We've seen countless celebs go green by either choosing to drive in a hybrid vehicle, electric car or even a scooter. The latest well-known person we've heard has made the change to two-wheels might not be a celebrity by the strictest definition of the word, but we're sure you know his name: Donald Rumsfeld. We're going to leave any political bits out of this post and just suggest that it's nice to see well-known people make a fuel-saving purchase. The specific scooter model that Mr. Rumsfeld, former Defense Secretary of the United States, has chosen is the Vespa LX150. The fine-looking Italian is a capable mount and features a 150cc four-stroke engine which powers the metal-bodied machine up to around sixty miles per hour. Riders of scooters such as this one typically report fuel mileage of around seventy miles per gallon, which surely makes the Vespa Rumsfeld's most efficient ride.


[Source: Yeas and Nays via Jalopnik]

Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200

There is a certain amount of truth to Peter M. De Lorenzo's latest rant regarding the recent trend of record scooter sales in the United States. For instance, while we often report on the fuel savings of the average two-wheeled means of transportation, we also advocate proper rider training and apparel. Nobody here is going to suggest that two-wheelin' is a safer choice than riding in your "cage." But, we can't disagree more with a few statements made on Autoextremist.com, particularly that riding on main city streets is a bad idea. In fact, there is no better place to ride your scooter. We have plenty of experience on the topic, and feel that a scooter can be an excellent city conveyance.

We also can't reconcile the comparison between the latent SUV craze and the current scooter craze. While there are parallels between the two, they end when the environmentally responsibleness of the subject is brought up. Unless you are packing your SUV with plenty of people and their belongings, they usually make neither economic or environmental sense. That said, we agree with De Lorenzo's claim that trading your fuel-guzzler for a fuel-sipper does not always make sound economic sense.

Now seems like a good time to remind our readers that not everyone should go out and get a scooter or small motorcycle. For some, though, they can make a fine alternative option when an a two-ton chunk of metal is just unnecessary.

[Source: Auto Extremist]

We've touched on Vespanomics before, the merging of economics and the joy of riding a Vespa scooter. It seems simple enough... Vespas get good gas mileage + gas is expensive = riding a Vespa saves you money. Just how much money are we talking? What are the ramifications of choosing to ride a scooter of any sort as your only mode of transportation? We'll get an opinion on each of these questions, and likely more, when Motorcycle USA finishes up its piece on the realities of the Vespanomics principle. Also under scrutiny will be the emissions of the Vespa scooter, though whatever the findings, the new four-stroke catalyzed powerplant will be worlds cleaner than the two-strokers of old. The scooter of choice for this little test is the Vespa GTS 250ie, which lugs along a 250cc fuel injected engine which many claim can return fuel mileage up around seventy miles per gallon. Let the testing commence!

[Source: Motorcycle USA]

Click on the image for more high-res shots of the new Vespa S150

Vespa has tons of history to draw upon when it comes time to introduce a new scooter model. Take the new S model, for instance. Using the same 150cc four-stroke single cylinder engine that is used in the LX series, Vespa somehow manages to make each individual model seem unique. Obvious visual changes do exist, despite the familiar profile case by the steel monocoque body, which has the "cut-down" look popularized by owners looking to add a bit of sportiness to their scoots. Conspicuous in its absence is the usual modern Vespa glove box. The headlight is square, mimicking some of Vespa's older models from the '50s, '60s and '70s. Note, too, the streamlined look of the solo seat, which makes the 59 mph machine look faster than it really is. Vespa was sure to mention the fuel mileage of 90 miles per gallon and its low carbon footprint in their press release, pasted after the break. Take a look at our gallery and take note of the custom graphics which are available directly from your nearest Vespa dealer.

[Source: Vespa]

Italy is a bastion for cool old scooter finds, as classic manufacturers such as Piaggio, Vespa and Lambretta were born and bred there. These classic scooters include striking and beautiful design aesthetics as well as solid construction methods. Also in their favor are decades of sentimental value, which is hard to put a price on. Unfortunately, most of these scooters also have a dark side, and it has to do with emissions. While they are quite thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption, the vast majority of the older scooters on Italian roadways are powered by 2-stroke engines, which emit much more harmful pollutants than newer 4-stroke models. Also, when many of those scooters were manufactured, emissions laws did not yet exist, meaning there is nothing in between the combustion chamber and exhaust pipe than a straight tube ... catalytic what? To help alleviate some of these pollution generators, the Italian government has decided to offer a 300 Euro bonus to trade in your old scooter for a new model. The hope is that pollution levels will decrease as the older fleet of scooters currently on the road is replaced with a new, cleaner one. Scooter fans the world over collectively shed a tear.

