A brief history of Vespa

The name Vespa is perhaps the most widely known of all scooter brands. An Italian classic, and two-wheeled style icon. But how did it all begin?

Born out of the rubble of post-war industrial Italy and the remains of Piaggio’s aeronautical plant, Enrico Piaggio decided to leave the aeroplane manufacturing industry to focus on Italy’s urgent need for cheap, affordable transportation for the masses.

The original inception for the Vespa scooter was simultaneously occurring under the same set of post-war circumstances as arch-rival Lambretta.

Both brands were repurposing heavily damaged industrial plants and had similar design briefs. That of simple, reliable, and affordable transportation for the Italian public. The machines needed to be easy to ride, offer protection the elements, and easily ridden by both men and women (hence a step-thru design).

In 1944, Piaggio engineers began work on designing a motorcycle with fully enclosed bodywork and drivetrain, small wheels and handlebar mounted controls. The original design however had to be straddled (one leg on either side) due to a tall section between front shield and seat. Piaggio was purportedly displeased with the original design, especially the tall central section, and so enlisted the help of motorcycle hating aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio.

D'Ascanio had jumped ship from Lambretta to Vespa after a falling out with the owner of Lambretta, Ferdinando Innocenti. The engineer reportedly left due to a disagreement over the frame design (D'ascanio favoured a stamped spar frame rather than the rolled steel tubing preferred at Lambretta).

It was this spar frame design that D’ascanio brought to Vespa that would allow for a step-through design, which was to become so central to the classic Vespa appearance.

Vespa launched the original Vespa in 1946, one year prior to the first Lambretta.

Vespa scooters today

Production of Vespa scooters continues to this day, with many different models and engine variants having been released to the market over the years since the 1946 original.

As of 2023, Vespa currently produces five scooter models. The GTS, GTS Super, Primavera, Sprint – and an all-electric model, the Vespa Elettrica.

The five models are available in various different specifications, designs and variants with engine capacities from 50cc to 300cc.

An extensive range of Vespa accessories is also available for each model should owners wish to customise their scooter and stand out from the crowd.

Are Vespas expensive to insure?

Due to their lower power outputs purchase costs, scooters are typically cheaper to insure than motorcycles. However, Vespas are desirable machines and often targeted by thieves.

In addition, Vespa owners are often younger riders with less riding experience and shorter no-claims history. This can mean higher premium costs.

As with any form of two wheeled insurance, your quote will depend on the model of Vespa you ride, plus your own unique set of circumstances.

Vespa insurance cost

We have used the Biker Insure system to generate sample quotes for four popular Vespa models. Check out the other manufacturer pages at Biker Insure, where similar quote comparison tables are available for other motorcycle and scooter manufacturers. This will give a ball park figure for how Vespa insurance compares with motorcycle insurance, and other scooter brands.

Of course, the easiest way to find out exactly how much your Vespa insurance will cost is to run a personalised quote at Biker Insure. It only takes a few minutes to compare quotes, and is a completely free to use service.

Classic Vespa insurance

You can also compare insurance for classic Vespa models at Biker Insure. It doesn't matter how old your scooter is - simply enter your registration number or choose the model of your classic Vespa from the drop down list.

Compare insurance quotes for your Vespa

No matter whether you own a modern Vespa or one of the many classic machines, Biker Insure can help you discover cheap Vespa Insurance.

The system at Biker Insure system compares over 25 of the best scooter insurance providers in the UK. Simply enter your details once, your Vespa’s details, plus the level of insurance cover required. The system will automatically compare cheap Vespa insurance quotes from all the brokers on the panel.

Simply choose the Vespa insurance that's right for you!