Modern Vespa

did vespa ever build a moped type scooter/bike? talked to a guy today, claimed he had one a long time ago and could peddle it to start it. sounds like a regular old moped to me, but he insisted and i could be wrong. anybody know? thanks in advance.

Yes, Vespa made a moped called the Grande which was made for the US only. Gilera made a European version called the CBA.

I had a 1975 Vespa Ciao. Stator kept getting gummed up making the lights dim, but otherwise, a tough little thing.

Also came in a Bravo! model.
(Photo credit Vespa Ciao Forums, Netherlands)

Spain had the Vespino made in Madrid by Moto Vespa S.A.

Is it deluxe or normal? They need to decide!

My Ciao had an electric start. You could also start it while pedaling.

The non "Deluxe" model was not marketed in the USA.

In the US Market there was the Ciao, Bravo and Grande mopeds in Basic and Deluxe trim.

I believe there was an additional Super Bravo in some countries but I'm not sure which got it.

I think the Vespino was Spain only.

They are pretty cool, The Ciao,Bravo and Grande all used the same motor in different frames and the motor looks like a smaller version of a vintage Vespa motor. The motors are really simple with only two bearings and the crank shaft inside.

I've got a Bravo that'll do 50MPH when it's running well and a Grande project bike I'm converting to 12 volts with a CDI ignition instead of points.

I rented a Ciao in the 70's great ride, quality built, just slow.

In the 1960's, Vespa also made a 50cc small frame, the "Vespa Pedalo", with pedals for the French market to make it compatible with moped laws.

Oh man, I so would love to have one of those.

Thank you, thank you to all of the responses to my "Vespa Moped" question.
I didn't know anything like that even existed, especially the "Pedalo", that's a pretty cool machine. (Glad I didn't argue with the person telling me about this in the first place!)

There's actually one for sale in Philadelphia -

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/3834684859.html

Good graphic re: Vespa Moped models
Credit MyronsMopeds.com

Wow. 8lbs just to add blinkers!

My family bought a Vespa in the early 80's. I am dying to find out what model it was, but have had no luck.

It was definitely a peddle start only, but did not look as bike like as the Bravo. It looked like a PX 150 but could only reach speeds of 35 mph. I remember how hard it was to peddle start unless I was going down hill.

My mid-life crisis demands that I find and buy one. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Check out Aviator47's post above. There are pedals under there.

You could be correct. My only hesitation is that we bought it in the U.S. And the name Pedalo does not seem familiar. It was also purchased new in the 80's. I may be better off with a modern PX 150 anyway.

I'll check out Pictures of the Bajaj.

I remember someone restoring one a while ago. It was featured in one of the UK scooter mags.

Searching unsuccessfully for the article, it appears that the Pedalo that Al brought up was also called the V5A.

Here's a couple of photos I took when we had a chance to try out a Piaggio Ciao at the semiannual scooter rally in Kalkkinen, Finland.

Ciao means a farewell (to speed and hurry, I guess):


I had my doubts, but it actually says 'Vespa' in the label:

vespa moped curious...

Is that like bi-curious?

The Kinetic moped is to Vespa mopeds what the LML Stella is to the Vespa PX.

Exactly like it!

As in "wouldn't mind a go but wouldn't like the photos to be up on facebook!"

Thanks, guys, for the help! That first Vespa was special. It made me feel cool even when I wasn't. It was a night lite blue. I put a long seat on it and passenger pegs.