Fuel prices may be falling, but it's likely just temporary—and Piaggio, Vespa's parent company, is capitalizing on the recent surge in interest in economical transportation by redesigning the company's Web site—and making it easier for consumers to figure out which model is which (something that was exceedingly difficult on the older site, as I can attest to). There's also a unique combined-vehicle mileage calculator, as AutoblogGreen reports.

"To illustrate how much of a fuel mileage difference can be had by choosing the properly sized vehicle, Vespa has created a Why Where and How section that instantly displays the combined mileage of a typical Vespa scooter and another car, from a compact to a HUMMER luxury SUV."

The idea is that Vespa hopes consumers will mimic the European concept of having two vehicles—a regular car or SUV and a scooter—and then using the scooter, with its much better mileage, instead of the car whenever possible. The Web site calculator lets you figure out the mileage savings this setup would offer. There's also a new Community and Downloads section that lets users share scooter-friendly route advice with other riders in their area.