Modern Vespa

Let me start with this disclaimer: I am a Massachusetts girl, born and bred, and I love the Commonwealth.

Now that I have said that, let me add that we have some of the most intrinsically messed-up laws on the books when it comes to many things, and this includes vehicular laws with regard to my LX 50.

I live in a predominantly rural part of the state. I like to ride around on the back roads and take in the scenery. I also am married to someone who races bicycles and who does long training rides. What a great thing to be able to be a "support rider" at last, since there is no way in hell that I am ever going to be able to be as accomplished a bike rider as my partner. I would have to devote too much training time that could otherwise be put to good use catching fish.

Anyway, we have been having to plan her training rides around avoiding roads with speed limits above 40 mph, as it isn't legal for me to ride my LX 50 on those roads--she can ride her bicycle on them, but I can't ride my Vespa on them. This planning has been an interesting exercise, but kind of a pain in the neck.

So here I am, with a vehicle that I just LOVE, by the way, having owned it for only 2 weeks and having almost put 100 miles on it already. I am wondering at this point if I need to start thinking about next year trading in the LX 50 and getting a LX 150.

Please, give me your thoughts....

What's the speed limit on the roads she wants to train on? 55mph? Is your partner cool taking back roads or is it something that's causing issues?

I'd wait out the summer and see how you guys do training on the back roads, and how your riding skills have progressed by then. You'll also have the benefit of doing your homework and saving for additional costs.

I'm thinking a 150 is the best option. Opens a lot more avenues for you and your spouse, and doesn't hobble you for personal rides either. I suspect that you'll be getting itchy to do more, and faster with time.

I thought my 150 would be all I'd ever want, until I decided I wanted to ride a 65 mph segment more comfortably on my commute, and started ranging farther (and faster) than I'd anticipated.

Enjoy your ride for now.....and keep us posted.

Is that because you 50 isn't registered/licensed/insured with a M/C endorsement? If so could you simply register it, get the endorsement, and problem solved?

As a Massachusetts native I agree with you about the states beauty, (but I left at my earliest opportunity).

What laws? https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90
The Vespa LX50 is capable of 40 mph and is a motorcycle, legally allowed any highway ('cept possibly freeways.)

Better to have it (top speed) and not need it than the other way 'round.
Btw, if you haven't done so, take the motorcycle safety course. It's a good thing to do anyway, AND it eliminates the need for a road test if you haven't got a license. There is one specifically for scooters.

Section 1H of the above. The manufacturer's stated top speed is the one used - and Piaggio state 39mph.

if a 150 is within your budget and you don't mind going for your endorsement then do it. I have a similar issue with my 2015 PV 50. It's only used for errands and commuting short distance to work. By law, I can only go 30mph with the MP plate. I average 35-40mph keeping with the flow of traffic in 30-35mph zones. Only occasionally sneak onto a 40mph zoned roadway, like when I take it in for service. That new PX is calling my name though.

Welcome to MV!

I don't think laws in Massachusetts are all that unusual. Yes, each state has some differing statutes but most all states have a minimum displacement for divided highways, and a minimum speed for 2 lane state highways and other major roads. In Oregon, 40 mph is the minimum capability for state highways. There are also statutes about operating so that you don't create an unsafe situation for other vehicles. That all says to me that there are places that work for a 50, and places that do not. The LX 150 (or it's successor, the Primavera) are excellent choices for a rider who learned on an LX 50.

What is it calling to you? The only thing I hear the new PX saying is "not in the US".

In RI, and I think MA, it's not the displacement, but top speed that defines whether or not plates (& hence an operator's license) are required. As it happens, because true mopeds (Puch, Mobylette, etc) have a low top speed, and are usually 49CC, the interpretation has been that all <50CC bikes are in that category, & most RMV people don't know the difference.

Is that for real?! I guess that doesnt surprise me. Blast!! No wonder Vespa Milwaukie didnt call me back with an ETA. That PX is saying "want in one hand..." haha!

How on earth do you ride anywhere without getting on roads with speed limits above 40? I could not even leave my very small subdivision without getting on a road with a speed limit of 50. There are plenty of roads under 40 mph but they are all in subdivisions separated by roads with speed limits at or above 45 mph or in the down town area which dead as a tomb. You are right! Strange laws.

Remember the small roads there started as game trails, then became horse trails and wagon roads then car roads. Many of them follow the topography.

Because it is a 49cc, it is limited to roads with speed limits no greater than 40 mph. I also can't legally ride it at night.

Believe it or not, I can do my entire commute within the 40 mph limit, can ride to the local Harley dealership for service (my Vespa looks mighty tiny next to those big bikes), and can ride to several other towns using back roads. So, we have sort of been able to work around it; it is just very ponderous to do so.

I am planning to do so, just waiting to hear back from the company. I would take it regardless, it can only make me a safer rider.

Troutgirl, it seems like you wanna go fishing for the 150cc fish but are doing it with a 50cc fishing line. It's sporting for a while but it usually prevents you from reaching your goals. My advice is to put a few more cc's in your tackle box and go fishing for the big one.

