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Story: Motorcycles

Douglas Vespa

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Douglas Vespa
This Italian scooter model dates from 1953, and was restored by a New Zealand collector. Scooters were less popular in New Zealand than in Europe. They are mainly useful for getting around cities – New Zealanders often preferred higher-powered bikes which could also cope with rough roads.

Using this item

Private collection

by Glen Atkins

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Motorcycles – Bikes and the law, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/20728/douglas-vespa (accessed 21 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 25 February 2010.