Answer to high gas prices may be on two wheels

With gas prices soaring in recent weeks to more than $3.50 per gallon, many drivers are looking for an answer to their pains at the pump. Some have decided on a hybrid car, while others have chosen the more adventuresome road and purchased a motorcycle or scooter.

Larger engine cruisers, which dominate the powersports industry, average between 40 to 50 miles per gallon, while scooters can range from 75 to 90 mpg, according to Jerry Byrd, president of Distinctive Cycles on U.S. Hwy. 331 in South Walton County.

Byrd said the sales for the entire powersports industry have been down, except for motorcycles and scooters which have seen an increase of about 10 percent since gas prices began climbing to historic levels.

The powersports industry includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), powerboats, personal watercrafts, motorcycles and scooters.

For those new to two wheeled transportation, Byrd recommends purchasing a scooter.

"New scooters are so easy that people who never have been on one can ride them immediately," Byrd said.

Most new scooters come standard with an automatic transmission, which means no foot controls, said Byrd. "European-made scooters are the best quality and can range from $3,000 to 7,000," he added.

Scooters with 50cc engines or less do not require a motorcycle-endorsed driver's license. However a regular driver's license or "motorcycle only" is required, according to state law.

If the objective is saving money at the gas pump, then buying a sports bike is not recommended because of its wide open throttle ability. This means that although they can average between 45 to 50mpg, typically they do not since many riders enjoy the full throttle experience they provide, according to Byrd.