Ideas -- Inventing a new vehicle that doesn't run on gas

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Okay, so, with things as crazy as they are...and me trying to use my foresight, I've decided buying a tiny car (like a compartment vehicle or whatever they're called, automobiles on that "world's smallest cars" list...like the one India recently made to help their citizens) or a motorcycle might not really be wise. Sure, it takes less gas, but if the gas goes up much higher, it won't matter, I'll still have a hard time affording to drive it. So...instead of using that rebate money for my first car, I can try to invent a new mode of transportation instead, and use that government rebate money partially on that. I could get the parts from freecycle groups, go to junk yards, and would only buy them when absolutely necessary. But the thing is, I'm having a hard time finding good material to read to get started on coming up with an idea on how exactly to do this. Now, I might not end up trying my hand at this, but I'd at least like to explore the possibility. I mean the more minds on the problem of oil the better, right? Maybe if I can come up with something simple, but different enough, I could help people..I don't know. My primary thought is making something which I can use to drive to work whenever I get a job. I have a whole summer ahead of me to think on this and maybe work on it...so... Does anyone have any good books they know? Like basic designs for early vehicles, concepts cars work on, and books on different ideas for different sources of energy and how they work for example? Websites would be awesome too. Oh! And does anyone know how a city would take my new vehicle if I actually create one, and know it works, that is? I mean it won't be a car, I don't want it to run on electric or battery, so it won't technically be considered a scooter...or kind of motorcycle under law -- how would they react? Would they take more offense to it on the road or on the sidewalks? Anyway, besides all MY thinking, I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Are any of you considering something like this, working on any ideas? Also, the credit for my inspiration of creating this thread was oneandonemakesix's topic; "Students make own fuel". The reason why my idea is getting away from cars entirely, is that I have no confidence in my chemistry skills, I don't think I could create a fuel which regular cars could run on which would be cost effective enough that it could replace oil. So, the solution then, in my eyes, is creating something entirely different. I think creating a new fuel would be brilliant, I'm particularly hoping algae fuel pans out (they're working on that one in Canada right now)...but in the meantime, I thought I might try my hand at this.