As bikers, we are all familiar with the scooters. Many people refer to scooters as “scooty” or by the famous Italian brand name, Vespa. There is a common perception that scooters are only be used for women or that they were made specifically for them. However, both men and women of any age can comfortably use scooters.

Although scooters are less common on Bangladeshi roads compared to regular motorcycles. In many parts of the world, they are a reliable mode of transportation for short distances. From the 1990s to the early 2000s, scooters were popular with our ancestors. Nowadays, with more practicality and fashionable designs, the scooter segment is regaining popularity. In this article, we will explore the myths, history, and reality surrounding scooters.

Scooters And Our Perception - History

The history of scooters is long and diverse, starting from the 19th century to the present. The first motorized scooter is known as the Motoped. It was made in 1915, which is considered the ancestor of today’s scooter. It was a simple two-wheeler with small wheels and a 150cc engine and used for personal transportation. 

After World War I, scooter manufacturers and designs increased. The British brands like ABC Motor, Kenilworth, and Reynolds were launched in 1919. Scooters became popular because they were practical and economical. Kenilworth scooters were known for their electric lights, and Reynolds Runabout attracted attention with advanced features such as front suspension, a 2-speed gearbox, and foldable dual seats with coil springs.

Vespa And The Scooter Revolution

A revolution in the scooter segment came with the world-renowned Italian brand Piaggio Vespa. The design of their 98cc scooter was significantly updated, with a chassis and suspension that could handle more weight. For easier riding, the gear shift lever was moved to the handlebar. 

The engine was placed near the rear wheel, and a spare tire holder was added to the body. Its design protected riders from wind and road dirt. With small wheels and a short wheelbase, it could easily navigate narrow roads and traffic jams. In 1946, Piaggio's president remarked after seeing the prototype, “Sembra una vespa,” meaning, “It looks like a wasp.” Since then, Piaggio has named their scooter segment Vespa, which has remained an iconic name.

In 1947, the Lambretta brand was introduced at the Paris Motor Show, selling 9,000 units of their Lambretta ‘A’ in one year. With a 123cc fan-cooled engine, it had a top speed of 72 km/h and became a strong competitor to Vespa.

Scooters In South Asia

In South Asia, India leads in scooter manufacturing and usage. In the 1950s, Lambretta was the first scooter manufacturer in India. Bajaj Auto produced scooters from 1972 to 2009, based on the Italian Vespa Sprint design. Bajaj ended scooter production in 2009. LML Motors was Vespa’s manufacturing partner in India until 1999, when their partnership ended due to disputes.

In Bangladesh and other South Asian countries, scooters became popular in the 1980s. Middle-aged, office-going men were the target customers. This breaks the common misconception that scooters are only for women. Many homes still have old scooters carefully preserved as memories of the past.

Modern Scooters

Today's scooters are designed with modern technology and user demands, featuring stylish looks. There are different types of scooters available, based on user needs:

Commuter Scooters: Small and economical, designed for city travel. Electric scooters generally fall under this category.

Sports Scooters: Designed for high-speed performance, popular among the youth.

Maxi Scooters: Larger and more powerful, providing comfort for long journeys.

Off-road Scooters: Specially designed for rough terrains and dirt roads.

Advantages of Scooters

1) Scooters have a flat floorboard, making riding more comfortable.

2) Most scooters are automatic, making them easy to operate, especially for beginners.

3) Scooters are fuel-efficient and suitable for city traffic.

4) They are lighter and easier to maneuver in traffic compared to motorcycles.

5) Most scooters have under-seat storage, adding practicality.

6) Scooters require less parking space.

7) Maintenance costs are lower than motorcycles.

8) Many electric scooters are now available, eco-friendly, and can be charged at home at a low cost.

Limitations of Scooters

1) Scooter engines generally have less power than motorcycles, making them unsuitable for high-speed travel or highways.

2) The small wheels make it difficult to handle rough or uneven roads, posing a safety risk.

3) Being lighter and smaller, scooters can cause more severe injuries in accidents.

4) Low ground clearance can cause scooters to scrape on uneven roads.

5) Scooters have limited mileage and fuel capacity, requiring frequent refueling or charging.

6) Scooters can sometimes be more expensive than motorcycles.

In conclusion, while scooters are practical, they also have limitations. For city use and short distances, scooters are a great option for both men and women. We hope to see more affordable options and spare parts for scooters on Bangladeshi roads soon.

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