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Orlando Scooter
Q.) What is a  orlando scooter?  

(A.) The term  orlando "scooter" as commonly used in the newsgroup (NG) alt.scooter refers more properly to a "motorscooter", which are a subclass of motorcycles utilizing a distinctive structural design. These are generally two-wheeled vehicles originally based on motorized versions of children's push scooters, although some three-wheeled scooters are considered to exist. Orlando Motorscooters (or simply "scooters") have been around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two has often been blurred (see 1.4). The most commonly accepted definition of Orlando scooters requires two-wheeled vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified to have a rear axle) that have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-thru frames and typically engines that are low and close to the rear wheel [see The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1997), vol. 8, pg. 367]. However, it should be noted that this definition is not universally accepted, as some have argued (Dregni & Dregni, for example) that scooters need only have 2 out of 3 of these attributes. Scooters also often incorporate full bodywork, including legshields and generally are designed to be easier to operate than standard Orlando motorcycles. It should be noted that scooters may be of any engine size, though historically they typically have ranged from 50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation to possible top speed inherent in scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph. Incidentally, the term Orlando"scooter" is also commonly used for "medical scooters", which are typically 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles for people with mobility problems, but are quite unlike "motorscooters". There are also scooters with very small engines (under 40cc) commonly called "go-peds" (a prominent brand), which look like motorized children's push Orlando scooters.


(Q.) Definitions by design

 

(A.) May or may not differ from legal definitions:

Motorcycle

=

Any two-wheeled vehicle

Motorscooter

=

A small motorcycle with a step-thru frame

Moped

=

A small motorcycle with pedal to help propel the bike

Kickscooter

=

A skateboard with handle bars


A.) Vespa Orlando Scooter
Since its first appearance 50 yeas ago, over 15 million Orlando Vespas have been sold. They continue to sell well today all over the world. The name Vespa means “wasp" in Italian and refers to the original body shape of the well-known Orlando scooter line. Though the Orlando Vespa is not the first scooter, it is certainly the best known all over the world. Vespa is a prodigy of the Piaggio Company in Genoa, Italy – the company that designs and manufactures these unique vehicles. Other names may appear on Vespa scooters as well since licensing agreements all over the world have allowed this. The Piaggio scooters are produced by the name company; however, these scooters incorporate a newer, modern design.
The first Orlando Vespa was produced in 1946 and became an instant success. This early body design is still largely produced; Vespa’s timeless design is what has made it such a popularity around the world. Many model variations have been produced with small but noticeable differences. Engine sizes have ranged from 50-200cc.
Ever since its introduction to the market, the Vespa body has been made of steel. The body is a pressed steel monocoque chassis that has always set the Vespa apart from other mass-produced scooter. This manufacturing tradition not only makes the line stand out, but it provides structural rigidity and performance. Today, Vespa’s steel frame tradition continues in its Pontedera facility in Italy. This is perpetuated with the most advanced and innovative manufacturing methods. Orlando Vespas are designed and manufactured to perform and last for years to come!

Orlando Lambretta Scooters
Early on, companies began to compete against the Piaggio Company and its Vespa scooter line. One of the earliest and most effective competitors against Orlando Vespa was another Italian company – Innocenti. Innocenti developed their own scooter line called the Lambrettas. At the time, Vespas were already dominant among the public who rode scooter in Italy. As a result, Innocenti focused their attention and focus marketing to those who wanted something that had both more style and more performance than the Vespa line. Because of these two factors, the love for Lambretta scooters have endured despite the manufacturer’s struggle in the market.
The First Orlando Lambretta
The first was introduced to the public in 1947 – one year after the first Orlando Vespa. The rivalry between the two models had led the two manufacturers to come up with better and increasingly innovative models. However, Innocenti ran into a number of financial difficulties and eventually had to stop production of the Lambretta line in 1970.
Fall of Innocenti – the company of Lambretta
The original Lambretta plant was later sold off to Scooters India, Limited (SIL). The plant moved to India, where it still exists. While the plant equipment and overhead were being transported and reassembled in India, the Serveta Company of Eibar, Spain picked up a license from Innocenti to produce a line of Lambretta scooters that had slight variations from the standard Innocenti designs. In 1979, SIL began manufacturing the older Innocenti designs. However, it struggled as a government owned operation. The last handful of Lambretta GP200 scooters was produced in 1997; there are rumors that the plan is in the process of relocation to Turkey. Manufacture may resume there during the new millennium under new ownership. Despite the company’s problems, the love for the Lambretta scooter continues to live on around the world.

Orlanso Sears Scooters
What are Allstate or Sears scooters? For many years, U.S.A. retailer Sears, Roebuck & Company sold scooters in both their catalogs and retail stores. However, these scooters were always re-badged scooters produced by various specialized scooter manufacturers. For example, Sears sold either Cushman or Vespa scooters under the “Allstate” label. The Allstate label was also used for mopeds and small motorcycles produced by manufacturer Puch. For a few years, scooters were also sold under the “Sears” label as well.
Most of the Allstate scooters that Sears sold were very basic Vespa models that were different mainly in their cosmetic and aesthetic details. Plus, they lacked the front dampeners of Vespas. Put aside the differentiations, they were Vespas in every respect eventhough collectors often perceive them as having less value, mainly because of the large number that was sold over the years and the lack of the well-known Vespa aesthetic details. Cushman also sold step-thru scooters to Sears for their mail-order sales during the years of 1951 to 1961. With only minor changes from the normal production runs, the scooters were sold under the Allstate name.

Orlando Yamaha Scooters
Did you know that Yamaha marketed a classic scooter back in 1960 in Japan? However, it was not much of a success sine Fuji and Mitsubishi was largely dominating the Japanese market. As a result, in the mid-60s, Yamaha gave up. Like Honda, Yamaha re-entered the scooter market in 1980. It brought with it updated versions of their earlier designs. This time, they were successful not only in Asia, but also in Europe and in the United States. Yamaha has also entered into various licensing agreements with other companies around the world. The company produces a popular scooter line in France through their subsidiary MBK, which sells quite well throughout the European regions, including Italy.

Orlando Honda Scooters
Honda had been producing classic scooters since the 50s and 60s in Japan. However, because its competitors (Fuji and Mitsubishi) were both far better at it, Honda decided to give up in the mid-60s. It redirected its attention on their Cub moped line instead. The irony however was that the wild success of Honda’s Cub actually ended up driving Fuji and Mitsubishi out of the two-wheeled market forever.
It wasn’t until 1980 that Honda decided to re-enter the Japanese scooter market. It later began exporting their new modern scooters to the United States, Europe and Asia, which turned out to be very successful. These scooters have been licensed to other companies and Honda has grown to the same position of Vespa’s Piaggio Company. Honda continues its quest to increase market share. It has set up plants around the world to produce scooters. This includes production in Italy, where Honda scooters sell quite well.


(Q.) Which Orlando Scooter 2 buy?