Vespa

Vespa is an Italian scooter brand produced by Piaggio, launched in 1946 in Pontedera, Italy. Its design, with a pressed-steel monocoque body that also forms the frame, a step-through floor and a front shield, made it a symbol of post-war Italy and of scooter culture worldwide.

Classic Vespas used two-stroke engines with hand-operated gear changes on the left grip. Modern models use four-stroke engines with automatic CVT transmissions, fuel injection and ABS, and there are electric versions too. Model ranges span from 50 cc to around 300 cc and more.

The name means 'wasp' in Italian. Vespas keep their value well, and both new parts and restoration parts for classic models are widely available.