For the "Why would I ride a scooter" folk out there - we have two vehicles. A regular sedan, and a 2004 ET4 Vespa - which was a bitch to insure, because it came up as a scooter for insurance, yet has a 150cc 4 stroke engine, and is freeway legal (yes, had it up to 80mph). It really is a motorbike with a step through frame than a scooter. One of the advantages of these things is that they have a low centre of gravity, and relatively good power/weight ratio. Adding batteries will increase the weight of these things, and being that the batteres are under the seat, it will raise the CoG. Still - it is a very interesting idea ...
I hate traffic, I love Vespa! Simple as.Sexy, comfortable and speedy, even my little unrestricted 2003 50cc ET2. In the UK, if you don't ride a bike you sit in traffic. No thanks.
Haha, I think it really shows how different people carry weight different. When I was 175 I was really thin (muscular, but thin), and people were worried about me when I went home. At 245 even I don't look FAT. Most people are surpised that I weigh that much when I tell them. I look BIG but not like OMG look at the giant whale man...
That's a good question (not sure why you got a - digg)... here's my guess: You get much better mileage plugging it in than if you let the motor charge the batteries. I bet that it still gets better mileage without plugging it, though, as the battery can be charged with "spare" power while cruising. Accelerating is really energy intensive, so rather than revving up the motor and getting power by making the engine less efficient, you can run a more consistant RPM, letting the engine make the most amount of usefull power, and then draw on that stored up power later when you need it.Hope that made sense, I don't think I explained it very well.
"Have you ever even ridden a Vespa? Think about it - you have super maneuverability, 360 degrees of vision, 75mph top speed, and a horsepower to weight ratio that matches the Mazda MX-5. How much trouble do you really think you're going to get into?"I'm not going to disagree or agree about the safetly, never ridden one, don't really know. But, your average Vespa with a 170 driver doesn't have near the hp:weight ratio of an MX5 with the same 170 driver. Empty, sure, the Vespa makes more power per pound. But the driver ad 30-40% of the weight of a scooter, and about 5% to car.
tokenuserApr 14, 2006
For the "Why would I ride a scooter" folk out there - we have two vehicles. A regular sedan, and a 2004 ET4 Vespa - which was a bitch to insure, because it came up as a scooter for insurance, yet has a 150cc 4 stroke engine, and is freeway legal (yes, had it up to 80mph). It really is a motorbike with a step through frame than a scooter. One of the advantages of these things is that they have a low centre of gravity, and relatively good power/weight ratio. Adding batteries will increase the weight of these things, and being that the batteres are under the seat, it will raise the CoG. Still - it is a very interesting idea ...
byronsApr 14, 2006
I hate traffic, I love Vespa! Simple as.Sexy, comfortable and speedy, even my little unrestricted 2003 50cc ET2. In the UK, if you don't ride a bike you sit in traffic. No thanks.
Closed AccountApr 14, 2006
Would you rather be a dumb ass...or...a dumb ass?
zippoApr 14, 2006
Man or not, Vespas are cool.Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my Rickenbacker bass guitar model 4003 and a pillows CD.
mrgreen4242Apr 14, 2006
Haha, I think it really shows how different people carry weight different. When I was 175 I was really thin (muscular, but thin), and people were worried about me when I went home. At 245 even I don't look FAT. Most people are surpised that I weigh that much when I tell them. I look BIG but not like OMG look at the giant whale man...
mrgreen4242Apr 14, 2006
That's a good question (not sure why you got a - digg)... here's my guess: You get much better mileage plugging it in than if you let the motor charge the batteries. I bet that it still gets better mileage without plugging it, though, as the battery can be charged with "spare" power while cruising. Accelerating is really energy intensive, so rather than revving up the motor and getting power by making the engine less efficient, you can run a more consistant RPM, letting the engine make the most amount of usefull power, and then draw on that stored up power later when you need it.Hope that made sense, I don't think I explained it very well.
gohepcatApr 14, 2006
The style just isn't for me. Now give me an old Vespa VBB, or a new Stella...that's the good stuff. Classic Italian steel body 2 stroke...good times.
mrgreen4242Apr 14, 2006
"Have you ever even ridden a Vespa? Think about it - you have super maneuverability, 360 degrees of vision, 75mph top speed, and a horsepower to weight ratio that matches the Mazda MX-5. How much trouble do you really think you're going to get into?"I'm not going to disagree or agree about the safetly, never ridden one, don't really know. But, your average Vespa with a 170 driver doesn't have near the hp:weight ratio of an MX5 with the same 170 driver. Empty, sure, the Vespa makes more power per pound. But the driver ad 30-40% of the weight of a scooter, and about 5% to car.
miaowApr 18, 2006
scooters are too noisy. very embarrassing late at night. not sure why they don't make them straddle-mount either, like a motorbike.
masonadeJan 6, 2009
Looking for genuine Vespa gear and accessories? Visit www.mikesmithpowersports.com for everything from Helmets and shirts to topboxes and windshields!
guymdownesJun 17, 2009
I live in Phoenix AZ and am considering getting rid of 4 wheels and moving to 2 even if it means certain agro from Hog riders!