As bikers all over the world were cruising around on their Harleys and Ducattis, a new class of two wheelers emerged in the 1960’s that would spur a culture of its own.

Introduced to the world by the Italian company Vespa, the lighter, less powerful Scooter was designed simply to transport the rider from one place to another economicaly. As the price of gasoline began its meteoric rise in the 70’s, the Europeon community was hit especialy hard, and the Scooter Phenomenon spread like wild fire across the continent and into the UK.

Mens and Womens Scooter Jackets

As is often the case in the fashion world, the trendy scooterists soon had their own distinct line of apparel and accessories, separate of that in the already well established Biker culture.

The Scooter Jacket style is exemplified by the so called Euro Collar, a stand up band of material wrapping around the neck and usually fastening with a snap or a button to keep the wind out.

Although originating from the scooter culture, today’s modern scooter jacket is by no means limited to 150 cc’s. The safety concerns of scooterists are not unlike those of the motorcyclist, and as such, functional scooter jackets are made from the same protective materials found in the traditional motorcycle jacket, rendering them suitable for any size vehicle from a safety perspective.

Scooter jackets made from riding grade leather share many characteristics of the traditional jacket, including zip out liners for warmth, and intricate venting systems for optimal air flow. Heavy duty hardware used for zipper pockets and snaps, strategic placement of stretch materials, and the classic zipper cuffs are all common properties.

Normally you would not find a belt buckling in the front of a scooter jacket, and you would also be hard pressed to find one with side laces. The scooter jacket has a cleaner, less cluttered look than the classic style, but you will find decorative braiding, multi colored panels, or reflective materials jazzing things up some.

Today’s well made scooter jacket has become equal to the traditional classic style in functionality and protection, and can be found on the backs of riders of Harley’s and Honda’s on the street and the dirt.

Motorcycle racing jackets tend to follow the scooter model, perhaps for its sleekness and aerodynamic qualities. As is the case with any style motorcycle jacket today, options for body armor are prevalent in the cruising market too.

In recent years, the U.S. has seen a resurgence of scootering with scooter dealerships popping up all over the place as a result of gas prices reaching the $4 per gallon mark. Commuters, especially in metropolitan areas, are going green by producing fewer emissions, and saving green by getting up to 100 miles to a gallon of gas.

You may remember back in the 60’s of hearing about a clash of cultures between the Mods and the Rockers in the UK. Bikers and Scooterists rioting at the beach, as portrayed in The Who’s film Quadraphenia.

Today’s modern scooterist is much more main stream, with women comprising as much of 40% of new scooter sales. For the stock broker or banker commuting to work on a scooter or bike on a cold New York morning, the Scooter Jacket offers a warm and safe alternative to a possibly inappropriate bad boy biker look of the traditional classic style motorcycle jacket.

Next: The Cruising Jacket

Back to Leather Facts