Modern Vespa

Hello, i have a scooter and it has no light under seat storage and when it's dark outside i want to see what's there easily. How you managed that?
-First i think for a lamp with a motion sensor but for sure when i pass over potholes things will move and could turn on the light
-Second ideea is to have a timer lamp, push a button and for x minutes to stay on
-A switch to make a contact and power on a light when the seat is open

Other ideea or solutions?

This is the easiest to implement. Any lever operated microswitch will do. Or even a Piaggio brake light switch.
https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/brake-light-switch-tommaselli_DO221820

I know, but i want something less intrusive, eventually battery powered. I found in my tool box a switch for hood in case of aftermarket alarm, but this require a 12V output etc.

I don't know if this would work, but sticking one of these to the underside of the seat or back of the pet carrier might do the trick....I suspect they're available individually or smaller amounts somewhere....

closet lights

There are diffrent types, but i want one, a idiot proof, in case of rush not to let to discharge and next time i need it will be dark. But thanks for suggestion

There are multitudes of "stick up" lights that would be a far easier, if less elegant, solution - many that rechargeable via USB cord. Most you'd have to turn on and off manually, but there are some that are motion sensitive.

Auvon Inc (store on amazon and probably their own web site has a wide variety of rechargeable lights, but I'm sure there are dozens of companies world wide selling similar items.

Unless I'm missing something, it sounds like your switch will work. You probably want a Normally Closed switch, so that it opens the circuit when the seat presses the switch pushbutton. I think a switch rated for 12 volts, for automotive applications, would be ideal. It would work to switch the scooter's battery, if that's the way you go, or it would switch a light with its own internal battery (a light with 3 or 4 AA batteries for example).

A "metal ball tilt switch" attached to the seat might work, too. Or a "magnetic reed switch" as are used on window and door security systems.

My Garmin smart watch has a flash light built into it. Super easy to get to and very effective for these types of things.


Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

There are under hood mercury switch activated lights available. Search.

With today's battery powered LED light technology and options, I wouldn't scab into scooters wiring for a trunk light

I carry small flashlight in the under seat compartment because I don't want to limited to just under the seat illumination. Of course most people have these built in to their phones.

There's always a cooler light, designed in just this way to turn on when the lid is opened:
https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-Inside-Cooler-Lid-Light/dp/B001N7FIVU

I've used IR motion activated light meant to light stairs, USB rechargeable. Roughly 2 inch wide, 1/4 inch thick. I glue it under the seat.
Works nicely, I take it in and charge it once or twice a year.

I think Californiacruisng has the best answer - or simply put a small
flashlight in the nder seat.

Bob Copeland

I bought that exact light. It worked great until it fell apart.

The theory is sound, though.

Hello! I finished my little project. I bought a door switch from a car audio shop, i had a spare led trip, some water tight connectors, a fuse and 1 hour of work.
The power i have taken from starter relay via a fuse and the ground from a stud.
When i want to remove the seat basket, i wired a connector for those moments.
Thanks for help!

Well done!

I have a cargo net in case I am running errands, a screw driver in case I need to access my battery, and my papers are in a zip lock bag taped to the underside of the seat in case the cops decide to stick it to me.

Is the lighting really necessary? How much junk do you keep in your trunk?

Under my seat there is space for a full face helmet and most of the time I carry tools. And now being here in RO, Europe, winter, the sun goes down quickly and i need what tools i need to get.

Haha, yesterday evening i was watching on this clip. It's a good option, but i am lazy and i don't want to turn on/off all the time.

rarevintea,

Welcome to you from Minnesota USA. If you can, it would be great to
see some photos from Romania as you scoot around. I have not had
the opportunity to travel to Romania but understand it is beautiful.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota USA


Welcome Romania.

How often is your Vespa breaking down???

My scooter is a Sym HD300i, a taiwan company and it's reliable so far. It's a 300cc engine with 27hp.
I am electrical engineer and in my spare time i repair household electrical issues and for that i need tools like a drill, strippers and other electrician tools.

And btw Romania is a beautiful country, with interesting roads and good food. If you plan arrive here for work or vacantion let me know!

People used to laugh at me for carrying tools, but the few times I was able to ride home because I had pliers, screwdrivers, etc on my bike it made it all worthwhile.

I changed a broken belt alongside the road in the rain and rode my bike home one afternoon. I felt ten feet tall and bulletproof.

...but did you feel the need to install underseat lighting?

Maybe