Eco-advantage of micromobility: Drivers ditch cars for e-bikes, scooters

The squeeze is on American wallets as gas prices remain high, and people across the country are turning to micromobility -- transportation like electric bikes, scooters and even unicycles.

As gas prices remain high across the country, more and more people are turning to micromobility.

Micromobility is a lightweight, single-person vehicle, like an electric scooter or motor-assisted bike, that has been used as a solution to unclog roadways and reduce travel delays.

Gabe Klein, a former transportation commissioner in Chicago, said that you can save a substantial amount of money by transitioning your vehicle.

"You're talking about going from a four-wheeler, that AAA estimates costs if you have like an SUV over $10,000 a year to operate and maintain, to an electric bike or scooter that on average may cost $2000, maybe up to $3000 to purchase," Klein said.

Depending on where you live, bikes and scooters are available to share so that you don't need to fork out the money to purchase them.

A commuter rides an e-scooter across a Los Angeles street on August 22.

((Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

"Typically, there is an electric or standard bike option, and there's also an electric scooter option to share in your city. If you live in the suburbs or in a more rural area, you may purchase it," Klein explains. "Either way, though, the costs are substantially lower."

When fewer low-emission vehicles are on the roadway, that's better for the environment. Switching to public transportation or micromobility helps to reduce your carbon footprint too.

"We don't just have to electrify the entire transportation system if we're going to meet the Paris Climate numbers in 2030 and 2035. But we also have to get rid of probably 50% of the vehicles on the road, right? And we have to share more," Klein said.