Mad Max mods: Moped fans gather on Indonesian beach to show off their tricked-out scooters



Most of us see a Vespa scooter as nothing more than a quirky alternative to a car or motorcycle - but for some, it is a veritable way of life.



The pictures show how hundreds of enthusiasts flocked to the beach in Indonesia to show off their heavily modified mopeds, reminiscent of the customised dirt buggies seen in the Mad Max movies starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner .



The iconic scooter brand, which originates in Florence, is popular throughout Indonesia, owing to their low price compared to other modes of transport.



Tricked out: Bujir shows how he has painted his Vespa at a festival of scooter lovers

Radical: These three men have turned a moped into a vehicle able to transport all of them in comfort

Popular: Many Indonesians are fans of Vespas, but few take it to such an extreme as the people featured here

Gathering: Hundreds of enthusiasts were showing off their 'Extreme Vespas' at the unique event

However, some take their devotion further, and start customising their Vespas by taking them apart and rebuilding them.

This custom, known as 'Extreme Vespa', results in a wide variety of wacky and wonderful vehicles on the streets of Indonesia's towns.



And yesterday a festival devoted to the practice was held in Cibeureum, on the coast of Java.



Similar: The bikes are reminiscent of the customised dirt buggies used in the 1985 movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner, pictured

Dystopian future: : The Mad Max films are set in a dystopian future Australia, after the Earth's oil supplies were nearly exhausted, law and order has begun to break down due to energy shortages. Mel Gibson, right, also stars



Idyllic: The festival was held yesterday on the beach at Cibeureum on the coast of Java

Many hands make light work: A man and his monkey help out one Vesta owner as he makes modifications

Sidecar: Zainal and Cecep enjoy chilling out in their Vespa, one of the most extreme modifications

Extreme by name... This modified Vespa has been stretched out to a length of four metres

Gimme shelter: Windu and Arief's two-man Vespa even had a roof to keep the elements off

Many of the scooters had been transformed into barely recognisable shapes, either to make them more comfortable or to boost their aesthetics.



Several were emblazoned with graffiti which made them stand out from the crowd of Extreme Vespa fans.



Innovative: Indonesians unable to afford cars make the most of their scooters with modifications

A 'bicycle' made for two: Dede and Anna are able to zip around together thanks to their widened Vespa

Quiet time: One enthusiast takes a break from the festivities to relax next to the ocean

Sociable: The fans sat around and admired each others' work during the festival

A few had even been enlarged so that they could fit two people side-by-side instead of just one.

The array of Vespas were not the only attraction at the festival - attendees enjoyed kicking back and dancing as they soaked in the beach atmosphere.



Practical: Alai and Rina in their own two-person version of the iconic Italian Vespa

Other pursuits: The festival attendees also enjoyed listening to music and celebrating reggae culture