Would you consider using a scooter(Vespa) ?

to save money for gas?

http://www.vespausa.com/

Gladly. But it is impractical for my situation.

Sure, I just live too far from my job ( 20 miles ) for it to be practical.

Looking over the different options besides the tiny ones I am used to seeing, I'd consider it. I used to have something comparable to your smaller street cycle (Honda Elite) and it was a big money saver. It cost next to nothing to fill up and I would use it instead of the car to go short distant or to go to some events where parking or traffic was otherwise impossible.
I used it back and forth to work when my work was nearby. Did get stuck in a few rain storms but that was no big deal. In fact, where I live, feels kinda nice to be in the rain on what would otherwise be a hot summer's day.

I live in the mountains of east Tn- a scooter would be impractical at best for a 30 mile trek to work of the 15 mile trek to the grocery store. The weather is horrible in the winter and some of the tractors around these farms wouldn't even see me before they ran me over thinking I'm a pesky coyote.
If I lived in town- it would seem like a very practical solution except for grocery day.

HELL YEAH!!!!!!

when the weather is nice i ride a motorcycle already, but my commute is a bit far for a little scooter like that. if i was within a few miles on lower speed roads, i definitely would consider it.

hell ya that would be sick!,chicks would be all over u,just put a fake accent on,andwatch the babes come,lol

No, it would take me days to get to work, and Vespas are like fat chicks, Theyre fun to ride until one of your friends sees you

To answer your question;

No, your exposed to the weather and I doubt you would survive a auto vs Vespa collision.

Proper safety gear is essential.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJq90teVO...

ENIK got it hahahaha, I ride my Harley