Record petrol prices fuel scooter sales

Sales of 50cc scooters rose by 11% in January, fuelled by motorists trying to deal with record petrol prices by switching to frugal two-wheelers. Peugeot's 100 mpg V-Clic topped the sales charts for the first month of 2011 and Richard Davies of Peugeot Scooters UK is in no doubt that the economy is the driving factor;

“We are receiving consistent reports from our dealer network that the main motivation for buying a scooters is now to save money on petrol. Two-car families are changing their transport options to a car and a scooter instead.”

Soaring fuel prices were among the key reasons behind inflation's sharp rise in December; a gallon of unleaded costs 75 pence more than it did a year ago – an increase of 15%. That means an average tank of 50 litres (11 gallons) costs £8.25 more to fill than in January 2010.

Peugeot calculate that switching from a car to a scooter for the daily commute could save hard-pressed motorists hundreds of pounds in the first 12 months. Cars over six years old are driven 6000 miles a year on average, costing their owners £970 for petrol (at 36mpg). It would cost £350 for the Peugeot V-Clic to cover the same distance, a saving of £620. Currently on offer at £929, a scooter like the V-Clic could effectively pay for itself in fuel savings in the space of 18 months. Other savings would include Road tax (VED), which is £15 for scooters under 150cc, compared to £125 for a petrol engined car in band F. 

For information on the Peugeot Scooters 01202 823344 or visit www.peugeotscooters.co.uk