Scoot, boogie

If there's one thing we've learned about Asheville it's that it's *the* place for scooters. They're everywhere, being ridden by everyone! It's partly because the city it's eco-conscious and people are attracted to the 100 mpg they get and it's partly because if a scooter's engine is 50cc or smaller the rider doesn't need a motorcycle license - therefore scooting is popular with the DUI crowd. While West Asheville is near downtown it's still kind of a haul, biking is possible but in the summer heat and humidity it's about the last way I want to get around. George and I have beeing eyeing the Honda Metropolitan. We figure it's the perfect second motorized form of transportation for us (me), ridiculously great gas mileage and I don't really need to go that far or get there fast anyway. Also, they seem pretty reasonably priced: if we opt for the '07 lying around the local dealer it's about $1600, and a new '08 is about $2000. There are a few differences we've noticed: the '08 has a more comfortable seat, better color, and chrome mirrors, is it worth it though?