E-scooter Use Booming With Surging Gas Prices

According to the Wall Street Journal, consumer interest in electric scooters is soaring with rising gas prices... so, should you change how you commute?

As the ongoing war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, inflation, and production cuts by OPEC+ continue to impact gas prices across the United States, pushing them higher, the financial impact on commuters is substantial.

As gas prices rise, it's become more expensive to fuel up conventional vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. This increase in transportation costs further strains already stretched household budgets, leading to financial stress for individuals and families who rely on gas powered vehicles for daily commuting.

Electric scooters have been growing in popularity over the last few years as an affordable, convenient and eco-friendly way to do the daily commute. And now high gas prices are forcing commuters who wouldn't ordinarily consider micro-mobility vehicles as a transportation option, to take a closer look at them.

Because, in the current climate, e scooters offer a practical solution for navigating urban environments while mitigating the financial burden of high fuel costs. And we aren't talking about the rental electric scooters you see lying discarded across the sidewalk. We mean owning your own electric scooter for commuting.

Why are electric scooters gaining popularity?

With surging gas prices, e-scooters offer a highly relevant and beneficial alternative for commuters, for example:

The price of parking

E-scooters are a solution to the problem of rising parking prices in urban areas. They offer a cost-effective, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get around, without the hassle of finding and paying for parking. They can be easily parked in designated areas or secured with locking systems, or simply folded up and carried with you.

In New York City, for example, the city has launched a pilot program allowing e-scooters to be parked in designated areas on sidewalks.

The tough new and used car market

When most people seek a new mode of transportation, their first stop will be the used car markets. Unfortunately, the cost of buying a car has dramatically increased in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic and the global chip shortage has made it difficult for people to find and purchase cars, which in turn has driven up prices with the average price of a new car in the United States now over $47,000.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor, the average price of used trucks and cars increased by 40.5% from Jan 2021 to 2022 - making it increasingly difficult for anyone on a budget to buy a car.

E-scooters provide a cost-effective and accessible alternative, a decent e-scooter can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, or subscribed to for just $59 a month, offering a viable option for those looking to avoid costly cars.

Overcrowded public transit

Overcrowding on public transit is unpleasant, especially during peak hours. E-scooters offer a number of advantages over other alternatives to public transportation in crowded urban areas, such as cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. They are affordable, environmentally friendly, flexible, and fun.

Last-mile connectivity

E-scooters are particularly effective for bridging the gap between public transportation hubs and final destinations. Commuters can use e-scooters for the last leg of their journey, saving time and effort.

E-scooters can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, which is faster than most forms of public transportation in congested urban areas.

Cost-effectiveness

Our flagship Model One electric scooter costs $990, and it offers a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, with 15.5 miles of range. Our Model One Voyager delivers twice the range on half the charge time.

Not only that, e-scooters are much cheaper to operate than cars. A typical e-scooter can be charged for a few dollars, while a car can cost dozens or even hundreds of dollars to fill up with gas.

Plus, when you remove the gas cost, safety inspections, and regular car maintenance, you'll understand why e-scooters are much cheaper to maintain compared to traditional vehicles.

Electric vehicles still aren't an affordable option

When President Biden took power, he made it clear he wanted to do everything possible to contribute to the environment. The initiative is to have electric vehicles such as trucks and cars make up at least half of all cars sold in 2030.

However, the cheapest electric car at this current time is the Skoda CITIGOe, which is only available in the UK. In the USA, the Nissan Leaf is $28,040, and while the initiative is a positive step in the right direction, the cost of electric cars means that many people will be searching for a cheaper alternative.

Innovative technological features

E-scooters are nimble and agile, allowing commuters to navigate through congested urban areas more efficiently. But, even better, many e-scooters come equipped with advanced technological features like app integration, GPS tracking, and smart locking systems.

Health and wellbeing

Riding an e-scooter provides a form of physical activity, promoting a healthier lifestyle for commuters. It also offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air during the commute.

Plus, and this might not be the first thing to come to mind when you're thinking about investing in an electric scooter, but, if you switch your train ride for a bike ride, even on e bikes, sure, you'll get your exercise in, but do you really want to arrive at the office for a day's work hot and sweaty? You won't on an electric scooter.

