Over the last 150 years, humans have been the largest contributing factor to the increase in carbon emissions, and transportation has made up almost thirty percent of all fossil fuels we burn. The urgency of climate change has many people considering what adjustments they can make in their lives to reduce their contribution to carbon emissions, and although new technology and maintenance can make cars more fuel efficient, couples without children and single adults might consider purchasing a motorcycle to reduce their carbon footprint.
Fuel Efficiency
Although technology has brought us a long way when it comes to fuel efficiency in cars, they still have many limits and even a hybrid car tops out at about fifty miles per gallon at its most efficient, while a non-hybrid car averages about 35 miles per gallon. Motorcycles, on the other hand, can get as much as sixty-one miles out of a single gallon of gas. Just like a car, however, it is important to compare a variety of different vehicles before purchasing your motorcycle, and consider lifestyle suitability as well as maximum fuel efficiency. Even couples with children could consider getting a motorcycle, if both parents will require their own vehicle on a regular basis, as one person on a motorcycle is much more fuel efficient than one person in even the smallest car.
Simplicity and ManufacturingÂ
A motorcycle’s size and simplicity is what makes it so prone to fuel efficiency. Its lighter weight allows it to run on a single cylinder engine, which requires less fuel for the same amount of distance covered, as well as the fact that it will be required to carry less additional weight than a car usually does. In addition to their weight, cars come with a lot of bells and whistles that require extra energy to run, including air conditioning and heating units, gps programs, radios, and sometimes even DVD players, while a motorcycle’s lack of gadgets requires it to use up significantly less energy. Not only that, but the manufacturing of a motorcycle results in a much more financially affordable vehicle, when it comes down to initial cost, as well as fuel costs.
The increased fuel efficiency, affordability and ease of a motorcycle should have many environmentally concerned citizens considering the switch. And the added bonus of feeling the wind on your face as you commute to your destination should only help motivate you to a more eco-friendly transportation method.
