Does a scooter pollute more than a HUMMER? Not likely
We've run across recent reports on the internet that suggest that scooters pollute more than HUMMERS (any SUV, really). If true, that would be a shot across the bow of many scooterists who like to think they are making a conscious effort to have a smaller impact on the environment. So, is it true? Not likely, but, as is often the case, it's not an entirely cut-and-dry issue.
The real question centers around the kind of engine that happens to power a specific scooter. As discussed many times on this website, older European scooters from the likes of Vespa and Lambretta used carburetted 2-stroke engines with nary an environmental standard to adhere to. Today, things are different. Nearly every scooter (including recent Vespas) sold in America at present is equipped with a clean-burning and fully modern 4-stroke engine with fuel injection.
Also, there is a difference between carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants that is often overlooked. The amount of carbon dioxide spewing out of a vehicle's tailpipe is directly proportionate to how much fuel is being burned. So, a more fuel efficient vehicle will emit less CO2. Other factors like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides can vary widely and don't necessarily rise and fall with fuel efficiency.
As time goes on, motorcycles and scooters will need to meet the same emissions regulations as cars and trucks. Right now, not all scooters are created equally, but there are many more clean emitters being sold today that dirty, old-tech machines.
[Source: EcoGeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
win39 2:06PM (4/14/2009)
The thoughtful point of the article is well taken, but it also neglects the fact that many motorcycles and motor scooters are built for markets where their emissions are regulated. Scooters and motorcycles have lamda sensors in the exhaust and catalytic converters like automobiles for Pete's sake. Since the 90s. Unfortunately there is a thriving business in removing them. We need some penalties and/or enforcement there.
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stas peterson 4:35PM (4/20/2009)
An uncontrolled scooter would CERTAINLY pollute more than several hundred Hummers according to the CARB. A lawn mower without pollution controls would pollute more than a 1000 cars do, according to the CARB. That was the justification to start requiring all the automotive pollution controls be applied to lawn mowers and other lawn care equipment, in California.
Only the Greens don't think all the pollution equipment that they demand actually works. CARB certified 56 car models in the 2008 model year as pollution free or PZEV vehicles. The ICE not only can be, but IS being built in large numbers as pollution free vehicles. Our modern technology has cleaned up the ICE.
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Matt 4:12PM (4/14/2009)
"Nearly every scooter (including recent Vespas) sold in America at present is equipped with a clean-burning and fully modern 4-stroke engine with fuel injection."
While there are some scooters that are fuel injected, the vast majority with small engines (under 250cc) are still carbureted. This is also true of many smaller motorcycles.
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Cellien 4:29PM (4/14/2009)
This man speaks the truth.
steve 7:14PM (4/14/2009)
for those who wish to dig in
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/roadbike/420r03016.pdf
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Snowdog 9:41PM (4/14/2009)
The simple answer is they weren't required to have good emissions so most don't. Most still don't have catalytic converters. I was thinking of getting an entry level bike, check the 2009 Suzuki GS500: Still carburated.
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