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 The term "scooter" as commonly used in the newsgroup (NG) alt.scooter refers
more properly to a "motorscooter", which are a subclass of motorcycles utilizing a
distinctive structural design. These are generally two-wheeled vehicles originally
based on motorized versions of children's push scooters, although some three-wheeled
scooters are considered to exist. Motorscooters (or simply "scooters") have been
around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two has often
been blurred (see 1.4). The most commonly accepted definition of scooters requires
two-wheeled vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified to have a rear axle) that
have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-
thru frames and typically engines that are low and close to the rear wheel [see The
New Encyclopedia Britannica (1997), vol. 8, pg. 367]. However, it should be noted
that this definition is not universally accepted, as some have argued (Dregni &
Dregni, for example) that scooters need only have 2 out of 3 of these attributes.
Scooters also often incorporate full bodywork, including legshields and generally are
designed to be easier to operate than standard motorcycles. It should be noted that
scooters may be of any engine size, though historically they typically have ranged
from 50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation to possible top speed inherent in
scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph. Incidentally, the term
"scooter" is also commonly used for "medical scooters", which are typically 3 or 4
wheeled vehicles for people with mobility problems, but are quite unlike
"motorscooters". There are also scooters with very small engines (under 40cc)
commonly called "go-peds" (a prominent brand), which look like motorized children's
push scooters.

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May or may not differ from legal definitions:

Motorcycle = Any two-wheeled vehicle

Motorscooter = A small motorcycle with a step-thru frame
Moped = A small motorcycle with pedal to help propel the bike
Kickscooter = A skateboard with handle bars


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†espa Scooters
Since its first appearance 50 yeas ago, over 15 million †espas have been sold. They
continue to sell well today all over the world. The name †espa means ³wasp" in
Italian and refers to the original body shape of the well-known scooter line. Though
the †espa is not the first scooter, it is certainly the best known all over the world.
†espa is a prodigy of the Piaggio Company in Genoa, Italy ± the company that
designs and manufactures these unique vehicles. Other names may appear on †espa
scooters as well since licensing agreements all over the world have allowed this. The
Piaggio scooters are produced by the name company; however, these scooters
incorporate a newer, modern design.
The first †espa was produced in 1946 and became an instant success. This early body
design is still largely produced; †espa¶s timeless design is what has made it such a
popularity around the world. Many model variations have been produced with small
but noticeable differences. Engine sizes have ranged from 50-200cc.
Ever since its introduction to the market, the †espa body has been made of steel. The
body is a pressed steel monocoque chassis that has always set the †espa apart from
other mass-produced scooter. This manufacturing tradition not only makes the line
stand out, but it provides structural rigidity and performance. Today, †espa¶s steel
frame tradition continues in its Pontedera facility in Italy. This is perpetuated with the
most advanced and innovative manufacturing methods. †espas are designed and
manufactured to perform and last for years to come!

Lambretta Scooters
Early on, companies began to compete against the Piaggio Company and its †espa
scooter line. One of the earliest and most effective competitors against †espa was
another Italian company ± Innocenti. Innocenti developed their own scooter line
called the Lambrettas. At the time, †espas were already dominant among the public
who rode scooter in Italy. As a result, Innocenti focused their attention and focus
marketing to those who wanted something that had both more style and more
performance than the †espa line. Because of these two factors, the love for Lambretta
scooters have endured despite the manufacturer¶s struggle in the market.
The First Lambretta
The first was introduced to the public in 1947 ± one year after the first †espa. The
rivalry between the two models had led the two manufacturers to come up with better
and increasingly innovative models. However, Innocenti ran into a number of
financial difficulties and eventually had to stop production of the Lambretta line in
1970.
Fall of Innocenti ± the company of Lambretta
The original Lambretta plant was later sold off to Scooters India, Limited (SIL). The
plant moved to India, where it still exists. While the plant equipment and overhead
were being transported and reassembled in India, the Serveta Company of Eibar,
Spain picked up a license from Innocenti to produce a line of Lambretta scooters that
had slight variations from the standard Innocenti designs. In 1979, SIL began
manufacturing the older Innocenti designs. However, it struggled as a government
owned operation. The last handful of Lambretta GP200 scooters was produced in
1997; there are rumors that the plan is in the process of relocation to Turkey.
Manufacture may resume there during the new millennium under new ownership.
Despite the company¶s problems, the love for the Lambretta scooter continues to live
on around the world.

