There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not sat in bumper to bumper traffic jealous of the two-wheeled travellers zooming between the gridlock and on their way home. That’s not to mention the skyrocketing price of fuel, where a trip to the petrol station is almost as dreaded as heading to the dentist for root canal.

Of course many businesses have wisened up to this as well, switching their delivery vehicle fleets from four wheels to two in order to save on fuel, maintenance costs, and skip time wasted in traffic. As interest in two-wheeled solutions grows, many businesses are trying to cut costs by purchasing cheap Eastern models, often manufactured with low-quality components and sold without proper maintenance plans.

“At Vespa, we understand the choice of delivery vehicle has a huge impact on the bottom line for businesses,” says Vespa SA Managing Director, Andy Reid (the man with a rather unique business strategy), “With Vespa, your business can profit from a tailored fleet solution with unmatched levels of cost-predictability and uptime.”

With over nine years’ experience in supplying corporate fleets, Vespa SA imports and distributes models across South Africa, with an after-sales infrastructure that’s tailored to the local market. Since 2006, more than 3000 Vespa models have been sold to a commercial client base including the likes of Lancet Laboratories and Discovery Health.

Penny wise, pound foolish
Many cheaper two-wheel brands end up costing more than their worth in the long run. In fact, cheap Eastern scooters have a lifespan of just 10 000 km. “These bikes often struggle to efficiently carry the types of loads and frequency of deliveries that an expanding business requires,” explains Reid.

Vespas offered through corporate packages have a lifespan of 80 000 km thanks to the superior standard of Italian design and craftsmanship. Through the Vespa Riding and Training Academy, Vespa also offers fleet owners assistance in training potential riders and helping them obtain bike licenses.

Cost predictability meets durability
With fuel comprising as much as 50% of total cost-of-ownership, fuel costs are always front of mind for businesses. “Average fuel consumption comes in around 45 km per litre in our 150cc models and about 35 km per litre in the 300cc model,” says Reid.

Unlike cheaper two wheelers, the Vespa corporate solution offers a fixed maintenance plan to suit your fleet and unique business needs. The plan is not subject to price increases or exchange fluctuations – offering predictable cash flow budgeting and peace of mind.

“Discounts on purchase price are offered to fleet customers, and with only 17 replacement parts on a Vespa, the value of maintenance and repair costs is unsurpassed,” adds Reid.

The Vespa advantage
“Vespas are among the safest two wheelers in the world. A steel monocoque chassis with welded structural reinforcements protects the rider and engine, as do front and rear disc brakes with optional ABS and ASR traction control,” says Reid. Both the 150cc and 300cc Vespa models come with a standard two year/unlimited-mileage OE warranty.

Vespa’s exclusive customisation offers decals, custom spray jobs and unique vinyl wraps which can completely transform a Vespa into a mobile billboard for your business.

“Once a corporate Vespa has surpassed its 80 000 km lifespan, the owner can enquire about our buy-back option. With cheaper scooter brands, the wear and tear often renders them untradeable at replacement time,” says Reid, “There’s simply no question that Vespa is the ideal choice for business owners, providing a tailored and reliable fleet solution with unprecedented levels of after-sales support.”

Remember all of the above the next time you or a delivery driver are wedged in traffic, the blood pressure reaching dangerous levels. Time is money, and so is repairing those shoddy knock-offs you were thinking about nabbing on the cheap.

Invest in quality and reap the long-term benefits. Not to mention, as a lovely aside, that you look like an absolute boss zooming around on what everyone knows is the funkiest scooter brand you’ll find on two wheels.