Scootering and scooters — the Vespa Way

OK, so I’m a sucker for anything Vespa. With that said, Vespa USA’s new Web site is pretty interesting.
It features a pretty cool section called Community Rides, which features user-generated ride maps. I haven’t had a chance to check out all the local So Cal routes, but did notice that a couple of them are suggestions on navigating Los Angeles’ — and by Los Angeles, I mean the West Side — infamous gridlock. These routes are almost as useful and interesting as any number of suggested rides through mountainous twisties.

There’s also a powerful dealer locator that not only lists dealers by zip code or city, but also Google Maps each dealership for the viewer’s pleasure.

Beginners can follow the “Six easy steps to getting on the road with my Vespa” and other advice on owning and maintaining a Vespa.

But the kicker for me, because I’m an admitted Vespa geek and scooter nut, is the Heritage and History page. Here you can view a timeline of the history of these Italian beauties, view old advertising copy and see a little about this bike my all-time favorite Vespa model.

Piaggio has really kicked into high gear its growth plan for the U.S. For more info on its brands read here, here and here.