Vespa, mopeds and scooter is produced by Italian manufacturer Piaggio. The work Vespa means wasp in Italian. The production started in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera. It is one of the most popular scooters in the market today. It’s easy to operate, reliable, and has various features that make it convenient for personal use and commuting. Between 1950s to 1960s, Lambretta scooters from Vespa even raced with the motorcycles and won few of the rases too.
Some of the critical benefits of Vespa includes –
- Enclosed frame design that keeps you safe in inclement weather conditions
- Low center of gravity that makes it highly maneuverable
- Wide range of customization options
In terms of design, Vespa scooters are known for their classic and stylish looks. Many models have a retro-inspired aesthetic that has made them popular with riders of all ages. Vespa also offers a range of modern and sporty scooters for those looking for a more aggressive look.
Let’s look at the top speed of some of the top-selling Vespa scooters in the market today.
Vespa Top Speed By Model
Vespa Primavera
Vespa Primavera is a timeless classic first introduced in 1960. The small body helps it to move through city traffic with ease quickly. In addition, the 12″ tire gives a perfect grip for city roads and other types of surfaces.
One of the standout features of the Vespa Primavera is that it is sleek and has a retro-inspired design. The full-color TFT display is connected to the Vespa MIA app. It gives perfect and timely information about trip statistics and overall bike status. The buttons on the handlebar can be connected to the phone and controlled with it. One can also manage music and calls using the voice command function.
Overall, the Vespa Primavera is an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish and reliable scooter. The scooter brand offers a classic design, good performance, and superior fuel efficiency. All these features make it a practical and fun option for daily commuting or leisurely rides.
The Vespa Primavera is available in 50cc and 150cc engine sizes. The 150cc gives out 11.6 Bhp of power at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 11.5 Nm at 6250 rpm. It is fitted with a single-cylinder, 4-stroke air-cooled engine with a 62.8 mm bore and 48.6 mm stroke.
The top speed of a Vespa Primavera scooter varies depending on the specific model and its engine size.
Vespa Primavera Top Speed
Vespa Primavera 50cc: 30 mph (48 km/h)
Vespa Primavera 150cc: 60 mph (95 km/h)
Vespa Sprint
Vespa Sprint is an excellent alternative to traditional scooters if you want something stylish, comfortable, lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It is fitted with 12″ tires, aluminum alloy rims, rectangular headlights, and LED lights, to name a few.
The motor delivers pretty good speed, which makes it perfect for getting around town or taking short trips around the neighborhood. It gets its engine from the i-get family, known for Green Experience Technology.
The 50cc motor is fitted with a 4-valve air-cooled motor that gives a peak power output of 4.6 HP at 9500 RPM. The Vespa Sprint 150 has a larger 155cc engine that gives out 12.7 HP power. The prices of 50cc & 150cc are $3699 & $5199 respectively.
Vespa Sprint Top Speed
Vespa Sprint 50: 40 mph (64km/hr)
Vespa Sprint 150: 60-65 mph (100-105 km/h)
Vespa GTS
One of the standout features of the Vespa GTS is its modern and aggressive design. It has a sleek, aerodynamic look, sharp lines, and a sporty profile.
In terms of performance, the Vespa GTS is powered by a powerful and fuel-efficient engine. As a result, it has excellent acceleration and can reach up to 75 mph, making it suitable for longer commutes or more aggressive riding. The GTS also has a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its large tires and suspension system.
GTS 300 is powered by a 278cc single-cylinder, water-cooled, 4-stroke engine that produces a maximum power of 23.8 HP at 8250 rpm and maximum torque of 19.1 lb-ft at 5250 rpm. It is also fuel efficient and gives a close of 71.2 mpg. The prices range between $7799-$8499.
Vespa GTS Top Speed
Vespa GTS 125: 55-60 mph (90-95 km/h)
Vespa GTS 300: 75-80 mph (120-130 km/h)
Vespa Elettrica
The Vespa Elettrica is a popular choice for riders looking for a sustainable and emission-free transportation option that is also stylish and practical for daily commuting. In terms of performance, the Vespa Elettrica is powered by an electric motor which is in turn powered by a lithium-ion battery. It has good acceleration and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, making it suitable for short commutes or leisurely rides.
One of the main benefits of Vespa Elettrica is its sustainability and low environmental impact. It produces no emissions, which makes it a clean and eco-friendly transportation option. It also has an extended range of up to 100 km (60 miles) on a single charge, making it practical for daily commuting.
One common complaint about electric bikes is that they tend to be too cumbersome for short rides. However, this differs from Vespa Elettrica; it’s pretty light, considering its powerful motor and battery pack.
The peak power for the Elettrica is 4 kW which is very similar to a 50cc scooter. The starting price of Vespa Elettrica is $7,949.
Vespa Elettrica Top Speed
The top speed for Vespa Elettrica is 30 mph (48 km/h).
Vespa 946
Vespa 946 is fitted with a strong 155cc engine that gives out 11.6 hp of power at 8,000 rpm and 8.4 lb.-ft. Of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. The prices start at $10,499. The scooter is inspired by the 1946 MP6 prototype. Here are some key details and reasons why people might consider buying the Vespa 946:
Design and Craftsmanship
Elegant Aesthetics: The Vespa 946 features has a retro yet futuristic design. It has sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic that pays homage to the original Vespa style.
High-Quality Materials: It utilizes high-grade materials that includes aluminum frame components that in turn reduces its weight but enhances the scooter’s durability and ride quality.
Technology and Performance
Advanced Technology: The Vespa 946 is fitted with latest technology like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control, and LED lighting. Expect a safer and more comfortable riding experience.
Vespa 946 Top Speed
The top speed for Vespa 946 is 75 mph (120 km/h).
It is important to note that the top speed of a scooter may vary depending on various factors. The rider’s weight, terrain, and scooter’s condition are some of them. Additionally, always riding safely and within the road’s speed limits is crucial.
Vespa Speed FAQ
Can a Vespa go on the highway?
Yes, 150cc and above Vespa scooters can be driven on the highway. Nevertheless, riding with at least a 300cc scooter on an expressway or interstate road is suggested.
How fast can you go on a Vespa?
The new Vespa models like Primavera can go up to a speed of 56.5 mph (91 km/h). Vespa 300 has a top speed of 74.5 mph (120 km/h). Vespa 125 can go up to 64 mph (103 kmph). The lowest speed for any Vespa model is 28 mph (45 kmph) for Vespa 50.
Can you drive a Vespa long distance?
Yes, you can drive a Vespa long distances. Riding a Vespa long distances can be physically demanding and requires high concentration and attention to safety. Due to smaller tires, it is most likely to get jerks and vibrations at high speeds. The suspension buildup of scooters is less comfortable than motorcycles riding for long distances. Due to non-air-cooled engines, colling is less efficient than bikes. It is recommended to take breaks every few hours while riding a scooter.
Are Vespas safer than motorcycles?
No, it is not right to say that Vespas are safer than motorcycles. Below are some of the reasons –
- Since Vespas are lighter, they give less protection to the rider in case of a crash
- A properly designed motorcycle offers better protection than scooters
- For new riders, though, the motorcycle being a heavy 2-wheeler might be difficult to handle
- Vespas, on the other hand, is easier to handle
There are pros and cons with scoters. It is always wise to wear proper protective gear and a good helmet while riding both 2-wheelers.