PIAGGIO TYPHOON 50 (1993 - 2020) Review

Surprisingly for a small wheel scooter the Typhoon doesn’t feel too nervous – the fat balloon-like tyres with a chunky tread pattern calm the handling compared to sportier scooters. They’ll also deal with bumping up kerbs better, and there’s enough grip to enjoy throwing the Piaggio around city streets. The front brake is effective, and the rear drum is brilliant for childish skids!

The Typhoon is very light, which makes the air-cooled twist-and-go feel perkier than it is.

In full power form (only legal for those over 17 years old) the Typhoon gets up to 30mph respectably swiftly, slowing as it winds round to its 50mph top speed.

Restricted, the Piaggio Typhoon 50 engine is as lethargic and dangerous in traffic as any other restricted 50, struggling to get to 30mph.

Piaggio build quality is notoriously poor – rust, corrosion and parts failure isn’t uncommon.

Cheaper build is slightly more forgivable on the budget Typhoon, but make use of the warranty if anything isn’t as it should be.

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In many ways the Typhoon is the best option in the Piaggio 50cc range – it’s just as quick, rides well, is plenty of fun and has enough practicality for most teenage buyers, yet costs less.

• Related: Top 50cc scooters and mopeds

A Japanese scooter will be better built and more reliable, but few are as much fun as the perky Typhoon. Specific rivals include the Aprilia RS50, Peugeot V-Clic 50 and Honda Zoomer 50.

The Piaggio Typhoon 50 accessories list is basic – the dash has a rev counter and a fuel gauge, but no clock, the underseat storage area will accept an open-face helmet or a small full-face.

The seat will accept two people in theory – in practice, only a dwarf would fit comfortably, and the engine would struggle with extra weight anyway.