Green: it’s a word we seem to hear everywhere lately. The skyrocketing price of oil and the ongoing debate about the threat of climate change are only two of the factors that prompt people to think about going green.? Nowadays most people, and even some businesses, realize that we humans have an effect on our environment. There’s no getting around it, and that’s why going green can only benefit all of us.

But what is “green”? Ask 10 people, you’ll get 10 answers. Not even the U.S. government has a standard definition, so consumers must decide for themselves based on various definitions and standards created by different organizations. Usually, the word “green” connotes energy efficiency (a “green”? washing machine that uses less water and electricity, for instance) or environmental friendliness (such as paint stripper made from non-toxic materials). You might even be doing something green without knowing it, perhaps to save money. Have you abandoned commercial cleaning products in favor of using the natural products Grandma used, like baking soda, vinegar and ammonia? That’s green, because you’re opting not to use possibly toxic chemicals in your home!Do you put mulch, compost or manure on your garden instead of chemical fertilizer? That’s green, because you’re reducing the amount of potentially dangerous chemicals right in your own backyard! Do you like to shop for bargains at flea markets or secondhand shops instead of buying something brand new at the mall? That’s green, because you’re “recycling”? already-manufactured goods and most likely using up less packaging that would otherwise swell the town landfill! Even large organizations–schools, local governments or corporations–have gone green by switching from paper to electronic billing (less paper used = fewer trees cut down) or by installing solar panels instead of a new oil heating system.

Developers, architects, contractors, local governments and utilities are also getting into “green building.”? Just as individuals go green by recycling and businesses go green by reducing their paper use, those in real estate, construction, and associated fields can ride the wave of environmental awareness by adopting green concepts. Instead of clearcutting a forest in order to lay out a typical subdivision, some real estate developers have turned their talents toward refurbishing older hometown neighborhoods. Contractors can pledge to avoid arsenic-treated lumber or focus on reusing salvaged or surplus building materials. Architects can incorporate the newest energy-efficient technologies into their designs. In many areas, the local government or utility company is happy to perform an energy audit of a home or commercial building in an effort to reduce energy consumption and waste, and they may be able to supply information about green products and services that are good for the budget and good for the planet. Common products in this category include solar energy devices that can lessen dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels (i.e., home heating oil), long-lasting fluorescent light bulbs, or safer replacements for harmful “traditional”? materials such as fiberglass insulation.

Consumers can teach themselves how to go green. You can start small, with something as simple as choosing a product at the supermarket that uses less packaging than the one next to it on the shelf. Congratulations–by making that decision, you’ve just reduced the demand for styrofoam, which has the potential to sit in an ugly landfill for hundreds of years. Or you can think big by trading in your gas-guzzling SUV for a gas-sipping hybrid-electric vehicle. The bottom line is, you don’t have to be rich, a scientist, or a tree hugger to go green! You don’t have to change your lifestyle completely in one fell swoop to go green. Every little bit helps, and every little bit adds up to a lot.

Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Cars

Just say the words “electric scooter” and depending on your age, a definite image comes to mind. This no doubt is due to the many different types of electric scooters available in the market today.

The fist type of electrically powered scooter is the street version of a powered skateboard. These were a metal platform with a folding handle and two inline skate wheels. These scooters were all the rage just a few years ago and as the craze started slowing down, the scooter makers redefined the toy into a transportation vehicle. Some designs even look like a mini-bike in style. These electric scooters are marketed to the affluent teen as a unique and fun way to get around. They’re available both with electric and a small gasoline driven motor. Check with local authorities regarding the use of these little mini bike scooters. Some are not allowed on the road and cannot legally be ridden on the sidewalk making them less than attractive as a transportation device.

The next type of electric scooter is designed as a get around town mini motorcycle – moped. These units are marketed to 20 somethings and anyone else who needs to make quick short trips and don’t want the worry or hassle of driving a car. These are perfect for city travel where grid-lock is common. Although not a full sized motorcycle, many or these units will hold 2 people and have accessories like saddle bags to carry groceries and other purchases.

This little units have a long battery life and can get to speeds up to about 30 miles per hour with good acceleration. Depending on the number of starts and stops, these electric mopeds can go about 30 miles before needed recharging. This is usually more than enough to get back and forth to the store several times without a problem. Although most are considered street legal, check to make certain any electric scooter you purchase of this type has been approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and if in Europe, the European Union Transportation Agency.

The final type of electrically powered scooter is marketed toward the adult and senior market. These are typically a wheelchair like device that allows for greater mobility for older people or those with limited motor abilities. These scooters are designed to be used both indoors and out with tight cornering and a long battery life. These units have a top speed of under 5 miles and hour but can go 20-30 miles on a charge. It’s a mobility device more than a distance transportation vehicle.

All three types of electric motor scooters have one thing in common and that’s the need for constant charging. This is where the weakness of electrically powered anything really comes into play. If a limited mobility scooter runs out of power, it may not be such a big deal as they’re typically used only for short trips away from home and around the house.

