To borrow a line from the late, great Elvis Presley, for the scooterindustry, it's "now or never." Gas prices are once again flirting with$2/gallon (except in California, where "flirting" has evolved into acommitted relationship). And, along with rising prices, a growing numberof civilians are perplexed by this country's continuing reliance onMideast oil, when that same reliance -- regardless of political spin --inevitably leads to the loss of both U.S. and foreign lives. Finally,urban congestion is at an all-time high, with parking in far shortersupply than civility.

In short, the compelling arguments are in place to make scooters aviable transportation and recreational alternative, and dealers are inplace to provide both selection and service after the sale. If you'rein, read on; there's never been a wider variety of scooters in the U.S.market.

The Aprilia nameplate is relatively new to the U.S. Its relativeanonymity doesn't, however, reduce the attractiveness of the lineup,with the Italian company's 50cc Rally beginning at just $1,800, andtopping out with the recently introduced Scarabeo 500, offeringbig-wheeled (in relative terms) touring comfort for around $6,300. Inbetween are a host of options and capabilities, all offering high stylein combination with high efficiency.

With the breadth of products available in a Honda showroom, you might behard-pressed to locate their scooters. It is, we'll assure you, worththe search. For the pits, we'll recommend Honda's Ruckus, anunder-$2,000 confection absolutely perfect on tarmac, grass or gravel.And for Boston-to-Burbank, opt for Honda's Silver Wing, with almost600cc of twin-cylinder power connected to an automatic transmission.Kymco (the keep-your-money-company) provides a wide selection of urbantransport across a fairly wide price range. Its People 50 and 150 mimicthe big-wheeled style of Aprilia's Scarabeo, while the balance of thelineup fluctuates between modern and retro.

Suzuki's Bergman 400 and 650 are stretching the definition of "scooter."Propelled by dohc twins with 385cc or 638cc (respectively)displacements, both feature two-up comfort, lots of lockable storage anda CVT tranny. At between $5,600 and $7,700, their price points aresecurely in motorcycle territory, but that doesn't diminish theirattractiveness for the daily commute or weekend run in the country.Yamaha's foray into scooters is modest but no less attractive. Itstraditionally detailed Vino is available in two guises: standard andClassic. If you're not into the retro-esque theme of the Vino, popinstead for the Zuma. Contemporary styling in combination with fatter,off-road-capable rubber gives the Zuma credibility in the park or on thepavement. And the price point ($1,699) can be covered on most creditcards.

Finally, Vespa, whose reentry in the U.S. gave birth to the scooterrevival, is offering three models in its own, boutique-styleenvironment. New this year is the Granturismo, providing 200cc of go incombination with all the traditional style Vespa has historically brought to the table. If Gregory Peck had been so equipped, Audrey Hepburn would have been his in the first reel.

On a societal level, most of us talk about change but rarely take stepsto actually implement it. If just 10 percent of those people seeing thiscolumn would visit a scooter dealer and commit to a relationship (with,of course, the scooter), it could bring significant enhancements in ourstreetscape and personal well-being. A move to scooters won't bringworld peace or end world hunger; it will, however, give you a muchbetter grasp of your immediate environs.

At tax time, many of you are scheduled for a refund. Spend it on ascooter.