I bought a Vespa a few months ago, and I agree with all the points made. Absolutely love it. it makes me smile every time. Vespa is a global super-cool brand, commanding a huge premium to others. My "on the road" quote for a new one (Summer 2022) was close to $9,000! I bought used (7,000 miles) for half that price. For us, it fills the gap of a second car, which wasn't in our budget. It can go on the highway, but I'm not planning on it. I use it daily to run errands and to the gym. Short trips of 20 minutes. Additional costs were to upgrade the lights (I bought a 2016, and LED lights are an easy add-on replacement) and added a side stand. Repaired the scratches with some touch up paint, and put in a new battery,
Please don’t minimize the need for safety equipment. I would worry about a $100 helmet. My head is worth a lot so I spent over $600 on my first helmet. I went to Cycle Gear and asked them about the best helmets they sell. I advise (as do the motorcycle safety courses) to wear boots that cover your ankles (ankles are vulnerable in falls), motorcycle gloves (they tend to be armored at the knuckles), motorcycle jacket (with armor at least in the elbows and shoulders) and long pants. I know it looks cool to ride a scooter in shorts, but get back to me and let me know how that worked when you laid your scooter down at 20mph. Our local scooter group holds group rides every now and again. On one of the rides they had a guy who went down at 30 mph. He slid 40 feet and got a trip to the hospital with the paramedics. He had bought a used scooter and didn’t put new tires on it. Tires can look good, but be old enough to be hard and prone to failure. A friend of mine (who is a motorcycle mechanic) was riding with tennis shoes on a few years ago. He got forced into a concrete “T barrier” and ground his little toe off. Word to the wise!
Thanks for sharing Don. Others have also suggested a full-faced, nicer helmet too so it's definitely something I'm looking into. Appreciate your callout about safety. Super important for everyone, especially someone considering their first bike.
@@MichaelMosesHammer Around me on the Central Coast of CA, the best selection is at Cycle Gear. Their staff tends to be informed and helpful. They are often asked for the most expensive helmet. They complemented me for asking what was the best helmet.o
trust me bro u really made a great investment by buying those gears... take it from me who got trimacular ankle francture... most important gear is helmet,gloves and boots...
I sold my car for a vespa too. My car was collecting up maintenance of a total of 80,000 PHP (1,667.10 USD). I am 18 years old and it costs me too much. My mother told me to get a vespa, and i eventually did. i found out how much affordable it is. Gas was not even reaching 500 PHP (10.42 USD). Plus it never broke down on me. Got me from point a to point b without any hassle. Here in the Philippines we have rule that you are required to have 400cc Up displacement to get into the highway. I bought myself a Triumph Scrambler and i love it. Now it is cheaper to own to bikes (One Scooter, One Big bike) compared to a car. Only problem becomes if your commute becomes a hobby and you discover more bike needs! (hehe). Only downside insurance is more premium compared to a car. It cost me 25,000 (520.97 USD) compared to 10-15k PHP (312 USD)
Vespa 1958 150, 1963 (125) 177, 1980 p200e. I ride (Love) them all. Not a budget minded reason, just because they make me smile. It's not about getting their, it's about the ride.
Going to save this list out of curiosity! Thanks for sharing. I'm new (3 years obviously) to the world of Vespa but just started learning a little bit about older ones. I could see it being a fun thing to collect when older! Seems like they keep their value more than most too!
Love the video. Vespa's are great. But just because they are a scooter it shouldn't mean you skimp on protective gear. Please get a full face helmet rather than a half helmet. Although a full face won't fit in the under-seat storage, If you fall then there is a strong chance you'll smash your chin and jaw. A higher end full face helmet will also come with a "pinlock" which will reduce the misting in rain, allow you to see. Also, while handyman gloves are better than nothing I'd also really recommend proper motorcycling gloves. Again they have protection in the areas you're likely to hit if you come off (knuckle and outer palm armour. Obviously any helmet and any gloves are better than nothing and sorry to be "that guy". I am from Europe, after-all (and we are a bit more safety conscious than most American stated). But a lot of people watching this may not know the difference so I thought I'd point it out. In the UK a scooter is the most stolen type of motorbike. I don't know if that's the case in the US but it's worth allowing some money for security such as a large chain, disc lock with alarm, etc.
Thanks for watching and really appreciate the suggestions. Gave me some things to think about, especially about the helmet. I won't be riding much here in the rain/winter so I'll add it to the Christmas list! :)
In Taiwan, probably the most scooter-popular state in the world, 23 million people with 20 million scooters/bikes. People tend to lock their new bikes/scooters with U shape lock(usually as a gift from bike shopkeeper for patronage) on the driving wheel(rear wheel). Sometimes even 2 locks for both wheels because scooters/bikes are vital to daily life. The owners of new import bikes/scooters even locked the driving wheel to poles or fence with chain locks or cable locks to ward off thieves, though not that many because the traffic control cameras are all over the intersections for police tracking.
Great video. I love my scooter. I also live in Seattle. One of cons was traffic lights might not recognize scooter. There is an accessory you can buy that attaches to the bottom of the scooter (or motorcycle) so that sensors in road can recognize the bike. It’s a great accessory to get and I’m glad I did.
You're totally right about lights in Seattle!! There's one a block from me that never recognizes me and it's a left turn often. SO frustrating. Can you link me to that product on Amazon maybe? Or tell me the name? I'd love to check it out!!
I ride a 218 BMW G 310 R which I commute on eight months a year. I feel the biggest savings is it keeps the mileage on my cars down which means I don't have to replace them nearly as often. I bought the BMW new for $4500, so I can buy three bikes for the price of a good used car. I don't plan on needing to replace my car for at least ten years.
Good video. I've commuted mostly by motorcycle and scooter for years and they can definitely save you money, especially scooters. When I was riding the scooters (usually used and under $2000 purchase price) all costs including parking downtown was half the price of a monthly bus pass. On top of that I wasn't restricted to time or any other services public transportation has. The only thing that bothers me is your cost comparison to a car used 15k miles a year compared to your actual use. If you put 15k a year on your Vespa, it would need more then one oil change and probably a couple sets (give or take) of tires a year. One thing that adds up fast is cost of tires. Scooters are definitely less expensive to operate then a car per mile even when taking that into account though. My Yamaha FZ6 on the other hand will go through a good set of tires in 10 to 12k miles at a cost of $500 a set. I'm not trying to badmouth your video, just trying to keep it real. Thank you for taking the time to make it and bringing to light scooters and motorcycles as a good alternative for of transportation.
Totally David! That's a great callout. I'm only putting around 1K miles on my bike a year so that certainly keeps my cost down. Someone else might ride 10x that and have a few other extra bills/maintenance because of it. No offense taken. I really appreciate everybody's point of view. I hope somebody looking to buy will take the time to read all the different comments and points of view. Either way, from a financial standpoint it's a total win (for most people) AND a ton of fun!
@@malachor5ve Definitely scooter! Because you got storage space under seat while floor at foot space for groceries and errands. There are more than 7 million scooters in Taiwan with 23 million people, a crowded small island. Scooters with flat foot space have become workhorse indispensable. Commuting, picking kids up from school, grocery errands, pet cruising, etc.. I don't need a fast bike for around town duties.
Yes Vespas are pretty cool. I sold my 2012 GTS super at 10000 miles. Went through massive withdrawal and just got another new. Bang for buck it was my best ever form of transportation. Its also great to take along on excursions. Throw it in the back of your F150 and you are good for small getaways. Total I have a Ducati, a BMW 1200 GSA, a Husqvarna 701 enduro and a BMW k1600GTL Grand Tourer. The vespa fits in nicely for Urban commuting and much more. The economy is awesome. i may pick up a 150. 98 MPG is hard to over look but it lacks power. The 300 is a true usable motorcycle. Anyhow ride safe. The video was pretty accurate. AND OH. DON'T LOST THE MASTER KEY!!!! :) Scott
I have a 2004 Harley Softail, but the go to for commuting is my 2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The RE bikes are a very affordable motorcycle, and ownership is less expensive than most bikes. It's an actual motorcycle though, so it's a bit more difficult to operate compared to the Vespa. The Vespa is a cool bike. I love them. The Int 650 is just another kind of cool. Bikes are unbelievably fun, and absolutely necessary in a large city.
Scooters with wide flat floor are much more practical for grocery shopping. I even used a tall narrow track field shape laundry basket to tuck my pet old dog in for an low speed "cruise" in sunny days. The tall laundry basket is also used for grocery shopping.
