Stella (known by different names in different countries) is a model of a vintage-style scooter imported into the United States by Chicago-based Genuine Scooters since 2003, and manufactured by LML in Kanpur, India.
In 1986, LML began a joint venture with scooter manufacturer Piaggio, through which the Italian company sold its Vespa PX model to the Indian market. The Stella and Vespa P-series scooters share much of their design and engineering, and many of their parts are interchangeable. [1] Genuine Scooters was formed to import the scooter to the United States market. Production was interrupted by a labor strike from 2005 to mid-2006 but resumed once the dispute was settled.
The Stella features a 150cc 2-stroke engine capable of speeds up to 65mph. Like "vintage" European scooters, it operates with a 4-speed "twist-grip" manual transmission. Other traditional features include a steel frame, spare tire, and styling.
The 2007 and 2008 models include better quality paint, grips, and a redesigned headlight.
The 2-stroke version of the scooter is authorized through Genuine Scooters dealers throughout most of the United States, but not in California due to state regulations.[2] In 2011 Genuine developed a 4-stroke version of the Stella which meets California emission standards.[3]