September 12, 2008

Third Coast Rally in San Antonio - October 3-5

 

Pre-registration is available and it costs just $35. That will get you a t-shirt, a patch and discounts to various things. On site registration is $40. If you didn't get a chance to pre-register by September 15th you will loose the guaranteed t-shirt. T-shirts will cost you an extra $20 if you register in San Antonio only. Oh and the pre-registration closes on October 1st, so make up your mind already!

Below you will find the schedule. Or simply go to the official site for every detail you feel you need in order to win the competition. The best of luck to all of you attending!

Rally participants will receive lanyards at sign-in/registration. These will need to be worn in order to participate in rally activities.

Friday, October 3rd	1PM - Registration opens at Vespa Alamo Heights (map) 7PM - Ride downtown to begin First Friday events at Mad Hatters Express (map) 9PM - Ride to Southtown to continue First Friday pub crawl (map)
Saturday, October 4th	9AM - Meet for breakfast at The Motorcycle Shop (map) 10AM - Participate in the Long Ride lead by the Texas Road Rats (site) 10AM - Participate in the Short Ride-an eclectic city ride 3pm - Rides return and free time starts 6PM - Particpate in the Mission Trail Ride leaving from Vespa Alamo Heights (map) 7PM - Dinner (TBA) 10PM - Ride to entertainment (TBA)
Sunday, October 5th	9AM - Meet for breakfast at Olmos Perk (map) 11AM - Participate in the Midtown Scenic ride 12AM - Compete in the Gymkhana at Olmos Perk 1PM - End the Rally with our Raffle and Awards presentation

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August 10, 2008

The Vespatition

The scooter craze is spreading throughout NWA. Fewer scooter parking spots has led to the Vespatition. It's a petition set up for users to sign up online. The company will then send a petition to the City Mayor's office in your area, asking for more Vespa-Scooter parking spots in the area. Supporters say their plan would convert a regular parking spot, into up to 6 spots for Vespas. Think of it as parking numerous scooters in the place of one car.

Owner of Vespa Ozarks, Leonard Zeichiedrich says, "People need to realize it actually gets on the Mayor's desk. They may look at it, or they may look at it, but if we have more asking for those situations, then it will be better."

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August 8, 2008

Bankers on bikes

CAMDEN -- When three local bankers scoot through downtown Camden, they encounter a flurry of reactions ranging from impressed smiles to outbursts of laughter. Admittedly a bit self-conscious at the start, these professionals are now realizing huge savings at the pump, ultimately giving them the last laugh.

Camden National Bank Vice President and Director of Marketing Gino Bona admitted he feels a bit comical, especially when he is riding along on his scooter dressed in a business suit and helmet.

"When school let out, I had a handful of occasions right away riding around town," Bona said. "I've had high school kids just bust out laughing."

Scooter rider and Camden National Bank Senior Credit Analyst Mike Clark said, "I just tap the horn a few times. You've gotta have fun with it, you can't take yourself too seriously."

For the most part, people are curious about the miniature motorized bikes.

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August 7, 2008

Scooter fans head for the Piece Hall

VESPA and Lambretta fans revved their engines at the first Piece Hall Scooter Rally.
Organised in conjunction with the Yorkshire Scooter Alliance, the event attracted more than 35 scooter owners and bike fans.

Phoenix Radio provided sounds of the 60s for the event which Ruth Taylor, Piece Hall events officer, said they hoped would become a yearly fixture.

"We hope this will be an annual event for people to come and show off their bikes. It was a real Quadrophenia style atmosphere with the mods and so on," she said.

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August 6, 2008

Around the U.S. on a scooter

LAKEWOOD -- Alix Bryan left Lakewood Tuesday morning on the homestretch of tracing a 22,000 mile Peace sign on the continental United States.

Today marks day 94 of her journey that has taken 6 months of scooter riding over the past year. From Cleveland it's on to Pittsburgh and then to Washington, D.C.

When she arrives in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 8, 2008, Bryan will have created the largest Peace sign in history.

"We must know what the word means before we can acquire it," Bryan says, "and lasting peace must always come first from the individual."

Proving that women can safely travel alone and that little scooters can do big things, a Patriot's Exhibition Advancing Community and Environmentalism (P.E.A.C.E.) on a Scooter is focused on promoting peace rather than specifically opposing war.

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August 3, 2008

Principal making house calls on a scooter

FEDERAL WAY - Damon Hunter climbed off his scooter and rang the doorbell of Dennis Good's house.

The seventh-grader answered and looked up at the 6-foot-4-inch tall principal of Saghalie Middle School in Federal Way.

"Wow, Mr. Hunter," the 12-year-old exclaimed. "Am I in trouble?"

No, no, Hunter said, as Dennis' mom came to the door. Dennis, whether joking or not, and his mom, Colene Good, had advance warning the principal was coming.

He'd sent an automated voice message to parents, telling him he was coming to visit the homes of his students at Saghalie.

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August 2, 2008

Britain's youngest Mod

DON'T blink or you may miss Billie Lynch whizzing through East London--just a flash of bright red zooming past.

This latter-day 'Billie Whiz' is probably Britain's youngest Mod, a 'born again' Quadrophenia fan just turned 16.

She passed her Driving Test last Wednesday (July 30) to ride a motor scooter, just a day after her 16th birthday... after a few hours getting to grips with her dad's bright red Vespa at East London's Cardrome training centre.

"I was really nervous, really shaking, and sick before the test," she admitted.

"But they were really nice and took me through it carefully and passed me."

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August 1, 2008

City Mulls Scooter Parking

HARRISONBURG - An increasing number of motor scooter riders has spurred the city to look into how to meet their parking needs in downtown.

Jessica Chase, program manager for Downtown Parking Services, expects to present the findings of her study to the city's Parking Advisory Committee in a couple of months.

Chase said downtown officials have noticed a marked increase in scooter traffic around Court Square. Whether it's due to more motorists being concerned about the environment or high gas prices - or a combination of the two - isn't known. The bottom line, though, is that their growing numbers have made dedicated parking space for scooters a priority.

Scooter owners park their vehicles in different places, including on sidewalks, Chase said, which often blocks pedestrian traffic and hinders street cleaning.

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July 30, 2008

Mods march on Sheffield for scooter rally

TALKING about their generation...The mods were on the march again in Sheffield this weekend when more than 800 gathered for a scooter rally at the Davy sports ground on Prince Of Wales Road.

They came from Middlesbrough, Southport, Derby and as far away as Scotland for the rally called Hammered In Sheffield that featured a celebration of scooters and mod culture with three live bands, specialist stalls and karaoke.

The faces aren't as young as they were but many the followers of the 1960s cult - some of them originals - came on immaculate scooters in their parkas and formations that scattered holiday makers in Brighton, Skegness and Scarborough in 1964.

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July 29, 2008

It's easy riding for the Westenders

When a tight cluster of 40 scooters whir down California Avenue on a pleasant weekend morning these quaint two-wheelers of pink, powder blue, mustard yellow and rosy red look about as menacing as a parade of grinning Golden Retrievers and just as fun to observe.

They are the Westenders Scooter Club, a practical and whimsical troupe anchored in West Seattle that operate 70-100 mile-per-gallon toys. This international fleet of Italian-made Vespas, Indian-made Stellas, Chicago-based Buddy's, and Japanese Yamaha Vino's, run lean and clean.

"My Vespa is a two-stroke (engine) but it is important to point out it has a catalytic converter and runs very clean," said Westender president, Robert Brown. He named his bright red PX 150 "Luciana."

"Luciana Paluzzi was the Italian actress in the James Bond film 'Thunderball.' Like her namesake, my Luciana is exotic, sexy, and red," he said. The actress had red hair.

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July 27, 2008

''Scooting'' to Save Gas

Bill Tracy lives in Chattanooga. And eight months ago, he bought a scooter.

With what he's saving on gas, he hasn't looked back.

"I guess my most expensive gas bill, the other day I paid $4.10 worth of gas," he says.

He says he gets nearly 119 miles a gallon on his scooter.

Jen Obal with Scenic City Scooters says the savings on gas, and the relatively cheap prices for scooters have lead more people to their doors.

"Since gas prices have gone up, people have gone from looking at the scooter as something fun to do as something that's more necessary to do to save some money on gas," she says.

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Do you know your scooter law?

FORT COLLINS - Not a motorcycle, not a car, the scooter has its own set of road rules.

With the dizzying gas prices pushing more and more people onto scooters, police think it high time to let drivers know about the law that surrounds them.

First, a scooter is not a motorcycle. You don't need a motorcycle license - just a regular driver's license - to drive one as long as it's under 50ccs and you stay under 30 miles per hour.

Many scooters are able to go over 30 mph, but if you're caught above that limit and don't have a motorcycle endorsement, you can get a ticket.

Also, scooters must have an automatic transmission to be considered a scooter. If it has a clutch, it's a motorcycle.

Second, helmets are required for any person under 18 years of age. That includes passengers. Still, police recommend them for all drivers.

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Scooter Owners Reccommend the Gas Saving Vehicles

With gas prices hovering near 4 bucks a gallon, many people park four wheeled gas guzzlers and turn to two wheels. If you're considering switching to a scooter, we have advice from the experts. Riders in town for the country's largest scooter rally describe the vehicles' virtues.

They're fairly fast, fun, and fuel efficient.

Craig Huard, "It tops out at about 75 miles an hour."

Bryan Howard, "It's the most fun you can have on two wheels."

Brittanie Holland, "It's less that five bucks to fill up and I can ride for weeks."

It's no wonder more drivers settle on scooters now to beat the gas crunch.

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July 26, 2008

Gas prices drive Valley scooter craze

Walk into the Scooters of Boise showroom, and you'll find a selection of the increasingly popular fuel-efficient motor bikes. But you can't have them.

They've already been sold. Well, there was one available Thursday, but it probably won't be there on Friday.

"I can't keep up," said co-owner Kitty Smith. "We got 20 scooters on Monday and sold out Tuesday morning."

The supply of the little gas-sippers is dwindling at other Treasure Valley stores, too, because of a booming U.S. demand amid $4-plus gasoline and manufacturers' desire to satisfy their longtime customers in Europe and Asia, Smith said.

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July 25, 2008

Chattanooga: Scooter lovers from across nation gather here this week

Scooter popularity is soaring. But scooters are not kid stuff, local enthusiasts said.

With engines up to 800 cubic centimeters and top speeds greater than 100 mph, today's scooters are serious machines that demand real safety precautions.

"A lot of people make the mistake of thinking scooters are toys, but other than your seating position, they're no different than a motorcycle," said Noelle Omer, a 30-year-old magazine editor and member of the Hill City United Scooter Club.

This weekend, as many as 450 Vespa scooter riders from around the country will be attending the Amerivespa 2008 rally in Chattanooga. Events include a ride from Scenic City Scooters in Red Bank to Deals Gap on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, famous for more than 300 turns in 11 miles.

A scooter show from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at First Tennessee Pavilion downtown is open to the public. Scooters and games can be viewed for free. Registration is required ($70 for today-Sunday, meals included) to try out demo scooters or to participate in games, Ms. Omer said.

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Sydney offers free scooter parking

MOTORCYCLE and scooter riders will be able to park for free on streets controlled by the Sydney City Council in its proposal to encourage smaller, more environmentally-friendly modes of travel.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore today launched a draft of the City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy, which also proposes cheaper road tolls for those travelling on two wheels, and the installation of public charging points for electric motorcycles.

"The city is committed to sustainable transport options and supports the gradual shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller, more efficient vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport," Cr Moore said.

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July 24, 2008

Amerivespa rolls into Chattanooga

More than 450 scooter riders from across the country and beyond will be taking to the streets this Thursday through Sunday for Vespa Club of America's Amerivespa 2008. Amerivespa is the country's largest scooter rally; it travels to a new city each year.

This year VCOA teamed with Hill City United Scooter Club to organize and host this event. After a year of planning and with support of local and national sponsors, organizers expect this to be an event that brings quite a bit of attention to Chattanooga.

"I have visited Chattanooga several times in the past few years, and through those trips I knew this was a city I wanted to bring Amerivespa to," said J.D. Merryweather, president of Vespa Club of America. "We have an amazing schedule planned, and I encourage anyone interested in riding a scooter, no matter what brand it is, to join us this weekend."

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July 17, 2008

Getting out of the car and onto a scooter

During my morning commute, I don't listen to the radio or talk on the phone.

I mostly play a little game I call "Do you see me?"

Here's how it works: I see someone in a car or SUV waiting to turn left. Often they're talking to their passengers or on the phone. I make eye contact -- death-stare, stink-eye style -- until I'm sure they've seen me. Thusly satisfied, I smile. Sometimes, and this is the shocker, they even smile back.

You see, for the past month, I've been riding a scooter to work.

Like many people, I was looking for an alternative to rising gas prices. I've wanted a scooter for a couple of years, but before, I was considering it more as a toy. Now I'm looking at it as a more serious (if you can call it that without laughing) form of transportation.

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July 16, 2008

Duo rides scooters for a cause

Nevada was just one stop on the Scootin for a Cure campaign, in which two women riding Vespa scooters across the country are raising money and awareness for breast cancer.

The 6,000-mile journey began on July 9 in Southern California with friends Linda Quinn and Karen Schneider and will conclude on July 24 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Money raised from the trip will go to the pair's team in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk later this year in San Diego to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust.

"The trip is completely self-funded," said Quinn. "All the money raised will go to our walking team. Teams need to raise money to participate. We raised money with donations from family, friends and businesses."

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July 13, 2008

Cruising without the gas-guzzling

A weekly Thursday night event shows that scooters aren't just frugal, they're fun

From the back seat of a shiny orange scooter, I waved at cars waiting for red lights to turn green and a happy kid on a yellow bike in Brady Heights. Then there was the kindly pregnant lady and her beau strolling through their midtown neighborhood.

Actually, I waved to just about everyone as my scooter gang eased on by -- and the folks waved back.

That's really not my style, waving to strangers and all, but it was hard not to smile and wave as I tagged along with almost two dozen scooter lovers during their regular Thursday night ride through Tulsa.

Heck, you try not to grin like a finger-painting toddler as you cruise with a swarm of scooter riders, who greet passersby with chipper, bee-beeping horns. It's like frowning at a puppy dog.

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July 10, 2008

Pain at the Pump? Not a Problem for Piaggio Adventurers

Native New Yorker Buddy Rosenbaum (71) and fellow adventurer Bob Chase (72) are proving that age, the price at the pump and America's thirst for adventure aren't mutually exclusive.

Four weeks ago the two seniors set out on scooters from San Francisco at the western end of America's first transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway.

After more than 3400 miles, just $300 in gas, and a new appreciation for our nation's forgotten past, Buddy and Bob are ending their journey where the Lincoln Highway begins -- in Times Square.

Their message? Don't let age keep you from doing the things you love -- and don't let high fuel prices derail your adventures this summer.

Scores of scooter commuters, members of the New York Scooter Club and scooter enthusiasts from around the Tri-state area will be there to welcome them.

For complete details visit www.noagelimitpiaggio.us

When/Where:
Monday, July 14
9:00 a.m. Breakfast stop at Vespa Jersey City
10:00 a.m. Ride via Lincoln Tunnel to Times Square

10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Welcome at official end of Lincoln Highway, 42nd and Broadway

Why Scooters are Hot:

-- Fuel-efficient scooter sales are soaring -- up 146% for Vespa scooter manufacturer Piaggio during June alone (an all-time U.S. sales record)

-- Press scooters available for media interested in accompanying Buddy and Bob for the ride into Times Square (ride along or join as a passenger)

Source: Piaggio Group Americas

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Scooter cool factor on the up

They might not be quite as popular as they were in the 1960s, but booming membership at a vintage scooter club has shown the hobby still has mileage amongst Norwich motor enthusiasts.

The Splinters meet every Monday at the Duke of Norfolk pub in Sprowston to share tips on scooter maintenance, discuss rallies and go on rides.

Since it was set up just 18 months ago it has attracted 30 members since it was started just 18 months ago.

And the range of members shows the club has united people from all walks of life, as lorry drivers, solicitors, brick layers and policemen all gather to share their hobby.

John Frary, 42, is one of the fans of Lambretta and Vespa scooters, and helped to set up the club.

He said: "The atmosphere is very good, there's never a cross word between anyone, everyone is there to talk about the scooters.

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July 9, 2008

Green transit on campus

Simon Baek saves some green by going green -- when the weather permits it, at least.

The Seoul, South Korea, senior, rides his moped the four miles from his off-campus apartment to the University as often as possible because the scooter goes nearly 60 miles on one gallon of gasoline.

"It's good to take to campus because it's so much cheaper," Baek said. "When it's cold or bad weather, and I have to take my car, I end up going to get gas twice a week."

Baek's hesitance to drive to school every day isn't unusual. Popular alternative modes of transportation for students include bicycles and mopeds, while on-campus organizations are turning to electric cars and Segways.

With gas at $3.82 per gallon, a four mile commute costs about 25 cents on a scooter like Baek's. In a car that goes 20 miles per gallon of gas, the same commute costs about 75 cents per trip.

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July 8, 2008

Drivers scoot away from $100 fill-ups

OCEANSIDE ---- Record-high gasoline prices have made motor scooters more hip than ever, and the newest riders are more likely to wear neckties than Che Guevara T-shirts, according to dealers, buyers and safety instructors.

Economists have blamed rising costs of gasoline and food for limiting consumer purchases and dragging the U.S. economy closer to recession, particularly in California and other states where expensive houses and rising mortgage obligations have already brought many people to the financial edge.

But scooter dealers along a one-mile stretch of Highway 101 in Oceanside said business has never been better.

While filling the tank of a large truck easily can suck away $100, more drivers see a new $4,000 scooter that costs $12 to fill as a smart investment, dealers said.

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July 7, 2008

Man On Scooter Provides Sober Ride

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A Nashville man on a scooter wants your keys and your car. Zingo provides sober rides to those who may have had too much to drink.

Carlton Stewart is the President and Owner of ZINGO Nashville. He wants not only your keys, but also your car. Diblasi is the formal name for the portable, pop-up bike Stewart rides around on to get to his customers. Stewart says it's supposed to be called a folding motor bike. His revolutionary idea offers a sober ride that's just a phone call away.

When a customer calls, one of Stewart's six drivers will show up in about 15 to 20 minutes on a scooter. The driver will fold down the bike, put it in the customer's trunk, and then drive the intoxicated person home.

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Women are safer drivers than men

Data released recently by the National Road Safety Authority have verified the claim that women are safer drivers than men.

According to the figures, men who drive cars or ride motorbikes or bicycles have a better chance of getting killed or injured in a road accident than female drivers.

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July 5, 2008

Cross-country scooter trip makes stop in DeKalb

This trip is not about the distance. Bernie "Buddy" Rosenbaum, 71, of New York and Bob Chase, 72, of Fremont, Calif., have ridden motorcycles across the United States before. They've traveled through Europe.

But the trip they're on now - a cross-country journey along Lincoln Highway that started June 13 in San Francisco and is expected to wrap up July 14 in New York City - is about finding the roots of America, the men said.

The two men - who are riding Piaggio MP3 500 scooters for the trip and plan to blog online daily - stopped Thursday afternoon in DeKalb.

After learning that the 71- and 72-year-old bikers would be cruising down Lincoln Highway on Thursday, DeKalb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Coordinator Debbie Armstrong said she knew she had to get them to stop.

"It's very exciting to have somebody who's out on the free and open road," Armstrong said. "There's nothing better than a pair of older men riding through the country and having the time of their lives."

Local politicians greeted the two at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Best Western DeKalb Inn & Suites. The men received gifts of DeKalb Agriculture flying ear T-shirts, hats as well as Illinois road maps and copies of the Illinois Constitution.

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July 2, 2008

Scooters pick up speed in the city

Many inner-city commuters are moving to scooters as a cost-effective alternative to big gas guzzlers. Andrea Mustain reports from New York City, where sales of scooters are up dramatically over the past year.

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June 27, 2008

Touring Rome on a Vespa

ROME -- When it comes to looking classy on a Vespa in Rome, no one did it better than Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday." The classic film helped put Vespa on the map (for Americans) and gave the little scooters a romantic and stylish air, as well as permanent place in popular culture.

Sergio Caggia, founder of Nerone Tours came up with the idea of organizing Vespa tours of Rome after spending nearly a decade giving private walking tours of the city (called "Rome Made to Measure").

Mr. Caggia explained it was a conversation with a friend, who rented scooters to tourists that led him to the idea of incorporating classic Vespas and vintage cars into his own tour operations. A fan of classic cars and scooters himself, Mr. Caggia used his connections with local enthusiast clubs to find owners willing to use their vehicles to tote tourists throughout Rome.

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June 25, 2008

Scooters everywhere!

Ok! It's definitely a new thing this summer. I'm seeing a 10 fold increase in the number of scooters rolling around PB. Let's be careful on our roads! Cagers (people in cars, as we call them) are not always on the lookout for these vehicles. Even though they more noticeable than a bicycle they are still not always ready to see them in the middle of traffic.

Thankfully, in PB, traffic is rather slow moving most of the time and gives the scooter rider ample time to avoid 'situations'. There's three obvious camps about scooters... love them, hate them, and the "Oh My God I Think I Might Kill Them" camp. For the later group, no worries... scooter riders (and all two-wheeled riders) are taught to pretend nobody else can see them when they are on the road and it is their own job to avoid YOU. So long as YOU follow the rules of the road (signal lane changes, stop at red lights ... etc.)

For the haters... get used to it - they are here to stay. Have you seen the size of that scooter store on Garnet and Gresham? Don't get mad when they zip by you between traffic when you are in gridlock. Don't get mad when there are 4 of them in front of you going the speed limit. -Get mad- when they fill up for the week costing a grand total of $5.

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June 23, 2008

Ciao car, hello Vespa

It was an all-too-familiar situation: Ahead, a red light glared, and bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched as far as the eye could see.

Taxis honked. Drivers sighed. Nobody was happy - except the reporter on the white Vespa who slipped into the space between the lanes and nimbly passed among the cars. Pedestrians stopped to watch, and drivers' eyes gleamed with irritation and envy as the reporter made her way to the front of the line, turned right, and zipped off on her way.

She would giddily repeat the move all day. And people would notice, often wistfully.

"That's what I need, a Vespa," said one of them, Garry Rizzuto, as he watched from a sidewalk in the North End.

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Growing number of commuters on scooters

BLOOMINGTON -- State Farm Insurance Cos. worker Darren Fischer is part of a growing trend in this town: Scooter commuters.

As gas prices climb, some Central Illinois drivers turn to bicycles, city buses or carpools to adapt. Others, like the 38-year-old Bloomington man hop on the two-wheeled driving machines for getting around, saving money and living greener.

"Our scooter customers are getting some looks at the gas pump when their tank is full at $7.50, while next to them an SUV needs close to $80 to fill up," said Robin Juhler, a co-owner of Bloomington-based Sportland, a motorcycle dealership that carries Yamaha, Honda and Polaris scooters.

Fischer laughed a little as he talked of savings since buying his scooter in May. Like most scooter owners, he also has a car.

Gas savings also led Ryan Wilson, 21, of Bloomington to his purchase a few weeks ago. Now, Wilson said, friends and family are inquiring. "I get about 100 miles to a gallon on this. ... Now, some of them are thinking about buying one," said the Maguire's Pub worker.

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New scooter club caters to mature riders

If the thought of a pack of two-wheeled fanatics prowling along country back roads and scenic routes in the Chattanooga area worries you, you may want to look out for the Fossils gang on your next Sunday outing.

