Gas prices are outragous and just getting higher. Well I have a lead on a job about 1/2 mile from my home or about 10 blocks away. If I get this new job I will be looking into purchasing something different to run around town in. Where we live I can drive a golf cart around on streets where the mph is less than 35 (so basically all of them, but the highway that goes through town). However, I also thought about getting a scooter. The golf cart would cost about $3k and the scooter would cost about $200, both would be electric. With the Golf Cart the whole family can toodle around town with the scooter it would be just me going back and forth to work. Also with the Golf Cart I could stop by the store for food and with the scooter there would be no room and a weight limit of 150 so only I could use it not my husband. I am trying to convenience my husband that a golf cart would be a better investment, but he disagrees since I wouldn't be able to use it in the winter months (4-5). Does anyone else use either method for going back and forth to work? Which one would fit a family better? Price v. usage?
Thanks
We live in a small home town community. There are already several other families driving around electric golf carts. As for the safety issue you can get them with seat belts or just hold onto the smaller kids. We would only be traveling on smaller side streets to avoid as many cars as possible. We already have bikes, but for work that wouldn't be practicable (sp?) for me. I usually stop by the store 4 out of 5 days a week. I have been trying to get it together so I only have to make one trip, but it seems that I always forget something.
If its only 1/2 mile, and you have the option of using other methods, I would consider riding a bike or walking to work.
I would suggest just regular old bicycles! You and your husband could each get one, and smaller kids can ride on a safety seat. Older kids can ride their own bikes. None of these options would be great for the wintertime, though.
Have you considered a motorcylce? A friend of mine has a Honda, and he can fit quite a lot of gear in the storage compartments. Groceries would be no problem! The bigger bikes can hold a lot more weight than any scooter, and they feel safer to drive/ride, because you don't feel like you're about to tip over.
hey, I live in St James & we have families in our neighborhd using golf carts, but I didn't know they could be used around town! What a riot!!
& what's really funny is that my DH rides his John Deere mower (with the yard cart, no less) thru our McDonalds.....our sons are mortified by this!
My DH has a headful of white hair & is easily recognizable....& our sons have had phone calls/texts from their friends....snitching on my DH!
We also have a lake home in southeast MO. When I was growing up, we all used Honda 70s for the kids...& then later 4wheelers. Now, it's all about the golf carts! But then again, it's a lake community!
Thanks for sharing ...you made me smile. Oh, & we do own 2 scooters - which my son drives in our neighborhd. Once the temp drops below 40, he's freezing - even bundled up! & he's a tough boy.... One more thought: our scooters can handle up to 250lbs. They're both vintage 1977s - one's a Vespa & one's a JCPenneys Pinto. Picked them both up off of Rolla.net's classified. Paid $140 & $150 for them!! They were cheaper than our son's last bicycle!
You can't use a scooter in the winter anymore than you can a golf cart. If you're trying to choose between the 2, that argument goes out the logic window. Your arguments are much more sound and well reasoned. On the other hand, having a golf cart sounds fun, but I don't see how it's frugal to go 10 blocks. The gas savings on going 10 blocks don't warrant the $3000 price tag and increased electricity bill, routine maintenance and taxes. If economy were the motive, I'd 2nd getting a bicycle. Get the cart because, doggone it, you just want one!
I don't know how fast your golf carts go, but I run way too late to be crawling at 15mph. I also have to do hair, makeup, and heels for work, so niether would be an option in my world.
I just want to say how jealous I am that you live somewhere where you have those options. We live near a couple of golf courses, and parents pick up their children from school in golf carts, but other than that, cars are the only options. Also, two months ago my husband bought an F150 truck. We both love it, and love having a truck for hauling things (we live on a small farm), but man that thing guzzles gas!
I'm an insurance agent in AZ. I don't know how many golf carts I have insured with all the retired snow birds here! My advice is to get an insurance quote on both. Depending on what kind of golf cart you get, it may be considered an "auto" and therefore the insurance rates will reflect that! Good luck!
I would get the scooter if I were you. Save you ton's of money. We have a golf cart, can't drive to the store with it....but we do drive it to our subdivision pool...the kids like to ride it around our neighborhood too. But for your work, scooter would be better.
I guess my first question is: Is it safe for your family to be driving in a golf cart? I'm thinking about car seats and such.
I vote with some of the other mamas who say to just get bikes and helmets.
So if your commute is only 10 blocks, can't you just walk when it's nice out?
And in the winter, a tank of gas is going to last you awhile if you're not driving that far (I mean, I drive an SUV and I go through a tank/week...and I commute 70 miles every day)... So at the rate you'd be driving, I'd wager that you could make a tank last 3-4 weeks.
Just thinking. I agree with your husband. Winter months are going to suck in a golf cart, and since you live in MO, you have plenty of winter time to combat.
why not get a horse? and then it could pull a cart :) you just need some hay... LOL Cant believe ppl drive golf carts in a town, too funny!
* where I live, gas is at $1.31 a litre- 4 litres in a gallon.. its crazy :(
I'm curious....is the cost of gas for your vehicle MORE than what you would "invest" in a golf cart?
So a scooter would cost $200 and a golf cart is $3,000 and you have to put this money up front or would you finance it? And still, would this cost be less than what you would pay to fill up your vehicle? Personally, if your vehicle is a gas guzzler, then perhaps you need to consider selling it and instead investing in a vehicle that is more gas friendly. Just a thought...
Wow-i want to live in a town that you can golf cart around in! Is that typical of your region-I have never heard of it around here. I would totally get the golf cart if I were you. Scooter makes no sense really.
Have you considered a bike trailer? The kid trailer that you hook behind your bike. They hold 2 kids, not sure how many kids you have. If you have more than 2 and all the kids need to be with you, the oldest perhaps could ride his/her own bike? Or get 2 trailers - one for Mom & one for Dad's bike! A trailer could also be used to hold groceries.
Gas in my city just hit $4.00/gal! Im jealous you are able to drive a golf cart around! Do they make electric golf carts? That would definately be a great option!
Just re-read your post. DUH about the electric thing hahah!
