Scooter FAQ

by Vespa, Honda, Lambretta, Yamaha and others ...

latest changes to this website

"Why no updates???"

Yes, we're aware that none of this has been updated in awhile, but it still seems useful, so it's been left here -- but we'll be coming back soon to actually make some additions & changes, so check back for that!

TABLE OF CONTENTS [latest update]

DEFINING TERMS:
1.1 Introduction [11/99]
1.2 What is a scooter? [11/99]
1.3 How do scooters differ from mopeds?
1.4 How do scooters differ from motorcycles?
1.5 What are "classic" scooters?
1.6 What are "modern" scooters?
1.7 What are "retro" scooters? [5/00]
1.8 What are "chopper", "cut-down", "mod" and "rat" scooters?
1.9 What are "two-strokes" and "four-strokes" and how do they differ? [5/00]
1.10 What are "maxi", "touring", "sport" and "performance" scooters? [7/99]

WHY SCOOTERS EXIST:
2.1 What are the general advantages of scooters? [6/00]
2.2 What are the general disadvantages of scooters? [6/00]
2.3 Don't the small wheels on scooters make them unsafe?
2.4 What are the advantages of scooters over automobiles?
2.5 What are the advantages of scooters over motorcycles?
2.6 What are the advantages of scooters over mopeds?
2.7 What are the upcoming trends for scooters? [8/99]

SPEED OF SCOOTERS:
3.1 How fast can scooters go? [7/99]
3.2 Can I make my scooter go faster?
3.3 How do you make 2-stroke scooters go faster?
3.4 How can I de-restrict my 50cc scooter? [11/99]
3.5 How do you make 4-stroke scooters go faster?
3.6 Is there organized scooter racing? [7/99]

POPULAR SCOOTER MAKES:
4.1 What are Vespa or Piaggio scooters?
4.2 What are Lambretta scooters?
4.3 What are Cushman scooters? [7/99]
4.4 What are Honda scooters? [11/99]
4.5 What are Yamaha scooters?
4.6 What are Allstate or Sears scooters? [7/99]
4.7 What are other popular makes of scooters? [11/99]
4.8 What are "clone" scooters?

BUYING A SCOOTER:
5.1 What is a good "beginners" scooter to buy?
5.2 Which make or model of scooter is best to buy? [1/00]
5.3 What engine size do I need? [7/99]
5.4 Should I buy a new or used scooter?
5.5 Where can I find used scooters for sale? [8/99]
5.6 How can I determine the value of an old scooter I have? [8/99]
5.7 Does it makes sense to buy "grey market" scooters?
5.8 Why does the same scooter have different names? [8/99]

SCOOTERS IN THE USA -- GENERAL:
6.1 What are the current trends of the scooter market in the USA? [1/01]
6.2 What new scooters are sold in the USA and what do they cost? [1/01]
6.3 Why are there so many more models sold in Europe than the USA? [9/99]
6.4 What will insurance and registration cost?
6.5 How can I get a title when the seller has none?
6.6 What is the minimum engine size needed for highways in the USA?
6.7 Where can I buy performance parts in the USA? [5/00]
6.8 Can I import a model not sold in the USA? [12/99]

SCOOTERS IN THE USA -- REGULATIONS:
7.1 Who administers vehicle safety regulations? [12/99]
7.2 Who administers regulations regarding vehicle emissions? [12/99]
7.3 Who oversees vehicle import regulations? [12/99]
7.4 Who administers vehicle licensing & registration? [12/99]

SCOOTERS IN EUROPE:
8.1 What are the current trends of the scooter market in Europe? [5/00]
8.2 What new scooters are sold in Europe and what do they cost? [1/01]

SCOOTER CULTURE:
9.1 What is "scooter culture"?
9.2 What are "scooter clubs"? [9/99]
9.3 Why do some clubs only accept one make of scooter?
9.4 What is a "scooter rally"?
9.5 Will my scooter be accepted at a scooter rally?
9.6 What is a "scooter run"?
9.7 Who are "mods" and "skins" and how do they relate to scooters?
9.8 What is ska music and what is the connection with scooters?
9.9 Why is there a rivalry between owners of classic and modern scooters?

SCOOTER DISCUSSION FORUMS:
10.1 What is the history of "alt.scooter"? [11/99]
10.2 Are there other scooter newsgroups? [11/99]
10.3 Are there listservs devoted to scooters? [5/00]
10.4 Are there chat rooms devoted to scooters?

DEFINING TERMS:

1.1 -- Introduction

It has always been mysterious to those outside the ranks of those who love and cherish motorscooters how a newsgroup (NG) can be devoted to them, let alone a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) website. However, the lure has been unrelenting since the earliest days of scooters and the expansion of knowledge and accessibility made possible by online interaction has only increased interest and the natural questions that typically arise. The goal here is to answer the most commonly asked questions as fully as possible in this limited space, using links to other websites to supply greater detail. This FAQ has been in a constant state of revision since it was first begun in November 1997 and then later publicly unveiled on May 12, 1998 and it is expressly hoped that user input will continue to improve it over time. Users of this FAQ will also notice a tendency towards coverage of questions from an American perspective, because most of those viewing it are still from the USA, though this is noticeably changing each passing year and is being slowly remedied. Lastly, it should be noted that this is the second FAQ for alt.scooter, though the original FAQ is very limited and now terribly outdated. Any comments about this newer FAQ should be addressed to Danny, who assumes sole responsibility for its content. [11/99]

1.2 -- What is a scooter?

The term "scooter" as commonly used in the newsgroup (NG) alt.scooter refers more properly to a "motorscooter", which are a subclass of motorcycles utilizing a distinctive structural design. These are generally two-wheeled vehicles originally based on motorized versions of children's push scooters, although some three-wheeled scooters are considered to exist. Motorscooters (or simply "scooters") have been around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two has often been blurred (see 1.4). The most commonly accepted definition of scooters requires two-wheeled vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified to have a rear axle) that have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-thru frames and typically engines that are low and close to the rear wheel [see The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1997), vol. 8, pg. 367]. However, it should be noted that this definition is not universally accepted, as some have argued (Dregni & Dregni, for example) that scooters need only have 2 out of 3 of these attributes. Scooters also often incorporate full bodywork, including legshields and generally are designed to be easier to operate than standard motorcycles. It should be noted that scooters may be of any engine size, though historically they typically have ranged from 50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation to possible top speed inherent in scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph. Incidentally, the term "scooter" is also commonly used for "medical scooters", which are typically 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles for people with mobility problems, but are quite unlike "motorscooters". There are also scooters with very small engines (under 40cc) commonly called "go-peds" (a prominent brand), which look like motorized children's push scooters. However, they are not covered by this FAQ because they have their own NG, alt.sport.go-ped and since they differ significantly from the larger motorscooters commonly discussed on the "alt.scooter" NG. There is also a popular German techno band named "Scooter" that sometimes leads to confusion as well, especially when using search engines. [11/99]

1.7 -- What are "retro" scooters?