EXCELLENT VIDEO! THANK YOU! I'm very glad to have happened upon this vid. Just an hour ago, as a result of some major car issues I'm having, I was giving thought to becoming a full time scooter owner. My car needs a new transmission, and it'll cost more than the car's worth, and I purchased her 2 months ago. I'm liking Vespa and Honda Super Cub. One more thing; your comment about having a scooter in Arizona. That's me! (Although not a Cardinals fan.) Funny enough, I'd almost rather live in Washington. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, huh? Again, I thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I love the Vespa, however, since I life in India, I choose for a Honda Activa 125 Scooter. The main reason is shopping bags. On the Vespa this is difficult due to its u tube floor space. The Activa 125 has a large flat floorspace where you can transport even bulky stuff like Gas bottle. Note: In India the Vespa 150 is ca. USD 1200 and the Honda Activa 125 is USD 1000.
Depending on where you live, a Vespa is nice. You need to live near service and parts. I live in Panama. I also prefer Honda Scooter or motorcycles. Honda is extremely dependable and much cheaper. Plus, we have good parts and service support. No one builds a better scooter than Honda for the money. Its not as classy as a Vespa. But, they are better. I just bought a new Honda Elite 125 here in Panama for only 2300 dollars. A Vespa would have cost double that and there would be no service and no parts in my area of Panama. I would never recommend a Vespa to anyone living my country.
Actually you can tie a deep plastic milk crate to your rear rack with zip ties instead of shallow mesh basket to increase the accommodation for grocery. Meanwhile, plastic milk crate is better to withstand the weather over time.
I've owned a dozen Vespas of all vintages. I currently have a 1962 VBB and a 2021 GTS 300 HPE. I LOVE them. The GTS has been around for a long time and is an amazing machine.
@@TheMoneyResolution I do love the GTS! The VBB is fun for putting around the neighborhood, but the GTS is versitile and a Cadillac. Dream bike is a GS Mark 2.
You can buy cupholders from auto parts store and tie them to the handle with zip ties or velcro belts. You can even sew T-shape ring cup carriers with cloth belt and hang your drink on the mirror stem.
Can't wait to get my own Primavera S / Picnic. I already made a large deposit, but the queue for a brand new unit is quite long. Great video, now I realize that getting a Vespa is a no brainer! Watching from the 🇵🇭
To a great extent your info is also valid for Sweden. My 12 m full insurance is 150 $, Road tax 12 m is 18$. We bought 10 years ago a used Piaggio Carnaby(Vespa with non steel body) for $ 2100. I had a collision with a car this summer and got $2400 from insurance company. We bought a new Piaggio Vespa 300 and when having the big top box it’s perfect to go shopping instead of using the car. A perfect and fun ”second car”. The later version are somtimes equipped with ABS/ASR which is excellent safety device.
I am also Swedish and Pay about 300 (3080 sek) per year for my vespa 50 (I am 22), only basic insurance. These 50cc scooters are super pricy to insure here, but so far it has been flawless. I am just about to hit 14,000km and I have had zero breakdowns so far. I get almost 100 mpg (us) (minimum) and it is my only vehiche here and used for commuting around Stockholm, but is a bit slow (like any 50) but still works in the slow lane (with some patience).
@@TheMoneyResolution Yes, this is my entry to scooters! It is amazing, except when it rains heavily hahah. I want to get a motorbike license so I can get a 125/150cc scooter, it may be a piaggio product again, or a japanese, we will see what "craigslist" has to offer then :)
You know what I would say after the payment of buying the Vespa I will say this.... you will save on owning one vs taking public transportation. Your looking from 60 up to over 100 usd a month. Not only that your looking at a 20 drive going to as long as a hour One way. You might look like a dork on one but it’s better then sitting in the hot sun over 100 degrees waiting for the bus u missed by 2 min and. Now having to wait 15 min up to about a hour for the next bus... I put many hours into my game boy advance in college. Many game with over 100 hours of play time waiting for the bus and traveling on it. So the value is way underscored here they are game changers in life.
@@MrMoneyHelper or have the ability to go places where the bus can’t but I’m a big believer that scooters are cheaper then busses. A Vespa would be best a 49cc u can swap out motors to bigger motors and still legally a low power where most states have no restrictions to 50cc and below
Great informative video. I have a 2019 Vespa Primavera 150 and love it. Where I live - Toronto -scooters and motorcyles can legally park for free. If it is a legal parking spot for a car the Vespa does not pay. Vespas are the perfect fun tool for big city urban life. On the downside - my insurance is way higher here - about 1k Cd a year.
That's awesome. I mistakenly thought scooters could park for free too here but I quickly found out that's not true. And yes, my insurance is also higher than car insurance. Thanks for sharing!
I have a Piaggio Liberty 150 and love it! I did jump to an MP3 500 and love it even more as for the added safety of the 3 wheels. I don't see them around at all! I still have my Liberty and will sell it. I did take it on the freeway a few times and even though it's legal, it's not ideal and they emphasize that on their website. Interesting and curious. Funny now I see myself planning my routes in a much more cooler way as if I was just riding a car. Great when you say assume nobody is watching you. Safety 1st always. Enjoy the rides and be safe. All the Best!
Got a honda blackbird....gathering dust. My scooter gets used all the time. Dont get me wrong, i love my other bikes but for cheap fun utility its hard to beat a scooter.
It's extremely rare for traffic light sensors operate by the weight of the vehicle. Most are either timed or use an inductive loop or both. The inductive loop is a simple wire that has current running through it which creates an electromagnetic field. When ferrous metal crosses the wire it disrupts magnetic field causing the sensor to detect a vehicle is present. Because the Vespa is mostly made of aluminum (which is non-ferrous) it does not disrupt the magnetic field. One way to around this would be to affix a rare earth magnetic (like from a hard drive) to the bottom of your shoe. The magnetic field of your shoe will disrupt the magnetic field of the loop and the sensor will trigger. This is why I have boots that I wear specifically for riding.
I had mine as a daily driver for years, was honestly the best for the summer especially in the hot downtown core. I saved tons on fuel and parking. Racked on a lot of kilometers though so my sprint needs some maintenance
I have had a lot of motorcycles in my past (and present), but I stumbled upon a 2009 Vespa 250 GTV that my wife and I found too pretty to pass up. I had to ride it home from out of state, and was worried it wouldn’t be competent on highways, even after reading from plenty of owners who said it was no problem. They were right - it handled the highway with plenty of oomph to spare. Some may also enjoy that it turns more heads than motorcycles, too. I get a lot of nods and thumbs up on the road, and a lot of curious questions at gas stations. It’s been a pleasure to own, ride, and admire so far.
Hello. I own a motorcycle (Suzuki SV650, named "Martha", after my mother who died in 2017) and a Vespa Primavera 50cc (named Martchen) and I love using my Vespa to get to the city buying some bread on sunday, having some very relaxed (and relaxing) ride. I ride my bikes at every time in the year, even in winter, which over here (north-east Germany at the coast at the baltic sea) can be a cold and wet experience. Salute!
Thanks for the video. Genuine Scooter Company is a great name brand for scooters, the 50cc ones are $2000-$2300 before taxes and fees and there’s more dealers than Vespa dealers for people who don’t live close to one or travel/move a lot. I’ve been thinking about moving to South Florida or maybe another part and you do need your driver’s license in that state, but where I live right now in North Carolina you don’t.
Loved your review. My question is as follows > Would a Vespa be a thought for a 65 year old that has mobility issues walking such as sometimes unstable but still walks on and off with a cane.
Great question. It sounds a little dangerous. But a 50CC could work if you feel safe. Always wear that helmet. Stay on backroads. An electric scooter might be a good option too!
Definitely yes! I am 68 years old. I am lightly lame with my left toe without sense after my spondylolisthesis injury through surgery operation in 2015. I started to ride locally modified scooter(it costs about US$400 to add 2 extended auxiliary wheels onto the body frame of regular scooters for handicapped riders with polio)and found that I could ride normal scooters with my butt seated firmly while slow down gradually for stopping. In fact, with my two feet reach out for stopping, I got 4 points(2 wheels plus two feet)of attachment to the ground which is safer than 3 points of attachment in mountain climbing. So, you definitely can ride a scooter with your butt firmly seated while slow in deceleration for stopping with two feet reach out for the ground.
I have a Vespa Sprint 150 and the biggest benefit I had from it is that it is so easy to find a parking spot for it and most of the time parking is free for scooters in our city. And you can name your Vespa "Scratchy" because of its dings and dents. Ride safe!
Great video. I love scooters and plan on buying one soon. I want either a vespa sprint 150 or a vespa primavera 150, but I'm afraid I'm too short since I'm 5'1".
I will caution on the low milage bikes though. People buy these things as toys only to be brought out on warm summer weekends. The seals can dry out and the CPU can be damaged if the battery dies. Vespas love to be used they are not toys. If you can't ride it on the regular then at least start it up once a week for 20 mins.
I live in Pennsylvania so I only ride it when the temperature is above 65 degrees. But, if I lived in Florida I wouldn't own a car, just the scooter. Cars are outrageously expensive to own and operate repair and insure. I park on the sidewalk, if the scooter doesn't impede people walking. If you park on the street don't think you won't get a parking ticket if the meter runs out. I thought that they would let me slide,,,,,nope.
