I subscribe to MAKE magazine and I love it. In Vol 5 they had an article about how to make your own electric car by using an old econo-box from a junkyard and replacing the engine with a forklift electric motor, batteries, and a controller/charger. Building my own electric car sounded like fun, but I don’t really have the time or the money ($5000 for a good set of batteries and the charger/controller). But I did enjoy looking around a bit on line at the electric vehicle enthusiasts.

While poking around I ran across electric bikes, electric scooters and electric mopeds. I didn’t really think I wanted one but I thought it might be fun to look at a few. I found a local dealer for electric bikes/scooter/mopeds and decided to take a lunch break and check it out.

I rode about 5 different types bikes and when I rode the eGo Cycle 2 LX I really enjoyed myself. It will go around 20 miles at 24 mph with each charge. Then I started thinking about my commute and most of the trips I currently take by car. I only work around 5.5 miles from home, my brother lives around 2.5 miles away, many of my friends live within 5-6 miles, and I had a total blast riding the scooter. So I bought one. I have been riding it to work since I got it. I have also gone to my brother’s place a few times, shopping at Wal-mart, to visit a friend a few times, shopping at the local bike shop, and out to the corner store. I have put around 100 miles on it already and I have only had it for around 7 days (that I have been in town).

I have only driven my convertible to the airport since I got the scooter. I am thinking about selling the convertible. Charging the bike cost around 8 cents if it is fully drained. If I do sell the convertible, then I figure I will save around $40-50 bucks a month in gas, insurance, registration, and service for the car.

The Harley riders that pull up behind me at lights laugh at me. Some of the people at work laugh, and some think it is cool. I don’t really care what they think. I know I am a nerd and I am okay with that. I enjoy riding to work and being outside. The scooter is very quiet so the only noise I hear is the wind at I cut through it at a staggering 24mph. :)