Which is the trendiest automobile these days? Not cars, not motorbikes; Vespa scooters have swept everyone in a storm, blowing our minds with their lightweight, convenient usage, and diverse color designs.
We are certain many cannot wait to bring home a Vespa as soon as possible. However, concerns remain: How much is a Vespa? Is there any other additional service that adds up to the premium price?
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How Much Are Vespas?
All in all, spare at least $5,000 to $8,000 to get home a brand-new Vespa. The exact upfront price will vary on your chosen model, and of course, the total cost of ownership expands beyond this spectrum, not to mention its maintenance fee.
A Breakdown Of The Price for Vespa
1. Vespa Primavera
Released in 1968, Vespa Primavera is regarded by many as one of the brand’s best modern classics. This scooter line gains favorable feedback due to its youthful, agile, and compact size aided by cutting-edge add-ons, such as USB charging ports and MIA displays.
All Primavera versions incorporate:
- Electronic fuel system
- Electric starter
- 12-inch wheels
- 52-inch wheelbase
- ABS braking (for Primavera 150)
- Luggage racks and chrome plates (Touring versions)
| Model | Engine Displacement | Estimated Top Speed | Fuel Economy | MSRP |
| Primavera 50 | 49.9cc | 40 mph | 81 MPG | $4,199 |
| 50 RED | 49.9cc | 40 mph | 81 MPG | $4,299 |
| 50 Touring | 49.9cc | 40 mph | 81 MPG | $4,399 |
| 150 | 155cc | 60 mph | 95 MPG | $5,549 |
| 150 RED | 155cc | 60 mph | 95 MPG | $5,649 |
| 150 Touring | 155cc | 60 mph | 95 MPG | $5,749 |
| 150 S | 155cc | 60 mph | 95 MPG | $5,849 |
2. Vespa Sprint
A popular sporty and lightweight scooter, Vespa Sprint is a delight to every racing spirit thanks to numerous technology features:
- i-get 4 strokes
- 3 valve cylinders
- Air-cool engines
- Electric starter
- Electronic injection
- LED front and horizontal headlights
- Rear lighting
- Spoke wheels (7 inches)
- 52” wheelbase
- TFT display (for 150 S)
If a smooth and quiet road experience is your priority, trust Vespa Sprint to deliver.
| Model | Fuel Economy | Engine Displacement | Estimated Top Speed | MSRP |
| Sprint 50 | 81 MPG | 49.9cc | 40 mph | $4,299 |
| 50 Race Sixties | 81 MPG | 49.9cc | 40 mph | $4,199 |
| 50 S | 81 MPG | 49.9cc | 40 mph | $4,449 |
| 150 | 95 MPG | 155cc | 60 mph | $5,799 |
| 150 S | 95 MPG | 155cc | 60 mph | $5,899 |
| 150 Race Sixties | 95 MPG | 155cc | 60 mph | $5,749 |
3. Vespa Elettrica
Vespa’s long-standing style and reputation combine with eco-technology to manifest this vibrant and contemporary Elettrica scooter. First introduced in 2019, it includes:
- Multimedia Vespa MIA system that connects the phone via Bluetooth, allowing hand-free calling
- TFT dashboard to extend the phone’s capability
- Battery-powered, lithium-ion engine with a 60-mile range
- KERS (kinetic energy recovering system) for battery recharge during deceleration
- Maintenance-free battery charge below the seat
| Model | Recharge Time | Power Output | Estimated Top Speed | MSRP |
| Elettrica | 4 hrs (220v) | 4 kW (50 cc equivalent) | 30 mph | $7,499 |
| 45mph | 4 hrs (220v) | 4 kW (50 cc equivalent) | 45 mph | $7,999 |
| RED 45 mph | 4 hrs (220v) | 4 kW (50 cc equivalent) | 45 mph | $8,099 |
4. GTS 300
Tailored for non-competitive cyclists wishing for a comfortable, safe, stylish, yet powerful scooter, GTS 300 offers:
- Seatings for two
- Decent storage under the seat
- ABS brakes
- ASR traction controls for long distances and freeway driving
- LED rear lights
- USB port
- Folded-out footrests
- Remote control (to open the seat at a distance of several yards)
- Bike locator to spot your everyday scooter amidst a thousand of others in the parking lot
| Model | Fuel Economy | Engine Displacement | Estimated Top Speed | MSRP |
| GTS 300 | 73 MPG | 278cc | 80 mph | $7,799 |
| GTS300 Touring | 70 MPG | 300cc | 80 mph | $7,299 |
5. GTS Super 300
Its bold styling and all-steel frame are a visual feast on their own, setting Super 300 apart from others. Every Sup 300 model cannot offer an optimal riding experience without:
- ABS brakes
- ASR traction controls
- USB ports for phone charging
- Digital TFT dashboard (4.3”)
- Remote for seat openings
- Bike locator
- Folded-out footrests
- MIA apps (for Sup 300 Tech)
| Model | Fuel Economy | Engine Displacement | Estimated Top Speed | MSRP |
| Super 300 | 73 MPG | 278cc | 80 mph | $7,999 |
| Super 300 Sports | 73 MPG | 278cc | 80 mph | $8,099 |
| Super 300 Techs | 73 MPG | 278cc | 80 mph | $8,499 |
6. GTV300 Sei Giorni
GTV300 Sei Giorni serves as a homage to the original Sei Giorni model, which earned 9 medals in 1951’s Varese race. A quick look at GTV300’s design elements reveals tons of similarities to its source of inspiration, with mounted headlights on the fenders, black decal numbers, red accents, vintage panels, and tinted windshields.
