• 50cc – These scooters tend to have a max speed of between 35-40 miles per hour depending on rider weight. For urban commutes, where you won’t be on roads faster than 40 mph, a 50cc will give you the best fuel economy.
• 150cc – These will take you a bit faster, at between 50 and 60 miles per hour. If you plan on travelling on faster roads at all, a 150cc will suit your needs better than a 50cc. For most riders, a 150cc fits the bill adequately and with approximately 70mpg, it’s kind on the wallet too.
• 250cc – With a top speed of 75 miles per hour, this is the best option for those needing to travel on the motorway. Heavier riders may also prefer an engine with a bit more oomph. The only downside is that the mpg drops to around 60 with the 250cc.

Which model should you choose:

Now you’ve got a better idea of the speed of each engine size, you’ll know which models to concentrate on in your search. You’ll also want to consider factors like your style, which also means how you drive and not just your favourite colour.

For the majority of enthusiasts, only the Italian Vespa will suffice. For the iconic style and continental flair, the Mod history and associated culture – most choose a Vespa. For better fuel economy and a lower price tag, many manufacturers now produce scooters in the Italian retro style in all engine sizes. Important questions you need to ask include: Would you rather go faster or save on fuel? With fuel prices on the rise again, you might well decide that economy beats speed in a sensible world. You’ll also want to factor in maintenance and servicing at a scooter and classic motorcycle repairs specialist.

If you’re looking at a 250cc engine size, you’ll also need to factor in your driving style. When you choose a bigger engine, you can have it timed to produce different levels of performance. For example, with a single rider, a racing model could reach speeds of 85mph but struggle to pull away from a standing start with a passenger on it. A touring model can easily pull away with 2 people on it but only has a maximum speed of 75mph with a lone rider. Some scooters will also come with a whole range of mod cons, from mp3 players to anti-lock brakes which will also affect the price tag.

When shopping for your next scooter, consider the following points:

• Carefully choose the engine size to suit the speed you want and the fuel mileage you desire.
• Pick an engine size that will reflect your personal driving style and habits.

In the early 1960s, scooters were far less showy than they are now. Most riders stuck to simple paint jobs to customise their ride. It was quick, cheap and easy with a two-tone scheme being the most popular choice. You could easily remove the side panels on a Lambretta and repaint them.

By 1964 and the now infamous seaside resort battles between the Mods and Rockers, scooter riders were adding fog lights, mirrors and anything else that could conceivably fit onto their machine. It became commonplace to see wheel covers, spare wheels, pennants, badges, aerials, back rests, car badges, crash bars, mud flaps and even baskets! Other accessories that appeared included bumpers, leg shield trims, air horns, mats and headlight peaks. Back rests the size of ironing boards became another particularly stand-out and flashy accessory.

A scooter was easy to customise and that was part of its appeal to the youth culture. Many different companies began manufacturing add-ons, such as Cuppini, Feridax, Vigano and Ulma, to name just a few. A mod’s scooter was a prized possession and as such was made as personal and unique as imagination and budget would allow.

Car badges were a popular choice, such as from the RAC or AA. Jaguar badges and mascots would be lined up on bars, alongside chrome airplanes sitting on mudguards. Having different scooter parts chromed was another past-time for serious Mods. Any part that wasn’t fixed could be removed and chromed, such as side panels and even mudguards.

It has been argued that Mods were very keen on oneupmanship and with fashion ever-evolving, it was important to Mods to keep up and appear ‘modern’. If one person had four mirrors, then you could guarantee that the person next to them would go and get six mirrors. This flashy oneupmanship was particularly prevalent in the northern cities of the UK.

There are many customising options available today with leg shield mirrors still being one of the most popular items. Visit a scooter specialist or motorbike garage in London for help and advice with all customisation projects. From badges to bars, floorboard extensions to glove patches, there are no idea of ideas for fully personalising your vintage Vespa or Lambretta. Chrome spare wheel holders, grab rails and comfortable back rests in an all-in-one compact design can turn an average ride into a great one!