Vespas are all about enjoyment and very little else. I have a 2016 GTS 125 and it is brilliant. I makes me feel good and that is all that matters. In Thailand I have Yamaha with a very similar spec, but cost 1/2 as much, ....but less than 1/2 the bike ... Never use the self retracting side stand, the wind will blow, the stand will retract and you will have a BIG dent. I saw 2 scooters with these dents.....
Hey brother, I really like your video, I bought a used 2022 lance cabo 200i 4 moths ago. The owner bought it but really didn't use it much, that's why he was selling it, let me tell you I enjoy riding that scooter more than driving my car. And I found a couple of scooter clubs nearby great way to meet great people, I'm Southern California, and yeah, I park for free in my apartment complex too 😀
Hi from the UK, just came across your video of your 3 year plan. Nice to see you went with a vespa. On that note, you chose the New(ish) 300 sport, you save a lot of money over that period so I take my hat off to you Sir. Right, I've had vespas for over 30 years and still got them now all 5 and a half 🤣. Keep your eyes out for a 78/79 P200, best engine ever made, not as fast as the GTS (which I'm looking for now to do rallies in Europe) it's geared but so simple to use. You can keep it stock or build a malossi mhr225 (fast) but after your time period you'll have a shock on what return you'll get if you really look after it, or even a lambretta wanting some work. Not only will you save money all round, but the value will have tripled, what we used to pay £40 less than 20 years ago are now anything up from £3800 - 5/6k depending on how you've kept it. Stock will hold more. Cheers 👍
we are in the u k .my wife 72 and myself 74 both have vespas . she a 2021 primavera 50 with polini cdu , bit more speed for safety . myself a 2020 gts 300 .i also have a honda sh 125 i new 2 weeks ago . we are retired so ride for pleasure on quieter roads .
I love your channel and great info here. I am going to sell my car and buy a Vespa. It seems to be a very good time to sell a used car. My monthly payment for car is $1,070, so I am looking at lots of savings! It's very hard to find a slightly used Vespa around me, so I'll just buy a new one.. What motor insurance do you have? I ran the numbers at a couple providers, and it seems to be over $500 annual (for basic ones)
That's awesome and I appreciate it. I'm looking at $250 this year for insurance on it via Safeco I think. Prices vary by person though. For example, they know I hardly ride it compared to a car. It was slightly higher before via Geico but great coverage - maybe $350? Best of luck though with the purchase!! I'm excited for you!
In a city a stand-up scooter is a better cost option. You can bring it into your apartment, so no worries about theft/vandalism. No insurance necessary. No alternate side of the street parking to deal with. No winterization necessary. A Vespa is better for the suburbs/country imo.
GREAT point Edgerton. I briefly covered how they retain their value much more than a car but I personally didn't think much about how much I can probably still sell it for 10 years from now if/when I upgrade. 👍
Great video and thank you for highlighting the pros and cons of having a scooter. I live in the Portland metro and have a 2020 Honda Metropolitan (Coastal Blue). I love it but I will eventually get a Vespa Primavera 50 once I have paid my Met off and then save towards a Vespa. I have already been shopping for some gear and niknaks at the Vespa store downtown. I've found the 50 CC scooter adequate for the majority of the roads here in PDX but there are some that do make me wish for something faster, but thankfully traffic is typically slow so I can keep up to some extent. Also I feel ya on parking. I had parked my scooter on the street recently and some jerk toppled it because I was taking up parking, like....I am allowed to park here like any other vehicle. Other than the cons, riding a scooter is a lot of fun especially with the seeing the sights in the PNW on two wheels!
I learned how to ride motorcycles on a $50 1960 Vespa 150cc that was 2 cycle with 3 speed shift on the handlebar!... and from there,... Hondas', Honda Aero scooters, Honda dirt bike, 4 different Honda road bikes, a Ducati, and 2 Harleys... in 2012 I bought a Vespa LX 50 new, paid cash,... still have it and ride it all the time., except when I'm riding my Road King....... anyway we should visit,... I live in Clarkston, but I grew up in Ridgefield, Wa... and I'm 65, but I want a new 300 GTS especially if it's red!... LOL
Since you are good at looking up facts and figures, I wish you would have done a price comparison of a scooter cost vs people who don't drive. People who use public or private (uber) transportation. One of my employers would take the train and uber from San Francisco to San Jose every day. Supposed he scootered.
If you're looking for a 50cc scoot, check out the Genuine Roughhouse and Buddy model scooters. They're both 2 stoke engines that are much quicker than the average Chinese 4 stoke scooter tiu see for cheap. Andbya never have to change oil,, just add more to the reservoir. These bikes retail for less than $3000 brand new, and have a 3 year warranty. The Roughhouse look sorta like a bug eyed Yamaha Zuma, and the Buddy is basically a Vespa clone although it's not identical...it's "similar". They have better customer service than the Italian makers (Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia etc) and they're much cheaper and reliable alternatives. They're made in Taiwan and if you know anything about their culture, they ride motorcycles everywhere. They been building bikes a long time. Their build quality is on par with most Japanese makers and in fact Honda has a factory there. They're a great option for smaller budgets. They also make larger CC scoots that require an endorsement to ride legally in all states. Also the biker wave is done using two fingers pointing down. It means to ride safe and or keep "two wheels down" on the asphalt. One finger down means is a road obstacle or heated. The lead Riders in a group often point to road hazards with their feet too. There are several other signals as well. Also, Please buy better riding gear. Please! Cheap helmets suck! Get a full face helmet too. And a jacket with elbow, shoulder and tailbone/back pads. You're doing highway speeds on that thing and if your ass hits the pavement you're going to get shredded bro. Get pants with knee, hip and ass pads. If you hit the road your ass wil thank me. Trust me on wearing better gear. Shoes, nothing open toe EVER! A stiff sole, over the ankle shoe/boot at bare minimum for anything other than turning around in a parking lot. Riding boots and shoes come in all shapes and styles now. Gloves, one of the most important pieces of gear imo , you should get real riding gloves with palm skid heels and finger protection. Shop gloves will shred in a skid, burying and grinding that nylon shit they're made from into your skin along rhe way. More like burn it in. NOT FUN. Buy good equipment! Wear it religiously. You will never regret having it if you go for a spill. I guarantee you will if you don't.
A hospital visit, hell even an ambulance ride will negate what ever savings you made. "Invest" in quality riding gear, not only will they reduce damage to you but they will prevent a unwanted dismount too by keeping you more comfortable and more in control. "Invest" in training, take lots of riding courses, this will be the best "investment" you will ever make when it comes to two wheels.
Great great video and excellent tips! I bough a 2015 Vespa primavera 150cc and paid cash. The reason I went with a scooter was to save money on gas ⛽️ and I only ride it in my town. I love the way it rides and handles. Where did you purchase the basket? Thank you for your video👍.
Great question... I'd roughly estimate around 1K. I used to put 5-10K a year on my old Honda Civic. Mainly, because I don't ride it in bad weather (half the year in Seattle lol). I use public transportation when it's raining.
In 2020 I’m driving far less, like most people - car or not. This is also much much better for the environment. And far more affordable than a car, specially in a big expensive city. Thanks for watching and chiming in. I welcome all opinions and viewpoints as always - even if we disagree on opinions and numbers.
If i had to register it and insure it i would just get a comfy motorcycle. I have my car currently in storage and ride a motorized bike to work. In my state no registration or insurance required.
Frankie, I heard that If you name your bike, vespa or car a female name, you may be wanting to take care of it better. Just a thought. I had a 2011 Vespa lxv I. E. It was a 2 tone, brown and tan. I named "her" Butterscotch. Much love and respect from Central California 😎 P. S. Great video. Thanks for sharing. I watched it on my phone, while on the couch sitting next to my wife. I plan on getting a GTV 250 or 300. I like the look of the exposed metal on the handle bars and the head light on the fender.
