Motor Scouters in Italy

Ken has been fascinated by the number and use of motor scooters we have seen in the last couple of days

Motor scooters are everywhere in Italy, there are parking places reserved for them and of course they take up modest space. They are Reisen by both sexes and all ages in any clothes - often with a pillion passenger always with a helmet

Although motorbikes had been around since before 1900 motor scooters were a breakthrough. The need for urban transport in Italy after WW2 stimulated Vespa makers to develope a solution. Instead of sitting astride a motorbike they made a machine where the engine was under the seat leaving a clear platform between the seat/engine and the front steering head. Having small wheels helped the design as did fan cooling of the largely enclosed air cooled engine

Now all motorbike makers produce scooters but Vespa have held their place. Engine size ranges from 50 to 500cc

This old bloke was about the same age as I (Ken) am look in the next picture how easily he carried his shopping

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	11
Comment on this entry	Comment	2

Scott AndersonThis is particularly true in northern Italy - I can still hear their mosquito-like whine when I think back on our first tour there 25 years ago. They aren’t as prevalent in the south, fortunately.

If you like this, you should try Taiwan. There, they really are overwhelming.
Reply to this comment
4 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo Scott AndersonAbout 30years ago we stayed in a room by some traffic lights in Florence. Every time the traffic lights changed they came to to the front and took off with a whine. It seemed to go on all night!
ken
Reply to this comment
4 years ago