I just assembled it today. It's just a cheapie that cost $400, including shipping, taxes, and several accessories (tire pump, baskets and back rack for cargo, etc.). It tops out at 15 MPH, but I bought it to take me to various places within 5 miles of my house.
My Toyota Corolla - which does get 40 MPG - has been parked in my driveway since last November. It needs a new battery, and the registration needs renewal this month. I debated rather or not I would go out there and stick a new battery in it, and fork over the money for the registration and inspections, but I decided the better option would be to get the scooter. I figured it would be cheaper in the long run. I have a couple solar panels that I had for something else that I can use to charge the scooter if my electric bill goes up too much. Since I'm disabled, I couldn't buy a bicycle because there are days I wouldn't be able to pedal to where I need to go. I figure the scooter will go as fast as a bike, and I won't have to work at getting there when I'm sick.
I've watched the rise in gas prices with horror, yet we hear nothing from Washington about this at all. I don't remember gas prices being this high in my lifetime, and I've been around a while. I just can't stomach the idea of forking over that much money for gas.
I figure an electric scooter is better for the environment, cleaner, needs fewer repairs (I hope), and can be recharged with a solar panel when necessary. If this tiny little toy works out well, I'll save up to buy a bigger electric scooter than goes 50 MPH and I can drive on the highway. For now, my little toy should get me where I need to go.
The scooter I bought will carry a maximum weight of 260 lbs! I'm no where near that heavy (thank goodness), and I can use the extra weight allowance to carry groceries in my backpack, along with filling up my bike baskets. If I need more room, I can add a grocery cart as a trailer.
Have you considered buying an electric scooter for yourself, your kids, or your significant other? It seems ideal for those short neighborhood trips that we all have to make.
Here are some examples (not recommending anything, just giving you an idea of what's available).
http://www.thegostore.com/...
http://www.zapworld.com/...
http://www.evadermotorsports.com/...
http://www.electric-bikes.com/