Now, the popular machine that was birthed in Europe is all the rage in the United States as well.
With the rising popularity of the urban scooter, more people are turning to this fuel-efficient alternative form of transportation. No longer underpowered, today’s urban machines offer style, fun and freedom to commuters and recreational riders alike.
The scooter market offers many different makes and models to fit a rider’s needs. Whether a motorist is looking to save on fuel costs, avoid traffic or just plain have fun, there’s a scooter for the occasion.
Classic Scooters
Perhaps the oldest and more reputable name in scooters are Vespa scooters. Started towards the end of World War II in Italy, Vespa manufactured the first motor scooter, the M5, in 1943. Today, the GTV 300 goes up to 75 miles per hour and retails at almost $7,000. Vespa scooter owners can also commune online to find deals and swap stories.
How about a sleek, elegant and affordable scooter to style around town in? Try an Aprilia scooter. Made in a small Italian village outside of Venice, Aprilia began as a bicycle company and now offers several engine options. A leader in innovations, the new 450 Vs have moved scooters to an entirely new dimension.
One of the most reputable scooters for its class is the Sym Scooter, made by a company founded in 1954 in Taiwan. Known for great customer service, Sym Scooter offers buyers a great warranty along with high quality and smooth performance.
Yamaha has long been renown for making quality products and their scooters are no exception. This year’s 2010 Majesty boosts 50 miles per gallon, a super sturdy four-stroke engine and walks a fine line between scooter and cycle.
Three Wheeled Scooters
Looking for something sure to turn heads? Try the three-wheel Piaggio scooter. A division of Vespa, Piaggio offers the MP3 250, which gets 55 to 60 miles per gallon and goes up to 75 miles an hour. On the lower end, look at the Fly 50, considerably slower but with gas mileage of up to 115 mile per gallon, the lack of speed is compensated by cost efficiency and lower price.
The Can-Am Spyder scooter is also a great three wheeled trike scooter on the market. This low profile scooter hugs the road, and provides excellent stability for a long tour, or a daily commute.
Mini Scooters and Micro Mini Scooters
For the younger crowd, choose from a variety of mini and micro mini scooters. These skinny little machines give riders the feeling of surfing. Not just toys, these scooters allow kids to develop balance and coordination. Most mini scooters are made of lightweight materials, and several styles fold up, making them easy to store. Razor makes an electric model that buzzes along at 15 miles an hour and runs less than $200.