If however, you find yourself several miles from home on a motorcycle type electric scooter, this can be a problem. With no power and your recent purchases in hand, the return trip home might be long and difficult pushing your scooter.

In the end, the electric scooter industry is alive and well providing products that fit a growing and diverse market.

Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Cars

Just say the words “electric scooter” and depending on your age, a definite image comes to mind. This no doubt is due to the many different types of electric scooters available in the market today.

The fist type of electrically powered scooter is the street version of a powered skateboard. These were a metal platform with a folding handle and two inline skate wheels. These scooters were all the rage just a few years ago and as the craze started slowing down, the scooter makers redefined the toy into a transportation vehicle. Some designs even look like a mini-bike in style. These electric scooters are marketed to the affluent teen as a unique and fun way to get around. They’re available both with electric and a small gasoline driven motor. Check with local authorities regarding the use of these little mini bike scooters. Some are not allowed on the road and cannot legally be ridden on the sidewalk making them less than attractive as a transportation device.

The next type of electric scooter is designed as a get around town mini motorcycle – moped. These units are marketed to 20 somethings and anyone else who needs to make quick short trips and don’t want the worry or hassle of driving a car. These are perfect for city travel where grid-lock is common. Although not a full sized motorcycle, many or these units will hold 2 people and have accessories like saddle bags to carry groceries and other purchases.

This little units have a long battery life and can get to speeds up to about 30 miles per hour with good acceleration. Depending on the number of starts and stops, these electric mopeds can go about 30 miles before needed recharging. This is usually more than enough to get back and forth to the store several times without a problem. Although most are considered street legal, check to make certain any electric scooter you purchase of this type has been approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and if in Europe, the European Union Transportation Agency.

The final type of electrically powered scooter is marketed toward the adult and senior market. These are typically a wheelchair like device that allows for greater mobility for older people or those with limited motor abilities. These scooters are designed to be used both indoors and out with tight cornering and a long battery life. These units have a top speed of under 5 miles and hour but can go 20-30 miles on a charge. It’s a mobility device more than a distance transportation vehicle.

All three types of electric motor scooters have one thing in common and that’s the need for constant charging. This is where the weakness of electrically powered anything really comes into play. If a limited mobility scooter runs out of power, it may not be such a big deal as they’re typically used only for short trips away from home and around the house.

If however, you find yourself several miles from home on a motorcycle type electric scooter, this can be a problem. With no power and your recent purchases in hand, the return trip home might be long and difficult pushing your scooter.

In the end, the electric scooter industry is alive and well providing products that fit a growing and diverse market.

Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Cars

Automotive transportation has dramatically altered the environment because it contributes to a majority of greenhouse gases released into the air. Our consumption of gas leaves large quantities of carbon emissions that continue to destroy the environment at an alarming rate. Mending the hole in the ozone layer will take time, but it is only possible through everyone’s participation in the green movement. You can do this in many ways, and one of the most important is by changing your transportation habits. While sitting on a crowed city bus or walking may not appeal to everyone, you can still go green while driving if you switch to an alternative fuel car.

Hybrid vehicles can help you go green by reducing the amount of carbon emissions directly. Since hybrids use a combination of gas and electric power, they run on less gas and thereby create less fuel emissions. Hybrids typically run on 30 mpg or more depending on make and model. Some car manufactures claim you can squeeze out 40 or more mpg, depending on your driving style.

Different types of hybrid vehicles depend on how they operate from gas to electric power. A full hybrid allows the driver to run on just gas, electric power, or both. When driving in typical conditions, the full hybrid relies on power from both the gas engine and electric motor. The electric engine can power the car alone when used for stop-and-go traffic or for low speeds. Both electric and gas motors stop when the car is idling. A mild hybrid contains an electric motor that allows the engine to turn off and start up quickly to reduce gas consumption, but the gas engine is the primary power source. The electric motor in the mild hybrid primarily functions when higher speeds or more power is required.

Electric hybrids are not the only alternative fuel cars on the market. Auto manufacturers continue to experiment with hydrogen powered vehicles, also known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This type of vehicle emits no dangerous greenhouse gases since the byproduct is simply heat and water vapor. Unfortunately, it could take many years before you see these fuel cell vehicles in large numbers due to developmental complications such as affordability, winter driving, and durability.

All electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor that charges from a battery. While these vehicles offer no harmful emissions and inexpensive operating costs, manufactures have failed to create a viable market due to excessive costs to consumers and a short battery life. The battery takes several hours to charge once drained, and can be extremely expensive to replace after only a few years.

Affordability and green power has enabled hybrid vehicles to thrive in this market. It won’t be long before auto manufacturers stop producing gas guzzling vehicles and replace them with alternative fuel cars. People’s budgets and the environment will benefit both now and in the future.

Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Vehicles | Street Legal Electric Cars