David: Wow, this is great, and (of course) totally in my wheelhouse: Now, every time I cross the Driscoll Bridge here in NJ, I’ll think of your description of your ride.

James, thanks! I spent most of my adult years in Gotham (first in Manhattan, then Brooklyn) as a cyclist, only getting on two wheels and an engine once I crossed the Hudson for the relative wilds of New Jersey. Of course, it was a few short years later that my newfound motorvation found me rolling in and out of town with a new sense of exploration, which has been (mostly) fun.

Oh, the fuel pump? Indeed, it was defective, and was replaced within a week(!), all on Piaggio’s dime. After the non-riding misery of much of last year, this was quite the relief.

I do have the right mix of rides though I have to confess I still think of other machines from time to time. Hopefully, later today, I’ll wander out into the world on the Vespa!

A 150cc scooter can do a lot in terms of riding. Everywhere really other than high-speed freeways. Especially if the mind and ego allow a rider to pull over to let faster-moving traffic go by. I mastered that trick early and it let to much more relaxed riding on my LX150. I even pulled aside on my K75 rather than speed up. I like meandering and seeing the countryside. Rocketing down the highway not so much.

A 250 would be a fine old age machine!

I had a 150cc scooter for ten years before I sold it. Before long I missed it and purchased another Chinese scooter with 170cc for a little more pep. I recently mounted the trunk that came with it and have done several milk runs. I’m thinking it or one of the 250s will be my even older age machine

I saw an Aprilia Tuareg last week at the local dealer. A gentleman had just purchased it and was ready to ride off. Seems like a great choice for adventure and fine on bigger, faster roads.

You’ll have great fun with it I’m sure!

I’m already thinking beyond the 150 to a future that stars a battery-powered mobility scooter with a 20-mile range!

I agree with the 150cc comment. I had a 150cc Honda PCX that, after a lifetime of riding motorcycles, was the perfect ride for my later years.