The Vespa culture spreads around the globe
By Astrid Bidanec

The famous Italian Vespa motor scooters have been on the market since 1946 and are as popular today as ever. What started as an economic means of transportation in Italy has evolved into a lifestyle and culture in its own right for people all around the world.

The Vespa fever has spread across the globe, very much like an epidemic without the negative side effects. No matter if you live in a small town, or a big city—there is a club just for you. If in doubt, you can search the Internet for a wealth of information on events and meetings, or check with your local Vespa dealer.

Not only vintage collectors have been founding their Vespa clubs, but all kinds of people have been discovering the perfect Vespa fit for their personalities. If you are a Vespa lover, or “Vespisti,” as the Italians call those who appreciate these classics, you have plenty of company. According to the Vespa Club U.S.A., approximately 70% of vintage scooters sold in the United States are Vespas. Other models include Lambrettas, Heinkel Tourists, or Zundapp Bellas.

The price for a new Vespa model on the other hand, might shock the average scooter owner: Vespas range range from $3,200 upward making them at least twice as expensive as other scooter brands.

Vespa clubs are similar to motorcycle gangs with the exception of being limited to Vespa owners. Other scooter models are tolerated at rallies, but usually not accepted as members. While some prefer the bad boy image, the majority of Vespisti clubs consist more of mainstream personalities very much like your local book club. Surprisingly, age has very little to do with membership selection.

Unlike collectors’ cars, even vintage Vespas are driven on a consistent basis, instead of being kept in a garage under protective custody. Owners, in fact, claim them to be superior to their modern plastic counterparts. Where there is a will, there is a way for any Vespisti to keep his love alive and running. Nothing can stand in the way of a Vespa lover and his timeless scooter, especially with the help of other like-minded souls who put great effort into making the necessary information for scooter repair and finding parts easily accessible on the internet. No doubt, this obsession has grown into a lucrative business venture for many.

While the Italian manufacturer of these globally worshipped scooters has revamped the old timers in order to flood the market with fresh Vespas, other brands have followed suit and put forth creative attempts to imitate the passionately loved classic model.

For a Vespisti, however, there is only one true love: the original Vespa. Nothing else will do.