Because the classic Vespa and Lambretta designs have endured in popularity for so very long and continue to sell well even today, there have been recent attempts to market essentially modern scooters with classicly styled frames. A recent well-known attempt would be Italjet with their Velocifero that has been widely marketed all over the world, including the USA. Because the Velocifero uses a metal body in a classic design, some also consider it a classic scooter, though others aren't so sure. When Honda went to market it's Giorno, with a plastic body, it was seen as naked attempt to copy the Vespa magic. Likewise, Yamaha has produced the Vino, which now also comes in a "classic edition". Malaguti and other companies are now doing the same thing, though the most brazen copy of the Vespa must be the Suzuki Verde, which even imitates the old classic Vespa script nameplate. It will be only over time that scooterists will decide which (if any) of these designs become accepted as true "classic" scooters. Given the constant advancement of scooter designs, some even feel that eventually, the first modern scooters of the early 80s by Honda and Yamaha will eventually be accepted as "classics". Only time will tell for certain. [5/00]

1.8 -- What are "chopper", "cut-down", "mod" and "rat" scooters?

Because most Lambretta scooters feature a tubular frame, it is very easy to make them look like miniature Harley chopper motorcycles, and many scooterists have done this. These are called "chopper" scooters. Since Vespa scooters are almost exclusively of unibody design, the only way to make them look anything like choppers is to literally cut the body panels down to make the scooter slimmer. When they stop there, these are called "cut-downs". If they then add extra long forks, they can also become choppers. There is a good photo of a Lambretta chopper on the lambretta.com website.

So-called "mod" scooters typically feature lots of chrome accessories, and lots of mirrors and lights. While it's not essential, mod scooters are usually ridden by "mods" who have mimicked their styles from the movie Quadrophenia. Finally, "rats" are simply very unattractive running scooters, either because they have been crashed, had their paint stripped for restoration or simply never been maintained. Many "rat" owners purposely parade these scooters to generate amusement. It is typical of many scooter rallies that "choppers", "cut-downs", "mod" and "rat" scooters will get their own award categories.

1.9 -- What are "two-strokes" and "four-strokes" and how do they differ?

There is a very important technical distinction between engine designs in the scooter world. "Two-stroke" engines burn the gas and lubricating oil together as part of the combustion process, which results in greater lower end torque, fewer moving parts and greater fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, this also means they pollute more, as unburned oil fumes exit the exhaust system. This is why two-strokes are being banned in many industrialized countries concerned with air quality. Virtually all classic scooters are two-stroke. The oldest models require "pre-mixing", which is simply pouring pre-measured oil into the gas tank when fueling. Newer models have eliminated this by adding oil injection systems that mix the oil and gas automatically. Vespas built after about 1978 typically have oil injection, but all Lambrettas are pre-mix only. There are some very good online illustrated demonstrations of how two-stroke engines work.

"Four-stroke" engines are more closely related to car engines, in that they keep the lubrication and fuel systems separate, which keeps emissions down considerably since there is no oil burned in the combustion process, unlike with "two-stroke" engines. Most modern scooters utilize four-stroke engines, though many modern scooters also use two-stroke engines, especially in 50cc models. One major disadvantage of four-stroke engines is that they are prone to overheating when run at maximum speed over several hours, leading to serious internal damage. Two-stroke engines do not have this limitation. Either engine design may be either water or air-cooled, though most two-strokes are air-cooled and most four-strokes are water-cooled. [5/00]

1.10 -- What are "maxi", "touring", "sport" and "performance" scooters?

In the late 80s, Honda came out with a revolutionary new scooter design with their introduction of the 250cc Helix (also called Spazio, Fusion or CN250). This scooter was exceptionally large, derisively called a "Barcalounger on wheels", but it seems to have filled a certain niche market and now many models exist, from nearly all major scooter manufacturers. These have come to be known as "maxi", "GT" or "touring" scooters, because they are designed for riding long distances in comfort. The trade off is that they are bulky to handle at low speeds, like in town. As of July 1999, the largest scooter made is now the 400cc Suzuki Burgman, which is known as the Sky Wave in Japan. It is rumored that other manufacturers also plan 400cc maxi scooters.

The "sport" or "performance" scooter has been around since the 60s, when Innocenti and Piaggio created several new Lambretta and Vespa models (respectively) designed specifically to fit the needs of riders who wanted very high performance. Vespa came out with models like the GS and SS, while Lambretta countered with the TV, SX and GP. This has accellerated in the late 80s and into the 90s with ever faster designs that seem most practical on race tracks, but get ridden on streets anyway. Probably the two most blatant examples as of July 1999 would be the Gilera Runner 180 (21hp and 85mph stock) and the Italjet Dragster (80mph after some modifications). Again, this trend is represented by models from almost all major scooter manufacturers now. [7/99]

WHY SCOOTERS EXIST:

2.1 -- What are the advantages of scooters?

Scooters originated very early on in the development of motorcycles generally to address problems that some felt were inherent to common motorcycle design. Foremost was covering of the engine compartment. This was done to avoid inadvertent contact with hot engine parts, which is a common concern for motorcyclists. This concern went further with the covering of the rest of the body, along with a front legshield, meant to protect the rider from mud, water and road debris that might drift up from the road below. The common step-thru design initially was so ladies could wear dresses without compromising their modesty, but it has come to be welcomed because it allows the rider to sit on the seat much like a chair, instead of straddling the vehicle, as is common on motorcycles. This tends to be a more comfortable riding position for the short distances that most scooters were designed to cover.

Further, the smaller wheels give faster turning response (which usually shocks first time riders used to larger wheels) and many scooter designs mount these smaller wheels on one side only, making removal extremely easy (unlike most motorcycle wheels) and making it feasible to carry a spare tire. The smaller tires also allow enough room so that underseat storage is possible for one or more helmets. Scooters by their nature also have far more bodywork available for custom paint schemes, and therefore lend themselves more to personal expression in their customization. Scooters also typically are easier to learn to ride than many motorcycles and scooters often have a more acceptable social image. [6/00]

2.2 -- What are the disadvantages of scooters?

To be fair, there are some disadvantages to scooters, but most are related to them also being motorcycles. This means you are more exposed to the elements like wind and rain, and dangers such as cars and trucks. Most scooters have smaller engines than most motorcycles, and thus you may have problems keeping up with the speed of traffic. This is why it's so critical to have a scooter engine larger than you really need, to give you the power to pull away from trouble. The wheels are also smaller, so there is more of a concern with going over potholes, for example. Scooters also have more bodywork than motorcycles, so you'll have to maintain that. Retail prices of scooters are generally higher than the same size capacity of motorcycle, so that's a factor also. Because scooters tend to be so lightweight, they are often easier to steal than many motorcycles, so that's a concern too. [6/00]

2.3 -- Don't the small wheels on scooters make them unsafe?

The answer very simply is a loud NO! Contrary to common myth, the smaller wheels on scooters do not make them noticeably less safe and an argument can be made that this very trait makes them *safer* than their larger-wheeled cousins. Smaller wheels result in greater handling responsiveness, which can keep the scooterist out of trouble more readily. Scooters simply manuever more easily than motorcycles generally. While it's true that smaller wheels are more vulnerable to getting caught by large potholes, you should also know that those same smaller wheels result in more lower end torque, which will more readily pull you out of that same pothole. This is why a scooter of the same engine size can often outperform a motorcycle from a dead start.

