How Far Would You Go to Save Money on Gas?
It costs almost $100 to fill my van at the pump — which adds up to a huge chunk of our spending budget each month. From adjusting my driving to busting fuel economy myths, I’m always on the hunt for new ideas to lower our gas budget. But, there are a few things that might be a bit extreme, even for me.
In the last week, I’ve seen no less than 4 people riding a moped into the city — grown men, women, and well-dressed professionals. And, I was impressed! Mopeds can get speeds up to 55mph (fast enough for most city commutes), mileage up to 100mpg, and cost just a few thousand dollars.
At a fraction of a car’s cost, could you do it? I think I’d feel ridiculous at first. I’ve always seen mopeds as a teen thing. But, at that kind of savings? It certainly wouldn’t last long. Then I started thinking about other vehicle alternatives.
My hometown passed an ordinance making golf carts street legal a few years ago. If they were street legal in my city, I would love to have one. We live less than a mile from the grocery store, post office, bank and library — I would totally be up for driving an electric cart on my short errands.
Then, there’s my yard sale bike — picked up for just $5 last summer, I haven’t gotten it up to par just yet. Once I do, though, I’ll be on the lookout for a trailer deal. I would absolutely ride my bike to the grocery store.
What about you — how extreme is too extreme for gas savings?
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We ride our bikes. We’re a one-car family and my husband bike-commutes to work. We have a double-wide bike trailer. I ride my bike as much as possible. Any trip that is less than 5 miles each way and doesn’t involve more stuff than can fit in the trailer (with my kids) is done by bike. That’s probably 90% of my errands…includes to and from the gym, trips to the park, swim lessons, Target, small grocery runs, etc. Once preschool starts up, drop off and pick up will also be done by bike. Last week, I only used the car one day, and that was for my big weekly grocery run. It saves money on gas, and keeps me in shape. And it models a healthy lifestyle for my kids. Besides, my kids love the trailer. They complain about getting buckled into the car seats, but when I say it”s time to get in the trailer, they run right out