Visual aesthetics aside, buyers of these models will also fall in love with:
- USB ports for mobile phones
- ABS brakes with plentiful stopping power
- Bike finder/locator
- LED lights on the front
- Large fuel tank
- 4-stroke 4-valve single-cylinder
| Model | Fuel Economy | Engine Displacement | Estimated Top Speed | MSRP |
| 300 Sei Giorni | 73 MPG | 278cc | 80 mph | $7,749 |
7. Less Common Models
These scooters enjoy the same add-ons and functionalities as their more mainstream counterparts – but with certain designs, colors, and power trimming to suit tight-budget demographics. Though not as popular as others, they are still worth the investment:
- HPE Yacht Club: $7199
- Super300 Notte 300: $7299
- HPE Touring 300: $7299
- Supersport HPE 300: $7299
- GTSP Super Race Sixties HPE 300: $7299
Extra: Additional Cost
While scouring through hundreds of options to spot the right Vespa for your need, do not forget other factors that add up to the total price range:
- Mode of Transportation: Online purchases mean shipping services are a must. Transportation charges fluctuate from $500 to more than $1000, depending on where you live. Try to negotiate with your dealer to knock this price down.
- Sales Tax: Compulsory for many regions and states, especially in countries like the U.S. or the U.K. Certain U.S. states (ex: Louisiana or Tennessee) ask for tax rates as high as 10%!
- Registry: Like with motorbikes, Vespa scooters must also be registered. The costs vary from as low as $8 to a whopping $250!
- Insurance: Scooters, in general, are admittedly safer than higher-power vehicles, but that does not exclude them from accident risks. We strongly suggest getting insurance, whose starting price is $250 per year.
- Accessories: How can one forget safety gear like helmets, goggles, and so on?
To sum it up, besides the base price of a Vespa scooter, remember to put aside $2000 (minimum) to get your new scooter ready for daily usage.
What Is The Maintenance Cost of A Vespa? How to Cut It Down?
1. Estimated Maintenance Cost
Basic maintenance services (ex: filter replacements, engine oil changes, etc.) should not cost you more than $100 or even less. The charges can even stoop lower if you are an advanced mechanic yourself with little to no reliance on automobile shops!
Still, more complex and elaborated fixes will add more to the investment – especially the Vespa’s bodywork, which is notoriously more demanding than other scooter paintings due to their premium metal panels.
The maintenance frequencies also have a say in the matter: as per the brand itself, one should service his Vespa:
- Every 3K miles (for older models)
- Every 6K miles (for newer Vespas)
- At least once per year for people riding less than 3K miles/year.
By ways of illustration, here is the upkeep checklist for a Vespa Primavera (125cc, 4T):
- Grip handle: $15
- Brake lever: $7
- Batteries: $43, Yuasa
- Belts: $39 (Piaggio), $44 (Malossi)
- Tyres: $86 (Pirelli Diablo)
- Cylinder kit: $450 (Malossi)
- Brake pad front: $17$
- Air filters: $9.5 (Malossi)
- Oil filter: $11.5
2. How to Cut Down The Maintenance Cost?
a. Stick to your schedule:
Periodical and punctual maintenance will deliver a smooth, trouble-free riding experience. Putting it off isn’t as budget-efficient as you would think; if troubles ensue, you might end up paying even more money to have them fixed!
b. Inspect tire pressure:
Check the tires frequently to guarantee extended lifespan – preferably after long parking periods while your tires are cold.
Confirm the recommended PSI by the manufacturer: both overinflation and underinflation distort the tire’s shape and cause abnormal, premature wear. Watch out for foreign items/objects stuck deep in the bike’s profile and take them out immediately.
c. Keep tabs on the oil:
Just like how you manage the tire pressure, oil levels should not be too high or too low, either.
- Too-low oil level: rapid engine wear
- Too-high oil level: the oil might infiltrate the air box
In case more oil is needed, only use scooter oil like Castrol. Avoid general, all-purpose ones! And for 2-stroke engines, 2-cycle oil is your best friend: either mix the oils with the tank’s petrol or pour them straight into the tank near your filler inlet, depending on which Vespa model you use.
Also, note that short-distance drivings require more frequent oil changes than long distances. Failure to cater to the oil regularly will get the fuel and water vapor mixed up.
d. Clean the scooter often:
This tip may sound obvious, but to our surprise, many seasoned riders keep forgetting to wash their scooters! A good scrubbing session will remove dirt and sand buildups between the screws and bolts to prevent corrosion – while giving the gorgeous paintwork its own spotlight.
Hoses are our all-time favorite cleaning tool. Once done, use clean cloths to wipe the bike, then take it for a quick drive for faster drying!
Other Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing A Vespa
What’s the point of picking an affordable Vespa if everything about its performance and features makes you uncomfortable? So before settling on any option, confirm that you already have the answers to all these questions:
- Do you prefer: Modern or classic scooter? New or used? Small frame or large frame?
- How fast do you want it to be? Vespa has a wide range of 30 MPH to 80 MPH.
- Do you ride alone or accompany a second rider often?
- What colors best suit your style and personality?
See more: Motorcycle vs. Moped Vs. Scooter
FAQs
Is Vespa Considered Luxury?
Yes. Critics and major retailers call it a “luxury, upscale marque.”
Can Vespa Run Without Batteries?
Yes, for versions with small engine displacements. Meanwhile, larger engine sizes face more difficulties starting without batteries.
How Fast Can Vespa Go?
Up to 80 MPH (300cc electric scooters). Be sure to keep a good maintenance schedule for consistent and reliable performance.
Conclusion
Our expert team has answered all these burning inquiries with vivid examples and well-researched estimations. For unanswered questions (if there are any), feel free to reach us through inbox, comment, or email.