Likewise, the smaller wheels on scooters help when cornering, as there is not the need to slide the back wheel as on motorcycles and there is less gyroscopic effect. These aspects give scooters an advantage over motorcycles on racetracks and is why they were banned from motorcycle racing [see Dregni & Dregni chapter on the Mustang]. Also, those same smaller wheels allow for a lower center of gravity, which is a definite advantage. Lastly, you'll find smaller wheels noticeably cheaper to replace. All in all, there are advantages to small wheels!

2.4 -- What are the advantages of scooters over automobiles?

Scooters as two-wheeled vehicles have all the obvious advantages over automobiles. This would include lower operating costs, as scooters are more fuel-efficient, require less insurance and usually cost less to maintain. They are also easier to park, maneuver in heavy traffic and to store. Scooters are typically much less expensive to purchase than automobiles, and arguably are much more fun to operate. Many who operate two-wheeled vehicles call automobiles "cages", as they restrict the interaction with the surroundings to a degree unknown on a scooter. You can smell the air, feel the breeze, and pull over whenever the mood strikes you, wherever you like. It's also nice to be able to park right in front of the theater!

2.5 -- What are the advantages of scooters over motorcycles?

As noted elsewhere, scooters are actually just small motorcycles. However, there is still a clear distinction between scooters and the rest of the motorcycle family. Generally speaking, scooters have been designed purposely for those that are intimidated by motorcycles, on whatever level. Scooters are easier to learn to ride and often easier to operate. They also don't tend to carry the "rough" image that motorcycles often convey. Scooters better protect the rider from hot engine parts by use of extensive body panels, which also make it easier to customize the scooter to suit ones personal taste. Those same body panels also typically protect the rider better from road debris and keep passengers away from the rear wheel, which rarely on scooters have spokes anyway. Newer scooters are even easier to operate, as most are now electric start and have automatic transmissions, which furthers the scooter tradition of making an affordable vehicle that is extremely easy to operate.

2.6 -- What are the advantages of scooters over mopeds?

It has been noted elsewhere that many scooters are also legally considered mopeds. In all cases, this will mean they have engine sizes under 50cc. Traditionally, mopeds have typically had larger wheels and exposed engines, though obviously 50cc scooters would not have these attributes. The main advantage of the body panels is protection from the heat of the engine and exhaust. The smaller tires produce quicker handling response. And it's usually easier to change the tires on a scooter over a traditional moped, because many scooters have tires mounted on one side only, like auto tires. Of course, if the comparison is between a 50cc moped and a larger capacity scooter, the advantage of greater power will enable the rider to better maintain traffic speed and to stay out of trouble by accellerating out of it sometimes.

2.7 -- What are the upcoming trends for scooters?

There are clearly several strong trends in scooter development worldwide as of summer 1999. The most obvious is the race to create new "maxi-scooters" with ever larger engines. Another trend is to create more 4-stroke scooters, but with the older, classic scooter styling. The Bajaj Legend may easily be the most advanced in this, since it is essentially a 4-stroke version of the Vespa PX150, including a metal body, gearing and kickstart. Cheney has 20 detailed photos of the Legend on his website. Another exciting development are electric scooters being developed by several companies, including Piaggio, Honda, Peugeot and others. [8/99]

SPEED OF SCOOTERS:

3.1 -- How fast can scooters go?

In spite of common myth, scooters are not slow by design, unless they are also speed-restricted mopeds. The world speed record for scooters is thought to be held by Marlene Parker of England who in 1965 ran her 200cc Lambretta at over 130mph on a racetrack at Monza, though it was deemed an unofficial time [see Dregni & Dregni, p. 152]. It is very common now for Vespa and Lambretta scooters to exceed 100mph on racetracks. Many scooters without modification will go over 70mph and speed varies widely depending on various aspects like engine size, exhaust flow, gear ratios, etc. The fastest current production scooter as of July 1999 would be the Gilera Runner 180, which creates 21hp and 85mph, totally stock. Many of the more popular 50cc scooters in Europe have commonly available racing kits that allow them to go much faster. A good example is the Italjet Dragster, which will reach 80mph after kitting. [7/99]

3.2 -- Can I make my scooter go faster?

All scooters can be made to go faster. First, it's critical to know if your scooter has a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. By their very nature, 2-stroke engines are much easier to modify for greater power and speed than are 4-stroke engines, though the basic concepts to increasing speed on any scooter are the same. Essentially, you need to improve fuel, air and exhaust flow. Further, many 50cc scooters (speed-restricted mopeds) can be de-restricted fairly easily also, allowing very noticeable increases in speed. It should also be noted here that typically performance kits void manufacturer warranties. They often also make reliable engines less trustworthy, usually in proportion to the extremeness of the modification. And lastly, if the increase is very large (as on 50cc models, for example), there will be serious issues as to whether the brake and suspension systems will still keep the rider safe at these new higher speeds.

3.3 -- How do you make 2-stroke scooters go faster?

This is typically done by changing to a higher performance exhaust, larger cylinder and piston, larger carb with different jetting, lighter flywheel, water cooling, etc. The first place to start is nearly always the exhaust. Unlike 4-strokes, the exhaust system on 2-strokes is critical to their performance. Removing it will make the scooter sputter and run poorly, if at all. Shape is extremely critical and this will also change the sound (and loudness). The easiest thing is to replace the standard exhaust with a performance one, easily available for nearly any model scooter at any of the larger scooter shops around the world. The standard exhaust typically is a compromise between power and performance at various speeds. Performance exhausts will modify this, for example, by allowing a higher top speed, by sacrificing power at lower speeds.

3.4 -- How can I de-restrict my 50cc scooter?

A really good explanation about how to do this is on Eric's Scooter Page, where he goes into great detail. Note that English is his second language, so some of the translated Dutch comes out odd, like "sprinkler" instead of "jet". The basic ideas are simple enough. Most begin by removing the restrictors from the exhaust-system. Usually you must remove a small washer welded inside the exhaust-system. If that isn't enough, you can try a high performance exhaust-system. Some good brands are LeoVinci, Arrows, or Giannelli. If you have done these things you must replace the original jet from the carburator, for a bigger one. Another place that may have a restrictor is the variomatic (automatic transmision). In the first part of the variomatic is a big ring which must be removed. Last but not least, most Japanese scooters like Honda and Yamaha use electronic restrictors. You must cut the red wire on the earliest models (80s & early 90s) or replace the entire CDI unit on older models (mid 90s on).

The little weights inside the variomatic are responsible for a balance of accelleration/top-speed. You must buy a set of those weights, so you can try to find the balance between accelleration/top-speed. They are made by companies like Bettella and available through various scooter shops, though mostly in Asia and Europe. Some of the better known mailorder shops selling all these items are Taffspeed Racing in the UK and Scooter Center Koln in Cologne, Germany. Both do mailorder anywhere in the world, including the USA. [Mostly contributed by Richard Koper of the Netherlands, whose de-restricted Beta Ark can now do 80km/h (about 50mph) and also does wheelies. View it on his website].