*Good (kinda) video BUT Vespa is too hard financially for me to handle, and no 2-wheel or 3 can ever replace a car* ( *Parts are seriously expensive for genuine 'Piaggio' replacements!* *OUCH!* ) *If I were in the market again I would seriously consider a 'Honda 150-ADV' because of costs & 'do-it all' capability and very fast as well...I read/see nothing but 'very good' to 'excellent+' on that new model* _______________ *My little '08 Honda 'Metropolitan' is my 'grocery getter' for 6-years now...and this machine 'goes w/the house' when I croak* *I'll never let it go* *I live about 65-miles from a dealer w/a shop and their rate is $85/hour w/a 1-hour minimum charge, so I do all maintenance & repairs myself and order stuff from reputable dealers...and 'Tube has a zillion repair tutorials, even the headlight bulb which can be very tricky if not done right* *The 'Metro' is the MOST reliable vehicle I've ever owned in 68-yrs and will do 40mph with my 220lbs. of fat ass on it* ______________ *I'd LOVE to own a 'fully-equipped 300 Super' but no way in hell could I afford it...and the idea of 60/70/80 where I live in S. Illinois is just 'asking for it' because of endless deer and every other critter you can think of!* ( *I had a 74 'P-200-E in the old days in my 20s and it was a 'Work of Art'' to look-at...and a 'total POS' to own* ) *I've watched a lot of vids from 'Robot' on 'tube...and the 'next gen' 4-strokers seem pretty good BUT VERY 'Price-y' for a scooter that needs '47-chains and a Mosler Safe' to keep it from being stolen!* ( *I keep my scoot in the house where I know it's 'all good' from kids w/rocks & BB-guns and 'snatchers' in P/U trucks and relentless humidity & 'mud-daubers' getting in everywhere!* )
binge watching old videos! I have a crf250l rally, and I have been considering for 2021 to sell my truck and only commute on the bike to work. My wife has a 2017 Honda Accord so that is a pretty reliable car, to take me to work on rainy days. I work only 7 mins from my house. Also, in 2020 I have been working from home since March, so I feel Im wasting so much money on my $650 monthly truck payment plus $100 monthly insurance 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
It cost me $6,700 new. so its about the same as the vespa. it is 249cc. Something I will definitely get is like 500-800 in gear.. $200 for a good helmet, good boots, protective pants and jacket, helmets. I did the first oil/filter change myself, it cost $50 and a fun afternoon.
Yes - gear! That's what I need more of when the weather improves. People in the comments pointed out a need a better helmet for starters. Gloves too! Best of luck. Keep me posted! Sounds awesome.
To slightly compare, I just got a 2022 Primavera 50 Touring (because there really wasn't anything used listed) last week. All in from the dealer was about $5400+275 for delivery to my apartment. I've put 10 miles In a week (mostly practicing turns), insurance is $350 annually. Came with 2 yr warranty (delivery guy said in his 10 yrs has only had 1 come in for warranty work). I can buy additional 2 yrs for $240 prior to my 2nd yr of ownership. If I need to get on the highway or carry more groceries, I walk .5 mile to a rental car company where I can get one for $41 per day tax/fees included. I'll do this maybe twice a month. Uber is $9, not including tip, each way vs all day car that fits my Great Dane. I didn't get a bigger bike as safety classes for a license weren't available until end of August and didn't want to continue walking in 100° heat. Plus limited Vespa inventory due to Covid and new year models coming in a few months.
That's no excuse I'm in Canada and I ride all year round. Triumph street bike in the spring/summer/fall and a Yamaha Dirt bike with spiked tires in the winter. I ride on the frozen lakes in winter as much as possible.
I lol'd at the price estimates for the helmet. Seriously people, don't cheap out on helmets: in a crash, they're literally the only thing between you and brain damage. Get one that's at least ECE or SNELL. DOT only means garbage. Expect to spend AT LEAST $350 on a decent full face helmet, possibly up to $700.
The math is completely off if not dishonest. The average cost of car ownership was based on driving 15 000 miles/year. Based on the money this fellow spent per month on gas for his Vespa he only rode it a fraction of the 15 000 miles/year allotted to the car. He also hasn't purchased new tires in 3 years which indicates very low miles travelled. He is not saving $8 000/year or whatever he claimed. Mile for mile is how it should be calculated.
You're totally right to call that out! But, I will add I drive far less (less than 20% of prior car usage) since it's far less convenient - which is a good thing on the wallet. It forced me to get to know the light rail and bus system (paid for luckily by work at the time of filming this). It dramatically cut my driving down - which is better for the environment too :)
Old video, but I just found it. The 'wave' you showed, was wrong. When you put your left hand down at the angle, it is with 2 fingers, not the open hand as you showed it. Prolly unimportant as this isn't the focus of your channel. But, as it is one of your most popular videos, thought I'd throw it in.
The brown key is the “master” key that must not be misplaced. You need it to program any duplicate keys you acquire.
Thanks for that. Yes, I was told originally - don't buy a Vespa that doesn't come with it! 🔑
@@TheMoneyResolution
Exactly right.
@@TheMoneyResolution you should probably put a note in your video as you mix it up in the video. The blue is NOT the master key.
@@JamesBryant4 wish I could. Can’t edit the video but I can pin in the comments. Thanks!
I have ridden a scooter for over 10 years. My current scoot is 2015 Genuine Buddy. It's Mint Green.. Paid cash for it. I absolutely love it.
That sounds awesome. Nice job paying in cash!!
I think a girl that rides a scooter says a lot about her. All of it good.
I bought a Vespa a few months ago, and I agree with all the points made. Absolutely love it. it makes me smile every time. Vespa is a global super-cool brand, commanding a huge premium to others. My "on the road" quote for a new one (Summer 2022) was close to $9,000! I bought used (7,000 miles) for half that price. For us, it fills the gap of a second car, which wasn't in our budget. It can go on the highway, but I'm not planning on it. I use it daily to run errands and to the gym. Short trips of 20 minutes. Additional costs were to upgrade the lights (I bought a 2016, and LED lights are an easy add-on replacement) and added a side stand. Repaired the scratches with some touch up paint, and put in a new battery,
That's awesome Rich! Great deal. And smart upgrades!!
Please don’t minimize the need for safety equipment. I would worry about a $100 helmet. My head is worth a lot so I spent over $600 on my first helmet. I went to Cycle Gear and asked them about the best helmets they sell. I advise (as do the motorcycle safety courses) to wear boots that cover your ankles (ankles are vulnerable in falls), motorcycle gloves (they tend to be armored at the knuckles), motorcycle jacket (with armor at least in the elbows and shoulders) and long pants. I know it looks cool to ride a scooter in shorts, but get back to me and let me know how that worked when you laid your scooter down at 20mph. Our local scooter group holds group rides every now and again. On one of the rides they had a guy who went down at 30 mph. He slid 40 feet and got a trip to the hospital with the paramedics. He had bought a used scooter and didn’t put new tires on it. Tires can look good, but be old enough to be hard and prone to failure. A friend of mine (who is a motorcycle mechanic) was riding with tennis shoes on a few years ago. He got forced into a concrete “T barrier” and ground his little toe off. Word to the wise!
Thanks for sharing Don. Others have also suggested a full-faced, nicer helmet too so it's definitely something I'm looking into. Appreciate your callout about safety. Super important for everyone, especially someone considering their first bike.
@@MichaelMosesHammer Around me on the Central Coast of CA, the best selection is at Cycle Gear. Their staff tends to be informed and helpful. They are often asked for the most expensive helmet. They complemented me for asking what was the best helmet.o
trust me bro u really made a great investment by buying those gears... take it from me who got trimacular ankle francture... most important gear is helmet,gloves and boots...
I don't think he downplayed safety at all.
@@BluesCat1980 Well, the author of this video thanked me for my suggestions.
I sold my car for a vespa too. My car was collecting up maintenance of a total of 80,000 PHP (1,667.10 USD). I am 18 years old and it costs me too much. My mother told me to get a vespa, and i eventually did. i found out how much affordable it is. Gas was not even reaching 500 PHP (10.42 USD). Plus it never broke down on me. Got me from point a to point b without any hassle.
Here in the Philippines we have rule that you are required to have 400cc Up displacement to get into the highway. I bought myself a Triumph Scrambler and i love it. Now it is cheaper to own to bikes (One Scooter, One Big bike) compared to a car. Only problem becomes if your commute becomes a hobby and you discover more bike needs! (hehe).
Only downside insurance is more premium compared to a car. It cost me 25,000 (520.97 USD) compared to 10-15k PHP (312 USD)
Rits kid
Vespa 1958 150, 1963 (125) 177, 1980 p200e. I ride (Love) them all. Not a budget minded reason, just because they make me smile. It's not about getting their, it's about the ride.
Going to save this list out of curiosity! Thanks for sharing. I'm new (3 years obviously) to the world of Vespa but just started learning a little bit about older ones. I could see it being a fun thing to collect when older! Seems like they keep their value more than most too!
Love the video. Vespa's are great. But just because they are a scooter it shouldn't mean you skimp on protective gear. Please get a full face helmet rather than a half helmet. Although a full face won't fit in the under-seat storage, If you fall then there is a strong chance you'll smash your chin and jaw. A higher end full face helmet will also come with a "pinlock" which will reduce the misting in rain, allow you to see. Also, while handyman gloves are better than nothing I'd also really recommend proper motorcycling gloves. Again they have protection in the areas you're likely to hit if you come off (knuckle and outer palm armour. Obviously any helmet and any gloves are better than nothing and sorry to be "that guy". I am from Europe, after-all (and we are a bit more safety conscious than most American stated). But a lot of people watching this may not know the difference so I thought I'd point it out.
