New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 19, 2013 18:00:28 GMT -5
|
Post by an1m3n00b on Sept 27, 2013 20:25:19 GMT -5
Not really sure if this is the right forum, if not i'm sorry.
What do you consider the ideal commuting arrangement? Main reason for asking this is that I haven't seen anything about it on the internet. While all of these vehicles/modes have their merits, it's unlikely that a single person can/will own all of them, so what do you guys use? My personal views as follows:
Bicycle: cheap(est?), healthy, slow, inconvenient (sweaty, hills, etc)
Ebike: like a moped, but slower and less range
scooter: cheap, fast enough for city traffic, usually storage
motorcycle: cheap by displacement, very fast, usually no storage
car: expensive, all-terrain (snow, rain, hail, dirt), loads of storage
public transit: cheap, no commitment, slow
walk: (do I really need to say anything?)
and anything else I haven't mentioned like a personal aircraft, teleporter or gundam.
|
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Sept 27, 2013 20:49:46 GMT -5
I find 2 wheels to be most convenient. I have used bicycles, a moped, numerous motorcycles, a maxi scoot, and 2 different scooters. My current motorcycle has more storage space than most scooters btw. I have an aversion to cars I don't feel safe in them like I do on a bike. If I lived nearer to work I would probably still ride a bicycle to work. I did for a couple years. I have been working for 22 years now and all but 4 of them I have commuted year round with little trouble at all on 2 wheels. If I need a car I am chauffeured around by my wife or son. I need a ride due to road conditions about 4 times a year.
|
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Sept 27, 2013 21:25:05 GMT -5
I have different vehicles for different purposes.
It also depends on where you live.
I know a lot of people in Brooklyn only have bikes or scooters, because a car would cost too much, and not be beneficial.
On the farmlands a car is necessary, especially in countries like Estonia, where the weather is almost always freezing cold, and the nearest neighbor is 30 miles away.
For me, living in the suburbs,
My TaoTao ATM50 is my perfect grocery bike. I do most of my groceries with it,
A 125cc, and pretty soon a 250cc motorcycle will be my perfect entertainment bike, to discover the neighborhood.
My car is only for work, because I work in suit. If I did not have a suit, I'd probably go on the scooter. If the weather wouldn't have been bad; but because FL has so much rain, I'm going with a car to work every day.
If I had a choice, I'd probably get rid of the car, and buy a covered scooter, like the BMW motorcycle/scooter with a roof and side panels.
In FL, unless you live in a city, a bicycle and on foot is out of the question! Things are too far for that, and the weather is too hot.
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Sept 27, 2013 22:07:23 GMT -5
I agree with 'digit, different reasons for each vehicle.
I live too far from work for a bike. But I do enjoy biking around for exercise.
I like saving gas and extending the life of my wagon, so I have a scooter. Plus it's pretty durn fun to drive!
I live where it gets stupid hot'n'huggy sometimes, and cold'n'snowy sometimes. Plus 6-feet cargo length is hard to beat with a scooter.
I'm kinda' scary on rollerblades, so I pretty much stay off them. Plus I'm still dealing with iffy knees.
The TARDIS I reserve for the big trips.
>'Kat
|
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Sept 27, 2013 23:16:28 GMT -5
I want a ride in the Tardis
|
|
|
|
Post by americanpsycho on Sept 28, 2013 6:31:28 GMT -5
Public transportation in Noble Co is $4 per stop, even if you're only going across the street. This is the very reason for getting a moped.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockynv on Sept 28, 2013 12:17:03 GMT -5
A 325 lb 250cc scooter with 15" or bigger wheels is the perfect commuter to me. It is technically considered a maxi-scooter but is agile and well below 400 lbs. I work in a suit or business casual depending on the days requirements and just gently fold up my suit coat stowing it in the top case. Doesn't matter where I need to go or if there is a in-play call that changes the route, the one all around bike does well in all situations rain or shine. Rain gear stows under the seat and is always available should the need arises.
|
|
|
|
Post by wheelbender6 on Sept 28, 2013 15:57:16 GMT -5
I took the bus when I worked downtown. I miss the bus naps but the area where I work now has no bus service. The wet weather here requires the availability of an all weather cage for commuting. In good weather, I prefer my 125cc scooter, as I can commute without taking a freeway. As my job location changes, my preferred mode of commuting changes.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Be Seen - Don't Be A Statistic
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
Joined: Sept 8, 2013 11:42:32 GMT -5
|
Post by Kwagga on Sept 28, 2013 17:19:08 GMT -5
Obviously different circumstances require different modes of transport. I gave my car away and only ride my scooter, come rain or shine.
My sympathy for those who have to go to work in a suit. I do smart casual, but don't/won't do suits or even ties.
|
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Sept 28, 2013 21:42:27 GMT -5
Now I'm not suggesting anyone should ride on icy roads but beyond that a motorcycle/scooter is an all weather vehicle. It's astonishing to me how many people riding think that wet roads are too dangerous. The reality is if you can't ride in the wet you might seriously think about whether you should be riding at all. I guess to each his own but with just a bit of gear you can stay dry in the rain. I wear the same riding suit everyday and I arrive at my destinations dry whether its pouring rain or not. Bikes are designed for all but icy conditions and modern tires do a very good job of sticking in the rain. Any way it is nice to see at least some who are game rain or shine.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockynv on Sept 29, 2013 10:22:22 GMT -5
Just don't run the tire down below the wear indicators and be aware of the slippery lines on the road and the rain is not a problem. More of a problem is driving past the exit of a fast food establishment like McDonalds where the waste company hauls out after draining their grease traps. Wet or dry riding where the grease trap residue has potentially been left on the road can be very dangerous. Almost as bad is where people pull out of quick car washes. The final rinse water with the rinse agent and wax in it can also leave the road very slippery.
The savings can really add up if you commute daily on a reliable bike. On my Lance 150 after factoring the down time and maintenance I was saving about $2,000 to $2,500 a year while on my fuel injected 250 due to the better fuel economy and reduced down time is saving me a little over $5,000 per year. That is compared to driving a van that gets less than 14 mpg in the city.
|
|
|
|
Post by JerryScript on Sept 29, 2013 23:21:34 GMT -5
I've spent the past 4 years riding an eZip Mountain Trailz electric bicycle to work and on short errands. Main issues that have still not been overcome with e-bikes and e-scooters are: 1) batteries still are too high in weight/power ratio so you cannot get any range without tremendous weight gains, 2) SLAs do not last through enough charging cycles, and LIPO4 is expensive and requires a BMS or very careful manual balancing during charging, 3) Hub motors are back breakers, top mounts are shifty, and side mounts while low enough to be stable when going straight, can cause instability from bounce drift to slide outs when cornering.
I upgraded to my 50cc scooter just about a month ago, added a BBK, and I'm very happy!
|
|
]
]