Don't fret, though; they're pretty easy to spot. Most of the riders are more than 50 years old, they putter along at a serene 40 mph and they're all riding scooters.

The Fossils Scooter Club, a group for motor-scooter riders 50 and older, was founded in March by Chattanoogans Bill Levy, 67, his wife, Maxine, 59, and Bill Tracy, 67.

Beginning in October of last year, these three lifelong motorcycle lovers began trading in their hogs for something a little quieter, a little more comfortable and way more gas-efficient.

Other soon followed suit.

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James McAvoy trades in motorbike for scooter

FILM star James McAvoy has traded in his motorbike for a scooter after an encounter with a road bully.

The 29-year-old Scot fell off his red Hyosung bike after a car driver revving his engine made him nervous.

The Last King of Scotland star said: "I was lost and stopped at traffic lights.

"There was this guy looking at my shiny, red bike and he kept thinking, 'I'm going to make him race.'

James added: "It was kind of scary, so I've gone back to just having a little scooter now. That's so much safer for me."

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June 22, 2008

Couple Offers Chihuahuas For Scooter

Five tiny eight-week old chihuahuas are for sale in Cocoa Beach. The owner is willing to part ways with them to save on gas. Michelle Bandi says she can't afford to drive her car.

So in order to get better gas mileage she's willing to barter a pup or two for a new cheaper ride, a scooter! She put out an ad on Craigslist and hopes someone will swap. If you'd like to help Michelle, you can contact her by email. It's michellecat68@yahoo.com.

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Scooter riders take gas price protest on the road

RAEFORD -- The sun broke through the clouds just in time for Charles Ragan and members of the Piglet Scooter Club to begin their protest of rising gas prices.

The men put on their "Caution Gas Price Protest in Progress" T-shirts before mounting their scooters in the parking lot of Universal Pawn Shop on Saturday morning. Nine men showed up for the round-trip ride from Raeford through west Fayetteville. Ragan had hoped for a larger crowd, but an early morning thunderstorm stopped some riders from coming out, he said.

The goal of Saturday's ride was to show how more people are turning to scooters and mopeds to offset the expense of fuel.

"There is an economic terrorist attack on our economy right now because of the high cost of fuel," Ragan said. "What we are doing is making a concession to try to cut down on the lost income. To buy gas right now is almost as bad as your light bill. We should have started raising Cain when they jacked the cost of oil up when there was a storm off the coast of Africa. It went up ten cents. Why? It's ridiculous. It's scary. It's really scary and I am scared of the future."

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June 17, 2008

Gas prices pump up scooter shop

LONGMONT - A few months ago, Small Planet E-Vehicles in Longmont was selling two to three scooters a month. Now, two to three roll out each day.
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"The more gasoline prices go up, the more my business goes up," said Tom Wilson, owner of Small Planet E-Vehicles.

His store specializes in electric scooters and bicycles.

"You plug it into a regular 110 outlet and it's ready to go the next day," he said. "You put in no gasoline, no oil, there's no fossil fuels of any kind other than the manufacturing of the thing."

The scooters top out at around 45 mph.

That's fast enough for John James. He bought two electric scooters Monday, one for his wife and one for himself.

"It has to do with high gas prices more than anything," he said.

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Video: Stupid Scooter Stunts

This guy can eat ramen noodles while riding a scooter. Do not try this at home.

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June 15, 2008

'Ludicrous' fine for my scooter

A father-of-four is willing to do battle in court to fight a parking fine he received because his environmentally friendly scooter was too small for an on-street parking bay.

Robin Swailes, who fell foul of wardens when he was ticketed for putting his Vespa scooter in a Beaumont Street parking bay on Thursday, June 5 - claims Oxfordshire County Council's rules on parking encourages people to drive gas-guzzlers rather than greener vehicles.

Despite paying for a two-hour parking ticket, the 42-year-old was hit with a ticket within an hour as he failed to read the small-print on the parking meter banning motorbikes without sidecars.

He now faces a fine of £70, reduced to £35 if he pays within 14 days. But the director of North Oxford Property Services feels he has been penalised for trying to lower his carbon footprint and believes the council's parking rules should be more clearly displayed.

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The joys of scooter travel

My favourite scooter was the one on Havelock Island, in the Andaman Sea. Some Japanese make I had never heard of, nor ever did again. 50cc? 70cc? What the hell is a cc anyway? My girlfriend had to get off the back whenever I went up a hill, otherwise thick black smoke would chug out of the exhaust pipe before we snarled to a halt.

There weren't many hills. Mainly we just glided between ancient forests, mangrove swamps and coconut groves. Hot air, slick with the scent of sea and jungle. No flies on us. The only traffic we ever saw was buffalo. There was a laconic, linen-clad guy in our campsite who came back one night bashed up and bleeding from the head. He'd managed to crash into the island's only bus. Remarkable.

In Pemba, we had something bigger. Do you know Pemba? Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar's weird, wild twin. She was a beefy bastard Bajaj, modelled on the old Vespa. Gears and everything. A foot brake I kept forgetting to use, and a leftside handbrake that was actually a clutch. You don't slow down when you slam on the clutch. Not even a little. You probably knew that. Me, I had to learn.

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June 9, 2008

The best way to scoot down the road

Viva motor scooters! No, that's not an advertising statement, just a heartfelt sentiment from a longtime scooter lover, and it refers to those agile transporters – well known almost everywhere except North America – quietly going about their business at 70 or more miles per gallon of gasoline.

There are several important caveats, of course, about riding motor scooters: They're no-go in snow or ice, they can legally carry only two people or an equivalent load (in the United States), and defensive driving is the name of the game.

What makes scooters such excellent "second cars" is fantastic fuel economy, great visibility from the driver's seat, adequate power and brakes, and they are just plain fun to drive.

My love affair with scooters started when my grandpa had a Cushman scooter with a sidecar for a few months shortly after World War II. My rides in that sidecar were a thrill to a small boy and carried over into later life.

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June 8, 2008

Scooter paves the way for humane society fundraiser

DENVER - The scooters have descended on the Mile High City. This weekend, about 80 scooter enthusiasts have gathered to take part in the 2nd annual Colorado Chaos Scooter Rally.

The rally started Friday and will end Sunday evening. Deb Watts is participating in this weekend's event and says that while scooter riding is fun, there is an additional benefit.

"It costs a lot less to ride a scooter than it does to drive a vehicle, said Watts. "Most scooters get anywhere from 80 miles per gallon all the way up to 120 miles per gallon. So with the gas prices right now, it's a great way to get out and hang out with your friends but at the same time save some money."

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June 4, 2008

Melton Scooter Club ride out

Some 300 enthusiasts joined Melton Scooter Club on a ride out to Rutland Water, nicknamed 'Abscond the the Pond', on Sunday.

They set off from The Welby pub in Nottingham Road and made quite a spectacle as they rode down Scalford Road and headed off towards Oakham. A meet was then held at Whitwell for music, food and a custom show.

Co-organiser Gavin Bates said: "A ride out on that scale is quite a sight and it's a real buzz for those taking part. We were delighted with how the day went given the indifferent weather."

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May 27, 2008

Scooterists to converge at rally

More than 100 scooterists will converge on Waxahachie from June 13-15 for the North Texas Lakes Rally, sponsored by the Cabana Boys Scooter Group of North Texas.

Scooters of all sizes, makes, ages and speeds can be seen, including Vespas, Cushmans, Lambrettas – even the old Sears and Roebuck Allstate scooters will be on hand.

“There will be all kinds of vendors, including a new scooter shop out of Colleyville that will have new scooters on display,” said Daniel Smith, club leader and Waxahachie resident. “We’re also going to raffle off a 1980 Honda Elite 50 scooter. It’s a little rough, but it’s registered and has a clear Texas title.”

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May 18, 2008

Scooter rider pleads with 'intolerant' motorists

DARWIN scooter rider Aleja Perkins has called for motorists to be more mindful of sharing the roads.
The 23-year-old cafe manager, from Bayview, is angry at the way she is treated on the roads and is now scared to use her only form of transport.

"People sticking their fingers up, being impatient, overtaking on merging lanes so I have had to brake and telling me I have to ride on the shoulder is what I deal with,'' she said. "It makes me feel angry and scared.''

Ms Perkins said riding her yellow Jive Bug nicknamed "Bumblebee'' is not only more economical than driving a car but is her way of contributing to the environment.

"I ride for economical and environmental reasons,'' she said.

"Just this week three people have given me the finger -- I don't want to start off my day like that.

"To motorists, give us a chance -- I am doing everything legally."

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Robber Uses A Scooter To Get Away

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Police have a unique search underway. They are looking for a man on a scooter that robbed the Rb2 Lounge on the west end of Huntington.

The robbery happened just after 9 Saturday morning. The video lottery establishment is located on Waverly Road. It's the same business someone robbed back in March. That suspect got away with 11,000 dollars.

The person who robbed the lounge today is described as a tall, slim man wearing a brown jacket. Witnesses tell police he was riding a scooter when he left the parking lot.

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3,500 mile trip on a scooter

A COUNCILLOR is travelling round the coastline of Britain to raise cash for charity - on a scooter.

Coun Alan Neal is aiming to raise £100,000 for two causes close to his heart, with Peter and Michael Parsons of Whitworth Warriors Motorcycle Club.

The team will set off on September 6, hoping to cover 3,750 miles in a week, with a typical day involving 17 hours of riding.

David Dearden, MD of Robinsons of Rochdale, will sponsor the 125CC scooter and an environmental unit, donated from Casey's in Bury, will lead it and provide somewhere to eat, sleep and wash.

Coun Neal, who represents Whitworth, said: "We are raising money for Cancer UK and Leukaemia Research and we're going to split the money we raise equally between them.

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Gas Prices Prompting More To Consider Scooters

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Triangle is a region with streets and highways that are packed full of high horsepower SUV’s and pickups. However, in recent months, more and more people are leaving their four wheeled rides at home.

For Durham resident Paul Friedman, his choice to buy a classic Vespa is not one necessarily rooted in economy.

“I spent some time in Italy and fell in love with the scooters there,” Paul Friedman said.

But over the last few months, he's been getting more and more inquiries from his fellow motorists at the gas pumps, not just about the 1960's styling of his “Roman Holliday” scooter, but about its modern day economy.

“I think it gets about 70 to 80 miles a gallon,” Friedman said.

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May 10, 2008

Making Cents of Vespanomics

The reality this summer is we're on the brink of shelling out $4 per gallon... so, what can we do?

One answer put forth by scooter manufacturer Vespa is a little thing called Vespanomics. For a more entertaining definition of the word check out www.vespanomics.com, but the overall gist is simple - save money and the environment by swapping out your gas-guzzling commuter car for a more fuel-efficient scooter.

The key at this stage of the game is conservation - the reason why congress raised CAFE standards in the automotive industry to 35 MPG. This is where the scooter comes into play. With many designs already claiming 70 MPG figures, scooters are some of the most fuel-efficient transportation options available.

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April 29, 2008

Dawn of the scooter age

How about $4 a gallon by July?

Normally a perfect storm calls for a good roof over your head. But not for this weather-ready commuter. I’m parking my V-8 pickup truck, hopefully for most of the rest of the summer. I plan to pay about $8 a week for gas — not far off from what I paid to fill up back in high school — riding a motor scooter.

Actually, this summer will mark my third full year of riding a scooter to work. And when I say three full years, I mean full, since I ride as often as I can for about nine months out of the year on a 150-cubic-centimeter bike that does 60 mph on a good day.

I know I look like a goof: big alien-head helmet and a too-short two-wheeled ride that sounds like a pair of hedge clippers. But more and more, I’m not alone.

Faced with the prospect of $60 to fill up at the pump and forecasters at AAA predicting even higher, Richmonders increasingly are parking their cars in favor of pedaling their bikes — or revving up motorized two-wheel mopeds, scooters and motorcycles.

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April 23, 2008

Aussie parking costs boost scooter appeal

SCOOTERS remain the choice of the economically and environmentally conscious, even though sales have slowed across the nation.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries motorcycle manager Ray Newland said scooter sales were down 3.4 per cent in the first quarter compared with last year's record numbers while Queensland was down 1.3 per cent.

He said the FCAI's new method of reporting sales could explain the drop and that there may have been little or no real decline.

Industry sources said sales also may have been affected by an increase in second-hand scooters on the market.

Major Brisbane scooter retailer Joe D'Ercole said scooter sales had soared for several years as petrol prices, environmental issues, traffic congestion and parking costs escalated.

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April 20, 2008

Scooter fans set to slay dragon

VINTAGE-SCOOTER enthusiasts across Nuneaton and north Warwickshire will be taking part in their annual ride this weekend to raise money for two good causes.

Members of the Treakle Town Scooter Club will be going on their St George's Day Slaying the Dragon Ride Out on Sunday.

They are expecting at least 150 riders - members and people from other scooter clubs - to set off from The Boot pub in Ansley - on their classic Lambrettas and Vespas.

This year, the third annual event, will see members raising funds for the George Eliot Hospital's special care baby unit and the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in Oaston Road.

Gordon Tovey, one of the club's founder members, said: "Last year we had 150 scoot-ers. We're expecting more this year.

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April 18, 2008

Tired Of High Gas Prices? Scoot It!

MINNEAPOLIS -- Gas prices at nearly all metro area gas stations are over $3.30 a gallon. Most of vehicles now cost $50 for a fill-up, another mode of transportation costs about $3.

While most individuals and businesses are having a hard time coping with these prices one business is boasting sales up by 250 percent over the last year.

Bob Hedstrom's Minneapolis store Scooterville is struggling to keep up with demand as customers brag to their friends about their gas mileage. The scooters, whose prices start at $1,800, get 100 miles to the gallon.

The cheapest scooter to operate is the one with the smallest engine. It only goes 30 miles per hour and it uses a moped plate. That means riders don't need a motorcycle license to operate it, just a regular drivers license will do.

Scooters with moped plates can also park at bike racks, thereby saving on parking.

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Segway tries social networking

Segway is hoping to take a page out of Nike's playbook with a new social networking site designed to help product users of its self-balancing electric scooter interact and build a Segway experience.

Called Segway Social, the new community site allows Segway PT owners to create groups, arrange meetings, and share photos and news. While it is geared to owners, Segway hopes to use the site to attract potential buyers by having current users of its devices show off their finer points.

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April 16, 2008

Here's a couple of scooting gas misers

Meet the Brunsons. Bobby and Kathie.

If you don’t know them, chances are you’ve probably seen them cruising around town on their little red and white Metropolitan Honda motor scooters.

With gas at a record $3.35 a gallon now, the Brunsons’ gas-guzzling 1999 Ford F-150 quadcab truck and four-door Ford Focus are spending more time parked under the carport. When the husband and wife team head to work at the Eastern New Mexico University campus, where they are both employed, and even when they go to Wal-Mart, they put on their helmets and motorscoot across town.

The Brunsons estimate they are saving about $100 in gas a month.

“We bought these scooters in 2005, when gas got up to $2.75 a gallon,” said Bobby, the textbook manager at ENMU’s Barnes & Noble Bookstore. “My thought was ‘It’s highway robbery to put that much gas into my truck!’” He estimates that it cost about $100 just to fill up his truck one time.

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Book Gives the Scoot on Modern Mods

SCOOTER Lifestyle, a new book by freelance journalist Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger, aims to lift the lid on the life of the modern Mod.

Grainger, a self-confessed ‘scooterist’ has spent the past 25 years riding scooters and attending rallies and his book is an attempt to explain scooter lifestyle to the rest of car-driving Britain.

It’s published by Veloce at £19.99 and contains over 200 colour photos of scooters, rallies, people, places and custom scooters; it charts the history of the scooter scene over the past 25 years and focuses on the modern scene where up to 10,000 scooter riders converge on the Isle of Wight every August bank holiday.

Grainger says: “Most people wrongly assume that every scooter owner is a Mod and their scooter will be embellished with a myriad of lights and mirrors, its Parka-wearing owner will only listen to a combination of R&B and northern soul and he’ll be at war with any ‘Greasers’ he happens to come across.

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April 12, 2008

Bikesure Woos Scooter Clubs

Bikesure is targeting scooter clubs with its new Clubrider scheme - especially clubs whose members ride modified Vespas and Lambrettas. Clubrider aims to offer rider clubs a wide range of services, products and discounts usually only available to the larger owners' clubs, such as discounts for members, dedicated phone lines and marketing support.

"Clubrider can be an especially important benefit for clubs with members who modify their scooters," says Paul Hammond of Bikesure. "Many riders who have modified scooters have problems getting them covered. Insurers either don't want to know, or they put them on a classic policy but won't include cover for the modifications. Bikesure is happy to cover modified scooters, even on a like-for-like basis. So if you make a claim, the modifications are fully covered.

"Club members will be able to insure their modified scooters through Clubrider, and get a discount into the bargain."

Clubrider means that riders' clubs of whatever size will be able to enjoy many 'big club' benefits, even if they only have a dozen members. It also offers clubs an extra source of income, since Bikesure is willing to pay introducer fees to them for every policy taken out by their members, subject to terms and conditions.

Clubrider Benefits
Scooter clubs signing up to Clubrider can negotiate discounts of up to 15% for their members' scooter insurance. On top of that, Bikesure can offer members scooter-related benefits including agreed values, unlimited mileage for classics, free legal cover, a low-cost policy for helmet & leathers cover and up to 365-day European cover.

As part of the Adrian Flux Insurance Group, Bikesure is also able to give members a discount on a whole range of other insurance products including car, caravan and home insurance.

Clubs can join Clubrider for free. To find out more about Clubrider contact Paul Hammond on 01553 845516 or by email paul.hammond@bikesure.co.uk

Bikesure has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders. For details freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000, email the company at bikesure@adrianflux.co.uk or visit www.bikesure.co.uk

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Norwich Is The ‘New Rome’

Norwich, the city famous for Delia Smith and Colman’s mustard has been dubbed the UK’s answer to Rome after being named Britain’s ‘Scooter Capital’ by Bennetts, the nation’s favourite bike insurer. With almost one in 20 Norwich residents owning or riding a scooter, it’s still some way behind the Italian capital where one in six take to a moped, although it seems Norfolk’s scooter commuters are hot on the Italian’s designer heels and are predicted to overtake them by the year 2020.

Based on actual policyholder data from Bennetts, Norwich raced past the competition, with twice as many scooters as nearest rivals Portsmouth and Leicester and four times more than Bristol and Newcastle. Surprisingly London didn’t even make the top ten, with Liverpool, Cardiff, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow bringing up the rear. Jersey has the least scooters nationally, with policyholders on the island in single figures.

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April 8, 2008

Locals find alternatives to soaring gas prices

Over the weekend, the national average gas price per gallon once again reached a record high.

So an increasing number of Austinites are finding ways to avoid the pumps altogether.

One business seeing increases is Alien Scooters in South Austin.

"It's a very conscious choice for almost all these people," Alien Scooters owner Ann McSpadden said.

Her business has seen a 30 percent spike in sales over the last year.

"The winds of change talk pretty loud in this industry," McSpadden said. "We've seen a major increase of people wanting something that doesn't burn gas."

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April 7, 2008

Armadillo Scooter Wear – New Spring Summer Collection

Armadillo Scooter Wear is designed by scooter riders for scooter riders. Fed up with the dominance of courier chic, the founders set about creating a range of modish scooter wear that combines urban style with cutting edge fabrics to keep riders dry, warm and impact protected.

With a choice of classic 60’s styled parkas to the technical hoody it is easy to shake off that pizza boy image. And to ensure that scooter riders have clothing to match the changing seasons, Armadillo Scooter Wear is extending its collection with the launch of the Spring/Summer range.

The new Spring/Summer 08 collection boasts the men’s Soft Shell Hoody and Classic Macintosh alongside the women’s Funnel Neck Jacket and Scarlett Macintosh. Not only does Armadillo bring the much-loved classic mac into the 21st century, but by reflecting mainstream fashion trends, riders can ensure they look good both on and off their scooter.

The women’s Funnel Neck Fitted Jacket is 100% waterproof and breathable. Its lightweight quality makes it the ideal companion for the unpredictable spring weather. The wonderfully bright scarlet material ensures high visibility as well as fitting easily with this year’s colourful spring/summer collections. And for men who don’t like to think too much about what to put on, the Soft Shell Hoody is sure to be this seasons key wardrobe staple. Windproof, waterproof and fully breathable, this summer’s throwover will quickly become any riders ‘old favourite’.

Exclusive to the UK scooter market, the Armadillo jackets, trousers and gloves contain ‘Intelligent’ CE approved d3o™ protection, incorporated as removable d3o™ components in high impact areas including the elbows, shoulders, and knees. d3o™ is a material containing intelligent molecules, which flow freely under normal conditions, making the material soft and flexible for maximum freedom and comfort, but which lock together on shock, providing great protection on impact.

Armadillo. Scooter wear without compromise.

About Armadillo Scooter Wear
Armadillo Scooter Wear was launched in June 2007 and is headed up by Rupert Findlay and Tim Hebden.
Armadillo Scooter Wear was born out of a passion for riding scooters, wanting to wear protective clothing, but not wanting to look like a courier or a biker. Their mission is to provide contemporary clothing for scooter riders; using cutting edge fabrics and innovative detailing we aim to bring the scooter clothing market into the 21st century.

Complete Range 08
• Men’s Soft Shell Hoody
• Women’s funnel neck Jacket
• Men’s Classic Macintosh
• Women’s Scarlett Macintosh
• Mens Parka
• Ladies Parka
• Unisex CAMOVISION jacket
• Mens Waterproof trousers
• Ladies Waterproof trousers
• Winter Gloves
• All weather Gloves

Fabric specifications
• d3o™ – ‘Intelligent’ CE approved impact protection
• Windproof
• Waterproof to 10,000mm
• Thinsulate 6000mm 3M warmth without bulk
• Breathable Tech 3 fabric – patented

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Scooter Riders Ask City for Help

We spend a lot of time at the Seattlest newsroom talking about the problems bicycle riders in this city have and how the city should make it easier for us since we reduce congestion and emissions at the same time. Now we realize we’ve been ignoring the good our our two-wheeled motorized brethren (and sistern) on scooters.

According to the PI, Vince Rowley and Eric Pravitz are regular scooter riders who want the City Council to Seattle more scooter friendly:

Tuesday evening, they're likely to ask officials at a City Council committee session to crack down and make it easier to get around on smaller vehicles such as the ones they drive.

Apparently, Rowley and Pravitz think the law that says each two-wheeled vehicle in a metered stall has to have a parking sticker is unfairly punitive. Back in the day when coin-op meters ruled the streets, they say, as long as the stall was paid for, every scooter was covered. They also plan to ask the city to crack down on car drivers who move their light-weight rides and then take the parking spot (not to mention the parking sticker). The two men say that scooters’ lower emissions make the changes worthwhile.

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April 2, 2008

Scooter drives man to acts of kindness

Riding a scooter, a man from New Zealand set off from Thousand Oaks on Tuesday aiming to visit the capital city of each U.S. state except Hawaii, and Canada's eight provinces.

Peter Ramstine also plans to perform acts of kindness and volunteerism wherever he goes on his 40,000-mile expedition on a Vespa scooter.

"It's not about me. It's about the ride. It's about volunteering," Ramstine said as he loaded up his scooter for the first leg of his journey from Thousand Oaks to Los Angeles, where he was planning to spend today volunteering at a nonprofit magazine before heading out to Phoenix on Thursday.

Although he began his journey on April 1, the "Vespadition," as he calls it, is no laughing matter for Ramstine, 37, who also goes by the name Matua in the language of New Zealand's Maori native people.

