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) Scooters were also very popular with Modernists, who also tended to heavily 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.
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.
Further Reading
Mazzanti, David. Vespa. Das offizielle Buch – alle Modelle seit 1945. 2nd. ed. Bielefeld: Delius Klasing Verlag, 2006.