PIAGGIO VESPA LX50 (2005 - on) Review

At a glance

Power: 3 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.5 in / 775 mm)
Weight: Low (212 lbs / 96 kg)

Prices

New £1,958
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The easiest way in to Vespa ownership is a slow-going affair, but it looks great and is a reasonably practical machine.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Vespa LX50 deals with bumps better than most small scooters – the design is chunkier and more cosseting. It’s still manoeuvrable at low speed, and large bumps or holes will still upset the small wheels though.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
1 out of 5 (1/5)

The entry-level Vespa is powered by a 50cc two-stroke twist-and-go engine that isn’t exciting or very fast – it has the virtue of being learner friendly and that’s it. It should sip petrol though. 

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The painted enclosed body is nicely finished and the chrome looks OK, but underneath the metal parts suffer at the hands of road much, water and salt. The iconic body shape is vulnerable in a crash- even dropping will damage everything on one side. 

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

As a purely practical purchase, there are cheaper scooters doing the same job. But the Vespa is about image – it’s not silly money, and there’s fewer more chic 50cc scoots out there. Find a Vespa LX50 for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Decent underseat storage, a cubby hole in the leg shield, a pull-out bag hook and a fuel gauge make the LX50 practical for the fashionista about town. The seat is comfy and there’s plenty of room for all sizes of rider. Compare and buy parts for the Vespa LX50 in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 49cc
Engine type Two-stroke, air-cooled single, CVT transmission
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 8.5 litres
Seat height 775mm
Bike weight 96kg
Front suspension none
Rear suspension none
Front brake 200mm disc
Rear brake Drum
Front tyre size 110/70-11
Rear tyre size 120/70-10

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 58 mpg
Annual road tax £25
Annual service cost -
New price £1,958
Used price -
Insurance group 2 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 3 bhp
Max torque 2.4 ft-lb
Top speed 30 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 128 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

launched 2005.

Other versions

LX4 50 – The same proposition, but with an even slower four-stroke engine. Buy the two-stroke, it’s safer.

Other Piaggio Vespa reviews on MCN

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