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March 24, 2008

I’ll save the scooter for the sun!

MY civil partner Michael bought me a 50cc scooter for my birthday, for use at our home in Tangier, Morocco.

I celebrated with a lot of riding about in the mountains. Scooters are great in North Africa where it’s nice and warm but you’d never catch me on one in the UK, I’ll stick to my X5, thanks.

It did bring back memories, however, of my first ever mode of transport – a burnt orange colour Suzuki F250 scooter, my cheap and cheerful wheels bought with £45, which was two weeks’ wages from the pickle factory where I worked when I was 17.

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March 23, 2008

King of the road on $5 of gas

Out on the open road, Craig MacKay said his scooter feels just like a flying carpet.

There's no vibration, there's barely any sound from the motor and the scooter just flies.

"It's a carefree feeling ... You hop on and all you hear is the wind in your ears, wind on your face. It's addictive and fun," he said.

"They weigh nothing, they hardly break down and they just go and go and go."

MacKay really loves his scooter. He used the word fun more than six times to describe it yesterday.

"It's for the fun of it. It's the F-U-N word," he said.

The 55-year-old only got interested in scooters when he won one in a draw at a motorcycle show in Toronto two years ago.

Now he's hooked and wants everyone to know about it.

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March 4, 2008

Scooter riders in last egg-run

THOUSANDS of scooter riders will travel to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Saturday, March 8, for the 22nd and final Ginger's Easter Egg Run.

Named after organiser Kevin "Ginger" Lawton, the event will feature Lambretta and Vespa riders from across Europe, who will be taking chocolate treats to the young patients at the hospital in Pendlebury.

The run is the centrepiece of a two-day rally at Lowton Civic Hall on March 7 and 8, featuring trade stalls selling scooter parts and 1960s clothing.

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February 27, 2008

Kinetic energy

Life is an adventure and that’s how I live it — through adventure,” says Major General (Retired) R K Jain. His adventures have taken him through close to 40 countries of the world on his Kinetic Honda scooter. The scooter, he says, is his spirit.

At 74, his body seems to be supporting his spirit and he plans to go riding again, this time on the Golden Quadrilateral that is presently under construction.

But that will be one of his smallest and one of his last trips to spread a message of peace and adventure. It will bring the journey to an end—a journey that began more than half a century ago.

After joining the army in only the second session of the Indian Military Academy at the age of just over 15, Jain took on his trips as a hobby. He drove through Europe with his mother and roamed the extents of the country.

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Scooters meet trans-Vietnam challenge

Eight expats this week successfully completed the Saigon Scooter Center’s first-ever 2,591-kilometer Saigon to Hanoi Scooter Run.

The scooterists, led by Brit Pat Joynt, puttered through HCMC, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Dong Hoi, Vinh, Ninh Binh and Hanoi between February 6 and 18.

Seven of the team members live in Vietnam, with the eighth a resident of Hong Kong.

The scooter enthusiasts rode old-style bikes, including Lambrettas and Vespas from the sixties and eighties.

“This fascinating trip has been overwhelmed by impressive milestones such as city chaos, baking heat, a Highway One death race of 2,000 trucks, freezing mountains, torrential rain, axe wielding hillbillies and flooded rice paddies,” said Joynt, who opened the Saigon Scooter Center in Ho Chi Minh City in 1997 .

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February 18, 2008

Lamponi's vintage scooter headlight lamps

Check out Lamponi's Lamps website -- where the artisan Maurizio Lamponi Leopardi fashions tres cool lighting applicances out of old Vespa and Lambretta headlights and handlebars.

The lamps are aluminium castings, turned, polished or painted, whatever you require and every single one is made to order to your specification. Which means each piece is a genuine one off (it also means you'll have to wait around 25 days for Mr Maurizio Lamponi Leopardi to make it).

Great design, individually made - you know it isn't going to be cheap. The lamps actually retail for between 1300 and 1500 Euros (around £882 - £1,017).

via Retro To Go

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Scooter club plans charity rally

Scooterists are getting on their bikes and revving up for a fundraising drive to benefit the Exeter Leukaemia Fund.

Rick Alden, 46, battled against leukaemia last year after chest pains and breathlessness led to the shocking diagnosis.

Now he, his wife Clare and family friend Liz Libby are organising a rally to raise money for ELF.

The three are members of Isca Scooter Club, based in Exeter, so decided to organise a rally to boost the club profile and vital funds.

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December 31, 2007

Corazzo Design Leads in Scooter Specific Riding Apparel

By every measure all indicators point to scooters being the fastest growing two-wheeled alternative transportation market.

Whether in response to rising fuel costs, experiencing the fun and freedom of a scooter ride, or simply needing an easier parking solution, the scooter market is growing by leaps and bounds.

While this market grows so does the need to protect all these riders so they are safe while they scoot.

“It’s truly amazing to see this growth” said Corazzo President, Bradford Duval. “Especially in these times when the motorcycle market seems to be stagnating somewhat, it’s great to see scooters picking up and changing the face of urban riding.”

Corazzo Design, a Portland, Oregon based company specializing in the design and manufacture of riding apparel for scooterists, saw this need early on. Four years ahead of the curve, and being riders themselves, Corazzo has been consistently producing the highest quality scooter jackets, apparel and accessories. Using their trademark combination of classic style paired with modern technical materials, Corazzo has established the unrivaled leadership role in protecting scooter riders while preserving the classic scooter style.

Corazzo jackets are retro-fashionable, have a great fit, integrate protective armor, and use abrasion resistant materials in innovative creative ways. Corazzo continues to set the standard for what it means to ride safe, with style.

As the scooter market continues to rapidly grow, Corazzo is the brand to know. Trusted worldwide for their integrity, Corazzo Design makes jackets for riders, by riders, and is proud to design and manufacture their apparel and accessories in North America (California, Oregon and Canada), sourcing their raw materials from companies that manufacture in the US, whenever and wherever possible.

Corazzo brings their riding apparel to market through an extensive international dealer network. In addition to the individual dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, Corazzo also has centralized distribution in the key scooter markets of Australia and the United Kingdom. This worldwide presence allows scooterists to be protected in style no matter in what corner of the globe they ride.

For more information and any questions regarding the entire line of Corazzo jackets for women and men, feel free to contact Corazzo at: (503) 493-9422, www.corazzo.net, or email – sales@corazzo.net -

Corazzo: Designed for Riders, By Riders.

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December 27, 2007

Aussie Scooter Sales Triple

LYGON Street might be home to Melbourne's "Little Italy", but residents across the city, faced with high petrol prices and parking fees, have embraced one of Rome's enduring features — the scooter.

Scooter sales in Victoria reached 1881 last year — up 400% in three years. Australia-wide, about 15,000 scooters were sold, up more than 300% on 2003 figures.

For Frank Tonon, owner of Collingwood's Vespa House, sales have jumped from about two a month five years ago to an average of 15 a month.

"We're centralising ourselves in the city, like overseas," he said. "You can't park anywhere, it costs too much to park, and petrol is expensive."

At Armadale Motors, Sandy Richards said that sales of his Bolwell scooters had grown from eight a month four years ago, to up to 20 a month this year.

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December 22, 2007

Mickey Rourke, Framed?

HOLLYWOOD BAD boy Mickey Rourke may get away with suspected drink-riding after Miami Beach police officials confirmed the breathalyser test the actor failed a month ago was incorrect.

Rourke was pulled over by police after they claimed to have spotted him weaving all over the road while riding a scooter.

It turns out the first breathalyzer was overturned because it was reportedly broken, the second test showed the actor was under the legal limit of intoxication.

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December 21, 2007

Santa Claus comes to town on a scooter!

This was the extraordinary scene when hundreds of Easy Riders roared up to a Lancashire hospital in aid of sick children.

Members of scooter and bike clubs from across the county stopped off at the Royal Preston Hospital on Sunday as part of an annual gift drive for poorly youngsters who will spend their Christmas on hospital wards.

The event, organised by Preston Wildcats Scooter Club, saw at least 150 bikers pile into the hospital car park and hand out chocolate selection boxes and toys – one of the biggest responses in the appeal's history.

Michelle Melling, modern matron for child health, said: "It's a great way to kick off the festive season and will give them something to look forward to."

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December 20, 2007

Why Should You Care About Scooters?

At the beginning of the 20th century, Henry Ford envisioned two cars in every garage in America. I wonder, as the 21st century starts, if we shouldn’t also make room in our garages for a scooter.

Not the smelly, smoky little pests, with their inefficient two-stroke engines, that create traffic nightmares all over Europe (particularly Italy) and elsewhere in the world. Modern models with emissions-compliant, incredibly fuel-efficient four-stroke engines could really make a difference right now in America’s energy consumption. Especially if people used them for what they are at best at: things like short commutes, light errands and student transportation.

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December 14, 2007

Armadillo Scooter Wear: What you wear on your scooter is our business

We’ve ridden scooters for years, and if there’s one thing we’ve discovered it’s that looking good and getting the right protection don’t always come hand in hand.

That’s why Armadillo Scooter wear exists. We need protective clothing that keeps us dry, warm and gives us impact protection too. But we don’t want to look like the pizza delivery boy.

Armadillo Scooter Wear is a combination of style and protection without compromising either. In Armadillo, you get all the benefits of technical outdoor performance fabrics and the knowledge that our d3o armour will protect you if you and tarmac come together. Best of all, you’ll look good. Classic styles from the 60’s parka to the iconic funnel-hood - you’ll look like a scooter rider, not a courier.

Check out our products page for our latest range. Now, there’s a choice.

Armadillo Scooter Wear.

Stylish protection for the urban scooter rider.

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December 9, 2007

Wintry weather doesn't stop scooter drivers

A gust of winter weather has not deterred one group of downtown motorists from braving the streets during and after the snow, sleet and general slushiness that covered Madison this week. These drivers, however, were not manning the city's snowplows.

It was moped drivers on the UW-Madison campus and the surrounding areas who took to the roads sporting parkas and face masks during and after Saturday's storm and Tuesday's snow.

According to University of Wisconsin Police officer Kristin Radtke, Madison has the highest concentration of mopeds in the country. Approximately 1,500 mopeds were registered to the University of Wisconsin Transportation Services as of Oct. 22, which according to Radtke probably accounts for around 85 percent of scooters on campus.

After seeing how this week's weather affected moped activity, however, Madison may also be able to boast claim to the country's most dedicated riders.

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December 8, 2007

Scooter raiders caught as they strike again

Police have brought down a scooter gang that targeted London's fashion boutiques, stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of designer goods.

Detectives swooped on seven suspected members in a series of raids last night.

Officers seized a handgun and four stolen motorbikes and mopeds which are believed to have been used in raids.

They also recovered around 20 Louis Vuitton handbags worth more than £1,200 each.

Police launched the raids after the smash and grab gang struck twice on Wednesday night, raiding a Louis Vuitton store in the City and another designer boutique in Marylebone High Street.

Undercover officers are believed to have been mounting surveillance on the group - waiting for the moment that they struck again. As well as the stolen handbags, police also recovered Rolex watches and large amounts of cash.

The breakthrough comes after raids on more than 32 boutiques across London this year. These are the first arrests made by officers from Westminster Crime Squad.

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December 7, 2007

Cruising the SF scooter scene

Senior James Vossoughi, an entrepreneur and marketing business major, was always late to class last year and got parking tickets that he, like most college students, could not afford. His solution - a Yamaha Vino 125 scooter, and hasn't had parking problems since.

"There's parking everywhere," he said. "There's special parking in the front of campus just for scooters and motorcycles, but you can also park between cars—it's pretty tight."

Scooters are a popular alternative way of transportation in the United States, including San Francisco. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the number of scooter sales per year in the United States zoomed 555 percent from 1997 to 2006.

"Scooters really became popular in San Francisco as an economical way to get around where younger people couldn't afford cars or motorcycles and so scooters have always been a clear choice," said Barry Gwin, owner of the San Francisco Scooter Centre.

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December 6, 2007

Strange case of the Nicholas Sarkozy scooter

If you commit a traffic offence in France, it helps to be called Sarkozy. That was the angry response yesterday from the son of an Algerian immigrant after he brought Jean Sarkozy, 20, second son of the President, before a Paris criminal court for failing to stop after an accident.

M’Hamed Bellouti, 37, who initiated a private prosecution, voiced his indignation after three judges devoted extraordinary care to “the case of the Sarkozy scooter” and postponed the trial pending more investigation.

“Sarko Junior”, a law student with flowing blond locks, stood before the bench after the judges dealt with alleged cocaine dealers, mobile phone thieves and other voyous (louts) of the kind to whom Super-Sarko promises no mercy.

Mr Bellouti started the proceedings after he said that police refused to investigate a collision in which Jean Sarkozy’s scooter ran into the rear of a BMW car that he was driving in the Place de la Concorde in October 2005. Thierry Herzog, Mr Sarkozy’s lawyer, told the court that tests had shown that the front wheel of the scooter was too low to scratch the BMW.

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December 4, 2007

Scooters may have place on UA campus

With gas prices keeping steady at more than $3 a gallon in November, students' finances may also continue to feel increased pressure.

George Latham, however, said he may have something to help.

Latham, owner of the newly founded T-Town Motorsports, said scooters and electric motor-powered bicycles are good alternatives to cars for college students.

"They're a good, safe, reliable mode of transportation," he said. "They're inexpensive to operate, and they pretty much pay for themselves."

Latham said every scooter in his shop gets between 60 and 100 miles-per-gallon of gas. Also, Latham said, everything he sells has an automatic transmission.

T-Town Motorsports opened Nov. 12, the Monday before Thanksgiving. It's on the corner of Hackberry Lane and 15th Street in the Parkview Shopping Center.

Jonathan Lanctot, a sophomore majoring in engineering, said he owns a Honda Metropolitan scooter and uses it around Tuscaloosa. Lanctot said he is from Illinios and doesn't go home that often, so the scooter works for getting around campus and around town, he said.

Lanctot said his scooter gets over 100 miles-per-gallon, and he has spent less than $10 on gas since he bought it over the summer.

"I use my scooter to get around campus really quickly," Lanctot said. "I never have to worry about gas prices or mileage. Not to mention, it's just fun to ride."

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November 28, 2007

Senior scooter riders finish island tour

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A group of elderly scooter riders have been praised for their determination and perseverance after they finished a round-the-island tour at the last leg of the trip in Fengyuan City in central Taiwan's Taichung County.

Taichung County Magistrate Huang Chung-sheng greeted the senior adventure seekers at a welcoming ceremony Sunday, expressing admiration for their determination to join the 13-day tour and their perseverance in finishing the tour.

"The senior citizens' spirit of taking on challenges was worth learning by young people," Huang said.

Tour participants, including several people in their 80s, started their journey from neighboring Taichung City Nov. 13. They returned to Taichung City Sunday afternoon after the trip.

The 20 elderly riders were chosen by the Hondao Welfare Foundation for the Elderly, from a pool of more than 100 applicants, through physical ability tests. Among those selected, 14 are aged over 80 and six are between the ages of 70-79. The eldest member Chu Miao-kuei is 89 years old.

Participants received a two-month training course in Taichung City before departure to help them prepare for obstacles and difficulties they were likely to encounter on the way.

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November 26, 2007

From London to Helsinki on two wheels

HELSINKI -- I was spitting dust; my face was burning after days in the sun's glare and the dead insects plastered on my windscreen were too many to count.

But the satisfaction of crossing 2700 km of Europe from London to Helsinki on a motor scooter was sweet as well -- the best part being able to say: I have arrived.

People told me I was mad and reckless to rush off to my new job in this way. Four days in all on the road, averaging 90 km/h, and more terrifying moments than I dare count.

After all, speeding on the motorway like a mouse in a herd of elephants is not everyone's idea of fun.

But the jug of beer at the end of the day -- be it German, Polish or Estonian -- never tasted better than after hours and hours staring ahead, manoeuvring in traffic, and anxiously hoping to reach the next petrol station in time.

The trip this autumn started in London where I set out with a duffle bag tied on back, a small rucksack clamped between my legs and an adventurous friend wedged behind me.

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Australia's first biker mayor

The Mayor of Glamorgan-Spring Bay on Tasmania's East Coast wants to become the first Australian mayor to have a motorbike as his official vehicle.

The newly elected Mayor, Bertrand Cadart says he is proud to be part of a "motorbike friendly" council and is testing a maxi scooter to see if he is able to use it to carry out his mayoral duties.

Councillor Cadart says he is not aware of any other council providing its mayor with two-wheel transport.

"So far it has been so good," he said.

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November 19, 2007

Mock Vespanomics/Heroes mashups

I admit, I’m a “Heroes” fanboy. I finished the entire Season One in a iPod video marathon. Now I’m hooked with Season 2 with it’s 4th episode (The Kindness of Strangers) being the best ever for me!

Anyway, I’ve seen this picture of Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) sitting on a Vespa before. But after seeing picture another Heroes cast member on a scooter, an idea struck me to make some mock Vespa print ads.

For the ad copy, I used a line from this actual Vespa advertisment seen on the road. To make the ad series more relevant, the slant of the ads tackled issues taken up in Vespanomics, like traffic and rising gas prices.

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November 13, 2007

An adventure on a Vespa, Italian style

I CAUGHT an overnight ferry from Sardinia to Sicily. It was called the Emilia and was a floating version of a rundown tenement building in the Bronx.

The lower decks were dark and dingy. The cabins were cramped and worn. And the hallways echoed with the muffled sounds of men fighting, babies crying, dogs barking and couples cuddling.

I half expected to get a knock on my cabin door from someone called Jimmy "TwoFingers'' Ragatoni, asking for a pizzo – a small bribe – to ensure nothing happened to me on the crossing.

Most of the Italian passengers were out on the deck feverishly thumbing text messages and making frantic calls on their cell phones. At first I feared that I'd missed an announcement to abandon ship.

The desperate way the Italians were trying to contact loved ones suggested that some sort of disaster had befallen us – a fire in the engine room or a rogue Mediterranean iceberg, perhaps.

It was worse than that. The mobile phone signals were fading and it would be another 10 hours before the ship would be back in range of the phone towers again.

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November 12, 2007

UK Scooterists raise money for hospice

DOZENS of scooter fans made sure they were seen - and heard - as they made their way through the New Forest.

Fifty scooters took part in a charity ride, setting off from Mayflower Park in Southampton and arriving in Lymington several hours later after a couple of refreshment stops.

Each rider paid £5 to take part and, along with other donations, the New Forest Scooter Club raised more than £500 for The Oakhaven Hospice Trust.

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November 8, 2007

Mickey Rourke, Drunk on a Scooter

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - A scooter-riding Mickey Rourke was arrested Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Rourke, star of "Sin City," "Diner" and "9 1/2 Weeks," was arrested at 4:20 a.m. and booked at the Miami-Dade County Jail, said Janelle Hall, a jail spokeswoman. He was released on a $1,000 bond, she said.

A Miami Beach Police report said Rourke made a U-turn with a red light and then swerved several times while on a green scooter. He had a flushed face and bloodshot, watery eyes, his speech was slurred, and he had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, the report said.

"I'm not drunk, I didn't even drink that much," the report quoted Rourke as saying.

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November 6, 2007

Social networking on a scooter

Social networking and its close cousin mobile dating, is getting lots of press recently. Your Internet-connected mobile phone, it turns out, is a great tool for meeting new people or staying in touch with the people you already know.

Take for example the developing story of Mr Storm. On 6th November Mr Storm and his wife are going to embark on an adventure. They are going to hop onto their 125cc scooter and, with little more than the clothes on their back, travel around the country to meet up with the new buddies they have made on DateClub. They are going to use DateClub to document their trip, stopping every couple of hours to post updates and to add new photos so that others can share in their journey.

DateClub, a service available to anyone over 18 with a WAP enabled cell phone, is for the most part used by single people interested in dating. However, because it provides an easy and convenient way to meet and stay in touch with people, Mr Storm is using it as a social networking tool. Here is the story as explained by Mr Storm in the messages he posted on DateClub.

“Mrs Storm and I are planning an adventure. You are the first we are telling. I want your input if you can. Before things get too expensive and we too old, we have not seen all of our beautiful country. We have also made good friends in Bloem, Kimberly and quite a few in Cape Town. All the places we have not seen. We have a 125cc scooter and the end of the month we want to take it and go via the route of our buds and go to Cape town, and meet DateClub buds. We want to include DateClub on our journey stopping every two hours, go on line and report how things are going. Adding pics of the trip as we go.

“All of our buds are from DateClub. We only have three friends here in Boksburg. All our other friends were made right here. We still want to get to know more DateClub members. There are some really great people here. We have made some friends for life.

“Since our message to buds we have been getting requests to come Natal way to. We want to have a great time and help make the site that made this possible for us the most popular site to be on. Thank you for your support :)”

When Ewe Ruszczynski, Marketing Director of DateClub's parent company BlackHatMedia, heard about the story she was touched and DateClub decided to sponsor some of Mr Storm's expenses for the trip namely petrol and toll gate fees to help the couple along the way.

Ruszczynski said, “It is exciting to be part of something that is changing peoples lives and launching them on new adventures. While DateClub has thousands of traditional success stories where people have met their soul mates, we thought that this story was a particularly interesting illustration of how the online mobile world is complementing the offline world when it comes to how people socialise.”

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November 4, 2007

Rude Scooters Spied on by Neighbors

Community spies' are taking a stand against antisocial scooter riders - by photographing the culprits and handing the images over to police.

In a move prompted by the hit-and-run accident which seriously injured Selsdon Sergeant Alec Stowe last November, residents are acting as the eyes and ears of police and reporting nuisance riders to officers.

In one case, a youth is thought to have had his scooter confiscated after police were shown images of him riding antisocially.

And riders are being warned they face having their bikes confiscated and crushed if they continue to behave irresponsibly.

One resident, who the Croydon Guardian is not identifying, sometimes follows antisocial riders in their car.

They said: "Sometimes we follow gangs of them around in a car to record their activities. We make them known to police if officers don't already know who they are.

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November 3, 2007

Men Complete Trip Around Britain -- on a Mobility Scooter

Five men braved floods and car crashes in a record-breaking 5,349-mile clockwise circuit of Britain on an 8mph disabled scooter.

The team took four months, spending nine hours a day in the saddle, to drive around the coasts of England, Wales and Scotland.

John Seamons, Simon Parrott, Jason Uren, John Duckworth, from Plymouth, and Geoff West, from Lancashire, have just got back after setting off from Devon in June.

On their epic trek they hit Britain's summer floods and also crashed into a Ford Escort but the car came off second-best. The team - who hope to make £50,000 for disabled kids' holidays - took turns on the scooter as the rest followed in a van. Mr Seamons, 60, said: "We hit floods in Gloucester. It was very wet and windy in Scotland. And we hit a Ford Escort. The scooter was not damaged but the bumper fell off the car."

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October 31, 2007

Aussie scooterists rallly for safety

HUNDREDS of scooters lined Melbourne's streets yesterday in the name of road safety.

Vintage Vespas, mopeds and other two-wheelers started their journey at St Kilda's Luna Park, winding their way along the Port Phillip foreshore.

The procession of about 400 snaked through the Docklands before ending at Lygon St.

VACC executive director David Purchase called for a system of designated safe routes for scooter and motorcycle riders. He said it would increase car drivers' awareness of scooters on the road.

"It is past time that government and regulators took notice of the growing numbers of scooter riders sharing the roads, and took creative and positive steps to ensure their safety," Mr Purchase said.

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October 29, 2007

Santa on a Scooter, Xmas Ornament

Just in time for Xmas, this ornament features Santa riding a scooter.

