During the early 80's major cities like Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, Calgary and Vancouver played roles in the popularity of Vespas courtesy of The Who's film Quadrophenia.
There were different groups that rode Vespas from Mods, skinheads, uni and of course scooter boys (Canada's version). There were many rallies in Southern Ontario, specifically Niagara Falls, and all parts in between as well as Mod nights in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
It's the enthusiasm of Vespa lovers/owners that make this community thrive. Whether it's a slick paint scheme, modded out scoots, go-fast scoots or bog standard it's the rider that makes it their own.
Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Halifax have clubs that continue to hold rallies as well as Vancouver, with their mild winters allowing year-round scootering. As the scooter culture grew across the nation, local clubs quickly formed to better meet the needs of their local scootering community.
Founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, Piaggio initially produced locomotives and railway carriages.
Piaggio is commissioned by the Italian government to supply their air force with bomber aircraft.
Aeronautical engineer, Corradino D’Ascanio sold the design he was working on for an inexpensive scooter to Piaggio
called the Vespa.Vespas were shipped to North America via navy ships when sailors were posted and/or docked in Italy. They ended up in cities across Canada.
Mods were smart dressers with the latest Italian suits and shoes. Some started buying Vespas to be able to get around to Mod clubs and events.
Sears brought in a few Vespas in 1952 as a test of the market. These sold so well that Sears decided to begin full scale sales. The Sears Vespas were dubbed the "Super Cruisaire Allstate" and were sold from 1952 to 1967. The last year of sales in 1966-67 the Allstate was simply called the "Sears" scooter.
The Mod Revival came about with the release of The Who’s film Quadrophenia set in the heyday of the Mod scene in England 1964-65.
Piaggio leaves the North American market due to strict American emission laws. Closing some shops across Canada and the USA.
A UK scooter magazine started publishing in the early 80’s, called Scooter Scene with ads for scooter shops that sold parts internationally.
Vancouver and Toronto were the major cities with the larger populations of Vespa owners were keeping the Vespa spirit alive.
The Canadian Scooter Corp was created and started opening up shops across Canada
. These shops sold various models which were quieter and automatic.
Discount: Parts Service Tires
1-418-661-5683
266 Seigneuriale, ville de
Québec, QC G1C 3P5
Discount: Parts Service Tires
1-514-388-4888
7912 Boulevard Provencher, Saint Leonard, QC H1R 2Y5
$25 CAD
$20 CAD
Size fits all.
Member price $15 (plus postage).
Non-Member price $40 (plus postage).
$15 CAD
Size: 20 cm Colour: Blue
$2 CAD
$25 CAD
Member’s Only Item. Size: 66cm x 20cm
Exchange ideas, attend rallies, share opinions on various Vespa models, their parts, accessories and join a community of like minded Vespa riders.
The Vespa Club of Canada is a non-profit club and proud to be a member in good standing with Vespa World Club (previously known as the Federation International des Vespa Clubs or F.I.V.).
You will recieve a membership card, club patch, club decal and discounts to Vespa-friendly shops and parts suppliers across Canada.
As a member you can attend the Vespa World Club’s annual event Vespa World Days under the Vespa Club of Canada banner*. Various cities host this event and they are as follows: St. Tropez France 2016; Celle Germany 2017; Belfast Ireland 2018 (TBC)
Simply click the button below. Your membership renewal notices will be billed annually.
$21 CAD
* Event registration is payable by the member but the VCoC does the registration.