Mopeds

Once a year, Lori Watson let her husband take her for a spin on his motorcycle. But as a person more com-fortable teaching quilting lessons from her fabric shop, she was admittedly petrified.
Now that she has a new business selling Vespas, however, Watson rides her red scooter fearlessly around Traverse City. “A person who never rides a motorcycle can take one of these on back roads and feel comfortable doing it,” Watson says.
“She’s insane about safety, and she still rides it,” says her daughter, Forest Mullins, who also works at the Vespa dealership.
People seem to be catching on to the trend. Since Vespa Traverse City opened on May 1, they’ve sold nearly 40 vehicles. “They are definitely the cool in-thing to be scooting around,” Watson says.
With gas prices on the rise, their excellent mileage – up to 99 miles a gallon – and a range of options, from around-town vehicles to cross-country cruisers, makes them an economical, fun choice for people looking to try something new.

BIG SAVINGS
Dick Rohdy of Manistee bought his 250cc Vespa for play, but he’s been using it for work, too. As a plumbing contractor, he does a lot of out-county work. For estimates and small jobs, he uses his Vespa; his tools fit in the trunk, which is big enough to store two helmets. “Instead of spending 30 bucks on gas, I’m going out there for six bucks,” he says. He purchased his vehicle in June and logged 1,050 miles in the first month.
“We took them to the energy fair, and we were probably the second most popular thing, after the wind generators,” says Mullins. “Traverse City is getting more urban, so there’s a market for these.”
They’re growing so popular in Northern Michigan, in fact, that if you want to take your motorcycle license cone test (which you’ll need to drive the bigger scooters), you’ll have to sign a weeks-long waiting list. And new moped shops are popping up in other towns around the region, including Frankfort and Charlevoix.
For licensing purposes, the scooters are classified either as mopeds or motorcycles, depending on engine size. “For some reason, people accept these more than motorcycles,” Watson says. Where the majority of motorcycle owners are men, she’s sold an equal number to men and women.
They’re far quieter than a motorcycle, they get better gas mileage, and they’re easier to use. “Just twist and turn. There’s no shifting,” Mullins says. “You drive it just like a bicycle. It’s really easy.”
No bicycle, however, can travel at up to 99 miles per hour. “People don’t know the range of scooters. They think they’re slow or little,” Watson says.
And Vespas are sociable. “You’re very approachable,” she says. “When you’re at a stop sign and someone has a question for you, they can just roll down their window.”

THE BACKGROUND
Vespas were invented in Italy after World War II, with scrap metal left over from the war. The word “vespa” means “wasp” in Italian, and over in Italy they’re a common mode of transport. “In Italy, it’s kind of funny to see a parking lot, because it’s full of scooters instead of cars,” Watson says.
Vespa TC offers both the Vespa line, modeled after the original vintage metal scooters, and the Piaggio line, which are made with plastic components for a more modern look. They’ve got 10 to 15 scooter models, ranging from $1,899 to $6,999 in price. They come in a variety of colors, including pistachio green, red, sky blue, black and yellow.
If you’re just looking to get around town, the smaller models, with 50cc engines, have a top speed of 39 miles per hour and get about 100 miles to the gallon. The Vespa costs $3,199; the equivalent Piaggio, called the Fly-50, runs $1,899. If you’re paying in installments, it’s about $60 a month. “That’s less than a lot of people’s tanks of gas,” Mullins points out.
The in-town models don’t need insurance or a license plate, either, which is a big cost-saver; all you need is $15 and a driver’s license, she says. And they’ll suit the needs of a lot of people. “Most of the trips you take are less than a mile or two from your home,” Mullins says.
As the vehicles increase in size, they offer additional features, like large tires to absorb shock and fold-out passenger footrests. There’s even a three-wheel model, the MP3, which offers additional storage and more traction when riding
in the rain.
Vespas and Piaggios have powerful headlights, so it’s safe to drive at night. A wide range of accessories is also available, including extra luggage racks, floor mats, and a front windscreen. “I don’t really like to be slapped with a bug, but she thinks it’s part of the adventure,” Watson says, nodding at her daughter. They also offer designer helmets and jackets.
All vehicles come with a one-year factory warranty and one year of free roadside assistance. However, Mullins says, “We don’t have people coming back with problems. These are really good machines.”

SAFETY FACTOR
“These are something Italians use every day, rain or shine,” Watson says. “They’re designed so you can wear your office clothes or your bathing suit. People are starting to accept that in the U.S. – that you can look good on a scooter.”
What about safety? Like any two-wheeled vehicle, you’ve got to be careful, Watson says. She avoids busy roads, like US 31, when she can help it, and takes back roads instead.
“Drive defensively,” Mullins advises. She honks her horn and makes eye contact with drivers, much like she would if
riding a bike.
However, people are becoming more aware, Watson says. “I think with more scooters and bikes on the road, people are driving more respectfully. They’re everywhere now. They’re in groups and packs. You see a lot more of them than you used to.” Mullins and Watson hope to start up a scooter club in TC to further spread awareness and get the buzz going.
They won’t replace cars, Watson says. “Everyone has to have a car in Northern Michigan – for families, for winter, for travel. A scooter is just a fun, economical, energy-saving way to get there.”
“It’s the most effective people mover I’m aware of,” Mullins says. “It’s the most effective use of gasoline I know.”

Vespa TC is located just north of Chums Corners in TC. For more infor-mation, call (231) 943-5858 or email info@natureandmerv.com.


Alt-Trans Picnic

Interested in sharing your own alternative transport, or finding new ways to get around? Then come on down to the alternative transportation picnic, which will be held in Traverse City’s Sunset Park on Monday, Aug. 6 from 5-9 pm. Anything that’s not a typical gasoline vehicle is welcome, including bicycles.
The event is sponsored by the local Green Party. For more information, contact Tom Mair at 231-947-2001
or traversegreen@yahoo.com.



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