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:
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Motorcycle
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Any two-wheeled vehicle
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Motorscooter
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A small motorcycle with a step-thru frame
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Moped
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A small motorcycle with pedal to help propel the
bike
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Kickscooter
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A skateboard with handle bars
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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?