[MikeinAlexandria]

I think a scooter would be great for San Francisco. Like your Lotus, you'll want mods... A belt and malossi variator help with acceleration, exhaust to lighten weight and give that engine a chance to breathe.

Vespas are high quality scooters and not cheap. They are much better than anything from any Asian country, and more than twice as expensive. But if you take care of one, it will give you many year of service. An LX is not likely to become a collectors item, too many of them out there.

You need a heavy chain, always lock the scooter, even if you are only popping into a store for a minute. Wear a helmet, and ideally, a motorcycle jacket and heavy pants to protect your skin in a fall

As for safety, Vespas are easier to ride and more nimble than a motorcycle, but even a 150cc is not terribly fast, no riding on interstates! Be careful and aware, like in the Lotus and you will be fine.

Scooters are great 50-80mpg fun (I have a Genuine Stella Atomic Fireball and an Aprilia Atlantic 500 different, but very fun scooters) Go for it, you will not regret it. Also, finish your motorcycle safety foundation class. Lots of good info there. Riding an automatic scooter is easier than shifting, but the shifting skill can be very useful! Good luck!