About Scooterella
Scooterella represents the timeless thrill of vintage scooters, the community they create, and the lifestyle they inspire. While it sounds focused on all things two wheels, Scooterella is not about leather jackets or high-speed, 500 cc motorcycles. Instead, it’s about style, fun, and, specifically, scooters. Scooterella is about making memories while covering miles on classic makes like Piaggio Vespas and Innocenti Lambrettas.
Whether you’re riding a 1960s Lambretta, a 1980s Vespa, or anything in between, Scooterella is here to celebrate that unmistakable blend of vintage charm and modern pleasure, encouraging riders of all levels to seek out everyday adventures.
Ride Vintage in a Modern World
Scooterella was created to celebrate and support women who love to ride vintage scooters. The motto “ride vintage in a modern world”™ encourages the appreciation of antique scooters while still being progressive and fresh. This website is a space for riders to enjoy the freedom of the road and share in the pure fun of vintage style. Along with inspiration and information, you’ll also find Scooterella swag—designed for scooter enthusiasts who want to show off their love of the ride.
About Kate Dana
Scooterella is the creation of Kate Dana, who loves riding, wrenching, and learning about vintage scooters. While it’s mostly about antique bikes, Scooterella is also about embracing a lifestyle of fun and friendship.
As a longtime female rider in a male-dominated subculture, Kate Dana often feels a kinship and sister-like connection with other ladies who ride. If you’ve ever been in a large group of riders and only one of two women there, you get it!
My Scooters Since 2001
My garage history tells the story of my life on two wheels. In 2001, I purchased my first vintage Vespa, a 1964 VNB 125. Since then, I’ve rescued, restored, and ridden several scooters—each with its own special features, quirks and memories.
Every scooter I’ve owned has been part of living life’s adventures, shaping the journey as a rider and keeping the passion alive. Today, my scooters include a 1973 Vespa Smallframe Primavera and a 1969 Lambretta Li125 Special – two very different bikes, both true symbols of vintage riding. Here’s a look back at the scooters I’ve owned.
1964 Vespa VNB 125
- Name: Ducky, for his funny-sounding, quacking horn
- Features: 8 inch tires, bright blue color, springy saddle seats
- Years owned: 2001 – 2005
1978 Vespa P200
- Name: DynOmite!, as a tribute to J. J. Walker on the TV show Good Times
- Features: T5 fender, rattle can paint job, kill switch below the seat
- Years owned: 2006 – 2012
1981 Vespa P200
- Name: El Banano/La Banana, for its bright yellow color
- Features: original blue and yellow California plate with Ventura motors plate holder
- Years owned: 2018 – 2020
1966 Vespa Sprint 150
- Name: Mapache, the Spanish word for raccoon, for its grey and black paint
- Features: kitted 177 engine with 3 ports, 2 glove boxes, personalized plate
- Years owned: 2020 – 2023
Mapache was a special bike. Purchased from a friend just at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I waited 6 months after I first rode him to finally own him. This scooter fit me perfectly. It was fast, fun, the exact size for my height and weight, reliable, and easy to repair.
Sadly, someone who knew Mapache must have really coveted him. He was stolen from my locked garage inside my locked yard, while locked to a piece of equipment, on a weekend in March 2023, leaving a deep hole in my scooter-loving heart.
Like Hachiko, the dog in Japan, I’ll never give up believing Mapache and I will one day be united. In the meantime, you can’t keep this scooter lover from riding and having fun!
1973 Vespa Primavera 125
- Name: Lulo, for the delicious, orange fruit popular in Colombia
- Features: original paint, blue and yellow California plate, electronic ignition
- Years owned: 2023 – present
1969 Lambretta Li125 Special
- Name: TBD
- Features: kitted 195 RT engine, original paint, BGM clubman sport exhaust
- Years owned: 2023 – present
Wrap up: What’s Next?
Women who’ve never ridden often ask me how to get started and experienced women riders typically agree that we want our own presence online – a place to revel in our camraderie, support each other’s passion, and stay up to date on news and trends.
Scooterella is just getting started, and there’s so much more to come! If you have any questions or just want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you. Keep checking back as we roll out new content, fresh ideas, and plenty of scooter love.
Scoot Cute!
