If you've seen recent news stories about future forms of transportation, you've likely heard that small motor scooters could well be the vehicle of choice. With their outstanding gas mileage, excellent maneuverability and immunity to traffic jams, the argument is persuasive.

Here is your chance to not only be at the leading edge of this movement, but to own a vehicle that links current and future transportation: our folding mini-scooter, the Tom Thumb.

As can be seen in the photo on the right and at the bottom, the Tom Thumb easily and quickly folds to a compact package that can be stashed in the trunk of a car, on the back porch or even in a hall closet. Or, if you work in a congested area with difficult parking, simply park where convenient and "motor-scoot" the rest of the way, then store the scooter in a closet at work.

Don't be fooled by its small size—the Tom Thumb is capable of speeds up to 45 mph (depending on engine choice) and can handle a variety of road conditions, including fairly steep gradients. It is easily made street-legal. But far more than a utility vehicle, the Tom Thumb is great fun to drive. Comfortably seated, you will have the eerie sense of being swept along the highway as if by the wind alone since the vehicle itself is nearly out of sight beneath you.

Typically, the Tom Thumb can be built at home for as little as $150 (minus the cost of the engine). It is an easy project, requiring just a basic home shop and standard tools. The small amount of welding can be performed quickly at a local metal shop. The Construcion Plans are fully detailed, with clear illustrations, dimensions, descriptions and a list of suppliers for everything needed to build this mini-scooter.

Length: 42.5";  Height: 30";  Width: 24";  Empty Weight: 75 lbs.;  Engine: Honda GX22 or GX31, 4-cycle (a weed eater, chainsaw or similar engine may also be used);  Horsepower: 1 (GX22) to 1.5 (GX31);  Engine weight: 7.5 lbs;  Top Speed: 45 mph (with GX31);  Drive system: chain, with built-in centrifugal clutch;  Construction: welded-steel frame;  Tire size: 4.10/3/50-5 (12" dia.);  Brake system: hand-actuated drum brake;  Estimated build-time: 40 to 50 hours.

HOW TO ORDER

With a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover) you can order 24 hours a day:

ONLINE, via secure order form

OR: simply MAIL a check, money order, or credit card number with expiration date and 3-digit sescurity code to: