Vespa Primavera 50

As Vespa’s third generation of modern small frame scooters, the Primavera design continues to mark new ground. In the same way that the GT200 served as a stylistic inspiration for the LX series, Vespa’s new 946 design is the clear inspiration for the Primavera. It could easily be argued that the Primavera is a 946 for the masses, as it foregoes frills like ABS, traction control and hand stitching in exchange for an MSRP around half.

The front end of the scooter is also all new. The legshield is more angled back - especially in comparison to the tilted floorboard - which makes the design look sleek. Also present is the stylish triple vent above the front fender which is a clear tie to the 946. A neat touch up front is the inclusion of LED running lights into the front signals. Similarly, Vespa has added LEDs to the rear lamp which saves a few watts and looks pretty neat. Two other nice changes are the new 5 spoke rims and the more angular shaped exhaust. Also new is the gauge setup, which is now a more even mixture of analog and digital instrumentation. The speedometer is central and analog, with the smaller details like fuel level, time and odometer now found in the larger digital screen. The overall setup is simpler and more congruous than the previous LX and S series instrumentation. It also adds a helpful trip odometer and an oil warning light.

North American’s are being offered only the 4-stroke 50, which is similar to the strategy Vespa took with the LX. Indeed, the 50cc 4-stroke motor offering is the same Hi-PER4 motor that is also found in the LX and S 50. This motor makes a decent 4.35 HP which translates to a reasonable 40mph top speed. The use of this older motor saves quite a bit on the MSRP (about $1000), but it also doesn’t take full advantage of this scooters’ design (i.e. high end frame, suspension, brakes etc). If finances or road rules are constraining you to a 50cc then you’ll still have a great machine, but the 155cc is where this scooter will really come alive. The 2-stroke 50cc motor option isn’t coming to North America, although this 2-stroke engine has been offered here in other models.
 

The Primavera 50 2-stroke uses Piaggio’s long running Hi-PER2 motor which was used in the ET2 50 as well as other Piaggio Group products (Piaggio Typhoon 50, 2007 Piaggio Fly 50, Aprilia SR50). The Hi-PER2 is a more powerful motor than the Hi-PER4 (5.1 HP vs. 4.35 HP) but the Hi-PER4 is the better choice for most because it’s a longer lasting motor with lower emissions, quieter performance and better fuel economy.