Available from Scooterworks, this cool painted ornament of Santa delivering booty on a scooter is available in green or silver.

Only seven bucks, by clicking here.

Posted by Frank at 11:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 26, 2007

UNM needs better parking for motorcycles, scooters

I recently purchased a scooter. The last one I had was a 49cc, and I could park it at any bike rack at UNM as long as I left room for the bicyclists.

The new scooter I have is a 125cc Genuine Buddy. According to Parking and Transportation Services, I had to purchase a motorcycle permit and park my vehicle in motorcycle parking.

I think UNM needs to wake up and realize a lot more students are going to be riding scooters, not because it's a fashion trend, but because of current gas prices. UNM should offer students more scooter and motorcycle parking on campus than is currently available. UNM needs to look at universities in Italy, France, Japan and China to see how their parking is set up for scooters and motorcycles and use that as a model to create better parking facilities for those methods of transportation.

I think there are several areas on campus that would be perfect for scooter and motorcycle parking, such as Dane Smith Hall, the Bookstore, Zimmerman Library, Popejoy Hall and every dormitory, if possible. Parking and Transportation Services should monitor where scooters and motorcyclists are parked and see if they can offer parking for two-wheelers in the areas monitored.

How do other motorcyclists and scooter riders feel about UNM parking? I think it's about time to speak up and ask for better parking.

Rebecca Granato

UNM student

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October 25, 2007

Collier County man flees from deputies on scooter!

Collier County, Fla. - A Collier County man steps out for a ride on his homemade scooter, and ends up under arrest!

Collier deputies say they spotted Joseph Thomas riding his scooter without a vehicle tag.

When deputies tried to pull him over, they say he kept driving. Other deputies caught up with him at an intersection, but Thomas drove his scooter into grass to get away.

Thomas eventually crashed his scooter into a patrol car.

He was arrested for fleeing, resisting an officer and failing to register his scooter.

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October 24, 2007

Scooter robbers raid Mayfair shop

Smash and grab scooter raiders struck again at a designer store in the heart of Mayfair today.

Thieves on two scooters smashed the glass front door of the Sonia Rykiel store in Brook Street shortly after midnight.

They got away with handbags and clothes worth tens of thousands of pounds. A routine police traffic patrol car came across the scene shortly at 12.24am, but the thieves escaped heading towards Cavendish Square.

The raid is the latest in a series of attacks on London's most prestigious stores and designer outlets.

The motorcycle thieves have struck at least 35 times in the last six months alone and retailers are now mounting their own security patrols in an effort to protect their premises.

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October 23, 2007

Scooters Inc. is a smooth ride

Does spending $5 a week on gas sound like pure fantasy? For Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents, it’s now a reality, thanks to Carrboro’s new Scooters Inc.

The scooter store opened at 211 E. Main St. on Aug. 10. Dave Jansen, the store’s owner, is also the owner of Combustion Cycles, a motorcycle store in Durham.

Passersby might miss the small store if not for the vibrantly colored display of scooters outside. Once inside, a visitor will be greeted with a mini-showroom featuring several top-of-the-line scooters, as well as helmets and apparel designed specifically for scooter drivers. Its urban-chic feel is accentuated by several paintings by local artist Nathaniel Quinn for sale on the walls.

Tonya Stewart, the store’s manager and a Carrboro resident, has ridden scooters since she was young.

“Managing the store was just a natural fit for me,” she said.

The scooter store has been running smoothly since its inception, and sales average at about three scooters per week. All age groups, from high school students to retirees, have enjoyed purchasing new scooters. About 70 percent of customers thus far have been women, who frequently find scooters to be an enjoyable alternative to motorcycles, Stewart said.

Stewart cited numerous reasons for purchasing a scooter, whose small size and ease of handling fit in perfectly in a college town such as Chapel Hill, or smaller city such as Carrboro.

“They’re popular because they take up so little space, and you don’t have to pay for parking,” she said.
Riding a scooter is effectively the same as riding a bike, as a license isn’t necessary as long as the speed is capped at 30 mph (all those sold at Scooters Inc. qualify as such). They also don’t require insurance, Stewart said.

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Drunken scooterist tries to bribe cop

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A drunk scooter driver tried to hand a corrections officer $100 bills and offered a total of $3,500 to escape a warrant, according to two police reports filed Wednesday.

Christopher A. Willingham, 25, of Jeffersonville, has been charged with bribery of a public servant.

According to the police report, Willingham was taken to a blood alcohol lab to be tested for driving under the influence when he offered to fork over the cash.

Click here to find out more!

“The suspect spontaneously stated ‘I will give you $3,500 to make sure that warrant doesn’t go through that jail,’” according to a corrections officer’s report. “Subject reached into his left hip pocket and retrieved his money. Suspect flipped money open to reveal $100 bills.”

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Classic scooters in style

With over fifteen million scooters sold and groups of enthusiasts popping up all over the world, the classic model Piaggio’s aren’t going anywhere.

What seems to be behind the increased popularity of these old scooters? The only plausible answer appears to be their aesthetic qualities.

Piaggio scooters appeal to the younger generations because of their stylish appearance. For Piaggio drivers it isn’t about transportation. It’s about making a fashion statement.

A local enthusiast, a journalist named Ngan, comments, “It gives the rider a feeling of pride. It makes a difference in the eyes of others. It’s impressive, generally.”

Another local enthusiast named Thang started a forum for Vespa lovers on the web at www.ttvnol.com.

He said “If one owns this kind of vehicle, he or she should be proud and remember that they have possession of a piece of the past… something that many other people dream of.”

A decade ago these classic scooters were not in vogue and were much harder to locate.

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Bank Robber Scoots Away

Police in Harrison County search for a bank robber who got away on a scooter.

The man held up the Farmers National Bank in the Berry community just before ten on Friday morning. Police say he left the scene on a black scooter or moped.

He's described as a white man, standing around six feet tall with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark blue coveralls.

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October 16, 2007

Cop Scooter Wins Law Enforcement Award

NEW ORLEANS -- T3 Motion, Inc., has won the 2007 Law Enforcement INNOVATION Award for Vehicles. The finalists and winners of the INNOVATION Awards were announced at a special evening event at the New Orleans House of Blues after the opening day of the 2007 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) convention on Sunday, October 14, 2007.

The INNOVATION Awards judging panel called the T3 Series "a great product due to its stable platform. It is useful for administrative or tactical duties -- anywhere the high-profile of the vehicle would be advantageous.

This was one of the most innovative products we judged. With a stable platform, ease-of-use, and maneuverability, the T3 is a must for just about any agency."

The INNOVATION Awards, sponsored by Cygnus Law Enforcement Group, recognized outstanding companies whose products have best responded to law enforcement's market challenges by offering creative and forward-thinking ideas. The ability to anticipate how technology will change and how products must evolve to stay current is a hallmark of the best companies. The prestigious competition was broken into 16 categories judged by an esteemed panel of law enforcement professionals on the following six criteria -- Innovation, Ease-of-use, Cost Effectiveness, Quality Contribution, Maintainability, and Productivity Improvements. From April 2007 through June 2007, Law Enforcement industry companies were invited to nominate their products for consideration. This year, over 260 companies were nominated for the 2007 INNOVATION Awards.

"T3 Motion is very proud to win this year's INNOVATION Award for the vehicle category," said T3 Motion, Inc. Founder and C.E.O Ki Nam. "We launched the T3 Series vehicle at last year's IACP show in Boston and the response from law enforcement has been phenomenal. To win this award is a validation of the values the T3 Series represents-innovation, quality, and stability."

About the T3 Series:

Reaching speeds up to 25 m.p.h. and designed with the input of law enforcement officials and security industry professionals, the T3 Series features a zero-degree turning radius and compact design, perfect for maneuvering through crowds and tight spaces. Also unique to the T3 is the most user-friendly intuitive operation of its kind giving the rider a sense of superior stability. The quiet environmentally-friendly zero gas emission vehicles include an integrated LED lighting system and an incomparable low cost of operation -- running for less than 10 cents per day and never requiring any down time due to the T3's two re-chargeable, lightweight batteries that can be easily swapped out while in use for continual deployment and an unlimited range.

T3 Series Features:
-- High-performance vehicle with a zero-degree turning radius for
improved maneuverability in crowds and tight spaces
-- Two rechargeable and interchangeable lightweight batteries for
constant use without down time
-- Capable of reaching speeds up to 25 m.p.h. for the quickest response
possible without officer or personnel fatigue
-- An instinctive vehicle with easy-to-operate controls and responsive
steering that allow officers and security personnel to focus on
response to the situation
-- A 9-inch raised platform providing a superior vantage point but still
allowing interaction with the community
-- Robust cargo capacity of 450 pounds (rider + equipment) includes
ability to tow personnel and equipment/cargo trailers

Additional T3 Series Features Specific to Law Enforcement and Security:
-- Integrated LED lighting system
-- Fully-compliant headlights, brake lights and running lights
-- Audible sirens
-- Lockable glove box for storage
-- Optional GPS enabled tracking system

About T3 Motion:

T3 Motion, Inc. revolutionized the world of personal mobility with the introduction of their flagship T3 Series law enforcement vehicles at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference held in October 2006. Headquartered in Orange County, California, T3 Motion, Inc. is dedicated to raising the bar on environmental standards and law enforcement and security capabilities in personal mobility technology.

Source: T3 Motion, Inc., via Car Buyer's Notebook

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October 14, 2007

NYC scooter patrols log 11,000 potholes

NEW YORK - The city's new scooter patrols for potholes and other everyday urban nuisances have reported more than 11,000 problems since they started in August.

One major issue? Graffiti, which accounted for more than 400 reports just between Oct. 1 and Oct. 5. Officials say other frequent complaints include potholes and faded crosswalk markings.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced plans to create the Street Condition Observation Unit in August. It involves 15 inspectors in golf cart-like vehicles.

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October 12, 2007

Vespa Supports Oceana Awards Gala

In supporting Oceana, the largest international ocean environmental advocacy group, Vespa participated in a silent auction of two Vespa LX 50 scooters at Oceana's 2007 Partners Award Gala, which took place on Friday October 5, 2007.

Pictured is Ted Danson, a member of Oceana’s Board of Directors, at the event with the Oceana-inspired Vespa scooters. The Vespa LX 50 scooters were detailed with images of the marine life that Oceana has committed to preserve, as well as Oceana logos.

The Award Gala event hosted by Oceana honored Al Gore, Former U.S. Vice President, and Dr. Daniel Pauly, World Renowned Fisheries Scientist, for their commitment toward protection and restoration of the marine environment.

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Mario Lopez Wins a Vespa

Weekend ''EXTRA'' co-host Mario Lopez wins a Vespa LX50 yellow scooter at the hearts on fire 'Green With Envi' Emmy Awards Celebrity Gifting Lounge benefiting the Environmental Media Association.

The two-day gifting lounge featured exo-luxury brands and a two-carat Hearts ON Fire diamond-encrusted Vespa LX50 yellow scooter to be auctioned at the Environmental Media Association awards.

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Kinetic to offer air tickets on every scooter

NEW DELHI: Two-wheeler maker Kinetic Motor said on Wednesday it would offer two roundtrip air tickets to any domestic destination in India with every purchase of its scooter, as part of special promotional offers during the festival season.

The promotion offer would start on October 12 and would extend up to November 15, Kinetic said in a statement.

It said two roundtrip air tickets can be used to travel to any destination within India as per the customer's choice.

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Freedom on a Scooter

In January 2006, a young man took off to the United Kingdom to study English. Seated in economy class for a 13-hour flight, his back began to ache and he was exhausted. Arriving in England, he wondered if there was some other way of returning to Korea.

On his return, he faced the winds and dirt of the Eurasian continent. For 5 months he traveled across 20 countries, including England, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, to arrive in Korea in October of 2006. The only companion for Lim Tae-hoon (24) was his scooter.

He rode his scooter over the Alps and into Italy, and even rode it on the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan 4000 meters above sea level and into China.

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October 7, 2007

Scooter gang! Strike at 32 designer stores

A scooter gang targeting designer shops in London is believed to have struck as many as 32 times in the past six months alone.

Police believe the thieves are working to order and have been likened to a "Fagin's kitchen" of criminals.

At the beginning of the year, the gang were targeting opticians for expensive sunglasses in time for the summer holidays.

Now they have stealing handbags and designer clothes to meet demand for Christmas and the party season.

A squad of detectives set up by Scotland Yard in Westminster are examining more than 32 raids since March on shops and stores in the West End, Kensington, Chelsea and Islington.

The raids are usually carried out in the early hours and are over within minutes, if not seconds. The gang arrive on scooters with the licence plates usually obscured. The riders wear full-face crash helmets and use sledgehammers to smash the windows before grabbing the goods and taking off. Police believe they may be controlled by a criminal mastermind.

Three designer stores have been raided in the past week. On Wednesday night four men on two scooters struck at Sadie Frost's new FrostFrench boutique in Islington. One pair smashed the windows while the others escaped with goods worth about £10,000.

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October 2, 2007

Yes, scooters belong on the street

Mark Lachmiller understands why he gets some strange looks when he’s riding his motorized scooter from his pawn shop on North Riverfront Drive to the Wagon Wheel Cafe a little less than a mile away.

What he’s not sure about is whether people are squinting because they think it’s weird to see a middle-age man on a scooter or because they’re wondering why an adult is flaunting the law by cruising down the street on the contraption.

For the record, Lachmiller knows he looks odd, but only because the trend hasn’t caught on yet. And what he’s doing is legal.

“I go to the post office, I go to Hy-Vee, I go everywhere,” he said. “I know it looks kind of goofy, this gray-haired guy going down the alley.”

A state law passed in 2005 made it legal to ride motorized foot scooters in generally the same places as bicycles. The scooters have to have a surface to stand on, although they can have seats, and their wheels can only be a maximum of 10 inches in diameter. Their top speed can’t be more than 15 mph.

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September 25, 2007

Good weather boosts scooter sales

The Scooter Bar owner Grant McLeod says warmer and drier weather over the last few weeks has led to more scooter sales.

"We are getting more and more people looking at scooters to get to work and back, to go down the gym or to pop down the shops on," Mr McLeod, who with his partner Leigh Symonds runs the Anglesea St Vmoto dealership, said.

They had sold an average of one scooter a day since the weather improved, compared to about 2 1/2 a week when they first opened in a much wetter May.

"We could not have started at a worse time - in the middle of winter."

Vmoto is a wholly owned Australian brand, based in Perth. Its scooters - the 50cc Milan retro model, the 50cc Monza and the 125cc Monaco - are built in China to Australian design rules.

Vmoto, introduced to New Zealand in 2004, was Australia's top selling motorcycle brand between 2003 and 2005, dropping to second place last year, and reclaiming the top title again this year.

Mr McLeod, 45, who has worked in the motor industry most of his life - including a stint with his father Ian's car dealership in Hamilton - said he was attracted to Vmoto above other brands because it was stylish, reasonably priced and there was nobody else selling them in the Waikato. There are another 10 dealers nationwide.

Mr McLeod said the business, which was selling scooters for between $2450 and $3490, had surpassed all expectations.

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September 24, 2007

Scooter use growing in Oshkosh

David and Katie Karpowitz estimate they've put about 2,300 miles on the pair of his and hers scooters they purchased in June.

As long as the weather's nice, the Karpowitzs hop on their scooters for trips around town, to the grocery store and work. They even used them when they headed out to Omro for the Fourth of July parade.

"It's so much better on the gas mileage," said David Karpowitz, 26, who has been riding scooters since he was 16. "And it's the freedom of the open road, like a motorcycle, but without the motorcycle license."

The Karpowitzs aren't the only ones choosing to ride a scooter, as more people have made the decision to exchange their vehicles for scooters during shorter trips around town.

With gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon for the past year, the gas mileage a scooter gets is a major selling point, said Gary Witzke of Witzke Auto Sales.

A scooter with a 49.5 cc engine will average between 75 and 80 miles per gallon with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. Scooters with a 150 cc engine get about 60 miles per gallon, and reach speeds over 60 miles per hour, Witzke said.

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Ride Vintage, Wear Retro

THE temperature out there was 31 deg C. It was a humid night. But 19-year-old student Rizad Noor, decked out in a long-sleeved shirt and a knitted vest, was hanging around outside The Cathay.
Click to see larger image

His friend, IT analyst Hanafi Md Noor, 26, even had a knitted scarf wrapped around his neck. National serviceman Kunio Suto, 21, was also dressed in a two-piece suit and a green trench coat with a furry collar.

Their outfits drew curious stares from passers-by. But instead of being embarrassed, their faces glowed with pride as they stood beside their Vespa scooters.

The occasion?

It was a Vespa outing organised by AJ Scooter Club for this interview.

More than 20 Vespa owners zipped into the meeting area outside The Cathay in their vintage scooters. They said it is usually what they do when they go for outings on the Vespa.

They dig into their wardrobes for the most retro-looking outfits and some even borrow clothes from their friends.

'It is to complete the vintage look,' Mr Hanafi said.

Some of them even went to the extent of not having an In-vehicle Unit (IU) on their scooters as they did not want the modern accessory to ruin the retro look.

Property agent Denise Ho, 27, reached The Cathay after 8pm - to avoid the ERP gantries. Her Vespa did not have an IU.

Her white scooter is also fitted with a rubber horn that squeaks when you squeeze it.

'Doesn't this remind you of the karung guni man?' she said, referring to the rag-and-bone men who frequent HDB estates to collect old newspapers and appliances, tooting their handheld horns.

The extent these Vespa fans go to to retain the retro look of their scooter is telling. Musician Wilson Wong does the same.

He said: 'I will use only original accessories for the scooter, and the IU is not part of it!'.

Like Miss Ho, he would make detours and avoid the ERP gantries whenever he rides his scooter.

When it comes to parking, they would try to park their scooters in places which do not use the automated cash payment system.

They spent between $3,000 to $5,000 for their second-hand Vespas and sourced for them in online forums and motorbike workshops.

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September 19, 2007

Classic Vespas rev up trends in HCM City

Once the epitome of ‘50s Roman jazz-age cool, the Vespa experienced something of a fall from grace between the 1970s-1990s. No longer considered hip, most were reduced to the scrap heap or left long forgotten in storage bins or family garages.

Fast forward to the present day and the humble little scooter is undergoing a global revival. In Viet Nam where the Vespa never truly died off, because people couldn’t afford to replace them, retro scooters from the 50’s-70’s are more popular than ever.

Viet Nam’s streets are jam-packed full of your run of the mill models, the Honda’s Dylan, @, SH, Suzuki’s Hayate and Yamaha’s Nouvo that all clamour for attention in some of the world’s most bizarre urban waves of traffic. But it is the chic old models that have been custom painted and fitted that are turning heads in HCM City.

However, it’s not all easy trails with the old Italians and French, they are up to 50 years old and require some pampering from time to time. They are generally less convenient than the newer models and are prone to problems such as difficult start-ups, frequent breakdowns and stalled engines. Enthusiasts say its all part of the charm and the little acts of maintenance love they dote upon them make the relationship that much more special.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, general director of HCM City-based Viettravel, one of the country’s largest and most successful tourism companies, rides his US$4,000 Mobylette to his office on Pasteur Road every day.

Ky owns a collection of French-made motorbikes, including six Mobylettes and four Velosolexes and said although there is very little commercial value in being a collector there is a great deal of cultural value in restoring something from the past that would of otherwise be trashed.

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Scooter fan goes for record

A scooter rider from the Spilsby area led a world record attempt to have the most scooters in a parade at the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally.

Magazine editor Mau Spencer, of Toynton All Saints, was accompanied by other local riders from the county in the attempt.

He said they are awaiting the results from the Guinness World Records team, but 1,132 scooters took part which is more than double the current record.

Mr Spencer and other local riders then rode to Skegness as part of a 4,000 mile journey around the UK to raise money for charity.

The team took it in turns to ride a 51-year-old Lambretta Model D 150cc scooter into the town, which arrived last week.

Mr Spencer said: "The Lambretta will continue the journey around the UK coastline, handing over to different scooterists in each county, and will eventually end up back where it started in Lands End."

The trip was arranged to raise money for the Robert Sebbage Appeal. Robert, 14, suffers from a rare disease called Neuropathic Bowel Disease.

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September 17, 2007

Falls off Vespa, charged with drunk driving

A London man is facing a drunk-driving charge after falling off his scooter in the middle of the afternoon, police said.

It was 2:30 p.m. Wednesday when police were called to Hamilton Road near Sackville Street after reports a man had fallen off his Vespa scooter while pulling out of a parking lot.

The same man is already facing a drunk-driving charge for an incident that occurred on a Tuesday last November at 9:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, the man was taken to hospital for injuries and arrested there.

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Riding in Style Aboard Scooters

Nancy Ciliax has learned to expect attention when she’s out on the road. Nothing lewd, just many people curious about her bright pink scooter.

“I often get people driving up to me, and everyone always wants to know how much gas my scooter uses,” said Ciliax, a project coordinator at the School of Medicine.

A year ago, Ciliax was looking for a way to get to campus that was more convenient than walking or riding a shuttle. But, wary of the carbon emissions she would produce by driving, she bought a scooter to make her commute.

Ciliax also said she’s found other benefits to riding a scooter.

“Scooters are very easy to drive because they are automatic and require no shifting,” she said.

Other faculty, students and staff members at Emory have also turned to scooters as an alternative means of getting to campus. Steve Sher, the owner of Scooter Steve on North Decatur Road, has witnessed an increase in customers from Emory.

“Most of the people who have been buying scooters are employees and professors,” he said. “Most of the customers can’t afford the high cost of parking on the school’s campus.”

According to Sher, there are many advantages to driving a scooter. He said they’re fun to drive and fuel efficient. The most common model has a 50-cubic centimeter engine, gets 80 miles to the gallon and can reach 65 miles per hour.

Kris Mayrhofer, a graduate student in comparative literature, said she rides her scooter not just to Emory but also on shopping trips and to the movies.

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Woman Stabs Scooter Thief

MELBOURNE, Fla. -- A man trying to swipe a scooter in Brevard County tangled with the wrong woman on Monday.

A 50-year-old woman stabbed a thief who attempted to steal a gas powered scooter, dragging it across the driveway, WESH 2 News reported.

"I'm proud of her. You have a right to protect your property," husband C.W Heusinkveld said.

Heusinkveld knew all along his wife was tough. When the thief tried to drag away their scooter, she picked up a heavy, forked weeding tool. She thrust it into his back so hard he fell over, and she fell on top of him

"She's probably tougher than I am. I don’t want to mess with her, and I'm married to her," Heusinkveld said.

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September 11, 2007

‘If I ever see that thief again, I’ll run him over with my scooter’

THE thief who snatched Marjorie Kershaw’s handbag had better watch out.

The Marsh pensioner wants to run him down with her mobility scooter if she sees him again!

Mrs Kershaw, 86, had her bag stolen from the footwell of her scooter when she was just yards from her front door

The furious pensioner has branded the thief a low life and says she wished she had tackled him when he swiped her favourite handbag at 2.20pm on Thursday.

“I wish in a way that I had turned my machine around and knocked him down. I may have been prosecuted, but it might have been worth it. He’s a rotten thing. I could wring his neck.”

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September 5, 2007

Scooter service for drunks

A new business which provides a 'scooter service' for motorists who are too drunk to drive is to be launched in Plymouth next month.

The Scooter Chauffeur Ltd vehicle retrieval firm is starting up to help reduce drink driving on the city's roads.