In the UK a scooter is the most stolen type of motorbike. I don't know if that's the case in the US but it's worth allowing some money for security such as a large chain, disc lock with alarm, etc.
Thanks for watching and really appreciate the suggestions. Gave me some things to think about, especially about the helmet. I won't be riding much here in the rain/winter so I'll add it to the Christmas list! :)
Check out RevZilla and your local Cycle Gear for great prices on good equipment for riding. Very budget friendly, and pretty good kit too.
In Taiwan, probably the most scooter-popular state in the world, 23 million people with 20 million scooters/bikes. People tend to lock their new bikes/scooters with U shape lock(usually as a gift from bike shopkeeper for patronage) on the driving wheel(rear wheel). Sometimes even 2 locks for both wheels because scooters/bikes are vital to daily life. The owners of new import bikes/scooters even locked the driving wheel to poles or fence with chain locks or cable locks to ward off thieves, though not that many because the traffic control cameras are all over the intersections for police tracking.
Great video. I love my scooter. I also live in Seattle. One of cons was traffic lights might not recognize scooter. There is an accessory you can buy that attaches to the bottom of the scooter (or motorcycle) so that sensors in road can recognize the bike. It’s a great accessory to get and I’m glad I did.
You're totally right about lights in Seattle!! There's one a block from me that never recognizes me and it's a left turn often. SO frustrating. Can you link me to that product on Amazon maybe? Or tell me the name? I'd love to check it out!!
I ride a 218 BMW G 310 R which I commute on eight months a year. I feel the biggest savings is it keeps the mileage on my cars down which means I don't have to replace them nearly as often. I bought the BMW new for $4500, so I can buy three bikes for the price of a good used car. I don't plan on needing to replace my car for at least ten years.
That is a sweet looking bike! Thanks for sharing. Great point in having a car and bike. It'll certainly keep that car running better longer!
Good video. I've commuted mostly by motorcycle and scooter for years and they can definitely save you money, especially scooters. When I was riding the scooters (usually used and under $2000 purchase price) all costs including parking downtown was half the price of a monthly bus pass. On top of that I wasn't restricted to time or any other services public transportation has.
The only thing that bothers me is your cost comparison to a car used 15k miles a year compared to your actual use. If you put 15k a year on your Vespa, it would need more then one oil change and probably a couple sets (give or take) of tires a year. One thing that adds up fast is cost of tires. Scooters are definitely less expensive to operate then a car per mile even when taking that into account though. My Yamaha FZ6 on the other hand will go through a good set of tires in 10 to 12k miles at a cost of $500 a set.
I'm not trying to badmouth your video, just trying to keep it real. Thank you for taking the time to make it and bringing to light scooters and motorcycles as a good alternative for of transportation.
Totally David! That's a great callout. I'm only putting around 1K miles on my bike a year so that certainly keeps my cost down. Someone else might ride 10x that and have a few other extra bills/maintenance because of it. No offense taken. I really appreciate everybody's point of view. I hope somebody looking to buy will take the time to read all the different comments and points of view. Either way, from a financial standpoint it's a total win (for most people) AND a ton of fun!
Which would you recommend, going with a motorcycle or a scooter?
“than”, not “then” 😳
@@malachor5ve
Definitely scooter! Because you got storage space under seat while floor at foot space for groceries and errands.
There are more than 7 million scooters in Taiwan with 23 million people, a crowded small island. Scooters with flat foot space have become workhorse indispensable. Commuting, picking kids up from school, grocery errands, pet cruising, etc.. I don't need a fast bike for around town duties.
Yes Vespas are pretty cool. I sold my 2012 GTS super at 10000 miles. Went through massive withdrawal and just got another new. Bang for buck it was my best ever form of transportation. Its also great to take along on excursions. Throw it in the back of your F150 and you are good for small getaways.
Total I have a Ducati, a BMW 1200 GSA, a Husqvarna 701 enduro and a BMW k1600GTL Grand Tourer. The vespa fits in nicely for Urban commuting and much more. The economy is awesome. i may pick up a 150. 98 MPG is hard to over look but it lacks power. The 300 is a true usable motorcycle.
Anyhow ride safe. The video was pretty accurate. AND OH. DON'T LOST THE MASTER KEY!!!! :)
Scott
I have a 2004 Harley Softail, but the go to for commuting is my 2019 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The RE bikes are a very affordable motorcycle, and ownership is less expensive than most bikes. It's an actual motorcycle though, so it's a bit more difficult to operate compared to the Vespa.
The Vespa is a cool bike. I love them. The Int 650 is just another kind of cool. Bikes are unbelievably fun, and absolutely necessary in a large city.
Awesome - I'm definitely going to check out that 650. Very curious. Thanks for sharing that!
Scooters with wide flat floor are much more practical for grocery shopping. I even used a tall narrow track field shape laundry basket to tuck my pet old dog in for an low speed "cruise" in sunny days. The tall laundry basket is also used for grocery shopping.
EXCELLENT VIDEO! THANK YOU!
I'm very glad to have happened upon this vid. Just an hour ago, as a result of some major car issues I'm having, I was giving thought to becoming a full time scooter owner.
My car needs a new transmission, and it'll cost more than the car's worth, and I purchased her 2 months ago.
I'm liking Vespa and Honda Super Cub.
One more thing; your comment about having a scooter in Arizona.
That's me! (Although not a Cardinals fan.)
Funny enough, I'd almost rather live in Washington.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, huh?
Again, I thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Awesome to hear!!!
I love the Vespa, however, since I life in India, I choose for a Honda Activa 125 Scooter.
The main reason is shopping bags. On the Vespa this is difficult due to its u tube floor space.
The Activa 125 has a large flat floorspace where you can transport even bulky stuff like Gas bottle.
Note: In India the Vespa 150 is ca. USD 1200 and the Honda Activa 125 is USD 1000.
Thanks Felix - I'm going to look into that one. Sounds awesome! You're right about that floor space. I use the hook but it's not ideal.
Depending on where you live, a Vespa is nice. You need to live near service and parts. I live in Panama. I also prefer Honda Scooter or motorcycles. Honda is extremely dependable and much cheaper. Plus, we have good parts and service support. No one builds a better scooter than Honda for the money. Its not as classy as a Vespa. But, they are better. I just bought a new Honda Elite 125 here in Panama for only 2300 dollars. A Vespa would have cost double that and there would be no service and no parts in my area of Panama. I would never recommend a Vespa to anyone living my country.
Used the center stand and install a center stand lock. Worth every penny!
OOOOOhhh that's new to me! Thanks!!
Actually you can tie a deep plastic milk crate to your rear rack with zip ties instead of shallow mesh basket to increase the accommodation for grocery. Meanwhile, plastic milk crate is better to withstand the weather over time.
Very true! I can hold one grocery bag, but only if it isn't too full. It is metal luckily so it's holding up to the weather.
I've owned a dozen Vespas of all vintages. I currently have a 1962 VBB and a 2021 GTS 300 HPE. I LOVE them. The GTS has been around for a long time and is an amazing machine.
Awesome. Do you a favorite (the new GTS?) or one you want to own in the future?
@@TheMoneyResolution I do love the GTS! The VBB is fun for putting around the neighborhood, but the GTS is versitile and a Cadillac. Dream bike is a GS Mark 2.
You can buy cupholders from auto parts store and tie them to the handle with zip ties or velcro belts.
You can even sew T-shape ring cup carriers with cloth belt and hang your drink on the mirror stem.
Great call! I'll definitely look into this!
I have the exact same scooter. It is my second scooter after probably at least ten motorcycles. I love it.
Same! I rode it today. Never not excited to hop on it! :)
Can't wait to get my own Primavera S / Picnic. I already made a large deposit, but the queue for a brand new unit is quite long. Great video, now I realize that getting a Vespa is a no brainer! Watching from the 🇵🇭
That's awesome. Congrats on the purchase. Hope you get it sooner than later. Enjoy :)
Vespas bring me memories.. I had a Piaggio 50cc when I was 15. First thing that had a motor and I could go anywhere with. That was amazing time.
Love it!
To a great extent your info is also valid for Sweden. My 12 m full insurance is 150 $, Road tax 12 m is 18$. We bought 10 years ago a used Piaggio Carnaby(Vespa with non steel body) for $ 2100. I had a collision with a car this summer and got $2400 from insurance company. We bought a new Piaggio Vespa 300 and when having the big top box it’s perfect to go shopping instead of using the car. A perfect and fun ”second car”. The later version are somtimes equipped with ABS/ASR which is excellent safety device.
Sorry to hear about that accident. I can't imagine. Glad you're okay and back on one though! Yes, ABS is key!