Look at the VIN plate on a 50cc scooter and on a 150 scooter. The 50 cc will state "Scooter" while the 150 will state "Motorcycle" The Federal DOT considers the 50cc a scooter not a motorcycle.

In North Carolina all roads are limited to 55 unless otherwise posted.

Oh, the joys of living in a country with fifty-one legal systems!

My license plate starts with LU which for Mass means "limited use vehicle". That's where the 40 mph restriction comes in.

Yeah, the LX50 (or most 50cc scooters) can either fit into a "moped" or "Limited use" category.

The moped category is where you get the sticker, not a license plate, and you can ride those without a motorcycle license, and can park (I think) on the sidewalk. There is a limit to speed (not sure what that is).

Limited Use is a little different, but it is a speed limited two wheeler. You get a license plate, and can ride on some higher speed roads, but are limited from others. Again, not sure about the numbers.

I met a guy last year at a scooter meetup who had a modified Rukus with Limited Use plates, and he told me he was limited to 45mph, and couldn't go on some roads.

From the sounds of things, you might want to upgrade to a 125/150 machine with higher speed capabilities. You'll be able to cruise along at or above 50mph, and can probably go on almost any road (except the turnpike!). If I remember correctly, 150cc Vespas are limited to 59mph.

If you upgrade to a 150, you'll need to get a motorcycle license, if you don't already have one. I think 150cc Vespas are categorized as motorcycles for the RMV.

Yes, I am planning to take the course anyway to make myself a safer rider. I figure the LX 50 is good for now, at least for the remainder of this year, and then in spring when the college students are selling their Vespas I can look at 150s or maybe a Primavera....

50cc bikes are nice in the city, but aren't appropriate in more rural areas.

If finances allow, you need a 125-150cc motorbike. You will need a Motorcycle endorsement on your license and insurance and inspections.

Back when I raced bicycles, my club had a Honda CB125 which was used as a support vehicle and for motorpacing on the track. It was the perfect size for the task.

P.

It is evident you are already thinking about it. Go for the 150. Plan accordingly: ride the 50 rest of this season, take the MSF, and start looking at 150's. Also look on cycletrader.com. I have purchased both my Vespa's (S150 and GTV250) from Cycletrader. I sold my S150 to an individual from an ad I placed on Cycletrader.

I miss my S150 ... I loved, loved, loved it!!! Dear one tried to talk me out of purchasing the S150, due to the area where we live. Rural and hilly. Dear one has been riding motorcycles 40+ years. After a few weeks (like you with the 50), I knew I needed more power, minimally, for the hills. I knew I needed more than a 150.

If it were me, I would sell the LX50 outright, rather than "trade in." You have time to think and plan. Considering spring is the best time to sell a PTW in the NE. You can also take a lookie on cycletrader.com to see what amount 50's are selling and at what price are being offered.

It is never too early to start looking ... for an upgrade! One may just appear out of nowhere!!! Seriously!!!

Good Luck!

When I lived in Florida, it was as you described. Here in Maine, my back road is 40 mph, and it turns on to a 50 mph road. However, when I lived in the Boston area, I could and did often go through 5 cities in the span of about 7 miles to get to Boston, and the speed limit never exceeded 35. Now I could have, and often did get right to the highway to drive in where the speed limit was 55, but the traffic would move at about 0 to 20. There's just no getting anywhere quickly during rush hours. Except by bicycle. For a time I commuted by bike and did quite well time-wise.

I'd get a 150. Altho the 50 and 150 are the same bike except fpr the engine. I use that fact to get by all the BS about inspection etc. I have mine badged as a bike/moped. Means i can't go on the freeways. Wouldn't go on them with a 150 because my scooter can't do 55 coming up the mountain. Anything that has a plate on it can go on the freeway. Even the little 50cc Ruckus. That IMHO is dangerous. So i stick to secondary roads. I grew up on the border of MA (in NY). Canaan. We used to do everything in MA. MY dad worked for GE in Pittsfield and the "blue" laws are interesting. What part do you live in?

Yes, the 150 will be in the future. I will get my motorcycle license so when the 150 is purchased I can ride it right away. For right now, the 50 is so much fun, and perfect for me to learn on.

I live in Pittsfield. My commute is about 4 miles each way. I have no desire to ride on busy highways, probably very brief sojurns on Rte7, Rte 8, Rte 9 as part of overall rides on secondary roads. Darn it, it would be so sweet to just be able to ride to Bartlett's in the fall and pick up some cider and cider donuts! Or bring home some nice cortlands and macs to make some apple cupcake! I also have visions of a casual ride up Greylock...

Uh, no, not apple cupcake. For some reason the site insists that "p i e" is cupcake.

Ah, now that's the kind of thinking that gets people buying bigger scooters. Yea, odd little quirk of the website. You get used to it after a while... that and more in the wiki.

I hear the traffic up to Greylock is a PIA these days. I guess JK Rowling has identified that it's the site of Livermorny. Hoards of fans are going there. Also aren't they working on the monument? I lived in Pittsfield. Did Kindergarten and first grade at the old Sanford school (now condos) across from Clapp park. I'd ride it there but that's just me.