The Scooter Experiment

I've been reading a lot about minimalist living lately. The idea is that we have excess--more than what we really need.  And rather than enhancing our life, those possessions become burdens. They take our time. They take our money.  They subtract from our life when they should be adding to it.

For the past year--ever since I saw the movie, Larry Crowne, I've been thinking about how much my car costs me.  The payment, insurance, gasoline and tolls...and I've wondered what it would be like to trade that in for a scooter.

First of all, it would be a lifestyle change--I couldn't just pick up and go across town whenever. But for the 80% usage, I live my life within a ten mile radius. When thinking in those terms, the car becomes excess.

And so begins the scooter experiment. I purchased a used Genuine Scooter Co. Buddy model on Craigslist and put some money into it to fix it. That along with protective gear was about a $1600 investment compared to the $16,000 I spent on my car. (Not to mention to go 80mpg vs. 24mpg).

Of course, everyone always asks, "but what if it rains" to which I remind them that John still has a car and can take me to work. (Though I really should start saying..."OMG! I never thought of that!!!)

In many ways this is a big experiment.  I don't know if it will work long-term.  But I do know that my commute--which used to be a chore--is now pretty fun.