Rome years ago was a place for scooters rather than cars (but now the Smart Car is pretty cute there) and Europe has had them for years. Italy is still the major market for Vespas and has been for over 50 years. When a Vespa (an Italian for wasp) was the hottest auction item at our school a few years ago in Atlanta, I wanted one but thought it probably wasn't a good thing for teenagers who weren't yet of driving age. With 16 million produced, Vespas are symbols of Italian elegance and style and it is the most successful scooter of all time. The U.S. has become a new growing market since the maker re-entered the market in 2001.
One of my bestest friends tells me she scoots with her husband around Norman, Oklahoma. Scooters are on the increase around Santa Fe and dealers are excited to stock sexy Vespas. This one, right, is a Vespa Grandturismo 200, and sells for more than $5,000. The Fly sells for under $2,000. Maybe it is that the boomers are remembering the fun appeal of the mini-bikes, which are banned from streets most everywhere.
Maybe it is the increasing availability, its economic appeal in a time of rising gas prices, or just the plain fun appeal, but doesn't this look like fun? The median age of scooter-ers is 46 and the sales keep growing. Boot-scootin' reborn.
Yes, it definitely looks like fun. I used to love to ride motorcycles in those younger years, but this is so chic! I want one.
Posted by: allison | September 12, 2007 at 09:02 AM
Wait, do you still live in ATL? I live in ATL!
Posted by: Eva | September 12, 2007 at 09:35 AM
That's what I should have bought when I got my motorcycle. Lots easier to ride.
Posted by: Old Horsetail Snake | September 12, 2007 at 04:09 PM