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Oct 3, 2007

Saving the planet or just a greenwashed chump forking over $11,000


"I'm saving the planet one gallon at a time," said Dan Wolfson, waiting for the delivery truck with his $11,000 scooter that he thinks will save the planet?

...Why can't people like this just say what is really going on. "I have 11 grand to burn and wanted the latest toy." Seems like a cool vehicle and I don't blame anyone for purchasing one for local commutes, but don't try passing off some holier-than-thou "I'm saving the environment" B.S.

... I'm an Engineer, this is what I do. I know how efficient every form of power generation is. His efficiency with the scooter is directly related to the efficiency of the generator. Small displacement gas motors are about 25-30% efficient. Fossil fuel driven generators are around 40%. Some, like hydro electric can reach upwards of 90%. In something the size of a scooter the fuel savings are minor. The production of the battery will offset any minor savings in fuel-burning pollution. Therefore, I once again will say that people like this are just patting themselves on the back when they really did nothing for the environment. Not knocking the vehicle, just the idea that he is really making a difference for the environment. If he really cared, he could have bought a 3,000 dollar bike, spent 3,000 on fuel then donated 5,000 to some cause.