I am also Swedish and Pay about 300 (3080 sek) per year for my vespa 50 (I am 22), only basic insurance. These 50cc scooters are super pricy to insure here, but so far it has been flawless. I am just about to hit 14,000km and I have had zero breakdowns so far. I get almost 100 mpg (us) (minimum) and it is my only vehiche here and used for commuting around Stockholm, but is a bit slow (like any 50) but still works in the slow lane (with some patience).
I'll never forget my years riding a 50. It was SO fun and brand new to me. Thanks for watching and sharing!
@@TheMoneyResolution Yes, this is my entry to scooters! It is amazing, except when it rains heavily hahah. I want to get a motorbike license so I can get a 125/150cc scooter, it may be a piaggio product again, or a japanese, we will see what "craigslist" has to offer then :)
I love my Vespa GTS 300 after 40 years on motorcycles. Now living in FL, it is a year round thing!
Jealous! Not so easy in WA state but I get on it as often as I can :)
@@TheMoneyResolution how much did your first 6000 mile maintenance check up cost you?
I agree
You know what I would say after the payment of buying the Vespa I will say this.... you will save on owning one vs taking public transportation. Your looking from 60 up to over 100 usd a month. Not only that your looking at a 20 drive going to as long as a hour One way. You might look like a dork on one but it’s better then sitting in the hot sun over 100 degrees waiting for the bus u missed by 2 min and. Now having to wait 15 min up to about a hour for the next bus... I put many hours into my game boy advance in college. Many game with over 100 hours of play time waiting for the bus and traveling on it.
So the value is way underscored here they are game changers in life.
Good explanation Chris. Totally agree. Sometimes I think I look cool and sometimes I think I look dorky haha. But either way, I know it saves me $$$.
@@TheMoneyResolution and time. u can always make more money but not time.
@@MrMoneyHelper or have the ability to go places where the bus can’t but I’m a big believer that scooters are cheaper then busses. A Vespa would be best a 49cc u can swap out motors to bigger motors and still legally a low power where most states have no restrictions to 50cc and below
Great informative video. I have a 2019 Vespa Primavera 150 and love it. Where I live - Toronto -scooters and motorcyles can legally park for free. If it is a legal parking spot for a car the Vespa does not pay. Vespas are the perfect fun tool for big city urban life. On the downside - my insurance is way higher here - about 1k Cd a year.
That's awesome. I mistakenly thought scooters could park for free too here but I quickly found out that's not true. And yes, my insurance is also higher than car insurance. Thanks for sharing!
I have a Piaggio Liberty 150 and love it! I did jump to an MP3 500 and love it even more as for the added safety of the 3 wheels. I don't see them around at all! I still have my Liberty and will sell it. I did take it on the freeway a few times and even though it's legal, it's not ideal and they emphasize that on their website. Interesting and curious. Funny now I see myself planning my routes in a much more cooler way as if I was just riding a car. Great when you say assume nobody is watching you. Safety 1st always. Enjoy the rides and be safe. All the Best!
You too Paulo and thanks for sharing! I'm digging that 3-wheeler! Funny about the routes too lol.
We love our VESPA because it gives us a big smile every day. Bravo for the interesting content. Greetings from Greece.
Great to hear! Seriously - always brings me joy, especially on a sunny day!!
I have piaggio zip, basically a compact vespa. Love it, quick too
I’d love to get on one of those!!
Thank you for posting your findings. These are great alternatives people need to understand.
Good video I also like the flat black. Thinking of getting a Vespa. I have a V-Max sometimes you just want something easy not all the crazy Drama
Thanks Joe! You won’t regret it. I look forward to riding it daily!
Got a honda blackbird....gathering dust. My scooter gets used all the time. Dont get me wrong, i love my other bikes but for cheap fun utility its hard to beat a scooter.
It's extremely rare for traffic light sensors operate by the weight of the vehicle. Most are either timed or use an inductive loop or both. The inductive loop is a simple wire that has current running through it which creates an electromagnetic field. When ferrous metal crosses the wire it disrupts magnetic field causing the sensor to detect a vehicle is present. Because the Vespa is mostly made of aluminum (which is non-ferrous) it does not disrupt the magnetic field. One way to around this would be to affix a rare earth magnetic (like from a hard drive) to the bottom of your shoe. The magnetic field of your shoe will disrupt the magnetic field of the loop and the sensor will trigger. This is why I have boots that I wear specifically for riding.
I had mine as a daily driver for years, was honestly the best for the summer especially in the hot downtown core. I saved tons on fuel and parking. Racked on a lot of kilometers though so my sprint needs some maintenance
I have had a lot of motorcycles in my past (and present), but I stumbled upon a 2009 Vespa 250 GTV that my wife and I found too pretty to pass up. I had to ride it home from out of state, and was worried it wouldn’t be competent on highways, even after reading from plenty of owners who said it was no problem. They were right - it handled the highway with plenty of oomph to spare. Some may also enjoy that it turns more heads than motorcycles, too. I get a lot of nods and thumbs up on the road, and a lot of curious questions at gas stations. It’s been a pleasure to own, ride, and admire so far.
Hello.
I own a motorcycle (Suzuki SV650, named "Martha", after my mother who died in 2017) and a Vespa Primavera 50cc (named Martchen) and I love using my Vespa to get to the city buying some bread on sunday, having some very relaxed (and relaxing) ride. I ride my bikes at every time in the year, even in winter, which over here (north-east Germany at the coast at the baltic sea) can be a cold and wet experience. Salute!
I STILL need to name my bike! Stay safe out there in that wet weather. Thanks for watching :)
I plan to get a scooter/motorcycle in all weather conditions can you give me some tips
Thanks for the video. Genuine Scooter Company is a great name brand for scooters, the 50cc ones are $2000-$2300 before taxes and fees and there’s more dealers than Vespa dealers for people who don’t live close to one or travel/move a lot. I’ve been thinking about moving to South Florida or maybe another part and you do need your driver’s license in that state, but where I live right now in North Carolina you don’t.
Nice! This is a great tip. Thanks for sharing Wyatt!
Vespa gtcs super racing sixties replaced my ajs Modena,was the best upgrade ever 😊
Love it! I'm learning a lot about different Vespa models!
was actually planning on buying an iphone 12 but you just changed ma mindddddd. Gotta save up for it :))
Hah that's awesome! I think that's a great decision!
Loved your review. My question is as follows > Would a Vespa be a thought for a 65 year old that has mobility issues walking such as sometimes unstable but still walks on and off with a cane.
Great question. It sounds a little dangerous. But a 50CC could work if you feel safe. Always wear that helmet. Stay on backroads. An electric scooter might be a good option too!
Definitely yes!
I am 68 years old. I am lightly lame with my left toe without sense after my spondylolisthesis injury through surgery operation in 2015. I started to ride locally modified scooter(it costs about US$400 to add 2 extended auxiliary wheels onto the body frame of regular scooters for handicapped riders with polio)and found that I could ride normal scooters with my butt seated firmly while slow down gradually for stopping. In fact, with my two feet reach out for stopping, I got 4 points(2 wheels plus two feet)of attachment to the ground which is safer than 3 points of attachment in mountain climbing.
So, you definitely can ride a scooter with your butt firmly seated while slow in deceleration for stopping with two feet reach out for the ground.
I have a Vespa Sprint 150 and the biggest benefit I had from it is that it is so easy to find a parking spot for it and most of the time parking is free for scooters in our city. And you can name your Vespa "Scratchy" because of its dings and dents. Ride safe!
Love that! Haha. Scratchy is a fantastic name 😂
I prefer those scooters with flat foot room without hump to accommodate narrow laundry basket for errands.
Great video. I love scooters and plan on buying one soon. I want either a vespa sprint 150 or a vespa primavera 150, but I'm afraid I'm too short since I'm 5'1".
Oh I'm guessing you'd be okay. Hopefully you can test ride first!
I will caution on the low milage bikes though. People buy these things as toys only to be brought out on warm summer weekends. The seals can dry out and the CPU can be damaged if the battery dies. Vespas love to be used they are not toys. If you can't ride it on the regular then at least start it up once a week for 20 mins.
I have a GTS 300 HP and love it 😊 nothing to do with finances, i just like it 👍
Lol I just needed an excuse to make a video about my bike because I love it so much - and this is a finance channel :) Thanks for watching!
I live in Pennsylvania so I only ride it when the temperature is above 65 degrees. But, if I lived in Florida I wouldn't own a car, just the scooter. Cars are outrageously expensive to own and operate repair and insure. I park on the sidewalk, if the scooter doesn't impede people walking. If you park on the street don't think you won't get a parking ticket if the meter runs out. I thought that they would let me slide,,,,,nope.
I live in Cape Town, South Africa and own 3 GTS'. I have just sold my 2016 model at 76 % of purchase price.
A scooter ride at the end of the day takes away the stress and puts a smile on my face. I’m going to upgrade from the 125 to the 300.