[Source: Forbes via 2 Stroke Buzz]

A few years ago, Bajaj stopped making their Chetak and Legend scooters, and since then there has been a dinstinct lack of any steel-bodied, manual transmission, 4-stroke scooters on the market. Genuine Scooters has begun selling their Stella scooter again after a short absence and Vespa themselves re-released 500 of the PX150 model to the American market, but both of those machines feature 2-stroke engines. Bajaj made some pretty compelling claims regarding the emissions improvement of their 4-stroke engine as compared to the original 2-stroke powerplants like those used in the Stella and PX150, so scooter riders who feel the need to ride "green" machines have been forced to scour the used market or buy a newer "twist and go" style model. There are a few rumors circulating, though, which could change all of that. The Stella scooter is made in India by a company called LML, and that same company may begin creating four-stroke, steel-bodied scooters using an as yet unnamed 4-stroke motor ranging from 125cc, 150cc and even 250cc versions.

If LML does start making 4-stroke Vespa PX clones, we can foresee a huge market for them in the States. We would love to see Genuine Scooters offer these models alongside their current range of Stella scooters, keeping the vintage designs in dealer showrooms for years to come.

[Source: 2-Stroke Buzz]

"Built Ford Tough is a mantra for truck and owner alike. F-Series leaves no room for compromise. It's reputation for toughness has been earned on the farms, work sites and roads across America. So, if you're going to drive the toughest truck, then you've got a responsibility to man-up and do your part. There's a code of conduct when you're behind the wheel of an F-Series. We're here to enforce it. We're here to protect and serve the brand."

So says Ford with it's "Built Ford Tough Rules" team. Not compromising apparently means no scooters. Rule number 2 excludes transporting scooters from acceptable Ford F-Series truck usage. We imagine that those who ride or rebuild scooters might need a truck to transport them. If that is the case, you'd better look at a brand other than Ford for your needs.

PS - We do realize that this is satire. We're aren't really offended : )

[Source: Ford via Autoblog]

Sebastian has debated the merits of bidding on and winning the Hummer which was previously owned by Fergie. The issue is whether or not the vehicle should stay on the road, being that the proceeds of the auction are going towards a green charity. My .02 is this: if the vehicle is being driven in a manner which demands the Hummer's off-road credentials (which would be...?), then so be it. If not, well... there are surely better choices with which to commute back and forth to work. Like, say... a Vespa. Since we are on the subject of eBay auctions, why not check out the "MTV Staying Alive Celebrity Autographed Vespa" which is currently on the auction block. This machine is sure to do better when it comes to gas mileage than Fergie's old Hummer H2, and while the proceeds are not going to a green charity, they are going to a good cause. And, don't forget that your total cost of ownership on the Vespa will be way less than with the Hummer. From the initial purchase to filling the (very small) gas tank to insuring it - you'll come out way ahead.

Oh yeah... did Mena Suvari sign this thing twice or something?

Related:

• eBay find of the day: Fergie ditching her Hummer to help the planet
• Where is Fergie's love for her HUMMER? Will Will.i.am blow his up, as promised?

[Source: eBay]

Scooters are great when it comes to saving gas, and some studies show that they can cut down on emissions too, especially when you consider that they are less likely to be stuck in traffic. Obviously, due to their smaller size and the ability to fit more of them on the road, scooters can also cut down on congestion and parking problems. But, like other two-stroke scooters that we have shown you, the Genuine Scooters Rattler Buck Ten is not likely to show up on your green-radar. Two-stroke engines can in fact be made clean enough to meet emissions requirements, but it takes more effort to do it. Four-stroke engines are likely to always be cleaner under the same circumstances. But, if your sole goal is to save money on your gas bill, a scooter like the Rattler will do very nicely.

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

First of all, let's admit that I love Vespas. I even got my motorbike's license riding a PX 125 (quite a number of years ago...) but this is nice: Piaggio USA is launching a campaign in which you can participate if you enjoy creating your own videos. So starting today you can win one of the three Vespas if your video is the winner.

