My hometown St. Pete Times reported yesterday what they breathlessly described as the nifty-neato solution to gas pump sticker shock, shown here defying what’s often referred to as common sense.

It’s called Tango. A 50cc $6-grand plus three-wheeled mess, er, scooter that claims 70 miles per gallon and a “cruising speed” of up to 30 mph. It’s street-legal, and the 50cc requires no license. For perspective, that’s only a slightly larger displacement than my Stihl chain saw, and considering the manufacturing source I’d feel much more comfortable riding my chainsaw. For the power user, order the 190cc version.

These are some of the first available in the country. But look closely — that’s granny, in her doesn’t require a license sewing maching — bringing three lanes of traffic to a screeching halt. In fact, the disabled and seniors are targeted markets. Not mentioned are those whose licenses have been suspended. You know who you are.

So lets recap. Market is those with questionable driving skills or who can’t obtain a license. Use is intermittent. Power is way under. Quality is suspect. And use is on major roads and highways.

Selling point? Gas is expensive. Counter? Stupidity’s not. Film at 11.