Motorcycles and Scooters: Engines of Global Change The motorcycle and scooter evolved from bicycle-inspired designs in the 1860s to modern electric vehicles, transforming mobility globally. From Daimler’s 1885 Einspur to Vespa’s 1946 scooter, innovations like internal combustion engines and lightweight frames drove mass adoption, with global production peaking at 60 million units in 2016. In China, scooters replaced bicycles, with 300 million e-scooters in use by 2023, empowering women like Zhang Wei, who said, “My scooter means independence.” India’s market peaked at 21 million in 2019, boosting rural women’s incomes by 20%. In Africa, motorcycle taxis (boda bodas) provided livelihoods for 1 million, with women like Amina Nakaayi using them for healthcare. In Europe, scooters enabled women’s post-war independence. The $71.92 billion market (2024) is projected to reach $119.09 billion by 2032, driven by e-scooters and smart technology, though safety concerns persist. Motorcyc...