If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly way to get around town and save at the gas pump, it might be time to ditch the car and hop on a scooter. You might think scooters can’t compare to cars. After all, aren’t cars cheaper in the long run? The answer is not necessarily yes! Scooters cost less than cars (upfront and in the long term) and provide drivers with an affordable, convenient way to stay mobile.

If you’re looking for a great scooter sale, check out our inventory of scooters here at College Scooters or call us at (410) 204-2510 to speak with our scooter experts!

A Closer Look At Long-Term Expenses Of Scooters Vs. Cars

Cars and scooters both come with costs throughout the time you own the vehicle. The most general long-term costs can fall into the four following categories:

• Initial cost
• Fuel economy
• Insurance rates
• Maintenance costs

Let’s take a look at how cars and scooters differ in each of these categories to see which is the better long-term investment.

Initial Cost

By buying a scooter instead of a new car, you won’t have to worry about making monthly payments on a car loan for 10+ years. This is one of the best ways you can save money in the long run. If you find a scooter sale, then you’ll be able to save even more money! New cars cost $30,000 to $40,000 on average. On the other hand, top-of-the-line scooters range from $4,000 to $10,000. 170cc scooters—which can reach top speeds of 65 mph—cost around $4,000. 300cc scooters can reach up to 83 mph and cost $6,000. Those speeds are nothing to sneeze at!

In addition to the lower upfront cost of scooters, the taxes you pay are also very low. Scooter tax rates depend on the engine’s size. Since scooters have small engines, the tax rate—and overall price—will be lower.

Fuel Economy

Scooters generally boast a fuel economy of 60-70 mpg. That’s nearly three times as much as the 26 miles per gallon cars get on average!

While your scooter’s fuel tank may be small, you won’t have to worry about filling it up multiple times throughout the week. Scooters are so fuel-efficient that you’ll end up filling up fewer times and spending less each time you do.

Electric Scooters Vs. Electric Cars

 
Eco-friendly electric scooters are available at a fraction of the cost of electric cars. Electric scooters feature shorter ranges and lower top speeds than their gasoline-fueled brethren, but they’re a perfect option if you only drive short distances throughout your day. Electric scooters are also eligible for 10% tax deductions.

Insurance Rates

Insuring a scooter costs less than insuring a car due to the relative size of each vehicle. Since scooters cost less than cars, the cost of replacement is also lower. Scooters can’t cause as much damage as a car, so insurance companies won’t have to pay out as much for property or vehicle damage in the event of an accident.

In most instances, the annual insurance rates for scooters are equal to or lower than monthly insurance rates for cars. You can even find scooter insurance for as low as $75 per year. Before purchasing a scooter, look at insurance rates for your location and specific needs.

Maintenance Costs

Gas-powered cars and scooters share similar maintenance needs. The most common examples include the following:

• Oil changes
• Tire replacement
• General repairs
• Scheduled maintenance

When it comes to the long-term cost of maintenance, scooters again outshine cars as the most affordable option. Your scooter will require more frequent oil changes due to the smaller amount it uses, but the overall cost will still be lower than what it costs to change a car’s oil.

Scooters Are The Way To Go If You Want To Save Money!

 
When you compare them to cars, scooters are far more affordable and budget-friendly in almost every way. From upfront price to maintenance costs and everything in between, scooters are the way to go if you want to save money in the long run.
At College Scooters, we constantly sing the praises of scooters. Check out our inventory of new and pre-owned scooters to find one that fits your needs and budget. Call us at (410) 929-6402 today to learn more about our scooter sales options!