Two former Plymouth Royal Marines are preparing to launch the firm in a bid to get people who drive to a pub - and then have too much to drink - out of the driving seat and back home safely.

The idea is that the driver calls Scooter Chauffeur and asks for a lift. The company then sends out a rider to the 'client'.

The scooter is then folded up in the client's car and the rider drives him or her home before returning back to the office.

Tony Finn, company director, said: "We use small specially designed scooters to attend a client's vehicle, fold the scooter up into sealed bags and drive the client home in their vehicle.

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September 2, 2007

Scootin' around town

How does getting more than 100 miles per gallon sound to you during these days of sky-rocketing gas prices? It sounded pretty good to the DesLauriers family in Morris.

The couple own two motorized scooters and ride them all over town.

“I just think they’re great,” said Trudy DesLauriers. “They’re fun, and they save gas. The one I ride has a big compartment under the seat to store things in. They’re very dependable, too.”

The DesLauriers are not alone. Sales of motorized scooters in the area have escalated over the past two years. The sporty, economical vehicles get anywhere from 80 to 110 mpg — saving money, greenhouse gases and wear-and-tear expenses on cars.

DesLauriers rides to the grocery store, the doctor’s office and, on a nice day, even to White Oak Elementary School, where she teaches fifth grade. She’ll take pleasure rides in the countryside around Morris sometimes, too, just for fun.

“They’re easy to ride,” she said. “You don’t need lessons or anything.”

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Gas prices fuel scooter trend

Max Hartz is getting accustomed to the ridicule he usually gets from friends when they see his new scooter for the first time.

"They laugh and say, ‘Dude, that’s a scooter,’ " he said.

But Hartz, 18, said they stop laughing after he tells them that his motorized bike gets more than 80 miles per gallon, can reach speeds of 30 mph and requires no license plates, registration, operator’s license or insurance to ride.

"After you buy it, you’re done," Hartz said. "You drive it like a bike."

Hartz operates a lawn-care service and attends classes at the local campus of Moberly Area Community College. He uses his Taiwan-made scooter - a Beamer Matrix distributed by Eton of America of Spartanburg, S.C. - to run errands, bid on lawn-care work and go to school.

Hartz’s scooter, which cost $2,199, has a 2-cycle, 49-cc engine, weighs about 180 pounds and features front disc brakes, an electric kick start and an automatic transmission.

"I use it for all kinds of little bitty things," he said. "It’s a secondary vehicle. It’s definitely not a primary vehicle. You can’t drive it on the highway."

With rising gas prices a fact of life and surveys showing that Americans worry about increasing fuel prices as much as they do about terrorism and health-care costs, it’s not surprising that one transportation solution is a scooter.

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Scooters popular for economic reasons and fun

Riding on a scooter gives Ruth Lichtwardt a sense of freedom that she would take over a car trip any day.

“It’s the closest thing to flying you can do on the ground,” the 48-year-old Lawrence resident said.

She has driven scooters since 1983.

Currently, she has a Honda Metropolitan that she uses to get up the hills to the Kansas University Union bookstore where she works, to her home near Lawrence Memorial Hospital and downtown.

Lichtwardt doesn’t take any chances on the road, but that wasn’t always the case. When she started driving scooters, she never wore a helmet.

“When I had my previous scooter, I didn’t use to (wear a helmet) at first and I had a couple of minor accidents like flipping on sand,” she said. “It made me realize how vulnerable one’s head is, so I got a motorcycle-grade helmet.”

Now, you could call her a model scooter driver. She wears a helmet, drives defensively and has a motorcycle license, which isn’t required for driving a scooter or other motorized vehicles with an engine capacity less than 130 cubic centimeters, but is recommended for learning the rules of driving on two wheels.

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Japanese scooter prices rising on tougher emission rules

TOKYO — Scooter prices are rising in Japan due to tougher emission regulations that were introduced by the government. Subject to the new regulations are small motorcycles with engines no larger than 250 cc.

Honda Motor Co on Friday launched a remodeled version of its best-selling Today motor scooter featuring a new exhaust emission control system, with the price raised by 33,810 yen from existing models to 134,400 yen. Honda will also increase prices in October for three models of its long-seller Super Cub that meet the new regulations.

Honda officials said that the company made efforts to reduce production costs, but it failed to offset all of them.

The company plans to increase prices for coming new models. It is also considering halting production of old models that may not clear the new regulations.

The motorcycle market in Japan fell below 1,000,000 units in 1999, shrinking to 700,000 units in 2006.

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August 27, 2007

Can Scooters Save New York City?

On the corner of a slightly run-down street in the Meatpacking District of New York, a row of 30 shiny, colourful scooters stands out like a coloured umbrella on a rainy day.

Every Wednesday, at about 1900, these Vespas, Stellas or Lambrettas show up and are parked in front of the Brass Monkey bar, the meeting point for the New York Scooter Club.

With a drink in hand, two-wheel aficionados discuss their latest acquisitions, look out for vintage models or try out their friends' scooters.

Scooter riders say the small but sometimes noisy vehicles are the best answer to a dreary subway commute or, even better, to the traffic congestion that chokes New York streets.

"I commute every day from Queens. It can be scary, it takes a little bit of getting used to [driving in between big four-wheel-drive cars]," says one rider.

"But it's fun, I'm outside, it's great and quicker than being stuck in a traffic jam."

Jonathan Perkel, one of the club's founders, says he believes scooters would take off as a transportation mode if they were exempt from the congestion charge that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is trying to impose on cars driving into the centre of town.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone introduced congestion charging in 2003. Singapore also charges a similar tax.

Think of the money I'm saving by riding this - to fill it up costs $5 and it lasts for a month
Scooter rider Graham Fowler

But Mr Bloomberg is fighting stiff resistance to his plan, including in the state capital, Albany, where opposition from lawmakers last month meant that New York state failed to get a $500m (£248m) federal grant to implement the plan as a pilot project.

The US Department of Transportation did award the city $345m to fund part of the plan, but this will mostly be used to improve public transportation.

Outside the Brass Monkey, the scooter club's conversation turns to congestion pricing.

"I'll still be happy to pay the tax if scooters are not exempt," says Graham Fowler, originally from the UK.

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August 26, 2007

Conn. DOT to offer scooter training

Higher gasoline prices have driven so many Connecticut residents to fuel-efficient motorized scooters that the state Department of Transportation has decided to buy 35 of them for rider-training purposes.

The training will be similar to the one the DOT offers for motorcyclists.

Kevin Nursick, a DOT spokesman, said Thursday the department owns a small fleet of motorcycles to allow state residents a chance to learn to ride and it wants to do the same thing for scooter riders. Next month, the agency will open bids from scooter sellers to create a new training fleet. "With the gas prices, there has been a lot of interest in scooters this summer," said Kate Gazerro, co-owner of Bones Kart Shop in Stratford. Despite the street being torn up for a new power line, the shop at 725 Barnum Ave. Cutoff has continued to hear from buyers. Gazerro did not have specific sales numbers for the summer, but the shop has been open in Stratford for more than three years and the couple has more than 17 years of experience in the business.

In Bridgeport, Seni Akinlade, owner of OYM Motors, opened his shop at 2075 Fairfield Ave. and sold more than 20 scooters in less than a month. He reported sales have been strong.

The high price of gas, which has hovered around $3 a gallon for most of the summer, has driven more people to buy motor scooters that can sometimes get more than 100 miles per gallon. The vehicles are also relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from less than $900 to more than $3,000. Some motor scooters require a motorcycle license and some only require a valid driver's license. It depends on the engine size.

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Cop Segway called waste of cash

Shoppers have branded efforts to bring security into the high-tech age a "ridiculous waste of money".
The Lancashire Evening Post reported this week a £3,000 Segway PT has been imported from America for trials at the Fishergate Shopping Centre in the city centre.

Guards are undergoing training on the device and there is the promise of more Segways if they prove popular with the public.

But the vehicle is limited to a top speed of just 5mph, and shoppers have accused the centre of wasting money on a machine which travels no faster than an average walker.

One said: "He'd be better off with a good pair of Nike trainers."

The centre has claimed the machine will make security guards more visible and will allow security guards to tend to shoppers in need of assistance more quickly.

But the public, it seems, disagree. Brian Pitts, 40, who lives off Fishergate Hill, Preston, said: "I don't really understand the need to spend thousands on a device which allows you to travel at about the same speed as you can walk.

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August 25, 2007

Honda Vietnam Starts Building $65 Million Scooter Factory

Honda Vietnam on Saturday officially started work on a US$65 million factory, its second in Vietnam that will mainly manufacture scooters.

The new plant is adjacent to Honda’s existing motorcycle facility near Hanoian suburbs in the northern Vinh Phuc province.

By the second half of next year, the new plant is expected to be operating with an annual production capacity of 500,000 units, according to Koji Onishi, general director of Honda Vietnam Company.

With the new plant, Honda's annual motorcycle production capacity in Vietnam will be expanded to 1.5 million units alongside ongoing demand surges in the country.

State-of-the-art technology will be applied to create the best quality products for Vietnamese customers.

The company reported its 2007 first-half sales at 500,000 units, a year-on-year rise of 27 percent.

Last year it recorded sales of 851,000 units, up 27 percent over the previous year.

Established in 1996, Honda Vietnam has been manufacturing and exporting vehicles and spare parts since 2002.

It has fetched $147 million from shipping Wave Alpha motorbikes, engine sets, IKD (incomplete knock down) sets and components to date.

Supported by the country's strong economy, motorcycle demand in Vietnam is likely to rise 13.6 percent this year to more than 2.5 million units, according to Vietnam's Association of Bicycles and Motorbikes.

Sales were likely to rise on an easing of motorbike registration regulations and on an increase in farm income, motorbikes remain the primary form of transport throughout Vietnam, and there were more than 20 million motorbikes in the country of 84 million.

The association forecast that the number of motorbikes in the country would hit 33 million by 2020 – one motorbike for every three people.

In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the ratio is already 1 motorbike for every 2 people.

The expanding market will also be fueled by Italian scooter maker Piaggio, which plans to invest €15 million ($20.4 million) in a 30,000 square meter plant in Vietnam over the 2009-2010 period. The factory would construct Vespas for the local market.

The investment comes as part of Piaggio’s three year Asian expansion plan, said Piaggio CEO Roberto Colaninno in March.

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Lancaster, PA. offers free scooter parking

LANCASTER, Pa - Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray quietly rolled his little black motor scooter into a spot in the city's Prince Street Parking Garage on Wednesday, removed his helmet and was on his way to the office.

Well, almost. First, Gray had to stop and have his photo taken.

The mayor is hoping that other people will follow his example and ride scooters to work in the city.

As part of his strategic plan to encourage alternative forms of transportation, the mayor and the Lancaster Parking Authority quietly unveiled 15 free parking spaces dedicated to scooters in the downtown parking garage.

The small spaces are on two sides of the garage's curving exit ramp. The area had not previously been used.

Gray is promoting the use of scooters as a means of saving fuel, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion and easing tight parking.

"It's the future, and we see more and more scooters in town," said Gray. "I see no negatives and all positives."

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August 21, 2007

NY sends out scooter patrol for potholes

New York City's mayor is sending out 15 staffers in golf cart-like vehicles to cover 480 kilometres of New York City streets each day to look for sidewalk litter, damaged roads and other common sources of complaints.

"It's government's responsibility to find the problems and fix them, not to sit there and say 'Duh, we didn't know.' That's not what good government is all about, that's not what customer service is all about," Michael Bloomberg said.

The Street Condition Observation Unit, or SCOUT, will not have the power to write tickets or issue violations.

But it will hunt down everyday problems like graffiti, fallen trees, clogged storm sewers, damaged bus shelters, newspaper boxes in disarray and malfunctioning traffic signs and signals.

Each inspector will carry a BlackBerry equipped with global positioning software that is connected to the city's management centre for its 311 telephone system.

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August 17, 2007

Once the star of silver screen, Vespa rolls back into limelight

IN 1953, Audrey Hepburn went tootling through Rome on the back of Gregory Peck's motor scooter, and a star was born.

Not the doe-eyed actress - she'd made her Broadway debut 2 years earlier - but the scooter. With the release of the romantic comedy, "Roman Holiday," sales of the Italian-made scooter spiked from 60,000 to 100,000, and soon all who knew their dolce vita from al dente were riding a Vespa.

In Hollywood, such manly men as Marlon Brando, Charlton Heston and John Wayne favored the diminutive scooters for commuting between sound stages. It was stylish and easy to drive, and you could cruise all week for the price of a pepperoni pizza. Like the Volkswagen bug, its contemporary, the Vespa was a masterpiece of design. In contrast to the big, raucous American motorcycles, which were built to be straddled, the floor pan of the Vespa's monocoque steel body protected riders from the mud and dust of the road beneath and the oil and gas within its engine housing. Alas, the Italian-made, two-stroke engines couldn't meet this country's increasingly stringent emissions standards and in 1984, Vespa withdrew from the American market.

Today, as any savvy moviegoer can tell you, Vespa is back where it all started - on the silver screen. Scooter chase scenes highlight such first-run action thrillers as "Transformers" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" and the animated feature, "Ratatouille." No less important, now that the Italian scooter maker has switched to more environmentally friendly, four-stroke engines (a two-cycle, 50cc model will be phased out in 2008, but it, too, is emissions-compliant), it's back in American showrooms and on the road.

"We came back to the United States in 2000, but we didn't start selling Vespas until 2002," says Kevin Andrews, brand manager for Piaggio Vespa, the scooter maker's U.S. subsidiary. Since then, says Andrews, growth has been remarkable.

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Scooters are inexpensive fun

Today scooters are seen as a nuisance but the near future looks promising.

Some people think motor scooters are a menace. A survey by AAMI Insurance came up with that result, but it's obviously the view of people who are not looking to the future.

There will soon be more scooters in Australian cities, and not only in Queensland, where car-licence holders can ride a 50cc two-wheeler.

Scooters are going to become more popular as urban infill reaches its peak, petrol prices continue to rise and more people realise an easy-going two-wheeler meets their real transport needs.

A short commute, ducking down to the shops or dashing to a coffee shop is easy on a scooter. I know because I've been riding a Vespa for a few weeks to see what the latest generation of baby bikes is like.

The answer, at least for the 250cc four-stroke Vespa, is comfy and convenient. And it looks good, too, with a great retro style.

A Vespa is not cheap. My GTS250ie costs more than $9500, but that is for a steel chassis, a classy engine, good brakes, a digital dash and even a handy hook for holding takeaway bags.

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NYC Mayor Bloomberg sends out scooter patrol for trash, potholes

New York City's mayor is sending out 15 staffers in golf cart-like vehicles to cover 300 miles (482.7 kilometers) of New York City streets each day to look for sidewalk litter, damaged roads and other common sources of complaints.

"It's government's responsibility to find the problems and fix them, not to sit there and say 'Duh, we didn't know.' That's not what good government is all about, that's not what customer service is all about," Michael Bloomberg said Thursday.

The Street Condition Observation Unit, or SCOUT, will not have the power to write tickets or issue violations.
But it will hunt down everyday problems like graffiti, fallen trees, clogged storm sewers, damaged bus shelters, newspaper boxes in disarray and malfunctioning traffic signs and signals.

Each inspector will carry a BlackBerry equipped with global positioning software that is connected to the city's management center for its 311 telephone system. The hotline is a resource for residents to get information and report various problems, fielding some 40,000 calls each day.

The relevant city agency is then notified to address the problem. The scooter team is an effort to make the system more efficient.

"If you want to call 311, we still want to encourage you to do it, but too many times I drive down the street and go bouncing over a pothole, call 311 and nobody called it in," Bloomberg said.

The mayor expects the SCOUT team will report 1,000 to 3,000 problems per day and will be able to cover all 6,000 miles (9655.6 kilometers) of city streets each month when it is up and running by September.

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August 15, 2007

Police segue to T3 scooter

ANDOVER - Police Sgt. John Pathiakis popped a wheelie over the curb behind the Public Safety Center and just like that his T3 training was complete.

"I've now graduated," said Pathiakis, one of three members of the Andover Police Department qualified to ride the three-wheeled electric scooter, which looks like a Segway Personal Transporter on steroids.

"We call it Chariot 1," said Pathiakis. "It was either that or calling it Big Wheel."

Earlier this year the town bought a white and black T3 for about $8,000 for police use. After debuting on a downtown patrol June 1, the vehicle has since been used three or four times a week in the area, said police Chief Brian Pattullo.

"We were seeing other police departments that had been using them, so we decided to give it a try," said Pattullo. "It allows for good operation in confined places like the downtown."

Patrolmen Gregory Scott and Edward Guy also have completed the T3 training, which consists of zig-zagging through road cones and hopping a street curb.

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Hill On Wheels 2 Scooter Rally Starts Friday

Hill City United Scooter Club is hosting Hill on Wheels 2 this year, its second annual weekend Chattanooga scooter gathering for Vespas and other scooter brands. Almost 150 scooterists are expected to attend the Aug. 17-19 event.

“Scooter rallies are a way for a bunch of friends to gather and ride,” says Stan Obal, mechanic at Scenic City Scooters on Hixson Pike. “All your friends are together, doing something we all love. It’s like a high school reunion, if you liked everyone you went to school with and they all rode fantastic bikes.”

The event kicks off Friday at The Local on Cherokee with last-minute registration and an evening social from 5-9 p.m. Following the social is the Friday night downtown ride. Visitors will get an up-close view of downtown and Ross’ Landing and enjoy the improvements made in the Southside.

Saturday morning features a breakfast catered by Caffeine at Scenic City Scooters followed by a long ride over Signal Mountain to a farm near Powell’s Cross Roads. There, rally-goers will test their mettle with a scooter gymkhana, slow ride, various scooter games and a scooter concours judging. An old-fashioned Southern barbecue is also provided at the farm.

A ride back into town over Suck Creek Mountain will take the scooterists to North Chattanooga where everyone can cool off with Clumpies Ice Cream and take in the sights and shopping the North Chat area has to offer.

At 9 p.m., scooterists are set to board the Fat Cat Ferry for a night on the Tennessee River full of awards, karaoke and a raffle. Hair of the Dog on Market is hosting the crowd Sunday morning for a brunch before heading off to Missionary Ridge for a final city view.

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Motorized scooter fad runs out of gas

The motorized-scooter fad appears to have fizzled, to the delight of annoyed neighbors and Valley city officials who fielded public calls for regulation.

Kids old enough to test their independence but too young to drive loved the devices from about 2002 to 2005, said Dave Carlson, an employee of Sidewalk Surfer in Scottsdale. The store used to sell plenty of scooters but no longer keeps them in stock.

"The fad peaked four years ago and faded," he said. "First people got discouraged because the quality of imported scooters wasn't very good. Then cities jumped in" and banned or restricted them, he said.

As the scooter numbers grew during their heyday, so did noisy motor modifications, accidents and complaints. By 2006, most Valley cities passed restrictive laws; Phoenix and Fountain Hills banned scooters. It's rare to see one on the street today.

Chandler resident Larry Iseli is banking on a comeback, but he recently closed his Tempe scooter distributorship and fills mail orders from his home.

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Monterey Vespa Club brings motor-scooter enthusiasts together

Believe it or not, Vespa riders get plenty of love from Harley-Davidson riders.

Just ask Roger Vandevert, president of the Vespa Club of Monterey, who recently went on a ride with fellow Vespa and scooter owners to the Fourth of July bike rally in Hollister.

"There's a fun kind of attraction between Harley guys and Vespas," said Vandevert, noting that whenever he shows up to a bike rally on his Vespa, he is usually besieged by one or two Harley riders. "Sports-bike guys, not so much."

The Italian-made motor scooters were originally built after World War II, when the Piaggio warplane factories were bombed out.

A strong need existed for transportation and for the country to get back on its feet — and on the road. The Vespa engine was the original airplane starter motor and the small wheels were aircraft landing gear.

Vespas range in price from $3,199 for the LX 50 model to as much as $7,299 for the limited edition GT 60. Locals can purchase the bikes at Vespa Monterey in the Seaside Auto Mall.

On the Peninsula, Vespa club riders can be seen cruising to Diva Dulce near Fisherman's Wharf, or parked outside the Starbucks at Stone Creek Center off Highway 68, sipping lattes rather than pounding a few cold ones.

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August 3, 2007

Video: Vespa Wheelie King

Vespa riders, safety lovers: do not try this at home!

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Video: Showdown in Madrid for world's best FMX riders

On July 27th 2007, the Red Bull X-Fighters tour reached its thrilling competition climax at the legendary Las Ventas bullring in Madrid. This historic venue provided a stunning backdrop for the tour finale, when 23,000 spectators gathered in the arena to watch the world's best freestyle motocross riders battle it out to become 2007 champion.

In place of the traditional corrida spectacle, onlookers witnessed the death-defying 'motoreros' being propelled high into the night sky over Madrid courtesy of a huge quarterpipe and a variety of other trick ramps. As the standard rises year on year, so the participants are forced to push the limits of their extraordinary sport, constantly experimenting with new and more dangerous stunts than ever before.

With the competition entering its final stages, 20 year-old Sevillian young gun Dany Torres led the pack, with US veteran Travis Pastrana hot on his heels after an emphatic victory in Ireland.

Japanese master Eigo Sato, Swiss Mat Rebeaud and crowd-pleaser Ronnie Renner (USA) were all in contention, while fellow American Nate Adams, Norway's André Villa, French challenger Charles Pagès, plucky Australian Matt Schubring and Libor Podmol of the Czech Republic completed the line-up.

News and updates on each event can be found online at www.redbullxfighters.com

via Car Buyer's Notebook.

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August 2, 2007

Four motor scooter riders announce 600-mile ride to Vermont from Maryland

FINKSBURG, MARYLAND - On August 20, four motor scooter riders are leaving from Central Maryland to undertake a 600-mile back-road journey to Central Vermont.

The destination is Randolph, Vermont to ride in the 140-mile Last Mile Ride that starts and ends there on August 25. The Last Mile Ride benefits and is sponsored by Gifford Memorial Hospital in Randolph.

"Both my boyfriend Dwayne and I grew up in Vermont, and I'm riding in honor of his father Charles 'Shod' McCullough, who died in February in the Garden Room of Gifford Memorial Hospital," says Crystal Waters, one of the organizers of the ride. "The Last Mile Ride is to benefit Gifford's end-of-life care, including the Garden Room, and it means the world to me to be able to ride in Shod's memory and raise money for this cause."

So far, Waters has raised more than $3,000 for the hospital, and will be riding her 150cc 2004 Vespa ET4 motor scooter to Vermont and in the Last Mile Ride.

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Scooter trend may be bad news for Bulldogs

Call it mo-ped mania maybe, or a surge in scooter scofflaws - but two University of Georgia football players now have been busted in less than two weeks for committing traffic violations while operating the popular miniature motor vehicles.

The latest player to run afoul of the law was NaDerris Rakeem Ward, who wound up handcuffed and jailed after being pulled over by a UGA officer about 2:30 p.m. Friday. Police called a tow truck to haul away the 180-pound Yamaha scooter.

The 6-foot-5-inch, 255-pound Ward was riding a 49 cc Yamaha Zuma that weighs about 70 pounds less than the 19-year-old does. The football player was passing vehicles on the right side of the road - which is the wrong side of the road to pass anyone on two-lane streets - as Ward traveled along Carlton Street at East Campus Road, according to a UGA police incident report.

Ward's final stop was at the UGA Parking Services Building off River Road, according to the report. It was not exactly a high-speed pursuit. The little scooter has a top speed of no more than about 40 mph.

