MEN & MACHINE

Scooter Builder & Owner: Lebreton Desriac built for Benoît Shooty Scooter club: Dirty Mills SC. How did you first become interested in scooters: When I was 16 years old, because my older friends got them. I also liked culture (music, clothes etc.) around scooter. Your first scooter: Vespa T5. Your favourite model: GS. First rally: Margate, on the early 1990s. What’s the furthest you’ve ever ridden on a scooter: When I went to Blackpool in the north west of England, coming from Paris. Name of scooter and reason: Shooty Side, because it can only belong to one person, its owner, whose name is… Benoît Shooty. Scooter model: GTV. Inspiration for project: I wanted to modify a modern scoot with a racing style. I didn’t want it to look like a scooter for a handicapped rider. With my personal style. Time to build & by who: By me, over six years. Any specialised parts or frame mods: Handlebar and seat were modified to be adapted to Benoit’s handicap. He is tetraplegic. Frame has been reinforced and cut to be lower because Benoît needs to carry his wheelchair on the side. All the side is handmade. Is the scooter reliable: I hope so! Yes it is, the crucial point is: can its owner drive it, in spite of his handicap? I build it with his needs in mind. We both really hope Benoît will be able to safely ride it and have fun. Paintwork: By myself, with aerosol! All pieces without paintwork are done with ali and stainless steel. What was the hardest part of the project: I tried three different handlebars, and the gear back adaptation. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Benoît for his complete trust, and my wife for her patience.