Scootering February 2023

In our January edition we published a letter from Steve Groom suggesting that we include some items on ‘budget scooters’. At a time when belts are being tightened it seemed like a reasonable suggestion and I asked if you’d like us to profile some scooters that could transport you to a scooter rally with a modicum of credibility and not break the bank. The overwhelming answer has been ‘yes’, so we start our coverage of budget scooters with a somewhat tongue-in-cheek look at the Bajaj Legend, a £300 addition to Dan’s own fleet. We probably won’t be touching on this subject every month but we’re already working on some more sensible suggestions; if you ride something that fits the bill and you want to share it with readers please drop…

KICKSTART On December 27, 2022, it was announced that Fred Willingham, the record-breaking scooter sprinter and tuner, had died. His trail-blazing exploits on board his modified Lambretta astounded the scootering world in the 1960s and early 1970s and is what he is best remembered for. However, there was far more to Fred’s story than his endeavours on the track. His engineering skills and foresight shaped the Lambretta tuning industry we know today. Born in Bradford, as a young teenager he had little interest in the Lambretta other than using one as a daily commuter. That is until he visited Dragfest, an attempt to promote the sport of drag racing in the summer of 1964. From then on, he was, in his words, “hooked” on the idea of making a Lambretta…

As lead singer of The Specials, Terry provided the soundtrack to countless youngsters’ teenage years, leaving a legacy that spanned more than 40 years. Although the news came as a shock to many fans as Terry was just 63 years old, fellow member of The Specials, bassist Horace Panter, revealed that Terry had been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer for several months. At first, the treatment appeared to be having some success, however, Terry’s situation deteriorated, ultimately resulting in his death on December 18. A reggae album, which was going to be recorded in America, will now, sadly, never be made with Terry’s contributions. Terry Hall’s career in music was prolific: his first involvement was with Coventry punk outfit The Squad, and he’s on the credits for their single Red…

This information is provided by Stephen Hattersley, of WildWood Legal, a firm of solicitors specialising in claims for injured scooterists. Stephen, a qualified solicitor for 25 years, has been riding scooters for more than 30 years and has acted for injured riders across the UK. He knows the tricks and pitfalls that insurers use and pulls no punches in his dealings with them. He rides to work every day and understands the challenges you face out there. Q. I had an accident on my scooter and suffered really bad injuries to my hands, for which I’ll need plastic surgery. The insurers are arguing that I am partially at fault for not wearing gloves – it was a really hot day in August so I hadn’t bothered. Are they right? A.…

Roads Minister Richard Holden MP has confirmed to the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) that a motorcycle licensing review may come soon. The review was indicated in a response to recommendations put forward in a report, published by MAG, that asks for further research into CBT rider numbers and could be an output of a newly formed Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) motorcycle strategy group. In the report, MAG recommends there should be a simplification of the licensing system that would encourage more CBT holders to convert to fully qualified riders. This would potentially increase the number of riders, reduce congestion and improve road safety. The minister wrote: “… the issues you have raised are important to this department and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This department is…

It’s amazing to think that Vespas have been in continual production for more than 75 years. Looking at the new 2023 models it’s clear to see there’s a real mix of traditional styling cues, modern technology and great colour schemes. Like most ‘Lambretta people’ I often wonder what Lambretta would be producing if it had survived in the way that the Vespa marque has. One enduring part of the modern Vespa’s attraction to buyers is that it’s never strayed too far from its early history, evolving without losing its essential style. I always think it interesting when people who aren’t ‘scooterists’ in the traditional sense ride or talk about modern Vespas. In their eyes they are buying an efficient, premium, stylish two-wheeled transport that is practical as well. The name…