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July 29, 2007

Scootering USA now available in nine languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Scootering USA is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is at the upper right hand corner of this and every page on the site.

Click here to read the site in Spanish.

Click here to read the site in French.

Click here to read the site in Japanese.

Click here to read the site in Chinese.

Click here to read the site in German.

Click here to read the site in Korean.

Click here to read the site in Italian.

Click here to read the site in Portugese.

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South Carolina scooter bagged for gun, pot

A 17-year-old scooterist was arrested in South Carolina after failing to signal a turn.

The cops discovered 17 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber pistol without a serial number, and about 100 bullets.

Otherwise, the report doesn't indicate whether the man was wearing a helmet. Safety first!

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Scooters get free parking in Decatur

From his perch behind the latte dispenser, Starbucks employee Frank Kecseti can look outside across Ponce de Leon Avenue and ogle with envy the cream-colored Vespa parked in front of Mick's restaurant.

It's not the flashy scooter that's caught the fancy of the 20-year-old Decatur resident. It's the land it occupies.

The two-wheeler holds sway over that most prime piece of real estate in charm city's downtown: the free parking spot.

The curbside warning sign that guards the six diagonally striped slots says it all. Scooter parking only, it informs, and just for those with 250 cc engines. Heaving hulks, back off. That means you, Mr. SUV, and you, too, Mrs. Minivan.

Kecseti as well, who's a might green over the restrictions. Though he walks to work, he's eyeing a 500 cc motorcycle. So, there's no room at the in spot for him, either.

Still, of the scooter slots he says, "I'm glad they did it. It's going to be an asset to our community."

Lyn Menne's sure of it. She's the assistant city manager and an advocate of the spaces which were added a little over a month ago. Lines recently were repainted after they were obliterated during a water repair project.

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July 26, 2007

Vespa resurgent

Thanks mainly to the impact of movies, European countries can be identified with just a few visual cues. For France it’s the Eiffel Tower and a long baguette. All you need to say England is Big Ben and the Union Jack. And Italy is easy: the Coliseum and a street full of Vespas buzzing past the Trevi Fountain.

For a variety of reasons, that Vespa buzz has been gaining momentum in the United States. On the practical side, the shiny little motor scooters don’t need much gas, you don’t get your clothes dirty on them, their compact size makes them easy to park and automatic transmissions make them easy to drive. The new models are environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive with a price range of $2000 to $6,000.

But what we drive is not always just about the practical. If a person is judged by their ride, the constantly evolving American culture jury has recently reached a verdict: It’s cool again to own a Vespa. Like a laptop, cell phone or iPod, the less-is-more philosophy definitely applies to the iconic Italian motor scooter and other scooters as well.

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Old school Vespa accessories

Genuine Vespa chrome accessories for retro LXV scooters Vespa offers a range of stylish chrome accessories that enable owners to customise its new LXV scooter.

The LXV is styled to pay tribute to the classic Vespas of the 1960s and this collection of genuine Vespa chrome racks and crash bars means that riders can recreate similar fashions to scooters of the period.

The chrome front carry rack is designed to complement the rear carrier, which is fitted as standard to both 50cc and 125cc models. It fits to existing mounting points with minimum fuss and can be folded upright when not in use. The front carry rack sells in the shops for £95.

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Mobility scooting oldster eludes police chase

A PENSIONER led police in a chase along a busy dual carriageway before giving them the slip - on his mobility scooter.

The low-speed pursuit started when police asked the stubborn senior citizen to pull over but he defiantly cranked his scooter to its top speed of 8mph.

The chase caused traffic chaos as the OAP crawled down the fast lane of the A1032 in Middlesbrough before the officers lost him.

Engineer, Ian Hardy, from Darlington said he could not believe his eyes as he watched the chase unfold on the A1032 Newport Bridge Approach Road on Monday afternoon.

"It was just incredible," said Ian, who captured the action on camera.

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July 23, 2007

Video: The Magicwheel Scooter

It may look like a spare tyre, but the makers of this one-wheeled scooter claimed yesterday that it will take Britain by storm.

The "Magicwheel" has no handlebars or brakes, can turn on a sixpence and reach speeds of up to 20mph.

"This is an ideal alternative for people who are used to riding skateboards, scooters, and roller blades," said Kevin Johnston, of Magicwheels.

"It is much faster than a skateboard due to the sports wheel and it also goes further on each push of the foot. It will certainly get the user noticed."

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July 20, 2007

Dreaded scooter riders take over Selsdon

THEY are loud, annoying and congregate around kebab shops - the dreaded scooter riders who are taking over Selsdon.

Locals are tearing their hair out because of the motorcyclists that zoom around their neighbourhoods, making their lives a misery.

Resentful residents have dubbed the riders the "Scooter Boys" and fear the crazy stunts they perform along Addington Road will lead to a tragedy.

Paul Shaw, chairman of Selsdon Residents' Association, said: "We have mentioned the problem to the police and councillors.

"They also use scramble bikes - bikes that are designed for cross-country, rough terrain.

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July 18, 2007

Aussie scooter sales up, motorists annoyed

THEY'RE hip and dirt cheap to run, but a quarter of Melbourne motorists reckon scooters are the new menace on the city's streets.

Motor scooter sales are soaring, with Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce figures showing a 40 per cent rise in sales in the year to June compared with the same time last year. Their popularity has risen in line with rising fuel prices.

But AAMI public affairs manager Geoff Hughes said a survey of Melbourne motorists found many were annoyed with the increased presence of scooters.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Andrew McKellar said scooter sales are on track for an all-time high by the end of the year.

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July 17, 2007

Indian actress endroses Kinetic scooter

MUMBAI -- Actress Bipasha Basu has been signed on by two wheeler manufacturer Kinetic Motor as the brand ambassador for the new Kinetic-SYM scooter, which is slated for launch in August.

The Kinetic-SYM scooter, from Kinetic's association with Taiwan's $1.1 billion automotive giant SYM, would be targeted at women riders. Basu was identified as a brand fit based on a research among 1200 intending buyers of gearless scooters. The research also showed that college girls aspire to be confident and ambitious. Basu is viewed as a woman who has made it on her own merit and signifies the independent modern woman.

She will feature in the ad campaign for the Kinetic-SYM scooter, including television, print and internet. An outdoor campaign of hoardings and contests is also part of the plan, and a special audio-visual that demonstrates the new scooter to be played in all Kinetic dealerships will also feature Basu.

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July 15, 2007

Brit scooter punks targeted by LE

Scooter riders who sound their horns, rev their engines and drive without care are on their final warning.

Residents in Louth are fed up of riders acting anti-socially - including doing wheelies with little or no regard for the safety of others - in Mercer Row, Eastgate and Queen Street.

Now the police have issued a strong warning to the offenders.

Pc Pete MacLeod, who heads up Louth's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said scooters could be seized, and that patrols will be stepped up in the areas where dangerous and anti-social activity has been reported.

He said: "The ultimate action that we can take is seizing offending vehicles under Section 59 legislation.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that we will be making use of this legislation."

"Officers will be stopping all local scooter riders and checking for valid insurance and other documentation."

Safety checks will also be carried out on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy.

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Scooter scooting means stealing your spot, possibly fouling your ride

Seattle -- How bad's parking gotten in some parts of the city? Ask a scooter owner.

Three times since moving to "polite" Seattle eight months ago, Michael O'Neill has stepped out of his Capitol Hill condo to discover that someone's moved his Vespa so he or she could steal his parking spot.

The first time it happened, O'Neill had parked the scooter legally, next to an alley. "They dragged it right into the red zone," he said.

Another desperate motorist coveted his spot so much he dragged the 250-pound Vespa even farther -- leaving it blocking the alley. "I'm sure if it was Dumpster day, I would have gotten a ticket," the Microsoft engineer said.

Stories like that are unfolding regularly in parking-starved neighborhoods, scooter owners say -- and the outlook isn't good.

It's happened several times to Victor Voris, owner of the Seattle Vespa dealership. "I've had mine turned, pushed out of the way, put on the sidewalk," he said.

One time, his scooter was knocked down so hard, it caused $1,000 in damage.

"They think they own the world," Voris said of spot-stealing motorists.

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Scooter rally invades Seattle streets

Put a few hundred Vespa owners in a parking lot together with free Red Bulls and an intoxicating afternoon sun, and sparks are inevitable.

At Saturday's Amerivespa rally, part of a three-day event for scooter enthusiasts of all types, riders eyed each other's seats, asking about comfort vs. style. They traded stories of spills, sideswipes and sympathetic spouses (or the opposite).

They got personal sometimes, too.

"You've got a really short inseam, like I do," one man said to a new friend.

"Probably," the other replied, and agreed it can be hard sometimes to straddle a gas tank.

The riders came to Seattle from as far as Germany for the annual rally, held in a different city each year. It ends today.

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July 14, 2007

Piaggio Pays for NYC Scooter Parking

In the gladiatorial traffic of New York City, a motor scooter, with or without racing stripes, is something between a motorcycle and a Radio Flyer wagon.

Now, however, thanks to a new marketing campaign, it is also something else: a ticket to the closest thing to New York nirvana, free parking.

On Wednesday, an American importer of Vespa, the Italian maker of probably the best-known brand of motor scooter, said it had paid for almost two months’ worth of parking at 48 spaces in lots and garages in Chinatown, TriBeCa, Midtown and the theater district.

Anyone with a Vespa can leave it in one of those spaces for hours. (But not overnight; the lots don’t allow overnight parking.)

The promotion, done in conjunction with Edison ParkFast garages, ends Sept. 30.

The promotion made Peter Scanlan ecstatic. Mr. Scanlan, 26, a college admissions official, parked his $7,000 Vespa GTS 250 for the first time in a garage yesterday on the Avenue of the Americas, near 44th Street. “It’s on street level,” he said, almost in a whisper. “It’s incredible. We win, we win!”

Piaggio Group America, the Manhattan importer of Vespas, would not disclose how much it paid for the parking spaces. “Why must you know?” said Paolo Timoni, Piaggio’s president, with a laugh.

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July 13, 2007

Amerivespa converges in Seattle

You may have to dart out of the way, Rome-style, the next few days because about 1,000 Vespa owners from across the country will take to the streets of Seattle and beyond through Sunday.

Amerivespa, the 15th annual celebration of the classic Italian scooter, visits Seattle this year with group rides, meetings, an art show and numerous contests (including one on how slow a rider can go). The event begins Thursday at 6 p.m. with a "meet and greet" in Pioneer Square and ends Sunday on Vashon Island after a ferry ride.

Most events Friday and Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) take place in South Lake Union Park. Scooters on display will run the gamut from vintage machines to new models that can be test ridden. Attendees are required to register; for events not open to the public, the cost is $70 for non-members of the Vespa Club. For information, visit amerivespa.org.

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July 12, 2007

Piaggio Hooks Up NYC Scooterists with Free Parking

NEW YORK -- Piaggio Group Americas, the U.S. importer of the world-famous Vespa(R) scooter, today announced that the company is sponsoring a limited free parking program for scooters at Edison ParkFast garages in New York City during the summer to raise awareness of the need for scooter parking across the country. Piaggio Group is funding scooter parking for locals, commuters and NY Scooter Club meetings throughout the summer.

Relative to cars, trucks and SUV's, motor scooters are an environmentally- friendly means of transportation that help alleviate city congestion and should be included on the list of vehicles exempt from the proposed congestion tariff.

To demonstrate the need for legal scooter parking on city streets to local government officials and to prompt private garage operators to expand and/or add scooter parking to their list of accepted vehicles, Piaggio Group has instituted free parking for two-wheel vehicles in Edison ParkFast garages. Specially-marked parking spots in the participating garages will accommodate 12 two-wheel scooters and will be branded with the Vespa logo. During the months of July and August, riders can park their scooters free of charge (when space is available and in accordance to program rules) at any of the following locations:

-- Chinatown -- 174 Centre Street, between Hester and Canal Streets
-- Midtown -- 412-422 W. 33rd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues
-- Theater District -- 1120 Avenue of the Americas, near 44th Street
(enter on 43rd Street)
-- Tribeca -- 15-21 Worth Street, between Worth Street and West Broadway

"The popularity of the two-wheel vehicle is on the rise. Piaggio Group recognizes the need to do our part in helping scooter owners find adequate, safe and legal parking in New York and in cities around the country," said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. "Funding free parking during the summer brings our city one step closer to allotting appropriate parking, but we plan to continue reaching out to local government officials to demonstrate both the need for and benefit of scooter parking."

To promote the program, titled "Free Parking in NYC?" Piaggio Group Americas will send teams of Vespa branded ambassadors to high traffic locations in New York City to distribute pocket brochures highlighting the free Edison ParkFast locations and other facts on how scootering can help to curb global warming now. They will also conduct their own internal website and email campaign, plus seeding of blogs and scooter group message boards.

This free scooter parking initiative, a continuation of Piaggio Group's "Vespanomics" campaign, continues to position two-wheel vehicles as a solution that could greatly reduce energy consumption, while helping to preserve the environment and alleviate traffic congestion. Studies have shown that if Americans were to utilize one of the latest eco-friendly motor scooters for just 10 percent of their everyday travel, they could potentially reduce national fuel consumption by 14 million gallons of gasoline per day and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 324 million pounds per day. (Source: ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group, May 2006)

The Vespanomics campaign is designed to further educate consumers on how the use of motorized scooters, like Vespa, can quickly reduce their oil consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion. In 2006, Piaggio Group launched the online petition, "Vespatition" on the Vespa USA Web site, to create a venue for consumers to express their support for two-wheel parking. Piaggio Group is also working with local government officials, community board districts and urban planners to increase support for legal two-wheel parking wherever parking for motor vehicles is provided.

Source: Piaggio Group, Car Buyer's Notebook

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June 24, 2007

New York City May Establish Easy Scooter Parking

With subway fare hikes looming and Manhattan traffic often at a standstill, New Yorkers looking for faster, cheaper, and greener commutes are opting for motor scooters in record numbers. Thousands of new two-wheelers are weaving their way through lanes of stopped cars, and sales at Vespa SoHo, already up by more than 60% last year, are climbing even higher.

As Mayor Bloomberg pushes a proposal to solve what he is billing as a crippling congestion problem in Manhattan, the city is showing a new willingness to create some parking perks for scooter riders.

New leadership at the city's Department of Transportation, put in place since Janette Sadik-Khan became commissioner in April, is for the first time considering parking discounts for motor scooters in municipal lots, the deputy commissioner for traffic, Michael Primeggia, told The New York Sun through a spokeswoman.

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Orlando Scooter Club Forming

Robert Ebert of Eustis is organizing a group called "Golden Triangle Scooter Club," which is open to any interested scooter enthusiasts who ride scooters with engines sizes above 49cc.

Ebert's idea is for members of the new group to take one-day trips to springs in the Ocala National Forest, to nearby parks for picnics or to enjoy leisure countryside cruising.

"Riders who have 49cc scooters may want to consider upgrading to a more powerful scooter for safe navigation on roadways in this area and for longer rides," said Ebert.

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California Road Trip

TEMECULA ---- There may be a reason why there are no "Vespa gangs." Turquoise scooters ridden by drivers with argyle sweaters certainly don't conjure the same emotions as the image of chromed-out motorcycles with leather-clad captains.

And that's okay.

"We all know we're dorks," said Len Smith of Fallbrook. "Once you're riding a scooter, you've got nothing to prove."

Saturday marked Smith's third year taking part in Temecula's annual Vespa ride, now called "R'Idyllwild."

Matt Gordon, event organizer and member of the Cafe Moto Vespa Club, said while the ride typically is a jaunt through Temecula Wine Country, this year, the group opted for a longer ride.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the group of approximately 100 Vespas left the Tower Plaza parking lot and headed north to Winchester Road to continue to Hemet and, ultimately, Idyllwild. The group would then connect to Highway 371 to bring them back into Temecula at roughly 3:30 p.m.

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June 14, 2007

Scooting around Vegas

LAS VEGAS – There's lazy, and then there's Las Vegas lazy.

In increasing numbers, Las Vegas tourists exhausted by the four miles of gluttony laid out before them are getting around on electric mobility scooters.

These aren't trendy Vespa motorbikes. They are more like updated wheelchairs.

Forking over about $40 a day, healthy tourists are cruising around Las Vegas casinos in transportation intended for the infirm.

You don't have to take a step. You don't even need to put down your drink.

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June 12, 2007

Auto Europe Offers New Scooter Hire Service in Italy and France

- So you can Enjoy the Freedom of the Vespa Lifestyle on Vacation

LONDON -- Leading car hire specialist Auto Europe (www.auto-europe.co.uk, 800-358-1245) is offering travellers to France and Italy the opportunity to rent a scooter for their holiday at selected destinations - and enjoy great savings.

Italian Vespa lifestyle for less

Auto Europe is offering a great new deal on Vespa LX 125 scooter hire in Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence. Take your lead from the Italians who have already got wise to travelling by scooter. Hiring a Vespa is the perfect way to get around if you want to have fun enjoying the sights and sunshine, without the stress of Italy's infamous traffic jams.

Scooter hire savings in France

Taking in the sights of Paris, Marseille, Nice and Cannes by scooter has never been easier or more affordable. Auto Europe has a new price offer on Yamaha YP 125 Majesty scooters for hire at these destinations. Remember - Paris may be notorious for traffic congestion but it only takes 25 minutes to cross the city in style by scooter.

Scooters enjoy great popularity on the European continent, where many cities are perfect for life on two wheels. How better to beat the traffic, squeeze into tiny parking spaces, save on petrol and see the sights than hiring a scooter?

For further details of this offer visit:

http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/showspecial.cfm?specid=527

This special promotion is currently available as a "call to book" service rather than an online booking service. To book a scooter at the select cities included in the offer, customers can call 800-358-1245.

About Auto Europe

Auto Europe has is committed to providing the best deals possible. Backed up by the Auto Europe 'Beat Rate Guarantee', it guarantees to beat any like-for-like quote so you can book with confidence. There are no cancellation or amendment fees and a 24/7 freephone number, 800-358-1245, connects directly to a real person who can deal with any enquiries. With more than 4,000 rental locations around the world, it's the ideal first stop for vehicle rental.

Source: Auto Europe

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May 14, 2007

London scooter fans love "rebellious" vintage Vespa

LONDON -- They can be pink, metallic-white or decorated with flags: the Vespa scooters outside Yasir Al-Turaihi's shop look fresh and hip - even though some are already 60 years old.

It was five years ago that the Iraqi-born mechanic and his brother invested in Londinivm Scooters, a Piaggio dealership in central London. Today overwhelmed by customers and another branch they opened a few months back, he feels that specialising in Vespas was the right choice.

"It's such an ageless classic," Al-Turaihi says. "People get excited about it, regardless of age and sex."

London scooter sales have risen 16-fold to 8,000 in 2005 from 500 in 1993, especially after the introduction of the congestion charge in 2003 from which two-wheelers are exempt.

In 2006, three of the Vespa models were listed among the top five favourites of the 133,077 scooters and mopeds registered, the British Motorcycle Industry Association said.

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May 10, 2007

Alleged drunken Vespa riding DJ case reskedded

The drink-driving case against Sydney radio personality Steve Price has been adjourned until later this month.

Price, 52, who hosts the drive-time spot on radio station 2UE, was charged with mid-range drink driving on April 14.

Police caught him riding a Vespa scooter at Neutral Bay, in Sydney's north, with his wife Wendy as a passenger.

Interviewed on the Nine Network and Southern Cross Broadcasting after the incident, Price said he had two beers and two glasses of red wine and returned a blood-alcohol reading of .08.

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More Commuters Turn to Motor Scooters as Gas Prices Rise

Piaggio President/CEO Available To Discuss 'Vespanomics' As One Solution

Piaggio is the Manufacturer the World Famous Vespa Scooter

NEW YORK -- With the official start of summer and the peak travel season just weeks away, gas prices are once again skyrocketing to record highs and consumers are again feeling the pain at the pump.

More Americans are beginning to utilize gas-sipping and eco- friendly motor scooters as a smart and safe option that could dramatically reduce gas consumption and bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to Americans and the communities in which they live.

According to a survey conducted by ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group Americas, 30% of U.S. consumers indicated that they would be extremely or somewhat likely to consider using a scooter for 35% of the mileage currently traveled by car, truck or SUV - yielding a willingness of consumers to convert 10% of mileage to a scooter. If Americans were to switch just 10% of their mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 million gallons less fuel per day.

-- It costs approximately $5 to fill the empty tank of a scooter.

-- Scooters tend to offer gas mileage of approximately 70 miles per gallon.

-- Over 70% of Americans are concerned with global warming, which points toward their receptiveness of alternative, environmentally-friendly forms of transportation.

-- In addition to their fuel savings, research has shown that theuse of motor scooters can also dramatically improve traffic congestion and produce significant time saving from urban commutes.

Who: Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas

What: Mr. Timoni is the President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, a leading manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles marketed under the Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brands. In his current position, Mr. Timoni has responsibility and oversight of all sales and marketing operations within North, South and Central America.

Source: Piaggio Group Americas

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May 8, 2007

Drunken mobility scooter driver jailed

Day-trippers had to jump out of the way after a drink-driver took a mobility scooter – top speed 6mph – and drove it along a packed seaside promenade.

Police who arrested Marcus Driver found he was more than twice the legal alcohol limit for driving.

He was also in breach of a ten-year Asbo imposed in 2005.

Driver, 23, was yesterday given a four-month prison sentence and banned from driving for 12 months by magistrates in Blandford, Dorset.

Driver, of Slough, Berkshire, who has 80 convictions dating back to when he was 14 and has never held a driving licence, took the scooter on Weymouth esplanade in Dorset in June 2005.

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May 6, 2007

Vespa Festival in Da Lat

Vespa Festival, a typical event for classical Vespa lovers, was held on poetic Xuan Huong lake bank on April 29, attracting more than 400 participants with a great variety of Vespa from 21 provinces and cities nationwide.

The Vespa festival was held for the first time in Vietnam for those who like a kind of motorbikes originating from Italy. More than 400 Vespas, aged from 30 to 60, were decorated colourfully with flowers and cloth, becoming “typical mobile art works” on Da Lat city’s roads.

After the opening ceremony, members of 21 clubs from all over the country were marching around Xuan Huong Lake, creating a romantic and interesting image and attracting special attention of Da Lat city’s residents and tourists during the holidays on April 30 and May 1.

During the festival, the members of Vespa clubs marched to Langbian tourist site of Lac Duong district and Gougah waterfall resort in Duc Trong district to join cultural activities with ethnic locals, said Nguyen Vu Hoang, head of the organising board.

The organising board awarded four prizes called “Vespa Queens” for beautiful classical Vespas and eight prizes four graceful Vespas.

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Scooter fans love "rebellious" vintage Vespa

LONDON -- They can be pink, metallic-white or decorated with flags: the Vespa scooters outside Yasir Al-Turaihi's shop look fresh and hip - even though some are already 60 years old.

It was five years ago that the Iraqi-born mechanic and his brother invested in Londinivm Scooters, a Piaggio dealership in central London. Today overwhelmed by customers and another branch they opened a few months back, he feels that specialising in Vespas was the right choice.

"It's such an ageless classic," Al-Turaihi says. "People get excited about it, regardless of age and sex."

London scooter sales have risen 16-fold to 8,000 in 2005 from 500 in 1993, especially after the introduction of the congestion charge in 2003 from which two-wheelers are exempt.

In 2006, three of the Vespa models were listed among the top five favourites of the 133,077 scooters and mopeds registered, the British Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) said.

