I was shocked to learn that scooters are more expensive than entry level bikes.
Ultimately for me the problem is ...... this is <insert unprintable adjective here> Calgary. Have fun riding your bike or scooter for the 2 weeks of the year that it doesn't suck.
Vespas sure are neat though. If I lived on some small tropical island I'd totally drive down to the copa cabana or whatever it is that people on small tropical islands do, on one of those.