New 50cc scooters generally cost between $1200 and $5000, with most hovering around the $2000 mark. If you spend $8 a day on parking, as many city workers do, that works out at around $2000 a year - the price of a brand-new 50cc scooter.
When it comes to fuel-efficiency, the latest hybrid cars will claim around 23 kilometres per litre. A five-litre V8 will get you more like seven kilometres. Compare that with most 50cc scooters which claim around 50km, and some as high as 65km. It's clear a scooter can more than halve your fuel bill.
Most scooters have storage space under the seat, and many can be fitted with lockable storage boxes to hold briefcases and groceries.
Scooters over 50cc cost more to register on the road than a car (because of a higher ACC levy), but generally cost less to insure. What's more, if you own a scooter that's classified as a moped (see Legal definitions), you won't need a WoF or a motorcycle licence - you can use your car licence.
In the table below we compare a $2000 used car with a $2000 new 50cc scooter, to show the differences in ongoing costs.
Car versus scooter
| Used car | New 50cc scooter | |
| Purchase price | $2000 | $2000 |
| Parking cost per week | $40 | $0 |
| Parking cost per year | $1920 | $0 |
| Third-party insurance | $100-300 | $100-150 |
| Annual licensing/registration | $248 | $130 first year / $90 thereafter |
| WoF per year | $90 | $0 |
| Best fuel economy | 23km per litre | 65km per litre |
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