Vespa Scooters: Gas, Hybrid, Electric

The gas Vespa Scooter, is an environmentally sound option for short strolls to the neighborhood store, fuel consumption, viewing tourist attractions, especially near the beach and on campus college commutes.

The gas Vespa Scooter is street legal in all 50 states, but California. The bikes are DOT and EPA approved so they meet all the standards for emissions and operating within local streets. The scooter averages 60 to 80 miles per gallon and can reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Most SUV vehicles get around 20 - 30 miles per gallon, so the Vespa is three times more fuel efficient than the average vehicle.

The typical weight of the Vespa Scooter is just over 300 pounds. Therefore, the operator of the vehicle does not have to worrying about being crushed under its weight, a hazard of a typical motorcycle. While it does not possess the power of a standard motorcycle, it will allow the driver to safely accelerate and merge in and out of residential traffic and local shopping areas.

Prices vary for the Vespa. They range from $1000 dollars to $3500 dollars depending upon the style and power/fuel options. The Vespa LX 50 is a hybrid version of the scooter. While this version is slightly more expensive, the Vespa LX 50 will allow the driver to enjoy the comforts of 25 per cent more power and 20 per cent fuel reduction. This version of the Vespa is typically offered in Europe, where Vespa ownership is more widely accepted. Vespa ownership, however, is becoming more popular in the United States, and the scooter is being promoted by several celebrities as an economical and environmentally friendly alternative.

The electric Vespa, though more expensive topping around the $3000 dollar range allows the owner to bypass the local fueling stations. While not commanding the power of the hybrid or the gas scooter, the electric Vespa reaches around 35 miles per charge and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. Other companies also offer more economical solutions that are entirely electrical, however, most typically get 20-30 miles per charge and only go a little over 20 miles per hour. Certainly for short errands, viewing tourist attractions, or scurrying about campus this is also an economical choice and is certainly faster than pedestrian travel.

One other important features regarding Vespas is that registration is typically only around $200 dollars.

New and used Vespas and other scooters are offered at dealers nationwide. Of course, interested consumers can order direct from www.vespa.com, as well as, other online vendors. The local phone book would also be a great source to locate new and used Vespa dealers. Most major metropolitan cities have Vespa dealers.

With its environmental perks, fuel conservation, sleek design, light weight, economical cost and its partnership with Cancer Awareness groups, one could hardly argue with this being a smart purchase for the individual or family.