What is considered a Motorized Bicycle (Moped)?
Every device having two tandem wheels or three wheels, which may be propelled by either human power or helper motor, or by both, and which has - A motor which produces not more than 3.5 brake horsepower; a cylinder capacity of not more than 130 cubic centimeters; an automatic transmission; and the capability of a maximum design speed of no more than 30 miles per hour.  http://www.ksrevenue.org/faqs-dmvdl.htm

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride the scooters we sell?
Yes.  Because all Vespa and Piaggio scooters exceed the maximum horsepower and engine size limitations, they are considered motorcycles not mopeds (see explanation above) .  Therefore all licensing requirements of a scooter are the same as for a motorcycle.

Do I need a helmet to ride a scooter?
In Missouri, you do have to wear a helmet.  According to K.S.A. 8-1598, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet by law.  Vespa of Kansas City highly recommends wearing a helmet at all times.
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/getStatuteFile.do?number=8-1598.html

How do I get a motorcycle license?
It’s easy. You take a written test and a driving test at the DMV. If you feel like you need some riding practice, you can take just the written part and, after passing, get a learner’s permit. You then have up to a year to take the driving part of the test.

Note: In Kansas when you have a "M" Instruction Permit, you must be escorted as... "such permit shall entitle the permittee to operate a motorcycle if such person is accompanied by an adult who is the holder of a valid class M driver's license, who has had at least one year of driving experience and who is riding a motorcycle in the general proximity of the permittee.  http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/getStatuteFile.do?number=/8-239.html

What’s the difference between a motorcycle and a scooter?
Generally speaking, a scooter has a smaller engine than a motorcycle and an automatic transmission (although there are certain exceptions). There are many advantages to riding a scooter. With a scooter, there’s no shifting. You just turn the throttle and take off. Also, you sit upright, increasing your better visibility.  Plus they weigh as little as half of a regular motorcycle making them much easier to handle.

Is there a minimum age that you must be to ride a scooter?
In Kansas, you can ride at 16. In Missouri, you can ride at 14 if you have a Moped license.

What do I do first if the engine doesn’t start?
Run through this checklist:

• Is there gas?
• Is the battery too weak?
• Is the battery lead loose?
• Have spark plug wires fallen off?
• Is the ignition cut-off switch in the OFF position?
• Do you have the choke in the appropriate position?

The engine doesn’t “feel” right when I go down the road, especially in a curve. What do I do?
Stop as soon as it is safe to pull over and check your tires. You may have a flat. Check your suspension. You may have it adjusted incorrectly. Your owner’s manual is the best reference for proper setting and adjustments.

Is there any preventive maintenance I can perform to ensure my scooter performs in optimal condition?
Check the tires for foreign objects. They are the most important parts of your scooter. Check the tire pressure with a good gauge regularly. If a tire is consistently low, you have a slow leak. Fix it before it becomes a fast leak.  Also, check the controls. Cables are quite strong and rarely break, but look for kinking or stiffness or anything unusual in their operation.  Other maintenance like oil changes, spark plug changes, air filter changes, etc. can be performed by our trained technicians in our full service shop.