The easiest 50cc scooter available in the USA to modify is the Yamaha "Zuma II" (called the "BW's" everywhere else), primarily because it's not restricted as sold stock (which is why it does not qualify as a moped in any USA state) and is widely raced in Europe and Asia. A good source of information on tuning this scooter is available from Taffspeed in the UK. They readily do mailorder to the USA, though some shops in the USA also distribute for them. [11/99]

3.5 -- How do you make 4-stroke scooters go faster?

Like a 2-stroke, volumetric efficiency is the critical aspect to increasing power on a 4-stroke engine. However, the mechanism to achieve the same goal differs. Anything that gets more air and fuel mixture into a motor makes the bang bigger and increases power. So longer cam duration sucks more mixture in, bigger carbs allow better flow, bigger/more valves increase flow, and larger header pipes increase flow (notice the pattern here). Turbos and superchargers do the same thing but they force more in. Nitrous oxide carries much more oxygen than air so by squirting in NOS and more fuel to go with it, again you get a bigger bang. The thing is they all tend to make more power, but further up the rev range (except supercharging and NOS injection), usually reducing power and torque down low, big bores are the only thing that doesnt do this. For further information on this subject, consult the books, "Sportbike Performance Handbook" by Kevin Cameron, or "4-stroke Motorcycle Tuning" by John Robinson.

3.6 -- Is there organized scooter racing?

Nearly from their origin, scooters have been raced much like motorcycles. Organized scooter racing of Vespa and Lambretta scooters occurs in England, Italy and California. Honda, Yamaha and other modern scooters are regularly raced in Japan, Hawaii and all over Europe. There is regular motocross racing in Italy called "scooter-cross". Scooter racing is a professional sport heavily sponsored in Europe and Asia, and a semi-professional sport in the USA with moderate sponsorship. All scooter racing utilizes various vehicle classes much like motorcycle circuits, and these include stock and heavily modified classes. Typically, performance products are tested under race conditions and manufacturers compete for their reputations. There are performance racing shops for scooters in all the same places they are regularly raced and it's become a thriving industry, even in the USA, where the American Scooter Racing Association (ASRA) dominates. [7/99]

POPULAR SCOOTER MAKES:

4.1 -- What are Vespa or Piaggio scooters?

Over 15 million Vespas have been sold since they first appeared over 50 years ago and they continue to sell well today all over the world. The name means "wasp" in Italian, and refers to the original body shape. While the Vespa was by no means the first scooter, it is certainly the best known all over the world. Vespa scooters have always been produced by the Piaggio company of Genoa, Italy, though licensing agreements all over the world have often allowed other names to appear on Vespa scooters as well.

The Piaggio company has been around much longer than their famous scooters, but the two became enmeshed after WWII because the former aircraft manufacturer was forced by treaty agreements to find new things to manufacture. They hit upon the Vespa scooter as a transportation alternative to bicycles in war-ravaged Italy. The first Vespa was produced in 1946 and was an instant success. Even more amazing is that this early body design is largely still produced even in 1998 and shows no end in sight yet. Many model variations have been produced with small, but noticeable differences and engine sizes have ranged from 50-200cc. More about these scooters can be found on various websites. Among the better ones are Vespa Obsession and the Official Vespa Website.

Today, Piaggio produces and markets their popular Vespa scooter line all over the world. It has been the best selling line in two-wheeled history. There have been almost 100 different models made to date of the Vespa alone. Because several former licensees still use essentially Vespa designs even today, the Vespa look is also marketed under names like Bajaj in India and PGO in Taiwan, though neither company has any official connection with Piaggio. In the late 80s, Piaggio began producing scooters of modern design under the "Piaggio" nameplate to compete with the Japanese competition then sweeping through Europe, and these new scooters are today the bulk of Piaggio's European production. However, the company continues to produce older, classic scooters under the "Vespa" nameplate all over the world, including in Italy, and these scooters seem to have kept a steady market share. Piaggio has indicated it intends to produce Vespa scooters well into the next century. Gilera is a wholly-owned subsdiary of Piaggio that also produces scooters.

4.2 -- What are Lambretta scooters?

Early on, competition developed to Piaggio and its Vespa scooter line. One of the earliest and most effective competitors was Innocenti of Italy with their Lambretta line. Because the Vespa scooter was so dominant among the scooter riding public in Italy, Innocenti decided to focus their efforts on those who wanted something more stylish and with more performance than a Vespa. It is because of those aspects that love for Lambretta scooters has endured, even as the companies that have made them have struggled. The first Lambretta was produced in 1947, one year after the first Vespa. For a long time, the rivalry between Vespa and Lambretta helped both companies produce better and better models.

Unfortunately, Innocenti ran into numerous financial difficulties and eventually stopped production of the Lambretta in 1970. However, the original Lambretta plant was bought by Scooters India, Limited (SIL) and moved to India where it still largely exists. While the plant equipment was being moved and reassembled in India, the Serveta company of Eibar, Spain picked up world demand with their licensed Lambretta scooters that have slight variations from standard Innocenti designs. SIL started production of the older Innocenti designs around 1979, but struggled as a wholly-owned government owned operation. The last batch of Lambretta GP200 scooters was produced in 1997 and rumors exist that the plant is now being relocated to Turkey, with manufacture to resume there sometime around the year 2000 under new ownership. In any case, the love of the Lambretta scooter never dies and there are several websites for them, including Lambretta Evergreen and The Lambretta Archive.

4.3 -- What are Cushman scooters?

Cushman Motor Works was founded around 1901-1902 by Everett Cushman and his cousin, Clinton, to produce farm engines. In order to sell more engines, Cushman installed one of the motors on a scooter, which began the scooter era for Cushman. They built two-wheel and three-wheel scooters from 1936 through 1965 for the public and the military. This lasted until the Japanese motorcycle imports began. Cushman also sold scooters to Sears for mail-order sales from 1951 through 1961. These scooters were sold under the "Allstate" brand name and were all step-thru type scooters with some minor changes from the normal production runs. Several types of scooters were manufactured by Cushman beginning with the step-thru type, which was produced until the end of the scooter era. Probably the most famous Cushman was the Eagle, which started production around 1950-1951 and lasted until 1965. Many different models were manufactured, including from three-wheel and four-wheel vehicles. Cushman is still in production in Lincoln, Nebraska, but they now produce industrial-type vehicles. An interesting note: In 1961 Cushman Motors and Piaggio of Genoa, Italy, the manufacturer of Vespa scooters, came to an agreement which allowed Cushman to import and sell the Vespa through Cushman dealerships. The scooters came with a cast aluminum emblem at the top of the legshield identifying them as Cushman- Vespa. It read, "Cushman sold in the United States by Cushman Motors, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA." However, many Cushman dealers refused to sell the Vespa, but those who did had good success over the next three years. It is estimated that around 3,500 Cushman-Vespas were sold. [text from Original Motor Scooter Homepage] There are several websites devoted to Cushman scooters, and a couple of the better ones are the Cushman Club of America and Classic Cushman websites. [7/99]

4.4 -- What are Honda scooters?

