Rising fuel price is creating a big demand for scooters in the Western Bay, with sales at one Tauranga outlet quadrupling in the last six weeks.
Turmoil in the Middle East and the rising value of the New Zealand dollar has pushed 91-octane to about $2.19 a litre.

Prices are tipped to rise further still, forcing motorists to explore alternatives to avoid rising costs.
Bayride Motorcycles sales manager Dallas Telford says there has been 'huge” demand for scooters and mopeds in recent weeks.
'People are looking at the whole cost of fuel. People realise there is talk of it going up and up.”
In the last six weeks, Bayride Motorcycles has sold about 15 mopeds and scooters. Normally it would sell three to four in that period.
'They are just fantastic. They are easy to ride, you just twist and go,” says Dallas.
He says about 90 per cent of those who recently purchased a scooter or moped say rising fuel price is the main reason for making the purchase.
'I think the demand is just going to get stronger and stronger, especially in Tauranga where people are commuting around.”
New scooters cost between $1500 and $2700, with more fashionable brands such as the Vespa scooters costing about $5000.
A scooter can travel up to 240 kilometres on a full tank, which costs between $15 to $17 to fill.
Smith Motorcycle Mad manager Brian Smythe says they are also experiencing a rise in scooter sales.
He says some people are selling the second or third car they own to buy a new scooter.
'There is a definite cost saving. Not only for petrol, but parking as well.”