Oh that's a fun upgrade!!
Vespas are all about enjoyment and very little else. I have a 2016 GTS 125 and it is brilliant. I makes me feel good and that is all that matters. In Thailand I have Yamaha with a very similar spec, but cost 1/2 as much, ....but less than 1/2 the bike ... Never use the self retracting side stand, the wind will blow, the stand will retract and you will have a BIG dent. I saw 2 scooters with these dents.....
Hey brother, I really like your video, I bought a used 2022 lance cabo 200i 4 moths ago. The owner bought it but really didn't use it much, that's why he was selling it, let me tell you I enjoy riding that scooter more than driving my car. And I found a couple of scooter clubs nearby great way to meet great people, I'm Southern California, and yeah, I park for free in my apartment complex too 😀
Hi from the UK, just came across your video of your 3 year plan. Nice to see you went with a vespa. On that note, you chose the New(ish) 300 sport, you save a lot of money over that period so I take my hat off to you Sir.
Right, I've had vespas for over 30 years and still got them now all 5 and a half 🤣. Keep your eyes out for a 78/79 P200, best engine ever made, not as fast as the GTS (which I'm looking for now to do rallies in Europe) it's geared but so simple to use. You can keep it stock or build a malossi mhr225 (fast) but after your time period you'll have a shock on what return you'll get if you really look after it, or even a lambretta wanting some work. Not only will you save money all round, but the value will have tripled, what we used to pay £40 less than 20 years ago are now anything up from £3800 - 5/6k depending on how you've kept it. Stock will hold more. Cheers 👍
we are in the u k .my wife 72 and myself 74 both have vespas . she a 2021 primavera 50 with polini cdu , bit more speed for safety . myself a 2020 gts 300 .i also have a honda sh 125 i new 2 weeks ago . we are retired so ride for pleasure on quieter roads .
I love your channel and great info here. I am going to sell my car and buy a Vespa. It seems to be a very good time to sell a used car. My monthly payment for car is $1,070, so I am looking at lots of savings! It's very hard to find a slightly used Vespa around me, so I'll just buy a new one.. What motor insurance do you have? I ran the numbers at a couple providers, and it seems to be over $500 annual (for basic ones)
That's awesome and I appreciate it. I'm looking at $250 this year for insurance on it via Safeco I think. Prices vary by person though. For example, they know I hardly ride it compared to a car. It was slightly higher before via Geico but great coverage - maybe $350? Best of luck though with the purchase!! I'm excited for you!
I am in Texas and just got Progressive for about $350 annually
I got liability for $123.
I would like and am leaning towards a 250-300 Vespa GTS. No more than a one or two years old.
awesome - you'll love it!!
In a city a stand-up scooter is a better cost option. You can bring it into your apartment, so no worries about theft/vandalism. No insurance necessary. No alternate side of the street parking to deal with. No winterization necessary. A Vespa is better for the suburbs/country imo.
All makes sense to me! I never really thought about other side of the street parking but you're totally right! So easy!
What if you have stairs and no elevator though? That’s my issue.
Subtract the current market value of your Vespa from your expenses, and wow... that is a savings !
GREAT point Edgerton. I briefly covered how they retain their value much more than a car but I personally didn't think much about how much I can probably still sell it for 10 years from now if/when I upgrade. 👍
Great video and thank you for highlighting the pros and cons of having a scooter. I live in the Portland metro and have a 2020 Honda Metropolitan (Coastal Blue). I love it but I will eventually get a Vespa Primavera 50 once I have paid my Met off and then save towards a Vespa. I have already been shopping for some gear and niknaks at the Vespa store downtown. I've found the 50 CC scooter adequate for the majority of the roads here in PDX but there are some that do make me wish for something faster, but thankfully traffic is typically slow so I can keep up to some extent. Also I feel ya on parking. I had parked my scooter on the street recently and some jerk toppled it because I was taking up parking, like....I am allowed to park here like any other vehicle. Other than the cons, riding a scooter is a lot of fun especially with the seeing the sights in the PNW on two wheels!
I learned how to ride motorcycles on a $50 1960 Vespa 150cc that was 2 cycle with 3 speed shift on the handlebar!... and from there,... Hondas', Honda Aero scooters, Honda dirt bike, 4 different Honda road bikes, a Ducati, and 2 Harleys... in 2012 I bought a Vespa LX 50 new, paid cash,... still have it and ride it all the time., except when I'm riding my Road King....... anyway we should visit,... I live in Clarkston, but I grew up in Ridgefield, Wa... and I'm 65, but I want a new 300 GTS especially if it's red!... LOL
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you liked it Ines!
Since you are good at looking up facts and figures, I wish you would have done a price comparison of a scooter cost vs people who don't drive. People who use public or private (uber) transportation. One of my employers would take the train and uber from San Francisco to San Jose every day. Supposed he scootered.
That's a great idea I'll keep in mind! I know people who used to do that same commute when I lived in the Bay Area! Teachers too so very early!
I've got a paid off gas guzzling truck that I will not part with but I'm planning to get a Vespa for the gas savings and the fun.
Vespa PX200 E from 1986. Love it!
Nice!!
Love to hear that owning a scooter was a nice life hack in your life. I got rid of my car almost 4 years ago but want some wheels - not a car tho
Definitely worth considering! For a 50 cc you don’t need a license too!
You can attach a magnet to the bottom of your scooter that can help trigger the sensor at a traffic light.
My Vespa is named Little Meep Meep. She is a 2017 Primavera 150 shiny black.
That’s awesome. Great name 👍
Better then my bikes name I call it Arsehole.
Matt black. The last ever colour you should choose for your Vespa. Takes all the beautiful lines away and makes the scooter
less visible in traffic.
Interesting perspective indeed. Safety first.
If you're looking for a 50cc scoot, check out the Genuine Roughhouse and Buddy model scooters. They're both 2 stoke engines that are much quicker than the average Chinese 4 stoke scooter tiu see for cheap. Andbya never have to change oil,, just add more to the reservoir.
These bikes retail for less than $3000 brand new, and have a 3 year warranty. The Roughhouse look sorta like a bug eyed Yamaha Zuma, and the Buddy is basically a Vespa clone although it's not identical...it's "similar".
They have better customer service than the Italian makers (Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia etc) and they're much cheaper and reliable alternatives. They're made in Taiwan and if you know anything about their culture, they ride motorcycles everywhere. They been building bikes a long time.
Their build quality is on par with most Japanese makers and in fact Honda has a factory there. They're a great option for smaller budgets. They also make larger CC scoots that require an endorsement to ride legally in all states.
Also the biker wave is done using two fingers pointing down. It means to ride safe and or keep "two wheels down" on the asphalt. One finger down means is a road obstacle or heated.
The lead Riders in a group often point to road hazards with their feet too. There are several other signals as well.
Also, Please buy better riding gear. Please! Cheap helmets suck! Get a full face helmet too. And a jacket with elbow, shoulder and tailbone/back pads.
You're doing highway speeds on that thing and if your ass hits the pavement you're going to get shredded bro.
Get pants with knee, hip and ass pads. If you hit the road your ass wil thank me. Trust me on wearing better gear.
Shoes, nothing open toe EVER! A stiff sole, over the ankle shoe/boot at bare minimum for anything other than turning around in a parking lot. Riding boots and shoes come in all shapes and styles now.
Gloves, one of the most important pieces of gear imo , you should get real riding gloves with palm skid heels and finger protection. Shop gloves will shred in a skid, burying and grinding that nylon shit they're made from into your skin along rhe way. More like burn it in. NOT FUN.
Buy good equipment! Wear it religiously. You will never regret having it if you go for a spill. I guarantee you will if you don't.
A hospital visit, hell even an ambulance ride will negate what ever savings you made. "Invest" in quality riding gear, not only will they reduce damage to you but they will prevent a unwanted dismount too by keeping you more comfortable and more in control. "Invest" in training, take lots of riding courses, this will be the best "investment" you will ever make when it comes to two wheels.
Just got a Piaggio Fly 150. Cheap. Thanks for your inspiration. 👍🇨🇦
That's awesome!! Those are nice! Congrats :)
Taller wheelz REALLY help safety wize too
I loved your impersonation of revving your Vespa at the beginning of the video?
Hah! I guess I don’t really rev it in real life so that’s funny looking back on it 😂
Great great video and excellent tips! I bough a 2015 Vespa primavera 150cc and paid cash. The reason I went with a scooter was to save money on gas ⛽️ and I only ride it in my town. I love the way it rides and handles. Where did you purchase the basket? Thank you for your video👍.
I just got a 2023 vespa gts 300 super sport.
I'm jealous!!
@@TheMoneyResolution it's very fun. Save up and dive in.
I have a Honda ST1300 for 2 up touring and I’m rebuilding a 1985 Honda Elite 125 for a scooter
How many miles per year do you put on the Vespa ?
