Lessons Learned When My Son Convinced Me to Buy Him a Scooter

May 23
06:24

2024

Mark Kemp

Mark Kemp

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This past Christmas, my 16-year-old son persistently lobbied for a motor scooter. Initially skeptical, I eventually caved in, leading to unexpected benefits and valuable lessons. From saving on gas to gaining more free time, here's what I discovered about owning a scooter.

The Persistent Plea

My son started his campaign for a scooter more than two months before Christmas. Having just earned his driver's license,Lessons Learned When My Son Convinced Me to Buy Him a Scooter Articles I was puzzled by his desire for a scooter. He quickly clarified that modern scooters are far different from the ones I remembered from my youth.

Safety First

His first argument was safety: "It's much safer than a motorcycle!" This did ease some of my concerns. He promised to always wear a helmet and follow all traffic rules, though I remained skeptical.

Fuel Efficiency

Next, he highlighted the scooter's impressive fuel efficiency: "I'll stop asking for gas money because it gets 80 to 100 miles per gallon!" This caught my attention. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average fuel economy for cars in 2021 was about 25 miles per gallon. A scooter's efficiency could indeed save us a significant amount of money.

The Financial Aspect

When I asked about the cost, I was pleasantly surprised. Scooters are generally more affordable than cars, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for a decent model. This made it a feasible Christmas gift.

Unexpected Benefits

More Free Time

One of the biggest surprises was the amount of free time my wife and I gained. No longer did we need to drive our son to soccer practice, school, or church. He could handle these errands himself, giving us more time for other activities.

Significant Savings

We saved over $100 in gas money every month. Given that the average American household spends about $2,000 annually on gasoline, this was a substantial saving for us.

Fun for the Whole Family

The scooter turned out to be fun to ride. Even I found myself taking it out for errands instead of using the car. It became a family favorite.

Maintenance Made Easy

Maintaining the scooter was straightforward. Here are some key points:

  • Oil Change: Change the oil every 1,500 miles, which is less than a quart.
  • Fuel: Use premium gas for optimal performance.
  • Upgrades: I replaced the spark plug with an NGK spark plug and the air filter with a racing UNI filter for better performance.

Maintenance Schedule

Task Frequency
Oil Change Every 1,500 miles
Spark Plug Annually
Air Filter Annually

The Final Verdict

When a friend recently asked how the "Scooter Saga" turned out, I was enthusiastic in my response. "You bet!" I said. "In fact, I did it again. Now I own the newest scooter on the block."

Interesting Stats

  • Scooter Sales: In 2020, over 1.2 million scooters were sold in the U.S., a 19% increase from the previous year (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council).
  • Fuel Efficiency: Scooters can achieve up to 100 miles per gallon, significantly higher than the average car's 25 miles per gallon (Source: U.S. Department of Energy).
  • Cost Savings: Owning a scooter can save you over $1,200 annually in fuel costs alone (Source: AAA).

In conclusion, buying a scooter for my son turned out to be a wise decision. It provided him with independence, saved us money, and even became a fun addition to our family activities. If you're considering a scooter, I highly recommend it.