Sears Scooters
What are Allstate or Sears scooters? For many years, U.S.A. retailer Sears, Roebuck
& Company sold scooters in both their catalogs and retail stores. However, these
scooters were always re-badged scooters produced by various specialized scooter
manufacturers. For example, Sears sold either Cushman or †espa scooters under the
³Allstate´ label. The Allstate label was also used for mopeds and small motorcycles
produced by manufacturer Puch. For a few years, scooters were also sold under the
³Sears´ label as well.
Most of the Allstate scooters that Sears sold were very basic †espa models that were
different mainly in their cosmetic and aesthetic details. Plus, they lacked the front
dampeners of †espas. Put aside the differentiations, they were †espas in every respect
eventhough collectors often perceive them as having less value, mainly because of the
large number that was sold over the years and the lack of the well-known †espa
aesthetic details. Cushman also sold step-thru scooters to Sears for their mail-order
sales during the years of 1951 to 1961. With only minor changes from the normal
production runs, the scooters were sold under the Allstate name.

Yamaha Scooters
Did you know that Yamaha marketed a classic scooter back in 1960 in Japan?
However, it was not much of a success sine Fuji and Mitsubishi was largely
dominating the Japanese market. As a result, in the mid-60s, Yamaha gave up. Like
Honda, Yamaha re-entered the scooter market in 1980. It brought with it updated
versions of their earlier designs. This time, they were successful not only in Asia, but
also in Europe and in the United States. Yamaha has also entered into various
licensing agreements with other companies around the world. The company produces
a popular scooter line in France through their subsidiary MBK, which sells quite well
throughout the European regions, including Italy.

Honda Scooters
Honda had been producing classic scooters since the 50s and 60s in Japan. However,
because its competitors (Fuji and Mitsubishi) were both far better at it, Honda decided
to give up in the mid-60s. It redirected its attention on their Cub moped line instead.
The irony however was that the wild success of Honda¶s Cub actually ended up
driving Fuji and Mitsubishi out of the two-wheeled market forever.
It wasn¶t until 1980 that Honda decided to re-enter the Japanese scooter market. It
later began exporting their new modern scooters to the United States, Europe and
Asia, which turned out to be very successful. These scooters have been licensed to
other companies and Honda has grown to the same position of †espa¶s Piaggio
Company. Honda continues its quest to increase market share. It has set up plants
around the world to produce scooters. This includes production in Italy, where Honda
scooters sell quite well.

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Adly Taiwan Her Chee [1]

Aprilia Italy Piaggio [2]

Bajaj India Bajaj Auto. Ltd. [3]

Benelli Italy Qianjiang Group [4]

Beta Italy [5]

Baotian China [6]

CPI Taiwan [7]

Daelim South Korea [8]

Derbi Spain Piaggio [9]

Gaia Motors Hungary [10]

Garelli Italy [11]

Gilera Italy Piaggio [12]

Hi-Bird China [13]

Honda Japan Honda [14]

Hyosung South Korea [15]

Italjet Italy [16]

Kanzen Indonesia [17]

Keenmotorbikes Taiwan [18]

Kinetic Motor Company India Kinetic Group [19]

Kymco Taiwan [20]

KTMMEX China/ Mexico KTMMEX [21]

Lifan China [22]

Lohia Machinery Limited (LML) India [23]

Malaguti Italy [24]

MBK (formerly Motobécane) France Yamaha [25]

MeiTian China [26]

Modenas Malaysia [27]

Motofino China [28]

Peugeot France PSA [29]

Piaggio Italy Piaggio [30]

Qingqi China [31]

KEEWAY China Qian Jiang [32]

QLINK Taiwan QLINK MOTOR [33]

Romet Poland Arkus & Romet [34]

PGO Scooters Taiwan Motive Power Industry [35]

Scoot Boot United States [36]

Sachs Germany ZF Friedrichshafen AG [37]

SAGA China Benzhou Group [38]

Shanghai Jmstar Motorcycle Co., Ltd. China Jonway [39]

Shanghai Mainbon Industry Co., Ltd. China [40]

SMC Taiwan

Suzuki Japan Suzuki [41]

SYM (Sanyang Motorcycle) Taiwan [42]

TGB Taiwan [43]

TaoTao China China TaoTao Group [44]

TN'G United States [45]

Tomos Slovenia [46]

T†S India Sundaram Motors [47]

†ectrix United States [48]

†espa Italy Piaggio [49]

Wacox France [50]

Yamaha Japan Yamaha [51]

Yuki Czech Republic [52]

ZNEN China [53]

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-scooter-manufacturers#ixzz167VSywZ8