Rising gas prices often spark talk of swapping out SUVs for fuel efficient vehicles and cutting down on road trips.
But few people put their money where their mouth is.
The gas station across from city hall reminded city manager John Culpepper every day of rising gas prices, so he found a new ride to work. *nats*
Culpepper explains, "There's been several inquiries about it and discussions about it. You know, I'll run into somebody and "hey, tell me about that scooter, you got."
Culpepper's new scooter averages 80 miles to the gallon in a time when most drivers are desperate to make each fuel dollar stretch.
"People are hurting now, our economy is hurting, it's a struggle for chickamauga to serve the people and the cost of fuel and we just need to learn a lesson from this and change our ways," Culpepper says.
Greg Carpenter, Chickamauga Planning Commissioner agrees: "I believe with gas prices as exorbitant as they are, it's the way to save a little bit of green."
Carpenter also rides a scooter around town. He agrees with Culpepper and says he hopes their changes will inspire other residents.
"Well I get about 90 miles a gallon, so they pay for themselves," Carpenter says.
There are downsides, no air conditioning on a hot Georgia day and safety is a concern on roads filled with huge trucks.
But the pros outweigh the cons. Culpepper says his next challenge: accepting his wife as a passenger.
Culpepper says, "I kid her, I say, Brenda, I can't ride you around, you'll cut my gas mileage down, haha!"
Culpepper says learning to drive a scooter is about the same as riding a bike -- it has automatic transmission.
You'll need to check what kind of licensing your state requires.
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