More than 16 million Vespa scooters have been sold worldwide and selling a scooter valued at 2,500 pounds has been easy, Al-Turaihi says. Five to eight leave his shop every week.

In the winter scooter sales go down, but customers return for everything else from the Vespa brand.

"The good thing about the Vespa is that it comes with all sorts of accessories," Al-Turaihi says. "People come to ask about gloves, masks or windshields - really, you name it."

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April 26, 2007

Art Vespa winner no chicken

By winning the Art Vespa 2007 competition, Adam Weber of TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris has shown that he’s no spring chicken when it comes to graphic design. He will soon be zipping through the city on his personalised Vespa LX, thanks to Vespa South Africa and advertising partner Guerrilla Marketing.

In the spring of 2005, Vespa South Africa and Guerrilla Marketing launched an interactive email campaign aimed at advertising agencies, inviting SA’s brightest creative minds to design a unique Art Vespa and gave participants the chance to drive home on a brand new Vespa LX.

2006 marked a record number of 183 designs entered, double that of the previous year. Due to an overwhelming request for deadline extension, Vespa and Guerrilla Marketing granted entrants a month’s extra time.

The winner, Weber, submitted more than one design, but it was his “chicken runner” Art Vespa that guaranteed him the loudest cluck of all and a Vespa LX as a prize. The design that left a smile on the judges’ faces took him two hours to complete.

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Vroom With A View

Zooming around town on her diamond white Vespa LX50, Frances Gentile has found a fun, environmentally-friendly form of alternative transportation. It makes great sense in today’s economy with gas prices soaring—and it looks really cool, too.

More than just a scooter, boasts the official Web site, the Vespa is “one of the great icons of Italian style and elegance.” Prices range from $2000 to over $6000 for a GTS 250, a renewal of the original Vespa that’s been on the market for 50 years. According to legend, the scooter was named when the president of its manufacturer Piaggio, Enrico Piaggio, exclaimed in Italian, “It reminds me of a wasp!” Vespa—wasp in both Italian and Latin-- it was.

More than 15 million units have been sold over the years with popularity spiking in the 50s and 60s. Now the company is enjoying resurgence. In the United States, 69,000 units were sold in 2002, a substantial increase since 1997 when 12,000 were sold.

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March 1, 2007

Vintage Vespa Revival

Icons of quality such as sleek sports cars and legendary Vespa scooters are synonymous with the Italian art of seduction. They’ve become international objects of desire.

Owning a Vespa, like savouring a good espresso, has always been a guaranteed ingredient for locking into “La Dolce Vita”. Icons of quality such as sleek sports cars and legendary Vespa scooters are synonymous with the Italian art of seduction. They’ve become international objects of desire. Owning a Vespa, like savouring a good espresso, has always been a guaranteed ingredient for locking into “La Dolce Vita”.

Local Vespa specialist Neil Felgate, and Capetonian businessman Jonathan Maliepaard, both share a deep passion for vintage Vespas. Their recently opened motor scooter restoration and resale shop, Scoot Dr, is a one-stop-shrine to classic scooters.

The devoted Vespistis met two years ago when Jon’s 1975 silver Vespa PX 150 was crying out for a spot of TLC. Neil restored Jon’s seventies Vespa to its former glory and gained Jon’s respect for his expert knowledge of Italy’s best-loved icon of freedom.

Neil persuaded Jonathan to help launch what was once a serious hobby into a fully-fledged scooter workshop business. Scoot Dr was born. Based in Upper Bree street, Cape Town, Scoot Dr aims to serve the neglected niche market of vintage Vespa and classic scooter fanatics.

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February 27, 2007

Scooter ride 'one of the best'

The weekend's National Classic Scooter Rally kick started along Marlborough's Queen Charlotte Drive - one of the best scooter rides in the country and one of the best rallies yet, according to the organisers.

The rally was held in Nelson and attracted 70 riders on Vespas, Maikolettas, Heinkels, Triumphs and BSAs.

The machines ranged in age from the late 1940s through to modern scooters.

About 40 riders met up in Picton on Friday and rally organiser and scooter fanatic Mark Brown, who owns 30 machines, said they headed to Nelson via the road at the base of the Marlborough Sounds.

"It's one of the best in New Zealand, especially for scooters, it's so twisty and windy."

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February 21, 2007

Entrepreneur rides scooter to success

Two years ago, Michael Duckworth reached his limit with Dubai parking hassles. The solution, he decided, was Vespa.

For six decades, Italy's Piaggio has manufactured this sleek, stylish and easy-to-operate scooter, long popular with European fashionistas. But Vespa was not sold in Dubai. Until then, Duckworth says, "I thought entrepreneurs needed two things - business acumen and a good idea. I lacked an idea."

Now Duckworth had his idea. Dubai needed Vespa. So the 35-year-old began his transition from life-long "salaryman" to entrepreneur. Along the way, he learned some lessons.

Lesson one: Market research

Instinct told Duckworth that Dubai and Vespa were made for each other. Dubai has more months of splendid weather compared to three in Europe where Vespa is very popular.

Vespa is also seen as cool, very svelte, says Duckworth, which fits beautifully with Dubai's cosmopolitan lifestyle. But he backed up gut feel with market research.

Demographics told Duckworth that European expats who know the Vespa brand were a big share of the Dubai's population.

Duckworth also thought that scooters would be valuable in business and government. Fast food delivery was the obvious play. But scooters had other applications. Most European postal services use them, for example.

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February 18, 2007

1946 Vespa Clock

It's go time! Celebrating the retro-cool of our all-time favorite two-wheeler, this racy Vespa clock is modeled after the headlight of its very first scooter, introduced in 1946. It features the original signature green metal casing and chrome bezel with the lens replaced with an apropos analog clock. Takes one AA battery (not included). Imported. 4" diam., 6 1/2" long. Price: $178.00

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February 15, 2007

Vespa works sex marketing in South Africa

This article about a faux-buzz campaign for Vespa in South Africa is pretty amusing. Basically, an average looking schmoe goes to a cafe, then a few minutes later a gang of female hotties come up, ogle the bike, then the guy gets on, revs up and twirls away -- with the hotties "chasing" him. The whole time nondescript makreting gnomes are putting flyers on nearby cars. Sexy.

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February 13, 2007

New Era Lambretta to bow at Dealer Expo

SUCCESSOR TO THE LAMBRETTA, THE L-SERIES FINAL PROTOTYPE SHOWN AT THE DEALER EXPO 2007 IN INDIANAPOLIS

CMSI, the manufacturer of the TNG (Twist n’ Go) motor scooters, presented the latest L-Series prototype at the 64th Milan International Motorcycle Show (EICMA). This latest prototype represents several improvements from the initial prototype that received rave reviews during the USA tour in 2005.

EDI (an engineering and design firm based in Italy) has recently completed the latest round of engineering improvements and testing on the second L-Series prototype scooter that was originally developed by renowned scooter builder Frank Sanderson of Scooter Innovation in the U.K.

This latest L-Series configuration incorporates many improvements that were based on market feedback and engineering input. The L-Series will utilize state of the art components while staying true to the classic style that echoes the design of the classic Lambretta motor scooter.

“I find it particularly interesting and unique the rediscovery of the precise style of the Lambretta with avant-garde technical contents, as far as engine and other modern components are concerned.” Says Marco Doveri of EDI.

According to Tom Lynott, President of CMSI, the manufacturer of the new L-Series, “Lambretta enthusiasts will love the new L-Series for the blend of authentic classic styling and modern engineering. We look forward to selling the new L-Series in Europe, N. America, Australia, Japan, Korea and other markets where discriminating buyers want performance and reliability packaged in a scooter with the classic heritage and looks of Lambretta.”

“The L-Series scooter builds on CMSI’s tradition of being a leader in designing, manufacturing and supporting affordable, high value scooters. This will be the most powerful luxury scooter available to authorized CMSI dealers around the world.” Says Piero Manzini, Interim President, CMSI International.

More details regarding initial production of the L-Series and specific technical data relevant to the bike will be released in the USA at the Indianapolis Powersports Dealer Expo, Feb 17-19, Booth #5219.

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February 1, 2007

France's finest find politico's son's stolen scooter

If your motor scooter is stolen in France, there is little chance that you will see it again. But if your name is Sarkozy, it seems, the odds increase in your favour.

As Nicolas Sarkozy, the Interior Minister and chief law enforcer, was meeting Tony Blair in London yesterday, France was regaled with how a crack team of sleuths solved the case of his son’s 50cc Piaggio.

Jean Sarkozy, 19, lost his scooter on January 7 after he left it unlocked outside his mother’s home in a wealthy Parisian suburb.

Days later, police in the northeastern suburbs of Seine-Saint-Denis — scene of the 2005 riots that were inflamed by Mr Sarkozy’s harsh approach — were alerted to the rare sight of a scooter with the “92” plate of the prosperous western Hauts-de-Seine. When it was identified as the Sarkozy machine, Paris sent in the crime squad.

They took fingerprints and DNA samples from a crash helmet. These were traced to a pair of 17-year-olds, who had had earlier dealings with the law. They and another teenager confessed, police said.

The operation, thought to have cost thousands of euros, drew mockery from the Federation of Angry Motorcyclists. “This is quite funny, but it has nothing to do with the ordinary motor-cyclist,” said Frédéric Brodziak, the chief motard en colère (angry motorcyclist). “When we go to the police, they always tell us that we have not the slightest chance of finding our two-wheeler. Sometimes we know the thief, but the police say it is impossible to go into estates like that to retrieve our property.”

Small scooters account for three quarters of the 85,000 motorcycles stolen annually in France. Only 8 per cent of the thefts are solved.

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January 25, 2007

Classic Child's Vespa

Made by Peg Perego and licensed by Piaggio, inventors of the original Vespa in post-WWII Italy, this is the childs version of the classic European scooter that sells for $329.95.

The sturdy molded plastic frame fully encloses the motor, wiring, and gearbox for safety, and evokes the iconic monocoque, or single-shell, unibody steel-chassis design of the original models, intended to protect riders from road dirt. The scooters two-speed electric motor propels children up to 85 lbs. at 21/2 and 5 mph on a 12V battery across dirt, grass, and sidewalks with a press of the foot accelerator.

A foot brake brings the vinyl-capped non-skid wheels to a safe stop. Includes working headlight, horn, flashing hazard lights, and electric engine sounds, and a glove box in the dash and a rear storage box. Two rear-view mirrors provide additional authentic detail. With removable training wheels and kickstand. Ages 3 to 7. Requires two AA batteries for sounds and lights (not included). 42 L x 20 1/2 W x 30 1/4 H. (42 lbs.)

Link.

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Piaggio's MP3 Positioned As Practical Scooter For Earth-Lovers

WHERE THE HUGELY HYPED SEGWAY Human Transporter failed to catch on, Piaggio is hoping to succeed: luring commuters frustrated by climbing gas prices and gridlock to a vehicle that is friendlier to the environment, but easier to maneuver than a traditional two-wheeled scooter.

Piaggio's new offering is, in fact, a scooter--but one with two wheels in front instead of one. The wheels on Piaggio's tripod moped, called MP3, tilt in parallel tandem when the bike takes a turn or the rider leans to the side--so it takes a turn just like a two-wheeled bike. The 200cc bike tops out at around 75 miles per hour, and is highway legal. (See it in action on this video.)

Paolo Timoni, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, which is the North American arm of the Italian parent company of Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi, said the bike/trike targets urban and suburban commuters worried about global warming, gasoline prices and gridlock.

The approach isn't new to Piaggio sibling Vespa, which has for the past two years been trumpeting its scooters as green machines in urban centers through mass transit poster ads promoting the iconic two-wheelers as gasoline and time savers in U.S. cities.

Timoni said that the company ran a study prior to launching MP3, based on a hypothetical situation in which 20% of car volume in New York City was replaced by scooters. "We learned that each of those drivers would save ten days a year," he said.

Link.

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Carolina City Lets "Scooter Girl" Back On The Streets

"Scooter Girl" will be rolling again soon. An 11-year-old Fayetteville girl ordered to abandon her delivery business because a city ordinance outlawed scooters on the sidewalk hopes to return to work this week after the city amended its rules.

The city council voted 9 to 1 Monday night to allow scooter delivery services to operate under the same rules as pushcart vendors, downtown restaurant owners and street entertainers.

Savanna Nelson's parents own a chocolate shop in downtown Fayetteville that has an outdoor dining permit, so it is already in compliance with the rules for scooter delivery. Savanna must still get a city business license and a zoning permit.

Link.

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January 11, 2007

Scooting opens a new look at life

It's 6 a.m. on a chilly August morning when I open my garage door and wheel my motor scooter into the driveway of my South Side home. I make final adjustments to my jacket, gloves and helmet and push off for the first time. I have just learned to ride this scooter. Ahead of me is a 40-minute drive to Tucson's Northwest industrial area.

I experience sights and sounds that I've never known before as I buzz along Euclid, passing through the university area in the darkness. I realize that a restaurant is nearby because I smell someone cooking bacon. Then the aroma of fresh bread surrounds me, and then it too is gone. Next thing I know, I'm awash in the scent of fresh-brewed coffee. Three blocks later, someone is grilling peppers!

Normally, as I drive in a car, I think about other things. But on la moto I drive in the present. I have to watch the road and the traffic more carefully than ever before. As I make my way through the darkness, I'm usually alone. I may see a cluster of white headlights behind me, and then I'm in the midst of moving vehicles, but they pass me soon enough and I find myself looking at a swarm of red taillights as I bring up the rear once again.

I tend to cross paths with five to 20 riders every early morning. Bicycles whiz by in silence, while motorcyclists' engines make a much more impressive zoom than I do on the moto. On this day I see 12 riders by the time I get to work.

I wonder why I see so few women on cycles. Among women of my age, I seem to be riding alone. Is the scooter more dangerous than I realize? Am I taking my life in my hands every time I ride? Or are we are so accustomed to cars that we don't think outside the box?

Link.

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January 2, 2007

The Incredible Story Of French Scooter Taxi

As a tourist in Thailand and the Dominican Republic, Cyril Masson hopped on unlicensed motorcycle taxis to get around. Back home, the 33-year-old Parisian and two friends hit on a business idea that some might consider just as crazy: running a two-wheel-taxi operation in one of the world's most genteel cities.

Motorcycle taxis are the developing world's limos. Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles offer a fast, cheap and risky way around snarled traffic and scarce mass transit. Mr. Masson, who ran sales to French Internet companies for Britain's Cable & Wireless PLC, had also faced clogged streets and a shortage of traditional taxis in Paris, and he realized it offered an opportunity for taxi-bikes, which can squeeze through jams.

What he didn't expect were hurdles faced by entrepreneurs world-wide: the complexity of executing a simple idea, and of translating a business concept from one culture to another. Many overseas franchisees of successful U.S. companies, for instance, have failed because they didn't adapt the American model to local habits.

High-End Challenge

Mr. Masson knew that positioning his high-end service would be tough: The motorcycle taxi could suffer from its association with the less-developed countries, poverty and reckless drivers. Lining up insurance and finding qualified drivers proved surprisingly difficult. Protecting passengers in natty business attire from rain and cold posed additional challenges, as did little details, like how to keep the passenger's helmet clean from one rider to the next.

In December 2002, Mr. Masson and two friends pulled together €165,000 ($200,244 at current exchange rates) of their own and from friends and family, quit their safe jobs and started planning their company, Citybird. "There were many people who thought we were crazy," Mr. Masson recalls.

Citybird works like any radio-taxi service -- except that instead of a black sedan arriving on call, a sporty motor scooter pulls up. The company today employs 11 people and expects revenue of around €420,000 for the year ending March 31, up from €175,000 in its latest fiscal year. Mr. Masson expects an operating profit this year, after Citybird's current fleet of nine scooters reaches 15, around midyear. Managers hope to increase the fleet to 25 in 2007 and eventually operate as many as 200 bikes.

Mr. Masson and his friends weren't the first to try taxi bikes in a developed nation. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group whisks celebrities and executives around London on nine fat red Yamaha motorcycle taxis. At least one other company operates in Paris, where thousands of locals already zip around the city on their own motorcycles and Vespa-type scooters.

From the start, Citybird's target customers were an upscale crowd, like Mr. Masson and his co-founders, Guillaume Raif, then a banker at Sociйtй Gйnйrale, and Emmanuel Pery, who worked in advertising and communications. They believed taxi-bikes would appeal to harried executives who can't waste time stuck inside a limo. To hone their concept, the partners quizzed managers at Virgin Limo Bikes in London and studied other small motorcycle-taxi services. One tip they gleaned: They'd have to have a supply of disposable paper helmet liners.

A quick analysis also indicated that large motorcycles were too big to squeeze through traffic jams and too costly to operate. Instead, they selected top-of-the-line Piaggio and Suzuki motor scooters, which are cushier than the compact and classic Vespa. The models use about half the fuel of a large motorcycle and offer lots of storage space for bags. And the partners figured that for most trips, it wouldn't matter that scooters don't move as fast as motorcycles.

"Traffic is so dense that we don't need to go very fast to gain a lot of time" over a regular taxi, Mr. Masson says, sitting in Citybird's storefront office not far from the Eiffel Tower.

Citybird's founders also knew that to woo serious professionals as customers, they needed equally serious drivers. Lots of motorcyclists applied for the job, and they whittled the pool down to a handful of former police motorcycle instructors, Tour de France camera-crew drivers and similar specialists.

But obtaining insurance for their service created big headaches. French law doesn't mention two-wheeled taxis, so the founders faced a legal vacuum. Most underwriters rejected Citybird because they equated the service with motorcycle couriers, "who crash around 10 times a year," Mr. Masson recalls. Finally, the specialized insurer that covers Paris taxis consented, but at rates five times those of normal motorcycle insurance.

Both Mr. Masson and managers at Virgin Limo Bikes say they get calls from U.S. entrepreneurs who want to start similar services. But high U.S. insurance rates, extreme weather, and strict American traffic laws that forbid motorcycles from overtaking cars in slow traffic have thwarted many of those efforts, the Europeans say.

Foul-Weather Gear

Paris rarely faces blizzards or torrential downpours, but light rain is a frequent nuisance for two-wheelers. So Citybird managers spent a long time finding the best gear to protect passengers. Each scooter carries riding gloves, boots to cover nice shoes, a loose-fitting jacket that can slide comfortably over a business suit, and a waterproof leg wrap to protect against splashes.

The first bikes rolled in September 2003, promoted by targeted ads, brochures and direct mailings touting the service at flat rates of €20 for rides inside Paris and €45 to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

"It was difficult at first," recalls Mr. Masson. But by targeting people most likely to accept the concept, especially in less conservative media circles, word spread and early customers became regulars. The main appeal: guaranteed punctuality and significantly shorter trips. During rush hour, Citybird promises it can slash the travel time between central Paris and the airport from around 90 minutes to 30 minutes.

Within a year, business was picking up. One early customer was Patrick Malval, commercial manager in France for British Airways, who liked the service because of its speed and punctuality. After a tough audit of safety and service quality, Mr. Malval struck a deal in early 2004 for Citybird to carry the airline's passengers to and from the airport. "At first we thought it would be a niche service," Mr. Malval recalls. Today, he says, demand is taking off and those who try the service are hooked.

As business grew, Citybird moved to expand. Tapping a circle of successful Internet entrepreneurs whom Mr. Masson knew from his previous career, the founders in 2004 raised 300,000 euros to build their fleet. The company even landed a second insurer.

Today Citybird has around 2,500 clients and adds more than 150 each month, Mr. Masson says. Its bikes total around 70 trips each day.

Down the road, Mr. Masson figures Citybird and its growing field of smaller rivals could equal around 4% of the total Paris taxi market. He wants to maintain Citybird's 50% share of the taxi-bike market. "In a few years we could have 200 motor scooters," he predicts.

http://www.city-bird.com/

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December 18, 2006

French Army Vespa, with Cannon*

*Shells not included

"So, what's the most unusual military vehicle you can think of? Maybe the Japanese airplane-launching submarine of WW2? Or perhaps the Soviet attempts to build a flying tank? Or perhaps the 1000 ton rolling fortress the Germans tried to build in WW2? All quite odd, I agree, but barely made it past the drawing boards. For us, the oddest is a scooter armed with a 75mm cannon.

After World War II, there was little money for defense spending while the nations of Europe rebuilt their industry and society. When there was some cash to spend, one had to be creative to stretch it as far as possible. The French probably accomplished the most astounding example of that with the ACMA Troupes Aeról Portées Mle. 56.

Deployed with their airborne forces, this was essentially a militarized Vespa scooter outfitted with a 75mm recoilless rifle. Five parachutes would carry the two-man gun crew, weapon, ammunition, and two scooters safely to earth, and the men would load the weapon on one scooter and the ammo on the other, then ride away. More impressively, the recoilless rifle could be fired effectively on the move by the best of the gun crews. Total cost? About $500 for the scooter and the recoilless rifle was war surplus.

Link.

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December 4, 2006

Scooter blues: Environmentally correct, but they get no respect

I wish I knew why Harley riders stare straight through me when I'm coming down the street on my scooter from the opposite direction.

Sadly, I'm beginning to suspect American motorcyclists of subscribing to a caste system in which Harley Davidsons occupy the top tier, followed by the Euro-touro blends, the bullet bikes, dirt bikes, and, finally, the dung of motorized two-wheeled transportation, the scooter. I own a scooter. Americans are buying and riding more gas-saving scooters. Do we have to organize our own rally just to get a little respect?

It may be that a manifesto tooled into leather and nailed to a dealership door could make our case for a new age on the streets. Not everyone who chooses to ride a scooter is a wimp; clearly, not everyone who rides a Harley is a rugged individual.

I've seen the ladies with blue hair driving their two-wheeled Buicks and, believe me, it takes guts to scoot around on our public roads with only 49ccs under our seats. I'm proud of my comrades for staying alert, being cautious and sucking up less gasoline. It's time the big bikes realized they're representing the Hummers and SUVs of the motorcycle world.

Link.

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December 3, 2006

Toy Vespa in the UK

When you were a kiddie, you probably wanted a motorised thing to drive around on. I recall hearing the unmistakable wrrrr of an electronic motorbike struggling up a shallow hill. Well, I imagine that they've got much better since then, and what better way to spoil a young wannabe mod child than with an a motorised Vespa for your kids!

A faithful reproduction of the grown-up scooter (stabilisers aside), this miniature Vespa has a two-speed gearbox (2.5 and 5 mph) powered by a rechargeable battery, automatic brakes and working headlight, horn and hazard-warning lights. It is suitable for children aged from three to seven.

Link.

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November 28, 2006

Scooter devotees aren't discouraged by the chill

If, during some bitterly cold day this winter, you see one or more scooters motoring down some Mankato road, do not pity them.

Well, maybe a little pity wouldn’t hurt. But they won’t put their Vespas and Lambrettas in storage simply on account of subzero temps.

At least two Mankato riders are looking to win a blog’s contest to see who can ride for 10 miles in the coldest temperature. Last year’s winner hailed from Ithaca, N.Y., and rode in minus 6.5 degrees.

Peter Lundgren figures he can beat that. All he needs is some Minnesota cold and some clear pavement (riding in the cold may sounds painful, but scootering on snow or ice is asking for trouble).

What he doesn’t need is an excuse.

“I love to ride scooters,” said Lundgren, 28. “It’s what I do.”

Life before scooters is a blur. He assumes he must have talked about something, but he can’t begin to think of what it might have been.

He doesn’t even need a contest.

On Saturday, he scooted in to work (yes, he sells scooters) at Starr Cycle Yamaha. He has five scooters (one doesn’t run) and this time he chose a Lambretta, which can do 70 mph.

