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Environmental Perks Of Motor Scooters
By:
Published: November 5, 2006
There is no question about it; global warming is a reality, one to which human beings have almost entirely contributed.
With fossil fuel consumption as the source of the problem, automakers finally are realizing the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Sure, fuel-efficient cars help reduce the problem, but millions of people choose an even more environmentally-friendly option: the scooter.
As Chris Jones notes in “Should scooters be allowed on city streets?,” on average, a typical car emits one pound of CO2 for every mile. Clearly, vehicle exhaust contributes greatly to air pollution. Conversely, for every 500 miles a scooter is used in place of a car, an average of 15 gallons is saved. Simply in terms of gas-powered scooters, one cannot ignore the environmental benefits. Scooter manufacturers are currently developing even more earth-friendly models.
For example, Piaggio, maker of the Vespa, recently released plans for developing a new hybrid scooter, combining a gas engine with an electric fuel cell. Such a vehicle has the potential to function with approximately 25 percent more power, helping to alleviate fuel consumption when starting or accelerating. Overall, the hybrid will reduce gas consumption by 20 percent. Riders also will have the option of temporarily powering the scooter with electricity only, a useful feature when riding in a poorly ventilated location. Depending on the model, these hybrid scooters will run on two to three rechargeable battery cells located under the seat.
Environmentalists remain hopeful that scooter makers will come up with a fully-functional, wholly-electric scooter appealing to mass consumers. For example, Honda has plans in the works. Electric scooters run on fuel cells capable of utilizing hydrogen and air to create electricity. Honda bases this scooter model on existing 125cc gas-powered scooters. For those skeptical of the capabilities of an entirely electricity-run scooter, newer models can run at similar speeds as their gas-powered counterparts and ascend 12-degree inclines. Plus, scientists continue to improve batteries as well, with long-life versions requiring less frequent charges.
Honda also strives to perfect the hybrid scooter, one capable of charging the battery during deceleration and temporarily shuts off the engine when the vehicle remains stopped in traffic. China likewise remains a strong supporter of the electric scooter, with several of its own models.
At last, both ends of the marketing spectrum – consumer and manufacturer – realize the importance of preserving natural resources and minimizing air pollution. While strictly gas-powered scooters serve as more environmentally-friendly choices over other vehicles, scooter riders now posses even more eco-conscious options. With rising gas prices and unstable fuel reserves, hybrid or fully electric scooters promise to become street fixtures.
Sources:
Electric Scooters—Pollution Free Travel. 2006. EzineArticles.com. 14 Oct 2006 .
Honda unveils three green scooters. 2004. MSNBC. 14 Oct 2006 .
Retro Thing: Vespa Unveils Two Hybrid Scooters. 2006. 14 Oct 2006 .
Should scooters be allowed on city streets? Chris Jones. 2005. 14 Oct 2006 .
With fossil fuel consumption as the source of the problem, automakers finally are realizing the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Sure, fuel-efficient cars help reduce the problem, but millions of people choose an even more environmentally-friendly option: the scooter.
As Chris Jones notes in “Should scooters be allowed on city streets?,” on average, a typical car emits one pound of CO2 for every mile. Clearly, vehicle exhaust contributes greatly to air pollution. Conversely, for every 500 miles a scooter is used in place of a car, an average of 15 gallons is saved. Simply in terms of gas-powered scooters, one cannot ignore the environmental benefits. Scooter manufacturers are currently developing even more earth-friendly models.
For example, Piaggio, maker of the Vespa, recently released plans for developing a new hybrid scooter, combining a gas engine with an electric fuel cell. Such a vehicle has the potential to function with approximately 25 percent more power, helping to alleviate fuel consumption when starting or accelerating. Overall, the hybrid will reduce gas consumption by 20 percent. Riders also will have the option of temporarily powering the scooter with electricity only, a useful feature when riding in a poorly ventilated location. Depending on the model, these hybrid scooters will run on two to three rechargeable battery cells located under the seat.
Environmentalists remain hopeful that scooter makers will come up with a fully-functional, wholly-electric scooter appealing to mass consumers. For example, Honda has plans in the works. Electric scooters run on fuel cells capable of utilizing hydrogen and air to create electricity. Honda bases this scooter model on existing 125cc gas-powered scooters. For those skeptical of the capabilities of an entirely electricity-run scooter, newer models can run at similar speeds as their gas-powered counterparts and ascend 12-degree inclines. Plus, scientists continue to improve batteries as well, with long-life versions requiring less frequent charges.
Honda also strives to perfect the hybrid scooter, one capable of charging the battery during deceleration and temporarily shuts off the engine when the vehicle remains stopped in traffic. China likewise remains a strong supporter of the electric scooter, with several of its own models.
At last, both ends of the marketing spectrum – consumer and manufacturer – realize the importance of preserving natural resources and minimizing air pollution. While strictly gas-powered scooters serve as more environmentally-friendly choices over other vehicles, scooter riders now posses even more eco-conscious options. With rising gas prices and unstable fuel reserves, hybrid or fully electric scooters promise to become street fixtures.
Sources:
Electric Scooters—Pollution Free Travel. 2006. EzineArticles.com. 14 Oct 2006 .
Honda unveils three green scooters. 2004. MSNBC. 14 Oct 2006 .
Retro Thing: Vespa Unveils Two Hybrid Scooters. 2006. 14 Oct 2006 .
Should scooters be allowed on city streets? Chris Jones. 2005. 14 Oct 2006 .
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