Rising gas prices boosting

With gasoline prices over $3 per gallon, and with whispers of the unthinkable $4-$5 gallon being tossed about, scooter sales may be ready to take off.

Craig Knapp, general manager of Freedom Cycle in south Reno, added Vespa and Piaggio (the manufacturer of the Vespa line) scooters to the store's Triumph motorcycles in September. Scooter sales have been modest thus far, but Knapp expects the pace to reach at least 100 per year.

"We expect sales to get better and better as more people see them," says Knapp. "This area is prime for scooter sales. We have not been around long enough to see any big changes because we are fairly new to it ourselves, but the gas prices are definitely having an effect on (sales). People are realizing that not only are they better on fuel, but parking doesn't become a problem.

"Above all they are a lot of fun to ride," he adds. "It is not like you are putting yourself through some suffering just to save a few dollars in gas."

Nationwide, Piaggo ways sales were up by 25 percent last year. In the past five years, the company's sales have risen at a compounded average growth rate of about 20 percent.

Top speed on an average sub-50cc scooter is 35-40 mph, with an average fuel consumption of 65-75 miles per gallon.

Base model Vespas aren't cheap, retailing for nearly $4,000.

Other makers including Honda, Peugeot, Suzuki and Yamaha offer similar models at about half the price.