No sting but all the buzz

WORDS BY JESSICA LACCETTI, PH.D PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AMBER AZCORRA

DISCOVER EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN, HIDDEN GEMS, AND INSTA-WORTHY CITYSCAPES FROM YOUR OWN RETRO RIDE

‘Andiamo ragazzi!’ is the quintessential Italian call to ‘get going’ with friends. It’s the reminder to head off and hop on your scooter and on to the next adventure. While Vespa means wasp, these scooters don’t sting! Their slim build means you can get to 60km/h and feel that prairie sun on your face. The Italian laid-back vibe is here with VespaYEG. It’s your turn to explore Edmonton’s downtown or cruise around your neighborhood. In fact, co-owner Samuel Duperre explains that there are tours that feature Edmonton’s best views of the skyline and also stop at the Alberta Legislature Grounds, the High-Level Bridge, and the University of Alberta. Even if tours aren’t running, you can enjoy a private rental. Each rental starts with a complimentary coffee. As riders sip their drinks, Samuel explains they are privy to a bit of history (Piaggio made Vespas first in 1946), and then outlines a safety course. All you need is a car license and some operational practise with Samuel and his team for about 15 minutes (or longer if needed), and you’ll be ticking this amazing experience off your bucket list.

Samuel and business partner Michael serendipitously met the owners of Alberta Cycle. As luck would have it, a business plan was hatched for Alberta Cycle to sell their Vespa inventory and Samuel and Micheal to implement their idea for rentals and tours in the YEG area. With Alberta Cycle’s resources and Samuel and Micheal’s “expertise and energy,” as Samuel says, they created a home base at District Moto. Not only have

Samuel and Micheal brought a great way to see all those Instagram-worthy murals and sites in Edmonton, but they give back to their University of Alberta community too. They make a point to hire students and then guide and mentor them. If riding a Vespa, enjoying local restaurants, finding hidden gems, and making all your IG followers envious sounds good to you, then know you can also purchase a sweet two-wheel ride! Samuel explains that half the inventory sold out last summer by June so now is the time to find your own iconic scooter!

Explore the city on your own terms! Andiamo ragazzi!