After about a year of using the scooter, I sold my car.

Gary Brown, an architectural visualization artist in Charlotte, North Carolina, sold his car after a year of using a gas-powered scooter to commute to work. He and his wife purchased a townhouse close to his job in 2020, shortly before the city shut down due to COVID-19. For two years, they worked from home, drastically reducing their car usage.

However, when he began returning to the office, his car expenses, including payments, insurance, and parking fees, totaled $700 per month, prompting him to consider alternative transportation.

Brown initially tried an electric Segway scooter for six months but found it uncomfortable for his back. Other options, like the bus or light rail, didn't provide adequate coverage. A gas-powered scooter caught his attention while he was studying abroad in Europe, offering fuel efficiency, convenient parking, and low operating costs.

He bought the scooter used for $3,500, adding a helmet and gear for $1,000. Operating costs, including insurance, gas, and maintenance, amounted to $35 per month, $15 for gas, and $300 annually.

Despite the discomfort of riding in extreme temperatures, the overall savings and practicality of the scooter made him decide to sell his Tesla and rely on the scooter for his commute. As his scooter use increased, he noticed a growing number of scooters, motorcycles, and other alternative vehicles in the parking lot, where he previously parked his Tesla, motorcycles, and bicycles.

While some speculate that rideshare services could replace personal vehicle ownership altogether, Brown believes that cars will remain a vital part of American culture and infrastructure. He views scooters as a stepping stone towards more sustainable transportation options. For story ideas regarding Uber or Lyft, Brown invites contact via email or encrypted messaging.