Until recently, scooters were not that popular in the USA. But somehow your grandma could always associate Vespas with Italy. Have you ever wondered how?

It is all because of the 1953, William Wyler movie, Roman Holiday. The award winning movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, was a big hit throughout the world in the 50s. In fact, the actors riding through the streets of Rome on a Vespa caused not only the gluing of the words Vespa and Italy together in millions of minds, but it also resulted in more than 100,000 Vespa sales.

If you haven’t seen the movie, watch the trailer here.

The post Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck on Vespa first appeared on scootcats.

It can be easily described as one of the most stylish, unique and sexiest mopeds known to exist…

The Sachs MadAss is a product of German Engineering. And, no, it is not manufactured by one of the companies that recently popped up with the scooter/moped boom. In fact, SFM GmbH, the manufacturer of MadAss, is one of the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers. The company, initially manufacturing only bicycles, started doing business as early as 1886. Moving to motorcycle production in the early 1900s, today they are still in business and known as the manufacturer of one of the coolest bikes in history, the MadAss!

The Sachs MadAss moped is available both in 49cc and 125cc. For more info visit http://www.sfm-bikes.de/.

The integration of the fuel tank into the bike's frame and the exhaust hidden under the seat gives it a bicyclish look.

Watch the fun MadAss commercial video below.

And some MadAss stunt!

The post MadAss ist einfach sexy! first appeared on scootcats.

Have you seen Vespa Daniela? This amazing handcrafted wooden Vespa was built by Carlos Alberto, a carpenter from Portugal. The whole process of building the Vespa Daniela is available on Carpintaria Carlos Alberto’s website.

The post Portuguese Carpenter’s Wooden Vespa first appeared on scootcats.

Love is my message!

Did you know that in the early 1980’s Michael Jackson did a bunch of scooter commercials for the Japanese Suzuki Love scooters?

See for yourself…

The post Michael Jackson’s Japanese scooter commercials first appeared on scootcats.

This year’s AmeriVespa was held in New Orleans, between June 16 and June 19. For those who couldn’t go, this youtube video is bringing the Gymkhana and Slow Race events at this year’s AmeriVespa to the computer screen. Enjoy!

The post Gymkhana and Slow Race events at AmeriVespa first appeared on scootcats.

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts riding a Yamaha Riva

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are riding a Yamaha Riva scooter in their latest movie. In his latest movie, Tom Hanks becomes part of a colorful scooter community. Larry Crowne,  is opening in theaters July 1, 2011.

The post Tom Hanks rides a Yamaha Riva in his new movie first appeared on scootcats.

Who said scooters are just for scootin’? See for yourselves…

The post Multi-purpose use of a scooter first appeared on scootcats.

APC Systems is a Spanish company, developing and manufacturing motorcycle helmets with airbags. In order to develop the safety technology, the company carries out many types of crash tests and uses the data obtained through these tests to further improve their safety technologies. Some of these crash tests simulate scooter riders hit by vehicles and vehicles hit by scooters.

We wanted to share APC’s crash test videos with you, as these remind us one more time of the importance of wearing helmets while riding. Watch for yourselves. It already looks bad with the helmet, but don’t forget the impact the skull would take would be much more without the helmet.

Also read:

Half face or full face helmet?

Safety Tips

The post Scooter crash tests to simulate the helmet effect first appeared on scootcats.

The Spring Scoot 17 video was officially released tonight on The Scooter Space via an online release party. Watch the awesome, fun video of the 17th annual Portland Scooter Rally sponsored by Twist & Play Scooter Club now.

Thanks to The Scooter Space for sharing this!

The post Spring Scoot 17 video released first appeared on scootcats.

Here is the video showing Volkswagen’s idea of renting its new concept e-scooter at major city centers.

Also read, Volkswagen unveils its electric scooter.

The post VW’s e-scooter renting concept first appeared on scootcats.