The video has to be filmed according to a mini-website called Vespanomics (Under the Go Green section) the Italian iconic scooter brand has launched about the benefits that Vespa claims come from using motorbikes for commuting instead of cars. A motorbike displaces much less weight than any car, so fuel consumption is lower, thus reducing pollutants. They also take less space on the road. I wonder what Southern Europeans would do without scooters in their already congested cities and I'm not sure either about promoting scooting between the cars as some bikers do anyway. Of course, let's not speak about riding on icy roads in winter (although I've seen people doing that).

Of course Vespa is placing itself as the marque for chic scooters, claiming that it's helped defining what "fashion, music and film" are. Nevertheless, it's a great chance to spirit up your creative side and maybe get a new scooter. Visit the link for more information.

Related:

• More on Piaggio's hybrid scooters, with pictures
• Just Gotta Scoot tests the Piaggo MP3, averages 73 mpg
• Today is the 16th annual Ride To Work Day!

[Thanks to Mike Werner from Motorbiker for the tip]

We've been anxiously awaiting more news and especially an estimated arrival date for Piaggio's hybrid scooters, which include scooters from the Vespa brand as well. Perhaps Piaggio was reading our last post on the subject, because we've noticed more and more news on the HyS (hybrid scooter) models. Now, we can share a few pictures with you as well. Best of all, Cycle World is saying that they have been told by Piaggio that the MP3 HyS will be in production by the end of 2008! Although Piaggio has been testing a version of the MP3 hybrid which sports a 250cc engine, the production model is expected to use the 125 instead. However, that is not all bad, because the electric motor adds up to 85 percent better acceleration and possibly a bit more on the top end too, at least we hope. There is a cool switch on the dash of the scooter which allows for more economic travel or for more performance. Currently, three 12-volt lead acid batteries are being used, but lithium ion batteries are being tested as we speak.

Also of note is the 50cc version of this powertrain, which is installed in the Vespa LX model. This beast gets only 24 volts of power, but can still perform like its 125cc larger sibling. Best of all, the machine can return up to 142 mpg while emitting only 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The 50cc model can travel at 15 mph for 12 miles on electric power alone while the larger 125cc version can do 25 mph for 12 miles on battery power.

This is great news for anyone (like me) who's been waiting to purchase one of these vehicles. Waiting until the end of 2008 could prove to be a challenge!

Go past the break for more pictures.

[Source: Piaggio and Cycle World]

Piaggio has gone a slightly different route with their newest moped design. In fact, they have taken two different routes; the machine includes electric motors in both the front and rear wheels. Piaggio and their wholly-owned Vespa have produced mopeds and sold them in America before, but not for many years. After recently seeing success bringing their scooter models back to America and helping to kick-start the scooter scene again, is it time for them to attempt the same with the humble moped?

Thanks to Steve Guzman from The Scooter Scoop, we have seen a link directly to the patent application (sub. required, in .pdf). Steve has a loyal reader named Dudel who finds these patents, so we should be thanking him too. This machine, like other mopeds, is really a hybrid which allows pedaling along with the battery power. Speed is 25 miles per hour with both wheels powered, 15 with just the rear. Your mileage will depend on how much you want to pedal. Sound cool? Unfortunately, we don't have a release date yet, but we'll be keeping our eyes and ears open.

[Source: The Scooter Scoop, thanks Steve]

The Piaggio MP3 scooter is no stranger to our website, and we have brought you a few reviews of the machine since it first hit our shores earlier this year. Just Gotta Scoot has just gotten their mitts on one, too, and here is their take. The machine differs from your standard scooter by offering two wheels up front, and maintains the ability to lean into turns. This makes the scooter more stable when cornering, especially when the ground is wet or unstable.

One aspect which is sure to please is the fuel mileage of the scooter. The version JGS tested had the larger 250cc engine and delivered a stellar 73 miles per gallon. This figure would likely be higher if the same engine were installed in a smaller and lighter scooter, which it is. Piaggio's 250cc engine is also used in the Vespa GTS (which was just recalled) and more. The reported top speed was over 70 miles per hour, so the machine is freeway capable, if barely. The main problem as noted by David, the reviewer was a lack of power from the engine. This is understandable with so much weight to carry around. Rumor has it that a 400cc version of the scooter will be available in the U.S. not too long from now. Of course, with a larger engine, the fuel mileage would take a hit. Compromises, as always!

[Source: Just Gotta Scoot]