The Clone Wars Flare Up Again

Chinese scooter manufacturer Baotian has announced a new scooter, the BT-49 GY.  Look familiar?  If you've happened to check out a modern Vespa lately then its obvious that the BT-49 GY is nothing more than a inferior copy of a modern Vespa design (that is assuming the quality of Chinese scooter hasn't changed in the two months since I've last ridden one).  

When asked about the new Baotian Bt-49 GY, Piaggio France marketing director Jean-Philippe Dauviau stated "I do not know if Piaggio Italy has already found this plagia.  Generally, you must know that it is difficult to assert rights in design vehicle, despite evidence of prior art.  Piaggio has a legal service and a law firm to handle such situation.  If there is the possibility to prohibit the marketing in Europe, Piaggio will.  However, we remain calm of such a vehicle not fooling anyone compared to a Vespa."

While not every scooter made in China is of inferior quality, the vast majority of Chinese scooters are flawed in either their construction, safety, dealer support, and/or parts available.  While a cheap scooter could seem attractive to a scooter newbie, the cost associated with keeping up the scooter and the constant threat of breakdowns could quickly turn a fun new hobby (scootering) into a nightmare.  Scooter-News reccommends all scooter buyers to research their choice before purchase to ensure it is a quality scooter that is built well, has a great support network, and some sort of warranty.  New scooter brands we reccommend include Vespa, Piaggio, SYM, Genuine, Kymco, Honda, and Yamaha.  If you have any questions about a scooter purchas, feel free to ask us at any time.