Contrary to what many think, Honda was producing classic scooters back in the 50s and 60s in Japan. The problem was that Fuji and Mitsubishi both were far better at it, so eventually Honda gave up in the mid-60s and concentrated on their Cub moped instead. Ironically, the wild success of the Cub drove Fuji and Mitsubishi out of the two-wheeled market forever. In 1980, Honda decided to re-enter the scooter market in Japan and then exported to the US, Europe and Asia their new modern scooters which were very successful. These scooters have been licensed to other companies and now Honda is in the same position as Piaggio, as former licensees now produce essentially Honda scooter designs under other nameplates unrelated to Honda. As Honda has sought to increase its market share, it has also set up plants around the world to produce scooters, including in Italy, ironically, where Honda scooters sell quite well. For some reason, Honda doesn't promote scooters much online, which is why it's hard to find official websites for them. There are several websites for Honda scooters, with Honda Scooterist and Doug's Honda Scooter Page being a couple of the more comprehensive sites. [11/99]

4.5 -- What are Yamaha scooters?

Many do not realize that Yamaha marketed a classic scooter back in 1960 in Japan. It was not a success, however, largely because Fuji and Mitsubishi so largely dominated the Japanese market, so sometime in the mid-60s Yamaha gave up. It was not until around 1980 that Yamaha decided to re-enter the scooter market with updated versions of their earlier attempt and this time they were successful, both in Asia, Europe and in the US. In fact, Yamaha modern scooter designs have been copied by other companies in Asia and marketed under other nameplates, and Yamaha has also entered into various licensing agreements around the world. Further, Yamaha produces a popular scooter line in France through their wholly-owned subsidiary MBK (formerly called Motobecane), which sells quite well throughout Europe, including in Italy. Several websites have appeared for them, including Dave's Yamaha Riva Scooter Page and Yamaha Scooter Showroom, among others.

4.6 -- What are Allstate or Sears scooters?

The famous USA retailer Sears, Roebuck & Company for many years sold scooters both in their catalogs and retail stores. What many don't realize, however, is that these scooters were always simply re-badged scooters made by various companies. At various times, Sears sold either Cushman or Vespa scooters under the "Allstate" name. There were also mopeds and small motorcycles sold under the Allstate name made by still other manufacturers, like Puch. Most Allstate scooters sold were in fact very basic Vespa models that differ largely only in cosmetic details and the lack of front dampeners. They are Vespas in every other respect, though to collectors they often have less value because so many were sold over the years and because of the lack of certain details. There were also a few years they were simply badged as "Sears" models. Cushman sold step-thru scooters to Sears for mailorder sales from 1951-1961 under the "Allstate" name with only minor changes from the normal production runs. Montgomery Wards did the same thing with their "Riverside" scooters, which were simply re-badged Lambretta or Mitsubishi Pigeon scooters. [7/99]

4.7 -- What are some other popular makes of scooters?

Most every company in the world that either has made or currently makes motorcycles has also produced scooters. Harley-Davidson even produced a scooter for awhile, though they don't seem especially proud of that fact today. Many scooter makers around the world build models either licensed from a better-known company or based on their own designs. The biggest players in the world scooter market are still Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio (which produces Vespa). Other major companies currently producing scooters are: Aprilia, Atala, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Cagiva, CPI, Daelim, Derbi, Eternal Royal, Gilera, Hero, Hyosung, Italjet, JinCheng (Panda in USA), Kinetic, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, MBK, Nanfang, Peugeot, QingQi (formerly Kasea in the USA), Rieju, Sundiro, Suzuki, SYM, TGB, and TVS. Major scooter makes from the past, beyond the obvious Vespa and Lambretta would include Cushman and Salsbury of the USA; Mitsubishi and Fuji of Japan; NSU, Heinkel, Zundapp, and Durkopp of Germany. [12/01]

4.8 -- What are "clone" scooters?

As exists in many industries, there has developed a tendency among some scooter makers, especially when first getting started, of copying popular designs from better known companies. When these are so nearly identical and obvious that people notice, we call them "clones" of the scooters they copy. An obvious example would be Bajaj. Once an official licensed producer of Vespa scooters in India, when the agreement ended in the 60s, Bajaj just kept producing the same scooters anyway. Piaggio sued to stop them, but lost, and so Bajaj to this day produces classic scooters clearly based on older Vespa designs. PGO has also produced Vespa clones, as have several other companies. Currently several Asian companies, like Daelim in Korea, produce Honda and Yamaha scooter clones. Generally, the home country protects the right of their local producers to build these cloned scooters, leaving the object of this attention powerless, except to point out typical deficiencies in quality compared with the original.

BUYING A SCOOTER:

5.1 -- What is a good "beginners" scooter to buy?

Almost by definition, all scooters are meant for "beginners" in that it's usually very easy to learn how to ride one. Typically, modern scooters are considered the easiest to learn, just because they have electric starters and automatic transmissions. They are essentially twist and go vehicles that take most people about 5-10 minutes to learn. However, even the manual shifting and kickstart of most classic scooters are not difficult to master, given about 30-40 minutes of practice. Of course, smooth shifting will take a day or two to master, but the basics are not difficult. And kickstarting is only a problem if the scooter has not been maintained properly -- it should start by the second or third kick at least, or something is wrong.

5.2 -- Which model of scooter is best to buy?

Of course, this varies widely depending on who you ask. Most of those who already own a particular scooter tend to favor that make and model, just because they've typically fallen in love with it. The better question to ask first is what you want to use the scooter for and what expectations do you have for it. If you want style above all else, a good older classic scooter is likely your best bet. However, if you simply want reliable transportation, a modern scooter may be a better choice, just because they tend to be newer usually. In most cases, larger capacity scooters are usually better than smaller ones. Among those "in the know", the Vespa GS is considered the best classic Vespa, while the PX series has been around for over 20 years now because of its great reliability. A great resource for buying used Vespas is the Vespa Buyer's Guide. The Piaggio Typhoon has also earned a solid reputation. Among Lambrettas, the TV/SX/GP series machines are all considered the best models. Among Honda scooterists, the CH250 (aka Honda Elite/Spacy/Freeway) and the CN250 (aka Honda Helix/Fusion/Spazio) have earned strong followings. The Yamaha XC180 and XC200 (aka Riva) has developed a solid reputation, as has the Yamaha CW50 (aka BWs/Zuma II). [1/00]

5.3 -- What engine size do I need?

This depends entirely on what you'll be doing with the scooter. If you plan to do much highway driving, it will be highly desirable to buy the largest engine you can find -- at least 200cc. Around town, the engine may be smaller for most needs. Stock 50cc models really are only best if you will have minimal interaction with automobiles, as they typically have difficulty maintaining speeds much above 35mph, unless they have been modified to go faster. If you will carry passengers, weigh quite a bit or plan to ride up steep hills often, you will also want larger capacity, at least 70cc for around town. All scooter engines typically have a shorter lifespan when they are constantly run full throttle, so you should take this into account also. Lastly, it is always adviseable to have excess engine capacity to accellerate out of trouble and to pass safely. [7/99]

5.4 -- Should I buy a new or used scooter?