You see, Lundgren loves his scooters too much to hang them up for six months. He tries to get out at least once a month, every month.

Link.

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November 27, 2006

Exploring the West Coast scooter revival

"Total obsession" doesn't begin to describe Kenny Brown's love affair with his motor scooter. It's a veritable religion where Vespas are idols, garages are temples, and ritual is pushing a start button to bring forth the buzz of a two-stroke engine.

As Brown, a phlebotomist living in Arroyo Grande, puts it, "It's a way of life. It's a totally different world."

Sixty years after Italy's war-torn Piaggio first started producing the wasp-like Vespa, scooters have seen a monumental comeback. They're sleek, nostalgic and infinitely cool, a favorite with hipsters, professionals and Italophiles alike. Twenty years ago, you might have seen 20 or 30 scooters cruising SLO County streets, Brown said. Now the figure is closer to 100 with demand so strong that this month, the county gained its own certified Vespa dealer.

Jim Wilmore said he's had about 20 people a day stopping to check out the scooters at his Wilmore Auto Works in San Luis Obispo. Getting in on the action, he bought himself a brand-new burgundy Vespa as soon as the shipment came in.

Unlike motorcycles, scooters feature full bodywork including leg shields and a "step-through" design that allows users to sit rather than straddle the engine — as well as more compact, generally less powerful engines and frames. What's more, they boast stunning gas mileage and ease of use. A newer model might get up to 100 miles per gallon.

Bonnie Scott of San Luis Obispo is among the scooter enthusiasts drawn by the economic benefits of Vespas and other brands — cheaper-than-cars prices, low gas costs and the ability to park just about anywhere.

Link.

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Visiting the Piaggio museum

Scoot over to see an Italian icon

MOST people flying into Pisa head straight for the obvious charms of Florence and Siena. But it is well worth spending a day or two exploring Tuscany’s less-crowded northern region.

If you have only time to see one attraction in this neck of the woods, then head for Pontedera, a 20-minute drive from Pisa. On the site of the iconic transport company’s former factory, the Museo Piaggio is home to the world’s biggest collection of Vespa, Piaggio and Gilera motorbikes.

Although best known for the cult Vespa scooter, Piaggio manufactured almost every mode of transport, from cars, buses, motorbikes and trucks to aircraft and trains. The museum traces the entire collection and provides a fascinating social and economic history of the area.

The company was founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884. By the second world war Piaggio was one of the most important European aeronautics, railway, steamship and transatlantic liner manufacturers.

In 1946 Rinaldo’s son Enrico envisaged and produced the Vespa, a vehicle that came to symbolise post-war reconstruction in Italy. Since then, more than 100 Vespa models have been produced and 20 million sold, making it one of the most successful post-war brands ever created. The first Vespa prototypes are on display alongside more modern models, such as the Montlhéry and Siluro, as well as the Dalì, designed by Salvador Dalì, the Catalan artist, in 1962.

Link.

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November 14, 2006

Designers - Win a Vespa!

The South African Vespa site is well worth a visit - Vespa's current campaign and website get a big thumbs up from Represent - and you know we fussy like that.

Have you seen the billboards around town "Pay to use the road" and "4 wheels pay. 2 wheels don't" "Road Tax coming" - well they're all part of Vespa's latest campaign - they're asking peeps to sign a petition against the forthcoming road tax bill to be put before parliament. Go online and download your form!

But if you'd rather not focus on politics and get a little creative, enter the ArtVespa competition before the 31 November - it's super simple, all you have to do make a Vespa look funky with your very own style. You can download a photo of a Vespa from the site and photoshop it and send it back for your chance to win - tres simple!!

Check it out here. Good Luck!

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November 13, 2006

This mod's Vespa is voted best

Napier scooter enthusiast Lance Robson has never had a problem knowing what was coming up behind him on the road. He can see whatever it is from 13 angles ... the British mods of the mid-60s would have been delighted.

And not just with the 13 mirrors which adorn his Piaggio PX200 Vespa.

The mods (who adorned their Vespas and Lambrettas with every possible accessory and add-on) would have also given the thumbs-up to the white-wall tyres, the smart mudflaps, the chequered windscreen and the lashings of chrome.

Earlier this year the judges at the New Zealand Scooter Association Show in Palmerston North also gave his remarkable Vespa the thumbs-up.

It took the "Best in Show" title, which left Lance with a smile on his face.

But then, when he's out on the scooter he usually has a smile on his face.

"They are fun ... they are just so much fun," he said.

"I'm always grinning away. That's why I wear a full-face helmet," he said with a laugh.

Through the years there had been a worldwide interest in classic scooters, namely those from Italy.

That word had reached Hawke's Bay, and as a result a casual, social group had sprung up, fittingly called the Napier Scooter Boys. Not a structured club by any means. More a group of blokes who love to get out on the first Sunday of every month for a scooter ride.

"We're never in a hurry," Lance said.

Link.

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Man on scooter chases burglar

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - A Paradise Townshp burglary victim, riding a scooter, chased a suspect until Lancaster state police arrived and arrested the fleeing man shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Michael David Riehl, 43, of Paradise, was caught on South Belmont Road, after he allegedly broke into a nearby building on Quarry Road, Cpl. Lawrence Wallick said.

The activation of motion alarms at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday alerted Ivan Beiler King, 33, that someone was on his property at 4 Quarry Road, Paradise, which is about 11-w miles south of Route 30.

When King checked a building, he heard noises and then saw a person inside the office area, Wallick said.

The intruder fled on foot, runing east on Quarry Road and then south on Belmont Road. King followed him on a scooter. Troopers then arrived and took Riehl into custody, Wallick said.

Riehl was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and theft, and was committed to Lancaster County Prison in default of $10,000 bail, police said.

On Wednesday night, Lancaster state police searched for a “peeping tom’’ suspect in Salisbury Township.

A resident who lives in the area of 5200 block of Old Philadelphia Pike near Snake Lane, which is west of White Horse, called the Lancaster barracks at 9:25 p.m. He had seen a strange man looking into the window of a neighboring home, trying to get a glimpse of a female, Trooper Josh Whiteside said.

The man had both his hands and face pressed against the window, the caller told police.

When the caller asked the man what he was doing , the man replied that “he was looking for his dog,’’ which he described as a white German shepherd with a black rear leg. The man told the neighbor he had been looking for the dog for several hours, Whiteside said.

The man then fled on foot. Lancaster troopers and a K-9 unit from the West Brandywine Police Department in Chester County searched for the suspect for about an hour, but could not find him.

Link.

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October 28, 2006

Win Britney's Vespa

It's been a tough few years for Britney Spears fans. First, she married that K-Fed, who most Brit-fans see as a step down from the carny who runs the Tilt-a-Whirl. As though that weren't enough, there was the baby-dropping, the sad gum-snapping TV confessional, the frequent trips to Taco Bell, and, oh yeah, marrying K-Fed. Now, thankfully, eBay's giving you a chance to let your true blue Britney colors shine proudly.

To start, there's a Vespa scooter with Britney's autograph on it. (Where on earth does our Brit ride a Vespa? Around the house?) The sale of the scooter will benefit the Camp Laurel foundation for children living with AIDS and HIV.

Link.

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October 23, 2006

Schwinn scooter raffles to benefit Amazon Heart

In honor of both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the historical similarities between Harley and Schwinn, the Ventura and Simi Harley-Davidson dealerships are selling tickets through Oct. 28 to raffle off one Schwinn "Hope" model from each location.

All ticket-sale proceeds will benefit Amazon Heart. Additionally, Schwinn Motor Scooter company donates 10 percent of the purchase price of all Hope models to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Harley general manager Paul Pecoraro said the two shops hope to raise as much as $10,000 during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each location on Oct. 28 will raffle off one pink-and-white, four-stroke, gas-powered Schwinn Hope scooter. Known for its bicycles, Schwinn in 2005 introduced its first models of motor scooters.

Raffle tickets are $10 each, with 500 tickets available at each store, 1326 Del Norte Road in Camarillo, and 6190 Condor Drive in Moorpark. For more information, contact Micki Waldrop at 981-9904.

The raffle follows a visit by the Amazon Heart Thunder at Ventura Harley-Davidson on Sept. 24. Ventura Harley-Davidson opened early that morning to provide breakfast and items to help a dozen riders trek from Los Angeles to San Francisco to raise awareness and provide an adventure for breast cancer survivors.

Amazon Heart was founded in 2004 by two young breast cancer survivors to meet the needs of women living with breast cancer through a unique approach to peer support — life-changing adventures that help women come to terms with their experiences and move on to live life fully. Funds raised by the ride will support the peer support programs of Amazon Heart and the Young Survival Coalition of the United States.

For more information, visit http://www.amazonheartthunder.org.

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October 2, 2006

Scooter-themed Pin-Up Art Show at Cafe Racer

Seattle cartoonist confederation "Friends of the Nib" will host a benefit art show at Cafe Racer Saturday night (6-8pm), and according to an email we received from one Max Woodring, "100% of all proceeds from art sales will go to Jason Gooder, who was recently injured in a fall."

Seattlest has no clue who this "Jason Gooder" person is (perhaps a secret alias Max Woodring exploits for profit?), or if the fall in question took place on a Vespa (hence the theme of the show?), but the talent on display - Jim Woodring, Bruce Brickford, Ellen Forney, David Lasky et al - are unlikely to disappoint, and they inexplicably price their masterpieces to sell. Go snag this stuff before the artists wake up and realize how seriously underpriced it all is.

Cafe Racer Espresso, Seattle Coffee House 5828 Roosevelt Way NE

Via http://www.seattlest.com.

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October 1, 2006

Alert: Here comes the Autorickshaws!

India’s inspiring imports to the West are no more restricted to beauty queens, Bollywood, bindis, bangles and brocades.Even something as unstylish and quotidian as an autorickshaw has started to make a style statement.

Check out Florida’s Ronald Flynn’s latest passion for instance. Every time the debonair 73-year old makes his weekly trip to the grocery store, he invites looks that are a mix of amusement and amazement. And it’s all because the retired flight control despatcher for Federal Express makes those short drives in a bright red coloured autorickshaw that he drives himself. Incidentally, this Barefoot Bay resident also owns a Chevy and Cadillac.

A few thousand miles away, newsmaker and columnist Emma Parker-Bowles recently did a test run in Brighton, UK, on their tuktuks for her column in one of Britain’s leading tabloids. You guessed it. The tuktuks happen to be none other than our humble autorickshaws imported from Pune and taken to UK for commercial use by politician-cum-businessman Dominic Ponniah in July.

The response to what we thought were modest machines have been far more flattering than what they have ever received in the country of their origin. Parker Bowles termed the polka dotted version of the vehicle she traveled in as the “coolest thing to drive in the summers”.

“I love driving the autorickshaw around even if people react with a ‘What the hell is that?’ I realise that in India it’s used for business but I have great fun with it,” says the man who had gone looking for a scooter online but then decided on the autorickshaw when he chanced upon it on the net.

Link.

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September 24, 2006

Parking cops use Segways to give tickets more efficiently

This silently rolling team turns heads and leaves people wide-eyed.

The uniformed, helmet-clad, parking-control representatives make quite an impression, but it's their mode of transportation that is the attraction -- the Segway.

Gary Wittenmyer, 65, and Bob Macek, 56, use the two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered scooters to patrol downtown Riverside.

Their duties include checking meters and issuing tickets, but Wittenmyer and Macek might as well add responding to frequently-asked-questions-about-a-Segway.
"Some days you can hardly go a block without being stopped a couple of times," Wittenmyer said as he zipped along Main Street. "I've had a couple of older people in wheelchairs who wanted to race me."

The public parking services division purchased the $5,500 Segways in August for its SmartPark program, which expanded metered parking in the downtown commercial and courts districts, supervisor Arlene Armendariz said.

The scooters allow the officers to get around more quickly than on foot and more easily than if they were in a car that they'd have to park on busy streets.

The officers ride the Segways on the sidewalk, occasionally veering off to the side to let pedestrians go by or stopping to answer questions by curious passers-by.

"They pay you for that?" asked Abel Silva, 21, of Riverside, as he checked out Wittenmyer's scooter.

Silva asked questions the officers hear all the time -- and answer patiently. How expensive are they? How fast do they go? Can you fall?

"Chase somebody down on those?" Silva wondered.

"Not yet," Wittenmyer said with a broad grin.

"So you give more tickets?" Silva asked.

"It actually depends on the people how many tickets we give out," Wittenmyer said, adding that the Segways do allow them to cover more ground than on foot.

Wittenmyer used to walk eight miles a day and likes the scooters because they're easier on his knees and feet.

If the Segway pilot program is deemed successful by making parking enforcement more efficient, Armendariz said, she'd like to replace the division's two electric cars with the scooters. The cars need to be plugged in every couple of hours and don't have parts readily available, she said.

Link.

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St. Louis drunks driven home by scooter-preneur

It's proven successful on the west coast and is now gaining popularity in St. Louis.

It's called 'The Driver's Seat' -- a safe and innovative way to get home and have your car there after having one too many cocktails.

"It is a safe and viable alternative to an accident or DUI", explained local founder Todd Morlen.

Here's how it works.

You make a reservation to be picked up, and a volunteer driving a motorized scooter arrives and takes you home.

Morlen said after the diver arrives the scooter is folded and placed in a suitcase-like bag.

Since December, the program has removed 300 drivers from the road with only six scooter drivers.

It isn't cheap. There is a $20 pick-up fee and a $1.77 charge per mile.

Link.

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September 22, 2006

Scooter law puts girl out of business

Ten-year-old Savanna Nelson thought the police officer was joking when he told her she couldn’t ride her scooter downtown anymore.

Savanna lives with her parents above their shop, The Chocolate Lady, at 212 Hay St. Last spring, she started a downtown delivery business using her scooter, her personality and some youthful ambition.

Just like that, she was dubbed downtown’s youngest entrepreneur, an ambassador on wheels who brought lunch, coffee and ice cream to hungry shopkeepers up and down Hay Street — until Fourth Friday last month, when a police officer stopped her and a friend in mid-scoot.

“We were almost down to Sunny’s Men’s Wear and he stopped us,” Savanna said. “I’m like, ‘You’re kidding, right?’”

The officer wasn’t kidding. A city ordinance blocks people from riding skateboards, bicycles or anything else with human-propelled wheels on the downtown sidewalks.

Savanna was heartbroken.

“When I came home — you can ask my mom and dad — I came home in tears,” she said. “I can’t do the scooter business anymore.”

Link.

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September 19, 2006

Retro archives: Harley Davidson - How Do I Hate Thee

Editor's note: I wrote this article about Harley Davidson motorcycles three years ago and it just logged it's 598th comment over at BlogCritics. On rereading it, I find it pretty funny, even if I did write it and decided to share it with the scootering community. Original pub. date, May 23, 2003.

We in the D.C. area just got treated to another tiresome rolling Geritol commercial. Thousands of RUBs [Rich Urban Bikers] came to the area on their Harley Davidson motorcycles, polluting the area with the sounds of troubled G.I. tracts.

Here's why I hate Harleys and the dweebs who ride them:

1. For encouraging dentists to wear leather.

2. For giving away a case of DentuCreme with every new hog.

3. For disenfranchising real tough guys. The true scum and lowlifes that made Harley fearsome either can't afford them or are ashamed to ride them. [Maybe they can become part of a protected class.]

4. For their thumping pipes, which serve no function, except to disrupt the peace.

5. For riding two abreast, because they have no balls.

6. For diluting an authentic piece of Americana.

7. For the fat asses I see spilling over the ever wider seats.

8. For the stupid looks on their faces when they drive down the street. Look at me, I'm cool!

9. For their endless, and now meaningless, displays of flag waving patriotism. It is a soulless piece of the branding effort.

10. For how shiny and endlessly chromed out their their bikes are — another sign they are just part of a laundry list of toys — and not an intrinsic part of their lifestyle.

11. For the wimps from Ohio and North Carolina who drive them here on trailers — pulled behind minivans!

Harley has become a joke.

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September 17, 2006

Man tries to steal scooter from police station

PHILIPSBURG--A robber soon learnt that the back of the Philipsburg police station was not the best place from which to attempt stealing a scooter. He was caught red-handed by police around 2:30am Thursday.

Police spokesman Chief Inspector Humphrey “Boyd” Giterson told The Daily Herald on Thursday evening that the suspect F.G.R. (32) of Dominica probably had not been aware that the entire police station is monitored from inside via surveillance cameras installed on the building nearly two years ago.

Police officers were “holding the fort” during the early morning hours and could not believe what they were seeing as they watched F.G.R. on camera as he climbed the fence, entered the parking lot at the back of the building and headed for the confiscated scooters that are stored at the back of the station.

To add to F.G.R.’s misfortune, an Acting Prosecutor was passing by at the time. When F.G.R. saw police coming from the building he started to run, but was stopped by the Acting Prosecutor.

It is not clear what F.G.R. thought, as the gate to the police station was closed and could only be opened by remote control. It is not likely that he would have been able to take the scooter from the parking lot without having access to the remote device that opens the gate.

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As scootering grows, vintage weenies become whiners

With new, easier-to-use models, scooters have had a blast of popularity in the Twin Cities. But veteran retro-geeks look askance at newbies and wonder: Whine, or welcome them?

They hummed through city streets like a motorcade of mosquitoes. Vintage Vespas, modern Kymcos and even plastic crotch-rockets became goodwill ambassadors eliciting grins or laughter from spectators.

But for some veteran riders, last month's seventh annual Twin Cities scooter rally had grown too large and willy-nilly — words they might also apply to the larger scootering scene in Minnesota and the nation.

Thanks to recent gas prices and an influx of contemporary models on the market, scooters have attracted a new lot of enthusiasts who may not salivate over salvaging old bikes. Some veterans complain the newcomers are gradually transforming a cherished subculture rooted in retrogeekiness, Italian flair and the British "Mod" scene from the 1960s.

"A lot of people that ride scooters today are yuppies," said Chris Miller, 34, of Minneapolis, who sports a jacket for his scooter club, All Mod Cons (a shortened version of the slogan "all modern conveniences"). "Nothing's wrong with it, but everything that's been cool for the last 20 years has become mainstream, like skateboarding."

Miller's club takes its cues from the 1979 scooter cult flick "Quadrophenia." Based on The Who album of the same name, the film tells a story of an alienated Mod teen from London who hates his parents and his social life but finds freedom through cruising on his GS scooter.

A LOST REFERENCE

Yet such pop-cultural references, as well as the so-called pain and frustrations of owning a vintage scooter, are often lost on the new generation of riders.

One vintage scooter club, The Regulars, lost some of its, well, regulars after some new folks with modern vehicles appeared at the outings.

Jeremy Stomberg, 32, of Minneapolis has nothing against automatic "twist-and-go" machines, which, unlike the classics, don't require shifting gears. He just prefers the company of fellow vintage buffs, who just as breathlessly discuss the latest hard-to-find parts they've unearthed.

Even when he started scootering five years ago with a contemporary Yamaha Vino, the vintage community accepted him because he was eager to learn more about the old bikes, he said. Today, he rides a powder blue 1963 Vespa.

"It's just a thing where, if you become too welcoming, too diverse, you kind of lose the focus of why you got together in the first place," said Stomberg. "Say you have a club for people with red cars. And then you have people say, 'I don't have a red car, but I like red cars.' Well, OK. Then, 'Well, I have a blue car.' Then it becomes, 'I have an orange semi-trailer.' "

This year's rally, which he helped organize, drew more than 150 riders. It has nearly tripled in about four years, he said, making it harder to coordinate.

"We want something that's a little more focused," said Stomberg, who might organize a smaller ride next year open only to vintage riders. A separate mass rally would still likely take place next summer if other volunteers step forward to plan it.

Link.

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Scooter brothers recall buying cheap classified buys

High priests of scooter world deliver the word

It's been nearly two decades since Michael and Eric Dregni were pushing their broken Lambretta scooters all over the Twin Cities. Now, the Minneapolis brothers have largely graduated from the scooter scene.

Except for writing about it.

Since buying their first scooters in the late 1980s, the Dregnis have worked on several books on the subject — "about five, embarrassedly," Michael says — including their latest, "The Scooter Bible." Their fanaticism about scooters, tempered with self-deprecating humor, demonstrates why the vehicles can seem both nerdy and cool.

The two Macalester College alums — Michael, 45, and Eric, 38 — spoke with the Pioneer Press about the scooter trend and their distaste for the newfangled plastic models typified by the Yamaha Zuma.

How did you guys get into scootering?

Michael Dregni: People all over the Cities would have these things as toys. They'd break, and they started stuffing them into the garage. We'd go through the thrifties (classified ads). In no hurry, because no one else was chasing them, you'd go out and find these scooters. You might pay 50 bucks for one.

Eric Dregni: Yeah, when someone charged $300, it was just outrageous.

Was it the subculture aspect of scooters that drew you in?

MD: I think it was more the Italian connection. We were interested in Italian motorcycles, Italian cars, Italian racing bicycles …

ED: Italian language …

MD: Italian food …

ED: Italian movies.

So, what generation Italian are you?

ED and MD: (pause) Norwegian.

Oh. You have the vintage types, the modern riders and the mini-crotch-rocket riders. What's the deal? Are there scooter divisions?

MD: It used to be that everyone rode old scooters, and that was it. Now you have these modern scooters, and they (work) all the time.

Link.

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September 13, 2006

Pastor scoots for Jesus

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- An Arkansas pastor is working to save not only souls, but also gas and money.

The Rev. Bryan Fink said he has switched from a gas-guzzling van to a scooter. The associate pastor at the Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Ark., said it was time to consider alternatives when it cost him $85 for a fill-up.

Fink said he has put 1,200 miles on his scooter since May. He said a tank of gas for the scooter lasts nearly a week and only costs him a few dollars.

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September 11, 2006

Beyond MPGs, lover for scooters runs deep

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It could be a critical moment for motor scooters.

No doubt we're buying the heck out of scooters compared with just a few years ago. Colorful and shiny Vespas and Kymcos buzz our boulevards.

So are we on our way to a new motoring look, all European and Asian?

Future gas prices could hold the answer. Or other less tangible issues might. Take the cool factor, for one.

Twenty-year-old Brenna Spurgeon zips to work on her black Vespa, never quite sure if the scene she's creating is hip or dorky. Not that she cares. But people do smile. Are they laughing?

On a scooter, are you stylishly elegant or a goof who can't afford regular transportation, like Terry the Toad from "American Graffiti"?

We talked to scooter buyers to see what they were thinking. As we suspected, motor vehicle purchases have to do with a lot of other stuff besides miles-per-gallon - style, psychology, personal history. Here are snippets from those conversations:

Link.

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September 5, 2006

Getting ready for the Scooter Cannonball

Somewhere in the middle of Wyoming, roommates Mike Garrett and Rob Downs may come to question the wisdom of their journey.

Crossing the continental United States on a Vespa and a Lambretta ? Those nippy little scooters more associated with the narrow, congested streets of Rome than the vast, yawning spaces of America?

But they cannot be dissuaded, and Sunday in Pacific City, Ore., they will straddle their machines and point them east, destination Coney Island, N.Y., 3,500 miles away. With them will be 30 other scooter riders.

Make that "scooterists."

"There's a difference between scooterists and people who ride scooters," said Rob, a 30-year-old Navy vet who works on the Department of Labor's Web site. "Some people just own and ride scooters. If someone's referred to as a scooterist, that means he does scooter rallies and likes hanging out with other people who have a shared interest in this hobby."

Link.

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August 29, 2006

UK scoot rally massive success