Saddle-Up Column: Electric scooters as an alternative transportation for the summer

Are you driving to work tomorrow? With the nice weather, you can have the air conditioning on and keep cool, but is there enough parking at your work? Do you have to pay to park your vehicle? Does navigating rush hour bring your blood to a boil? What about taking a bike?

The bike lanes are open and you could be passing all of the cars sitting in traffic. Oh, you don’t want to get sweaty and have to shower or change at work? That’s a valid point. And there’s nowhere safe to park or lock up your bike? Another good point. And since public transit doesn’t stop near your work, is there another option? what if you could literally stand still, barely moving and get to work quickly and sweat-free?

From experience, I can tell you that dream is a reality. I’m talking about an electric scooter. Not the kind that looks like little motorcycles that delivery drivers use to ride on the sidewalk while delivering food in Richmond.

I mean the original electric scooters. The kind where you stand on it, hold onto the handlebars and just cruise along effortlessly, not working up a sweat and avoiding all traffic. They can also fold up so you don’t need to lock it outside where it can be stolen, but you can take it into your work with you and just put it under your desk or in the corner of a room out of the way.

This is my ninth year riding an electric scooter (my daughter too) and I’m starting to see more and more of them in Richmond every year.

In the spring and summer, it saves me about a tank of gas every month. Does it replace my bike? Well, it’s better than my bike at many things but it also cannot do everything my bike can do.

Does it replace my car? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. However, if you want something that you can use to save gas, get to work stress-free, and is a fun activity to share with family members then electric scooters might be for you.

This week I’m bringing to your attention that an electric scooter is a great two-wheel alternative to driving (like riding) and for the next few weeks keep your eyes open for them around our city. If you see someone scooting, ask them about their scooter and what they like about it. Do they also ride a bike or drive a car? Do they take it to work or just out for fun?

In my next column, I’m going to compare cycling to scooters and driving for the most common reasons we all travel in Richmond, and you might be surprised at what is the best way to get around town for your needs.

Until next time, use your bike, your scooter or your feet and get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having. Use the Richmond News’ Photo Of The Day to find some wonderful locations to visit and enjoy your days!

Geordie is an avid cyclist who writes his column on cycling in Richmond. His Saddle Up column focuses on different aspects of cycling from a beginner’s guide to cycling safety in Richmond.