Buying new or used usually depends on your budget and what is available in your area. A good used scooter that has been properly maintained in most cases should be almost as good as a new one, though of course you'll usually lose the advantage of any dealer warranties. It is especially critical to carefully examine a used 50cc scooter, as all too often they have been abused the most by straining the engine to the limit much of their life. A good used scooter can have a nearly unlimited life if properly maintained, which will include seals and gaskets, which often disintegrate over time. This is why mileage alone is not a good indicator of condition. There are also common misperceptions about how many miles a scooter engine will require before rebuilding. This is also an issue of how it was maintained and stored. Vespa engines have been known to have an ultimate life of over 100,000 miles and commonly rebuilds are done after about 25,000-30,000 miles. In all cases, as with autos, highway miles are much easier on scooter engines than stop-and-go city driving. Lastly, the downside of buying the lastest scooter models out is that to a certain extent you provide the data on whether this model will be reliable. This is why it might be advisable sometimes to wait awhile or at least buy an established scooter model, in which all the "bugs" have been worked out.

5.5 -- Where can I find used scooters for sale?

Unfortunately, seeking old scooters online is easily one of the worst places, if cost is any factor at all. Those advertising online typically hope the greater exposure will bring a higher selling price. And it's hard to judge actual selling prices from often inflated asking prices ("I heard someone once paid $2000 for a Honda Spree in mint condition!" - yeah, right). One of the best places to shop online right now in the USA at least would be Scooter Classifieds, though you should notice how many ads there are repeated, but with continually lower asking prices (no, most Vespa P200s are not worth $4000 no matter what your Uncle Harry says). Probably one of the better places to look for bargains is in any large motorcycle shopper publication. These often have scooters at decent prices. It also helps to ask local motorcycle dealers, who often know someone looking to get rid of a scooter they no longer desire. You can also advertise yourself in some local publication that you desire to buy old scooters, though if you don't specify beyond that, you will typically be deluged with offers of mopeds in pathetic condition. And of course, you can buy from a scooter shop nearby, as most have old scooters for sale. There are quite a few scooter shops even in the scooter-unfriendly USA. Simply find one of the better websites for your desired make and/or model and search from there. [8/99]

5.6 -- How can I determine the value of an old scooter I have?

This often comes up when someone discovers an old scooter collecting dust in the back of their garage. Often the person asking this question is hoping it's worth a lot, because somewhere they heard "they get a lot of money for these old scooters these days". Maybe and maybe not. In actuality, most old scooters collecting dust aren't worth much as they sit. The value is proportionate to the condition, desirability and marketability of the scooter. Condition means things like if it runs (easily the *most* important issue!), whether all body parts are intact, if there is rust present, if the fuel has turned to varnish, etc. Desirability means how much in demand a certain scooter model is. Contrary to many novice opinions, various scooter models by the same manufacturer will often fetch widely varying prices in the same condition, just because knowledgeable people greatly desire some models and spurn others. For example, among Vespa scooter enthusiasts, the GS, SS, Rally and P200 models are most in demand and the Allstate, Sears, VBB and other models with smaller engines (150cc and below) are least desireable. Likewise, those looking for Lambretta scooters typically want a 200cc Series III model (TV, SX or GP) and are least interested in smaller engines (150cc and below), LDs or smaller Li models. Those seeking used Honda scooters typically are most interested in the Helix/Spazio (CN250), Elite/Spacy 250 (CH250) or Elite/Spacy 150 (CH150) and are far less interested in the smaller engines, like anything 125cc or less. Yamaha scooter fans most often want a Riva/Cygnus 180 or 200 and typically are least interested in the models below 150cc. Lastly, marketability is a large factor in selling price. If you have a desireable scooter in good condition, but don't find a reliable way to contact interested buyers with ready cash, you will necessarily get less money when selling. The best way to judge potential selling price is to ask a number of people knowledegable about your scooter model. Short of that, you making at best an educated guess. [8/99]

5.7 -- Does it make sense to buy "grey market" scooters?

The term "grey market" is widely misunderstood. It has nothing to do with the expression "black market", which refers to illegal sales of an item. The "grey market" is the LEGAL sale of an item that is not officially sold in that locality, for whatever reason. In the scooter world, this will include any scooter not sold new by dealers. For example, as of early 1998, Honda has not imported the 250cc Foresight into the UK, so dealers there sell it strictly "grey market". This represents an unknown strategic decision by Honda, since it is sold elsewhere in Europe. There are many reasons why scooter companies fail to officially import their vehicles, but in most cases it will be because of a lack of interest sufficient to justify whatever expense is involved. Scooters get into the "grey market" by one of two paths. The first is when an individual personally imports a scooter that was not officially imported and then later sells it, including to a dealer. In this situation, the individual is personally responsible for all safety and emission regulations being followed (the scooter may have to be modified for this), as well as custom duties. The second path is when a dealer officially imports USED scooters that were never imported new, but this latter method only works when the scooter would have been legal when new, even though it was never officially imported. Therefore, if a new scooter is not legal for import to a country, then only an individual will be able to import it.

5.8 -- Why does the same scooter have different names?

Scooters are marketed all over the world by companies often very far removed in language and culture from the localities in which they are trying to market their products. As a result, they often market under a different company name, allow a local distributor to market under their own local name or simply re-name individual models for that locality. For example, Her Chee Motors (Taiwan) markets scooters under the Adly name around the world. Yamaha (Japan) also markets using the name of their wholly-owned subsidiary MBK (France). Piaggio (Italy) markets scooters under the Vespa name, it's wholly-owned subsidiary Gilera (Italy) and it's own name. Piaggio also recently allowed it's former licensee LML (India) to use the Vespa name, though that licensing agreement ended in 1999. Innocenti (Italy) sold scooters under the Lambretta name, but then also allowed use of that name by it's licensee Serveta (Spain). SIL (India) bought the tooling from Innocenti and continues to produce Lambretta scooters. QingQi (China) has allowed their scooters to be marketed as Kasea in the USA, which is the name of their unrelated USA distributor (who now appears to be marketing scooters under the Kasea name from Korea).

Additionally, manufacturers market the same model in varies countries with different names because it just helps to sell more scooters. Some names just don't sound as good in other languages. The best known scooter with this situation is the Honda CN250. In the USA, it is called the "Helix", in Japan it is the "Fusion", most of Europe calls it the "Spazio", while in the UK it's simply the Honda CN250. Likewise, the popular Honda scooters called "Elite" in the USA are called "Spacy" everywhere else in the world, except for the CH250, which is called the "Freeway" in Japan. Further, the Honda NS50 is sometimes called the "Tact" and other times the "Vision", while the SRX50 and SRX90 are called the "Joker" in Japan, but marketed as the "Shadow" in Europe. Honda also marketed the "Aero" in the USA, but has called it the "Lead" (pronounced "Leed") everywhere else. Yamaha has done this also, as the SH50 "Razz" in the USA is called the "Mint" elsewhere, just as the CW50 "Zuma II" in the USA is the "BWs" everywhere else. The popular "Riva" line in the USA has been called the "Cygnus" in Europe regarding anything over 125cc. The smaller "Riva" line was the "Beluga" in Europe. And so it goes. [8/99]

SCOOTERS IN THE USA -- GENERAL:

6.1 -- What are the current trends of the scooter market in the USA?

