Stu Owen considers the ethics of taking a custom scooter to its destination in a van…
The custom scooter scene goes way back, certainly to Mods in the 1960s, and if one considers accessorised machines, probably even further back. However, no one can deny that the golden era of custom scooters was in the 1980s, where every part of a machine, from the bodywork to the seat, the wheels to the engine, was not only improved but enhanced way beyond what was ever thought possible. As more and more were built, it soon became necessary for shows to be dedicated to them, and naturally, this happened at rallies. Most of these shows were held outside regardless of the weather and could often be chaotic, being located on the designated campsite and spread out in an uneven fashion with crowds surging around each machine.
When the chance to hold these shows in an indoor venue became possible, the whole thing became more organised, and it made those running the rallies wonder why they didn’t also have designated custom shows. It was a great idea because it allowed the owners to display their machine properly in a clean environment and encouraged others to join in. Before long, the custom show circuit became an important part of the whole scene, and thankfully, it continues. However, one aspect of it is often discussed, and more recently has seen a lot of debate: that of transporting custom scooters in vans.
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If we look back to when the shows first started at rallies, virtually all the machines on show were ridden there. The reason was that the custom scooter on display was most likely the same one used by the owner to get around on. Even if they owned another, it was always the custom one that was used to get to a rally. This was the natural thing to do, showing off the work they had created, and there was nothing wrong with that. As time passed, the machines became more elaborate, not only in the paint schemes but also with chrome and engraving. This was when the ultra-competitive nature emerged and is why people started putting them in the back of a van.
“If we look back to when the shows first started at rallies, virtually all the machines on show were ridden there. The reason was that the custom scooter on display was most likely the same one used by the owner to get around on.”
A show may have been 100-odd miles away from the owner’s home and having spent the week cleaning the scoot until it was spotless, then riding in goodness knows what weather, it could be filthy by the time it arrived on site. If someone was taking their scooter in the back of a van, they could wheel it out into the hall, gleaming, while those ridden all the way would look dishevelled. The competition to be the best forced this back-of-the-van trend to happen and was an inevitable consequence of the competitive spirit. As the 1980s wore on, many of these ‘van scooters’ became iconic. Purists still insisted on riding their machines to shows, but it became an increasingly significant disadvantage to those who did so.
The other problem was the displays, because it seemed that winning was no longer about the scooters; a huge backdrop dedicated to the scooter’s theme was also required to win a trophy. These became increasingly lavish in their creation, and a category for best display was soon formed. That’s great, but there was no chance of packing it all on to the sprint rack
of a Lambretta to transport it there. The display itself required a van, so it seemed logical to put the scooter in there as well, which is what many did.
The seemingly unfair advantage was protested about and led to the formation of best ridden classes, and this was very much the correct thing to do. The only problem was that the shows were split in half, and when the results were announced it took forever to distribute the trophies, because there were so many categories to deal with. However, it did give the ridden scooters more appeal and appreciation; not only had someone built a stunning scooter, but they’d also ridden it to the show. This led to some bending of the rules, driving most of the way in a van, only to get the scooter out a couple of miles away and riding it the short distance to the venue. Before long, supermarket car parks near scooter rallies were a hive of action as owners used places like this to carry out the deception. When they were caught doing so, doubt would be cast on their credentials and some called for disqualification because they saw it as blatantly cheating. The furore of it all died down, and eventually it settled into a workable format that has continued to this day.
For the record, I’m qualified to discuss the matter because I entered machines in custom shows for a while. Sometimes it was by van, while other times I rode them there, even if it was a pain to try and get the thing clean enough before the judging started. Going back to the beginning of this piece, some people are currently unhappy about custom scooters being transported in vans. Ultimately, ‘ridden not hidden’ is all well and good but look at it this way. If an owner has spent months, even years, creating a stunning custom scooter that’s cost them thousands of pounds, then it is their choice how they want to transport it. If they want to risk it on the road, not just from the weather but from stone chips, potholes and careless drivers, then they can do so. On the other hand, if they want to protect the vast amount of work they have put into creating it by transporting it in a van, then they are perfectly within their rights to do so. We all marvel at these stunning creations, but ultimately, it’s the owner’s choice what they wish to do with them.
Article originally appeared in Scootering Magazine July 2025 issue. To subscribe and grab £99 worth of freebies visit https://classicmagazines.co.uk/scootering?offer=SCOME2026
