Price and perhaps colour used to be the main factors when buying a new car; however fuel efficiency and the level of CO2 the car emits is becoming increasingly important. With this in mind, what are the environmental and financial benefits of downsizing from four to two wheels?
CO2 emissions
If you drive a car to work and want to reduce your carbon emissions, the most effective way to achieve that is via sustainable options such as car sharing, public transport, walking or cycling.
However, if those options are not viable for you then moving from four to two wheels can reduce your carbon emissions by 50%, the table below summarises the savings that can be made.
| Vehicle type | CO2 emissions grams/km |
| Small size car | 100 gms/km (diesel) 166gms/km (petrol) |
| Medium size car | 170 gms/km (diesel) 205gms/km (petrol) |
| Mopeds/scooters up to 125cc | 85gms/km |
| Motorbikes 125-500cc | 103gms/km |
| Motorbikes above 500cc | 137gms/km |
* Source: Defra 2009 Guidelines
Greener still?
There are electric mopeds on the market that are capable of achieving up to 60 miles per hour and that can run for up to 40 miles before charging up.
Whether your bike is oil or electric, its ability to manoeuvre through traffic jams will not only make you feel smug, your travel times and CO2 emissions are greatly reduced also.
How much can you save?
Mopeds at 50cc can achieve fuel efficiency levels of up to 100 miles per gallon - a significant factor with fuel prices averaging £1 per litre.
Motorbikes attract a much cheaper rate of excise duty than cars, only £15 per year for bikes below 150cc. Even the more powerful bikes over 600cc attract an annual rate of just £66, compared to the minimum £120 for cars that emit over 120 grams of CO2.
Motorbikes are not exempt from parking charges but you may find it easier to squeeze it in your car park at work when all other car spaces have gone!
If you work in Leeds city centre you will be pleased to know there are free motorcycle parking bays.
Locations of free motorcycle parking bays on Google maps
Practicalities
Potentially switching from a car to a moped or motorbike could have significant financial and environmental savings, however these can only be achieved if it fits in with your way of life or demands of work.
Swapping the family second car for a motorbike could work as long as you don’t need to suddenly transport the kids or collect the weekly shopping. Individuals without dependants, especially in urban areas will find it cheaper to run a moped rather than a car, but they will need to face up to the fact that commuting in winter may not have the same attraction as a summer day in June.
Keep it safe
The skills required to ride a motorbike or moped competently, differ to those for a car and by law you will be required to complete a CBT - Compulsory Basic Training.
For more advice on the rules of the road for two wheels check out the Highway Code for Motorcyclists (Directgov website).
You will also have to invest in protective gear and whilst you may not need full leathers, all riders must have a protective helmet. Maintaining your bike is another important safety consideration. For more information on these and other safety aspects try the following websites:
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk
http://www.geton.co.uk
Free trial
Downsizing from four to two wheels requires a change in driving skills and a greater awareness of the road, especially in built up areas. If you want to have a go at riding a motorbike why not have a free one hour trial at a training venue with experienced trainers.
Visit www.geton.co.uk for details of how to apply for a free one hour motorbike trial, and nearest venues.
