If you didn't already know that driving while intoxicated wasn't a good idea, and don't have other options like asking your friends for a ride, paying a strange man on a tiny motor scooter to drive you home might be a good option. Lilybug Scooters, a new chauffeur/delivery service available in some areas of New York state, uses a fleet of the newest R7E Di Blasi motorcycles for their drivers to get around easily and minimize the company's environmental impact. Di Blasi bikes can fold up within seconds, get around 100 miles per gallon and push up at a max speed of 30 MPH.
Assuming it's possible to be smashed and have the presence of mind to call up Lilybug, a designated driver will show up in one of the scooters, fold the bike into the trunk of your car, and drive you home. You can also schedule an airport pickup if you don't want to leave the car in the airport and waste hundreds of dollars. Essentially, the bike is only used for the chauffeur to get to your location, but the actual service for you is done in your own car (that sounds weird).
But is this cheaper than taking a taxi?
The rates are based on distance for an individual trip, or at $50 an hour, (with a 2 hr. minimum), so it's probably about the same or more expensive than a taxi in expensive metro areas, but less than a full-service chauffeur. If there's a subway within walking distance, then it's completely unnecessary. At the moment, Lilybug serves the areas of Southampton, Hampton Bays, Shinnecock, North Sea, Watermill,
Bridgehampton, and East Hampton. So even though it requires the use of your own wheels, this carbon-neutral service it's not a bad option if the price stays level (or comes down) and the drivers are on time and professional.
If you're interested in the Di Blasi R7E and R7ES folding motorbikes for yourself, they start out at about $2,500, and are available right here. The full specs can be found here.
It's also important to note that the company's founders were inspired into creating this service after a drunk driver killed one of their friends, named Lily. The group donates a part of their profits to families affected by tragedies of this type, particularly those who can’t afford medical care.
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