By: Emily Easley
"Moped" photo provided by www.p.streetsblog.org
Mopeds, electric cars, hybrids, and alternative energy cars are the transportation of the future. These innovative vehicles are much better for the environment and your wallet than gas-guzzling cars.
Petroleum fuels, gasoline or diesel, are known as the "traditional" fuels. Alternative energy vehicles are either super-efficient, "traditionally-fueled" or powered by non-traditional fuels including electricity, solar power, biofuels, and hybrids.
Mopeds. These two-wheeled, low-powered vehicles can boast 55+ miles per gallon, making them quite popular among budget-minded youth.
Local laws and regulations applying to motorcycles also apply to mopeds, so check with your local department of transportation to see what precautions you should be taking.
If you’re interested in purchasing a moped, visit one of these websites to learn more:
Electric Cars. These cars utilize electric motors instead of internal combustion engines (traditional engines). High performance batteries store electricity, and an electric motor provides propulsion with zero carbon emissions.
Electric cars are very reliable with no oil changes, no tune ups. These vehicles have less than one-tenth as many parts as a gasoline-powered car!
If you’re interested in purchasing an electric car, visit one of these websites to learn more:
Hybrids. These vehicles use two or more distinct power sources to propel themselves. Power sources can include gasoline or diesel, hydrogen, compressed air, and/or solar.
Hybrid cars produce 90 percent less pollutants than traditional cars. And while it is true that hybrid cars have expensive parts, some have great long-term warranties. Hybrids show less depreciation than traditional cars.
You don't have to be an environmentalist to love hybrid cars. Consider the following: a fleet of 10 work trucks that together drive 2,500 miles a week will guzzle $308 in gas each week. One new hybrid truck could save nearly $7,000 per year in gasoline costs alone. Add to this a good warranty and your savings can be considerable.
Hybrid Cars dot com is a comprehensive site about hybrid cars. GM and Toyota are both active in the manufacturing and retailing of hybrids. Small manufacturers are also popping up around the world.
Bicycles. The bicycle was introduced in the summer of 1817. The popularity of the bicycle grew in the 1890’s, changing in shape and developing new safety features. Since its invention, the bicycle has grown extremely popular among the old and young. Used for commuting, fitness, or simply joy, the bicycle is a perennial favorite.
Need the exercise? Bicycling can burn up to 432 calories per hour (Based on a 135 lb., 35 year-old woman). Click here to calculate how many calories you could burn while riding your bike.
If you’re interested in purchasing a bicycle, you can visit one of these websites to learn more:
I wonder with gas prices at their lowest in almost 5 years if people will still "go green" with their transportation...let's hope so.
Posted by: Amy | December 07, 2008 at 11:03 PM