electric motorbike

[WiseBird]

We're not able to do away with the car completely just yet (80 year old mother!) but we are saving up for this great electric motorbike (technically its a maxi scooter)

http://www.vectrix.com/live/uk.php

By the time we have saved up the money later this year they will have improved the battery and so the distance it will go per charge (68 miles at the moment...over a hundred on the new types) but it ain't cheap...

Even so...can't wait to be zipping around Dorset on it, spreading the word!

[DominicJ]

They look good, but very expensive.
Since a petrol 124cc with similar range and speeds is available for £2,000, and not a cheap chinese one that blows up after 600 miles, I'd be wary.

Have you considered winter?
"Scooting" in even the lightest snow is a scary way to commit suicide. In the rain its very unpleasant, 2 years of doing 18 miles each way in the rain convinced me of the wisdom of a car. Even with waterproofs, heavy enough rain for long enough will soak you.
Dry day, enough wind to keep it cool, most fun you can have.

[Geonz]

I had a cute little scooter - but the petrol kind. Last May I graduated to a bicycle :) It's much easier to deal with harsh weather on a bicycle than a motorbike, especially chilly weather.
(Tho' I've only used it once, I have a bus option if it's truly heinous and my commute's just 7 miles... and most important, the traffic is gentle, so cycling is pretty easy for me. )

[Turtuga Blanku]

nice!

some disadvantages of a scooter as opposed to a car have been mentioned and if you feel they are important to you, you might want to consider an electric car.

(also, see here:
http://www.selfsufficientish.com/forum/ ... 41&t=11376)