I wanted a cheap, quick and easily parkable form of transportation, so I bought a 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo 50cc last weekend.
I’ve been looking to buy a used one for quite some time now, but they are very hard to come by. I was ONLY interested in buying the Scarabeo because:
- I wanted a big wheel scooter for more stability.
- I wanted something quick enough to handle traffic, yet not fast enough to get me into much trouble.
- Gas mileage. This is the only 50cc scooter in the world that gets 122 MPG.
- 1.9 gallon tank x 122 MPG = 230 miles for every $5 of gas.
- I can park anywhere. 2-foot wide parking spaces.
- I can use sidewalks or small spaces to avoid stand-still traffic.
After some negotiating I got the scooter + tax + title for exactly $2,000 out the door. If I bought the same scooter out the door brand new, it would have been about $3,600.
Just like a car, the real cost of ownership is much higher. However, gas, maintenance and insurance are extremely cheap for the scooter unlike a car. The larger costs came in the form of safety equipment. In the end, this is what I spent:
- $2,000 – Scooter out the door
- $50 – Matching helmet found on Craigslist
- $55 – Battery trickle charger
- $13 – Chain lock
- $40 – Motorcycle gloves from Craigslist
Commuting to campus or around Downtown during rush hour is a cinch now. I am doing everything I can to be safe and always take low-traffic roads to avoid cars. Small trips are much quicker since there is no concern about parking and they are definitely much more fun!
