PIAGGIO VESPA LX50 (2005 - on) Review

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

• Read: top 50cc scooters and mopeds

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.