Scooter

A scooter is a (usually small) type of motorcycle.

Popular models after World War II were the Vespa and the Lambretta.

Body

The US Department of Transportation defines a scooter as a variant of a motorcycle with "a platform for the operator's feet" and that has "a step-through architecture" (Department of Transportation Regulation Part 571.123, Standard No. 123) meaning that the part between handlebars and driver's seat is low enough to easily step over the vehicle.

Brands

Some manufacturers

Popularity

When first produced scooters were intended as "low-cost product for the masses" and merely "utilitarian", a mere means of inexpensive transportation. (Maida) They were talked of as a way of "commuting economically and conveniently". (Hill 65)

Scooters, especially the Vespa, were heavily advertised and quickly became a "symbol of Italian-ness". (Maida) They also were very popular with Modernists, who also tended to devotedly customize their scooters with things like two-tone paint and lots of extras. (Sarti)

Sources

"Department of Transportation Regulation Part 571.123: Standard No. 123; Motorcycle controls and displays." Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 29 Feb. 2012 <http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=571.123> last visited 12 Jun. 2012.

Hill, Ray. "Motorized Two-Wheelers. Economical All-Weather Transportation." Popular Science: The What's New Magazine. July (1980): 65-67.110.

Maida, Alexis. "Vespa: A Lifestyle Brand." 9 Dec. 2010 <http://loft22.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/vespa-a-lifestyle-brand/> last visited 12 Jun. 2012.

Sarti, Doug. "Vespa Scoots Sexily Back to Vancouver" Straight.com, Vancouver's Online Source. 3 Jun. 2004 <http://www.straight.com/article/vespa-scoots-sexily-back-to-vancouver> last visited 12 Jun. 2012.

Body

Brands

Popularity

Sources

Further Reading