Perhaps the most interesting news of late is the re-introduction in November 2000 of Vespa scooters to America, through their new subsidiary, Piaggio USA. Read the AP news report as re-published by MotorcycleWorld.com. Piaggio USA is initially just selling their 150cc Vespa ET4 and 50cc Vespa ET2 models, though they promise more models will eventually be imported. Following fast on their heels, Honda USA is introducing in Feb '01 their new 250cc Reflex scooter model, which seems to finally be the long awaited replacement for the venerable, but aging Helix. Yamaha is going the vintage route by introducing their 50cc "Vino" model in Feb '01. And to keep it all interesting, Bajaj Auto of India has created a new American subsidiary called Bajaj USA to sell three models (including two 150cc metal-bodied scooters styled like the Vespa PX150) beginning spring or summer of 2001. This is all in addition to the many new scooter models already being sold in the USA by Aprilia, Derbi, Hyosung, Italjet, Kymco, Sundiro, Yamaha and many others. See the next section for more details. [1/01]

6.2 -- What new scooters are sold in the USA and how much do they cost?

Retail prices for 150cc & larger scooters sold in the USA in 2001:
Make	Model	Size	Price	Origin	Comments
Aprilia	Scarabeo 150	150cc	$4199	Italy	large-wheeled scooter
Bajaj	Chetak	150cc	$1795	India	4 stroke, 4 speed manual shift, metal body based on Vespa PX150, available Spring 2001.
Bajaj	Legend	150cc	$1995	India	Deluxe version of Chetak, 4 stroke, 4 speed manual shift, metal body based on Vespa PX150, available Spring 2001.
Gilera	Runner 180	180cc	$4299	Italy	limited availability; 21hp and 85mph stock
Honda	Reflex	250cc	$4999	Japan	available Feb 2001; "Forza" in Japan; 2001 MSRP
Honda	Helix	250cc	$4999	Japan	being phased out and replaced by the Reflex; 2001 MSRP
Italjet	Dragster 180	180cc	$4295	Italy	"not legal for street use"
Vespa	ET4	150cc	$3950	Italy	currently available; 4 stroke w/ top speed of 60+mph
Vespa	PX150	150cc	$2350	India	limited availability; 2 stroke

Retail prices for 70cc-125cc scooters sold in the USA in 2001:
Make	Model	Size	Price	Origin	Comments
Bajaj	Saffire	90cc	$1695	India	4 stroke, 3 speed automatic, available Spring 2001.
Honda	CH80	80cc	$2049	Japan	better known as Elite 80; 2001 MSRP
Italjet	Dragster 125	125cc	$3599	Italy
	Formula 125	125cc	$4595	Italy	twin cylinder, liquid cooled engine
	Torpedo 125	125cc	$3795	Italy	large-wheeled scooter
Pedigree		100cc	$3237	USA	custom-made Mustang clones that do 45-50mph
Sundiro	Phoenix	125cc	$1895	China	4-stroke that supposedly does 55mph
Vespa	ET4	125cc	$4400	Italy	limited availability; four-stroke
Yamaha	XC125	125cc	$3199	Japan	formerly called Riva 125; 2001 MSRP

Retail prices for 50cc scooters sold in the USA in 2001:
Make	Model	Price	Origin	Comments
Aprilia	SR50	$2699	Italy	just became available 7/99
Aprilia	Scarabeo 50	$2399	Italy	just became available 7/99
Derbi	Manhattan	$2495	Spain	limited availability
E-Ton America	Beamer	$2049	China?	claims it is made in USA
Honda	Elite 50S	$1649	Japan	qualifies as a moped; 2001 MSRP
Honda	Elite 50SR	$1649	Japan	unrestricted version; 2001 MSRP
Hyosung	Sense	$1799	Korea	marketed in USA by Kasea Trading Company under their own name
Italjet	Dragster	$3799	Italy	wild design; racing kits sold in USA
	Formula 50 LC	$3499	Italy	liquid-cooled version
	Formula 50	$3150	Italy	air-cooled version
	Velocifero	$3150	Italy	many accessories available; metal body; kits available
	Torpedo	$2499	Italy	large wheels like older mopeds
Kinetic	Pride	$1599	India	limited availability
Kymco	Cobra Racer	$1995	Taiwan	styling based on Yamaha BWS/Zuma
	People	$1895	Taiwan
	ZX50	$1595	Taiwan	sporty styling
Linhai	Power Max 2	$1595	China	2 stroke built in co-venture with Yamaha
Linhai	Power Max 4	$1995	China	4 stroke version of Power Max 2
MuZ	Moskito	$1799	China	limited availability
Malaguti	Phantom	$2799	Italy	more performance oriented
Malaguti	Yesterday	$2750	Italy	retro 60's styling
MuZ	Moskito	$1799	China	limited availability
Panda	Cub	$1495	China	made by JinCheng
Sun Cat	Sol Gato II	$1890	USA	totally electric; top speed of 30mph
Sundiro	Akita	$1498	China	not a moped because it goes 45mph
	Eclipse II	$1199	China	uses Suzuki technology; also marketed as Impuls
	Mantis II	$995	China	looks more like a traditional moped
Vespa	ET2	$2900	Italy	widely available by August 2000; two-stroke
Yamaha	Zuma II	$1999	France	not a moped because it goes 45mph; called "BW's" in Europe; 2001 MSRP
	CY50 Jog	$1799	Japan	2001 MSRP
	YJ50 Vino	$1699	Japan	avail Feb '01; retro styling; 2001 MSRP
	SH50 Razz	$1549	Japan	2001 MSRP

[Last update: 1/01]

6.3 -- Why are there so many more models sold in Europe than the USA?

Even a cursory look at the offerings of a

scooter dealer in the UK demonstrate a much wider selection. The explanation largely comes down to the fact that scooters are far more popular in Europe than in the USA. Europe has very high fuel prices, congested city streets with limited parking and a long history of accepting scooters as respectable transportation, which all leads to far greater interest in scooters. As a result of this greater utility, Europeans are typically willing to spend more on their scooters than are Americans, who tend to view high scooter prices in Europe with either horror or amusement. Also, safety and emissions regulations between Europe and the USA vary greatly, which means scooters legal in Europe often require extensive modifications to be made legal for the American market. Most scooter makers in the world simply can not justify the expense of meeting these regulations given the relatively weak US market demand. It is also expensive to create new dealer networks in the US market presently. Additionally, the US media market for advertising is among the most expensive in the world, adding to the expense to promote new makes and models and the vast expanse of the US creates issues of transport costs and market penetration, which makes bringing new scooters all the more daunting. Lastly, the US is notorious around the world for litigating the safety of two-wheelers and many manufacturers get nervous about that when looking to enter the market. [9/99]

6.4 -- What will insurance and registration cost?

Though this is an extremely common question, there is no simple answer. It depends first and foremost on how your scooter will be classified. If as a moped, this will result in the lowest possible fees in all cases. It will also depend on your driving history, where you live and whatever other policies your insurance carrier will have with you. Most carriers discount for mulitple policies, as when several family members carry policies from them or when you carry both auto and scooter insurance together. It should be noted that in nearly all cases, you will either register and insure your scooter as a moped or as a motorcycle and not as a "scooter". Whenever in doubt, inquire at your local registration bureau (usually the same one that handles automobiles) and with your local insurance agent. It is especially difficult to predict insurance costs and it is usually best to shop around for the best coverage at the lowest cost.

6.5 -- How can I get a title when the seller has none?

There are several companies that exist just to help obtain titles when the seller has none. Among the more popular ones would be International Title Service and Broadway Title Service. All title companies use the most lenient state title laws (currently New Hampshire and Alabama) to produce transferable titles. Technically, you "sell" them your scooter, they title it in one of these states, and then "re-sell" it to you. There have been recent reports that some states are now refusing Alabama titles by these services, so you might want to check that out in your case. And of course, all states have procedures you can follow to make up for a lost title, though often they are lengthy and complicated. Lastly, it should be noted that "title" is a certificate of ownership and that some states do NOT require a title to register your scooter. Please check with your local motor vehicle bureau for the regulations applicable to your state.

6.6 -- What is the minimum engine size needed for highways in the USA?

6.7 -- Where can I buy performance parts in the USA?

If you want to modify a Vespa or Lambretta, you have many sources in the USA that carry what you need in stock. Probably some of the best sources for Vespas would include Vespa Supershop in San Diego and for Lambrettas Scooters Originali in New Jersey and West Coast Lambretta Works in San Diego, though most of the larger Vespa & Lambretta shops should be able to get what you want. Getting performance parts for Honda & Yamaha scooters is a bit more complicated. Malossi USA has finally been established to give Americans access to scooter performance parts formerly only available in Europe. Unfortunately, most of their catalog still does not readily translate to American model compatibility, so you'll have to be very patient. In the meantime, your next best bet is mailordering from Taffspeed Racing in the UK or Scooter Center Koln in Germany, which are both used to dealing with Americans and will try their best to determine what they have that might fit your American version scooter. Another possible source is Metra Kit in Spain. The European shops also carry kits for some less popular makes. [5/00]

6.8 -- Can I import a model not sold in the USA?

Theoretically, the answer often is "yes", but with major reservations. First, all scooter models never sold in the USA typically have never passed regulations governing safety (administered by the DOT) or emmissions (adminstered by the EPA), so these two major issues must be dealt with before even making any arrangements with overseas dealers. If the vehicle is used and already owned by the person seeking to import it, often the regulations are easier, though not if this model has never been legal for US import. Overall, it's much easier to buy a grey market, scooter then to somehow import one yourself. Because even Americans commonly confuse the dividing lines between state and federal jurisdiction over motor vehicles in the USA and are thus confused which government agencies and at what levels will handle the various issues involved in personal importation, the maze that must be navigated is rather daunting. [12/99]

SCOOTERS IN THE USA -- REGULATIONS:

7.1 -- Who administers vehicle safety regulations?

In the USA, nearly all safety regulations regarding motor vehicles are administered by the federal government through the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This agency, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, decides safety standards for all new vehicles sold new or otherwise imported into the USA. Some of their concerns include braking and lighting systems, tires and rims, crash-worthiness and other such concerns, evaluated according to publicly available standards. Unfortunately, these standards were not developed in conjunction with other countries, so often vehicles certified as safe in Japan or Europe (for example) will still not typically meet more stringent US standards. This is why manufacturers must make a conscious decision if they want to market their scooters in the USA and if so, to make whatever modifications are necessary to meet DOT concerns and regulations. This is usually a time-consuming and expensive process, unless less stringent standards have been assigned for that vehicle class, such as has been done for mopeds. All government agencies in the USA either classify scooters as mopeds (if they're under 50cc and otherwise qualify) or by default, as motorcycles. There are no scooter regulations per se. Additionally, individuals wishing to personally import vehicles not already DOT approved must follow the rules governing personal importation of non-conforming vehicles. [12/99]

7.2 -- Who administers regulations regarding vehicle emissions?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal bureau delegated the task of enforcing American laws governing air, water and land pollution. This agency sets standards for all motor vehicles sold and imported into the USA for tailpipe emissions and this typically affects scooters. EPA standards are much more lax for vehicles under 50cc (which are usually, but not always, considered mopeds) than for larger vehicles. Contrary to popular myth, the EPA has never "outlawed" two-stroke engines in the USA of any size, though as a practical matter, most of them above 50cc can no longer meet the standards and thus are not allowed to be imported or manufactured, though obviously technical advancements may get around that problem. Further, each of the various 50 states has the right to impose stricter emission standards then the federal government, but never more lax ones. In particular, the most populous US state (about 10% the US total), California, has chosen to utilize this option, because of severe air quality problems. This is why vehicles must typically be certfied as either "CA compliant" (California only) or "US compliant" (the other 49 states). It should be further noted that other US states, especially in the northeast (NY, MA, CT, etc.) are planning to adopt the stricter CA standards on emissions, though it is unclear at this time how or even if this will affect scooters (because they may exempt motorcycles and modeds). [12/99]

7.3 -- Who oversees vehicle import regulations?

Anything imported into or out of the USA must pass through the domain of the US Customs Service. Among other functions, this agency enforces all applicable US laws governing the import of motor vehicles like scooters. seeks to stop shipments that are intended to somehow circumvent current US laws. They also collect taxes called duties on shipments generally not intended for personal use, as when scooters are shipped in freight containers for resale. All scooters imported into the USA, whether for resale or personal use, must "clear" US Customs, which means this agency must certify the shipment contains goods in conformance with current US laws. Often this becomes a major issue when someone wishes to personally import a scooter into the USA. The proper procedure is to have paperwork for customs officials that certifies the vehicle meets all applicable regulations for safety and emissions. Often individuals do not have such documentation and then they have two choices. First, they can utilize licensed agents to make these certifcations. Though exact figures are difficult to obtain, it appears these agents most commonly handle very exotic motorcycles and because of this, they typically charge fees ranging from $1000 and up. The other alternative is for the individual to collect all the proper documentation while their scooter sits in a US Customs Bureau warehouse.

Some people get around these issues by buying from dealers in Europe and paying to disassemble them and then ship them to the USA as "parts". Many of the larger European shops can and will do this for you. If you are buying "parts" for personal use, there is typically no tax or duty. However, it's important that the shipment be broken into at least three boxes, one being the bare frame, another the engine, and the third would be everything else. Anything less than three boxes would make it appear you're not really shipping parts, but simply a disassembled vehicle masquerading as parts. Any competent scooter shop in the USA can then re-assemble the scooter for you, assuming you don't want to do it yourself. It's legal to buy new parts and it's legal to make scooters from parts, it's just not legal to break down new scooters to get around US Customs regulations in this way, so you should consider the moral and legal ramifications of this approach. The most common penalty for being caught smuggling illegal scooters into the US is forfeiture (destruction of the scooter) and fines. Depending on the flagrancy of the violation (accidental versus willful), probation may also be imposed. Imprisonment is only sought for repeat offenders. [12/99]

7.4 -- Who administers vehicle licensing & registration?

In the USA, all regulations governing the licensing & registration of both operators and their vehicles are strictly handled by each of the 50 states or various territorial governments exclusively. There is no federal jurisdiction in this area and thus there are more than 50 answers to many common questions about these kinds of regulations. That said, there are some generalities that can be stated. First, there is no US state or territory that specifically regulates "scooters", but instead, each at least classifies them as either mopeds or as motorcycles. Some states and territories further classify motorcycles according to engine size, but again, such distinctions do not take scooters specifically into account. [12/99]

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