Shopping for a Vespa Scooter! Yay!

The Vespa motor scooter is a good-looking ride backed by technology, with an automatic twist n' go transmission, an upright riding position and a unique steel frame. The Vespa I purchase now will make the transition from the city to the country.

Prices and models vary, so which to chose? New or an older model? Do I have to register it like a motorcycle? Time to go shopping and also explore this new trend called Vespanomics.

Wait - first a bit of history, please!

Vespa (means 'wasp' in Italian) and is the product of Enrico Piaggio. His motor scooter was based on a small motorcycle made for parachutists. His prototype was known as the MP5 and nicknamed Paperino - the Italian name for Donald Duck - this was due to to the odd shape of the motorcycle. The first Vespa patent was filed on April 23, 1946. The first mass produced Vespa was the 98cc.

What is Vespanomics?

The trend is on to reduce oil consumption, traffic congestion, carbon dioxide emissions and of course have lots of fun on this Italian-style icon - the Vespa. Shop for one of the most technologically advanced, eco-friendly motor scooters and get up to 70 MPG (miles per gallon) and travel at speeds from a maximum of 39 mph (miles per hour) to 80 mph on different models.

When we switch to as little as 10% of total mileage on a Vespa, we would consume 14 to 18 million gallons less fuel each day. This would reduce carbon dioxide emission by 325 million pounds per day - and ideally curb the American addiction to oil - and help preserve the environment.

What are the Vespa scooter prices?

Prices range from $3,299 for the LX 50 4V to $6,899 for the GTV 300. There are presently eight popular models.

What about a used Vespa?

Surely, you mean pre-owned. I'll tell you what is new, then pre-owned.

Can you briefly describe each Vespa model on the market?

1 - LX 50 4V - MSRP (manufactured suggested retail price) - $3,299 Described as 60 years in the making, this Vespa is a prototype built by Piaggio in 1946. It has a maximum speed of 39 MPH, can get 95 to 100 mpg, with a gas tank holding 2.3 gallons, a seat height of 30.5" and a displacement of 49.4cc (cubic centimeters). Colors are dragon red, midnight blue, celeste blue and espresso/bronze

2- LX 150 i.e - MSRP - $4,499 - Has a powerful 150cc engine. This Vespa has a maximum speed of 59 mph, can get 70-75 mpg with a 2.3 gallon gas tank. The seat height is 30.9" -colors are volcano black, dragon red, espresso/bronze and celeste blue.

3 - S 50 4V - MSRP - $3,199 - Has 70s styling with a 21st century fuel efficiency. This all new Vespa S has retro styling with a newly engineered four-stroke, four-valve SOHC engine which is the most powerful 50cc four-stroke Vespa sold on the market today. This Vespa has a maximum speed of 39 mph, with gas mileage of 85 to 90 mpg with a 2.3 gallon gas tank, with a a seat height of 30.5" - colors are white/blue, dragon red, taormina orange, shiny black, and white/red.

4 - S 150 i.e. MSRP - $4,399 - This Vespa scooter has the fabulous retro style with a bit of extra oomph. Advanced technology and iconic styling, this is a minimalist version of the 1970s models. Maximum speed is 59 mph, with gas mileage of 70 to 75 mpg, and a 2.3 gallon gas tank. Displacement is 150cc and the seat height is 30.9" - colors are white/red, dragon red, taormina orange, white/blue, shiny black.

5 - GTS 300 - MSRP - $5,999 - The powerful, sporty and super stylish classic-design Vespa GTS 300 comes with 12 inch alloy wheels, front and rear disc brakes and a liquid cooled engine. Maximum speed is 80 mph, with gas mileage of 65-70 mpg with a 2.4 gallon gas tank. Displacement is 278cc with a seat height of 31.1" - colors are midnight blue, cortina gray, dragon red, volcano black, and metallic bronze.

6 - The GTS 300 Super - MSRP - $6,199 - The latest Vespa, described as the one for the road warrior who wants serious power navigating the city and owning the highway. Maximum speed is 80 mph, gas mileage is 65-70 mpg, with a 2.4 gallon gas tank. Displacement is 278cc with a seat height of 31.1 inches. Colors are shiny black, dragon red, montebianco white, and titanium.

