May 23, 2008 11:01 pm US/Eastern
Vespas Taking Over Streets Of Philly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The trend started in Italy, and soon the little scooters named Vespas were a huge hit all over Europe. Now they're taking over the streets of the USA and as Stephanie Abrams reports, you'll see them driven all around Center City Philadelphia.
So why all the buzz? The manager of Philly Vespa on Spring Garden Street says it has everything to do with the skyrocketing gas prices.
People we spoke with say the price they're paying at the pump is "tragic" but add, "What else can you do?"
Angie Foster says she spends 120 dollars a week to gas up her car. She's fed up, and that's why she went to Philly Vespa, ready to downsize.
Stephanie asked her, "You'd give up your car for that ... For a scooter?" "Yes!" said Angie. "I don't care if it rains. I do not care! I will get a scooter before I drive that car. It costs too much!!!"
Ginger Knight at Philly Vespa says the sales at her store have almost doubled since last year. And explains, "They get 65 miles to the gallon at least, some of our customers say they're getting closer to 90!"
To test out the ride, Stephanie scooted over to the gas station with Ginger.
That's where they saw just how fuel efficient Vespas are. They filled up the tank, which took 2 gallons, for $5.99. Other people at the gas station couldn't believe the price saying, "Isn't that nice!?" and "Awesome! I wish I could use a scooter for all the things I need a vehicle for."
Vespas certainly have their limitations. A smaller ride means less room and certainly less storage, but Vespas were born to be mild.
One definite plus is that their fuel efficient, and a new hybrid model just came out in Italy that will save drivers an extra 20 percent on gas! And after a test drive Stephanie says another benefit is that they're not that hard to maneuver!
If you want to learn more about the brand Vespa, you can go to their Web site
http://www.vespa.com/.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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