took a look at the Yamaha varieties, and the Vino 125 looks like it might be a good option for us. Very cool!
Liss,
At your suggestion, I checked out the Honda. I’m guessing you mean the Elite 80. That’s a very nice option. Thanks for the tip!
So that’s why you guys got the motorcycle! I thought it was just Dane being Dane.
I have a Vino 125 and it’s basically paying for itself. I drive a Jeep in high winds and snow but otherwise I use my scootie to go anywhere. Living in Jersey is tough when it comes to avoiding highways, but as long as I give myself an extra half hour I can usually find a route that keeps me on back roads.
labana,
Good to know! Unfortunately, the aftermath of hurricane Ike has us spending money on home repairs rather than scooters.
At least we’re safe! Scooters will come in time, I’m sure. I’m still hung up on the idea, though I don’t pester my husband quite as much about it these days. 
[...] with me that a little Vespa or other such scooter would look exceedingly perfect here? Ever since my bout of scooter envy last summer, I’ve been plotting, and I think this might be the time to [...]