Scooter store

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High gas prices at the pump have become a huge problem for Montanans, but some have found a small solution by ditching four wheel transportation in favor of two.

A recent consumer report survey shows almost 30% of Americans have considered downsizing from four wheels to two, and this has Missoula’s Scooterville seeing a spike in sales like no other summer.

“This year, we’re seeing more people who are looking for a way to get to work that’s going to be a lot more economical” says store manager Nancy McCourt. “And with many of our scooters coming in at 90 miles per gallon, we have that affordable option for them.”

It’s just one way that people are starting to save at the gas pump because for as little as $6, you can fill a scooter gas tank and ride up to 200 miles. Now, more and more people seem to be jumping on the two wheel band wagon, including Landon and Molissa Larsen, who say driving their scooters to work has saved their family hundreds of dollars.

“We’ve probably saved around $40 a week says Landon, and with the couple expecting their first baby in just a few months, and trying to save money here and there, Molissa says the scooter is the perfect transportation to work.

“It’s only a couple of blocks away from home, so I figure it’s not worth getting in the car and wasting that much in gas. It’s an exciting ride to work in the morning. Gas prices are outrageous.  Every time we fill up our SUV;s, it’s $60 here and $80 there…it feels so good when you can go to the gas station and just put $4.50.”

But gas prices aren’t the only thing on the rise as national Statistics show that motorcycle fatalities rising right along side of spiking gas prices, a development that has local law enforcement stressing safety.

“You need to presume the cars are not going to see you. Depending on light or conditions, it’s actually more difficult for drivers in vehicles to see motorcycles or bicycles” explains Missoula Police Sergeant Greg Amundsen.

But safety concerns aren’t stopping the majority of riders as scooter and motorcycle sales are up 24%. People are leaving their gas guzzling vehicles at home and hitting the open road on two wheels for the summer and maybe even longer.

For those choosing to scooter around town, it’s important to remember that virtually all scooters are considered motorcycles under Montana state law, and riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement to ride them legally. (Reporting from KPAX in Missoula)