7 - LXV 150 i.e. - MSRP - $5,299 - Modern technology meets vintage 1960s styling in this Vespa scooter. The LXV is built around the LX 150cc engine. Maximum speed is 50 mph, gas mileage is 70 to 75 mpg with a 2.3 gallon gas tank. Displacement is 150cc and seat height is 30.9" - colors are portofino green, and espresso.

8 - GTV 300 - MSRP - $6,899 - This Vespa is like the original classic model, only better with its extra engine power for long journeys. This model is developed on the base of the powerful GTS with a vintage Vespa look from the 50s and 60s. Like then, the headlamp has been positioned down on the front. Maximum speed is 76 mph, with gas mileage of 65 to 70 mpg with a 2.4 gallon gas tank. Displacement is 278cc with a seat height of 31.1 inches. Colors are portofino green and espresso.

What about buying a used Vespa?

We now have our own Vespa dealer right here in Brooklyn, New York. And you can buy pre-owned. Say a Vespa GTS 250 (2006) for about $3,999.00 (see photo above of a black model). They always have sales and good-looking pre-owned models. You really have to know what you need and want. Honestly, I wished we lived in a more Vespa or scooter friendly city. It would be great to tool around on any one of these as a way of life instead of as a special treat.

What about vintage Vespas?

These you will have to search for - check dealers and of course the internet. I have a friend who has always been obsessed with Vespas and has stylishly rode hers all over New York City, from borough to borough and over bridges, night and day. Now she is in California and sent photos of a 2000/1 Vespa ET4 150 and it was in burgundy - quite good-looking. Then she found an old Vespa 125 model in red which was nice. However, I like the power, speed and styling of the newer models.

Do you have a favorite?

I love the 2011 Vespa GTV 300 - (refer back to list above) - and with the total chrome kit. It is the styling - because it has the light which is located right above the tire instead of up near the handles bars. The green is beautiful (see the green in the top photo above of the GTV 250 - and notice location of headlight)! This is the most expensive model and I would prefer it for the country or suburbs. For the city, I like the LX 50. It only goes up to 39 mph, but I just can't decide on the color.

What type of Vespa accessories are available?

There is every type of helmet, as well as vehicle covers, windshields, top cases, floor mats and security items like chains and alarms. There are also Vespa chrome kits such as a chrome plated front bumper trim, chrome plated rear carrier, chrome plated rear side protection, or you can get a whole kit covering each of these parts, complete with a cool Vespa logo.

There is also Vespa merchandise available if you just don't know when to stop - like clothing, hats, magnets, beach towels, time pieces, pins and patches, and scale models (these are nice).

What else do I need to know?

Well according to the Vespa website, you will make new friends - who will admire your Vespa, and you will melt stress. But there are 6 important steps to take before getting on the road.

6 Important Steps:

1- Decide what you want, what you need, and visit your Vespa dealer.

2 - Register your Vespa - make it legit with the DMV - many dealers will help you do this for a small fee.

3 - Take the permit test if your state requires it. Depending on the scooter's engine size you may need a motorcycle license. Check with the DMV.

4 - A Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourse is recommended for new riders. In many states this will qualify you for lower insurance rates. Some MSF locations offer a Scooter School program.

5 - If you own a car you can add your Vespa to the insurance policy. If not, ask the dealer for insurance company recommendations.

6 - Ready to Riiiiide!

But wait! For a person living in the city, who wants to take the Vespa to the country what kind do you recommend?

- You may want to consider a low speed scooter in the city. In NYC the speed limit is 30 mph - which doesn't mean you will ever get to go that fast, but you should not go faster.

- If this country living you speak of is happening now - you may want something with a bit more power - if you will be traveling to that country place by Vespa or on back country roads and such. And if the country living you speak of is a reality and not one of your wild fantasies, then sure, more power. You may like the GTS Super.

- Of course I recommend a helmet, and a security chain, perhaps an alarm.

- A cover will keep people from touching your Vespa and protect it from the elements.

- I think utilitarian for the city, but more power and great looks for the country.

Meanwhile: For more 'green' riding options, see the links below: