The title alone should tell the average scooterist that the author may not have done their homework. The Herald of Rock Hill South Carolina is warning it’s readers to “Beware of Scooters”…

Some great quotes throughout the article only confirm my original supposition:

“Scooters may look like a kid-toy version of a Harley…”

What? Where? Which scooter make or model are you referring to? I can’t think of one that looks anthing like a Harley…

“But these vehicles are more than just a glorified moped. The Vespa GTS 250, for example, can reach speeds of 76 mph.”

Umm… Yes.

Here’s the deal. A scooter is not a toy. Yes, there are some scooters out there geared toward younger or smaller riders, but these machines are just as dangerous as any other motorized vehicle on the road today. There is a reason that there are motorcycle and scooter laws in every state. There is a reason that licenses are required to ride a scooter larger than 50cc’s in almost every state. There are safety courses available to teach new riders all about the pros and cons of owning, riding, and enjoying scooters.

Luckily, someone beat me to the punch on commenting on this article. I’m not sure I could have voiced my opinions in such a non-condescending tone. Please, Staff Writer Person, go back to writing those common sense manuals and stay away from glorified mopeds.

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From The Chatanoogan

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.”

Full Story HERE

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I just came across a nice online photo reference of Vintage Vespa models at VespaClub.com. It’s a complete model history from the Paperino Prototype (1946) to the most recent version of the PX200E (2001). The list is complete with model numbers in case you want to know exactly what scooter you have.

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Don’t ask me how this photo led me to this article, but both were nice…

An article on MSN Money points out some things to consider if you’re thinking of buying a scooter. Sure, the price of fuel is a major factor, but is it as big as you think? What’s the break-even point? How about licensing, safety, insurance, service, reliability and security?

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Ruby Helmets

Saw these on BoingBoing.

No stranger to accidents, French designer Jérôme Coste has survived six cranial traumatisms, one of the contributing factors leading to his interest in crash helmets. Inspired by Steve McQueen, science fiction and Japanese biker gangs who eloquently blend street culture with vintage motorcycling, he founded Ruby in 2004.

Made from carbon fiber and carefully detailed with chrome-plated trim, lambskin lining and a steel badge, the retro styling of the Pavilion collection is the ideal accessory for that painstakingly restored motorcycle (or scooter!) you only bring out on Sundays.

From Core 77

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Steve Guzman of The Scooter Scoop has posted his first video review to motorcycle.com.

2008 Aprillia SportCity 250 Review

Complete specs on the Sport City 250ie are HERE

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