Environmental benefits

Electric scooters run off lithium-ion batteries, which are much more environmentally friendly than gasoline. Not only that, but it's much more cost-effective to charge an e-scooter than to fill a car with gas.

Plus, e-scooters produce zero tailpipe emissions, and in a time when many commuters are looking for sustainable transportation options to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment, e-scooters are a way to be environmentally responsible.

Plus, by opting for e-scooters, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which contributes to a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem.

Promotion of urban mobility solutions

Finally, don't they say you need to be the change you want to see in the world? By embracing e-scooters you're supporting the development of innovative urban mobility solutions.

By riding e scooters, you're encouraging the integration of sustainable transportation options within cities, leading to more accessible and inclusive urban environments.

But what will happen if fuel prices drop?

In the last couple of years, the USA has seen many disruptions, resulting in fluctuating fuel prices. For example, the price of gasoline in March 2022 exceeded that of March 2008, showing a distinct correlation between each economic crisis and how they impact the cost of fuel.

But one thing is clear - if fuel prices drop, they aren't going to drop to pre 2003 prices. Those days of cheap fuel are gone.

The changing gas prices from 2008 to 2022

How much will fuel cost in the future?

Petrol is a fossil fuel, so it's not considered a renewable energy source. When you think about how many people in the world use cars and motorbikes - not to mention the cost of public transport, it makes sense that we won't have this resource forever.

As supplies continue to run low, it's clear that the prices will rise and only a select few will be able to afford gas. While we cannot say exactly what the costs will be, we can look at the facts.

Cost Per Oil Barrel:

1998: $10

2007: $64

2014: $135

As governments try to reverse the effects of global warming, the price of oil could drop - because it isn't so in demand. But do you really want to go backwards when you could ride free into the future on a sustainable, eco-friendly scooter?

Unagi: pioneering e-scooter solutions

At Unagi, we're dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation. Founded on principles of innovation, quality, and user-centric design, our scooters have fast risen to prominence as a reputable transport solution.

We provide commuters with a seamless and sustainable mode of transportation that not only meets their needs, but also contributes to a greener and cleaner urban environment.

Commitment to sustainable transportation

One of our core pillars is an unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation. We recognize the pressing need to reduce our collective reliance on fossil fuels and curb emissions in urban areas. And our range of e-scooters are a testament to this commitment, offering a zero-emission alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

We also employ rigorous practices in the production and supply chain of our products, ensuring every step of the process aligns with our eco-friendly principles. From materials selection to manufacturing processes, we prioritize sustainability, minimizing our environmental footprint.

Even the development of our cutting-edge battery technology is designed to optimize energy usage and enhance the overall efficiency of our e-scooters, extending the range of each ride while also reducing the need for frequent charging, further promoting sustainability.

Subscription model for convenience

Try it out for yourself.

We offer a subscription service that makes it even easier and more affordable to commute with an e-scooter.

For a monthly fee of just $59 for the Model One Classic, or $69 for the Model One Voyager, subscribers get a fully assembled Unagi e-scooter delivered to their door. The subscription also includes free maintenance and insurance for scooter theft or damage.

Why take out a subscription rather than renting or buying one?

• Convenience: Our subscription service is incredibly convenient. Once you sign up, you don't have to worry about anything. We deliver the e-scooter to you and take care of all the maintenance and insurance.
• Flexibility: The subscription service is very flexible. You can cancel at any time, and there are no long-term commitments. So if you aren't sure how long you'll need an e-scooter for, or if you want to be able to switch to a different transportation option if needed, this gives you that flexibility. Then, if you decide you don't need an e-scooter anymore, you simply cancel your subscription.
• Cost savings: Our subscription service can save you money in a number of ways.

1. First, the monthly fee is lower than the cost of buying a Unagi e-scooter outright.
2. Second, the subscription includes free maintenance and insurance, which can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
3. Third, e-scooters are much cheaper to operate than cars, so by switching to an e-scooter you'll save a bucket load of money on gas and parking.

Overall, Unagi's subscription service is a great option for commuters who are looking for a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to get around. So, what's stopping you from switching from your old car to scooters?