Corradino D’Ascanio:
Inventor of the Segway’s Cooler Nonno

October 11th, 2010

Long before the Segway and other “revolutionary” means of transportation, there was the Vespa. Like the Segway, Vespas were efficient two-wheeled vehicles. Unlike the Segway, it was cool to be seen on one. Nevertheless, the Vespa was born of practical needs, not fashionable ones, and Corradino D’Ascanio was its pragmatic creator.

D’Ascanio was tasked with designing a form of mobility that was inexpensive, simple, and pleasant on the driver. Carefully considering the manufacturing requirements of such a machine, he created that which endures to this day in similar form.

To us, the Vespa’s design seems obvious. But in the mid 40s, vehicles of this nature were essentially bicycles with small motors. These motorized bikes were cumbersome and liable to splash mud all over the driver. D’Ascanio’s design addressed these concerns in an easy-to-drive package. The swooping front shield was also well-suited to skirt-wearing women, hitherto limited by their modesty and gusts of wind.

Although D’Ascanio is known primarily for the Vespa, he was first and foremost an aeronautical engineer; his work on early helicopter designs contributed greatly to modern aviation. He died at 90 in Pisa (of leaning tower fame).

So what can we learn from D’Ascanio?

• Find what you do best and dedicate your life to it.

However…

• Your magnum opus might not be what you expected. Be open to other opportunities.

And…

• If you’re an engineer, live near a faultily engineered tower. Apparently that helps.