Motorcyclists looking to save money on gas should ride at reduced speeds before coming to a stop at traffic lights, according to the Institute of Transportation (IOT).
Recent research conducted by the think tank under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications also found that scooter drivers could consume 25 percent less gas if they turn off their engine while they wait for the light to turn green. beyond conserving energy, turning off the engine also helps reduce carbon emissions, the institute said.
The IOT said turning off the engine and switching it back on a few minutes later does not consume much gas.
The results followed an analysis of 390,000 sets of records gathered from 2012 to last year, in which the institute dispatched five different motorcycles on six different types of road.
Experts at the institute found that driving at 48kph consumes less gas and reduces carbon emissions.
As of last year, the nation had 14.19 million registered motorcycles. On average, each household has 1.71 motorcycles, which is 2.3 times the average for a small passenger vehicle.
The research results drew mixed reactions online.
Some netizens said that the research failed to take into account the damage that may be done to the engine by quickly switching it on and off, saying that although it helps motorcyclists save a bit on gas, it would cost people more if they have to repair or replace their engine.
“Whoever did this kind of research are probably officials taking the agency’s vehicles to work every day,” one said.
However, others countered that they usually turn off their engines whenever they wait at traffic lights, and the engines of their motorcycles did not break down.
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