Great question... I'd roughly estimate around 1K. I used to put 5-10K a year on my old Honda Civic. Mainly, because I don't ride it in bad weather (half the year in Seattle lol). I use public transportation when it's raining.
@@TheMoneyResolution - so your cost per mile went up ten times ,so you were driving more the car , and scooter you are ridding less 👎🏻
In 2020 I’m driving far less, like most people - car or not. This is also much much better for the environment. And far more affordable than a car, specially in a big expensive city. Thanks for watching and chiming in. I welcome all opinions and viewpoints as always - even if we disagree on opinions and numbers.
@@TheMoneyResolution - Thank You !
I the UK I put 3,000 miles a year on my Vespa 300. In good weather it beats the car every time.
I’ve ridden over 100,000 miles on Vespas now I have a piaggio liberty 150
Nice!
Thank you!
Hope it helped!
Could i park it in my living room?
Lol I don't see why not. Although, your living room might start smelling like a garage... :)
I have a Piaggio 150 Fly. If you want to go on the Interstate, the 300 or larger is best.
Tks. much.
It will never replace a car (3 words: groceries, raining, children). But Vespa is a nice toy.
Lol so right. For sure not a kid zone. Though I’d love a side car for my pup 🤔😂
One word, sidecar. Now sit down
If i had to register it and insure it i would just get a comfy motorcycle. I have my car currently in storage and ride a motorized bike to work. In my state no registration or insurance required.
I have a few bik
Es, but also a SYM 150 scooter. The scooter is the most practical ride. Oh, im in the Philippines.
Frankie, I heard that If you name your bike, vespa or car a female name, you may be wanting to take care of it better. Just a thought.
I had a 2011 Vespa lxv I. E. It was a 2 tone, brown and tan. I named "her" Butterscotch.
Much love and respect from Central California 😎
P. S. Great video. Thanks for sharing. I watched it on my phone, while on the couch sitting next to my wife. I plan on getting a GTV 250 or 300. I like the look of the exposed metal on the handle bars and the head light on the fender.
Hah! Thanks for this note Jesus. Makes sense. I always wondered why most people do have female names for their cars! I agree with your theory :)
where can I find the jacket he wanted to get
Seriously! Somebody share! :)
Thanks for the great video.
What are grocery store runes? I want one! 🙂
Trips to the grocery stores lol :)
@@TheMoneyResolution I was just joking about the typo in your graphics. Still want a grocery “rune” though 😉
@@caoimhin7122 hah I’m not surprised about the typo, especially on older videos 😂
Just got a Vespa to replace our 2nd car. Super fun! I have 3 kids so our minivan is a must too.
*Good (kinda) video BUT Vespa is too hard financially for me to handle, and no 2-wheel or 3 can ever replace a car*
( *Parts are seriously expensive for genuine 'Piaggio' replacements!* *OUCH!* )
*If I were in the market again I would seriously consider a 'Honda 150-ADV' because of costs & 'do-it all' capability and very fast as well...I read/see nothing but 'very good' to 'excellent+' on that new model*
_______________
*My little '08 Honda 'Metropolitan' is my 'grocery getter' for 6-years now...and this machine 'goes w/the house' when I croak*
*I'll never let it go*
*I live about 65-miles from a dealer w/a shop and their rate is $85/hour w/a 1-hour minimum charge, so I do all maintenance & repairs myself and order stuff from reputable dealers...and 'Tube has a zillion repair tutorials, even the headlight bulb which can be very tricky if not done right*
*The 'Metro' is the MOST reliable vehicle I've ever owned in 68-yrs and will do 40mph with my 220lbs. of fat ass on it*
______________
*I'd LOVE to own a 'fully-equipped 300 Super' but no way in hell could I afford it...and the idea of 60/70/80 where I live in S. Illinois is just 'asking for it' because of endless deer and every other critter you can think of!*
( *I had a 74 'P-200-E in the old days in my 20s and it was a 'Work of Art'' to look-at...and a 'total POS' to own* )
*I've watched a lot of vids from 'Robot' on 'tube...and the 'next gen' 4-strokers seem pretty good BUT VERY 'Price-y' for a scooter that needs '47-chains and a Mosler Safe' to keep it from being stolen!*
( *I keep my scoot in the house where I know it's 'all good' from kids w/rocks & BB-guns and 'snatchers' in P/U trucks and relentless humidity & 'mud-daubers' getting in everywhere!* )
i have an 03-et4 and 20 sprint for just pleasure.
Hi sir im also vespa user from Philippines.
Awesome!
binge watching old videos! I have a crf250l rally, and I have been considering for 2021 to sell my truck and only commute on the bike to work. My wife has a 2017 Honda Accord so that is a pretty reliable car, to take me to work on rainy days. I work only 7 mins from my house.
Also, in 2020 I have been working from home since March, so I feel Im wasting so much money on my $650 monthly truck payment plus $100 monthly insurance 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
It cost me $6,700 new. so its about the same as the vespa. it is 249cc.
Something I will definitely get is like 500-800 in gear.. $200 for a good helmet, good boots, protective pants and jacket, helmets. I did the first oil/filter change myself, it cost $50 and a fun afternoon.
Yes - gear! That's what I need more of when the weather improves. People in the comments pointed out a need a better helmet for starters. Gloves too! Best of luck. Keep me posted! Sounds awesome.
Ok! Great video, but please update for todays crazy fuel costs.
Hah will definitely consider that!
To slightly compare, I just got a 2022 Primavera 50 Touring (because there really wasn't anything used listed) last week. All in from the dealer was about $5400+275 for delivery to my apartment.
I've put 10 miles In a week (mostly practicing turns), insurance is $350 annually. Came with 2 yr warranty (delivery guy said in his 10 yrs has only had 1 come in for warranty work). I can buy additional 2 yrs for $240 prior to my 2nd yr of ownership.
If I need to get on the highway or carry more groceries, I walk .5 mile to a rental car company where I can get one for $41 per day tax/fees included. I'll do this maybe twice a month. Uber is $9, not including tip, each way vs all day car that fits my Great Dane.
I didn't get a bigger bike as safety classes for a license weren't available until end of August and didn't want to continue walking in 100° heat. Plus limited Vespa inventory due to Covid and new year models coming in a few months.
I want the Super Tech. Sure is stylish.
Niceeeee
In my state of Pennsylvania my scooter insurance is $13 a month for full coverage.
Nice!
That's super cheap. What scooter and are you in a rural city?
But...Shouldn't the yearly cost be amortized or not considered at all?
The first question to ask is there a local dealer or is the closest dealer 300-500 miles away ?
42% adult obesity in the USA, more people need to walk and cycle, that is the future. This is why your health insurance cost is so high.
Lol interesting perspective! :)
Always wanted a bike, but due to there being snow almost half the year in Canada it's not very practical
Makes sense. I deal with rain half of the year so I might go a month or so without riding. But every time I get back on it, it's so worth it! :)
That's no excuse I'm in Canada and I ride all year round. Triumph street bike in the spring/summer/fall and a Yamaha Dirt bike with spiked tires in the winter. I ride on the frozen lakes in winter as much as possible.
I lol'd at the price estimates for the helmet. Seriously people, don't cheap out on helmets: in a crash, they're literally the only thing between you and brain damage. Get one that's at least ECE or SNELL. DOT only means garbage. Expect to spend AT LEAST $350 on a decent full face helmet, possibly up to $700.
Agree! Thanks for this! I myself am definitely going to improve my helmet, especially after reading the comments about it!
how many miles in 3 years?
Thank you
Glad it helped!
The math is completely off if not dishonest. The average cost of car ownership was based on driving 15 000 miles/year. Based on the money this fellow spent per month on gas for his Vespa he only rode it a fraction of the 15 000 miles/year allotted to the car. He also hasn't purchased new tires in 3 years which indicates very low miles travelled. He is not saving $8 000/year or whatever he claimed. Mile for mile is how it should be calculated.
You're totally right to call that out! But, I will add I drive far less (less than 20% of prior car usage) since it's far less convenient - which is a good thing on the wallet. It forced me to get to know the light rail and bus system (paid for luckily by work at the time of filming this). It dramatically cut my driving down - which is better for the environment too :)
Old video, but I just found it. The 'wave' you showed, was wrong. When you put your left hand down at the angle, it is with 2 fingers, not the open hand as you showed it.
Prolly unimportant as this isn't the focus of your channel. But, as it is one of your most popular videos, thought I'd throw it in.
Haha this made me laugh. Learn something new everyday. Thanks for that!!
True cost = if the bike is 7k, the gear is a bare minimum 50% of that cost
Washington needs to get its shit together if it's charging more for motorcycles than cars and trucks for registration. That's stupid.
I've got a wolf lucky an love it
Mine is 2005 PX150.
Nice!!