Modern Vespa

I'll be headed back to France again for a few weeks and will be renting a Vespa to drive from Paname to Le Havre - visiting a few towns along the way.

The spot I'm renting from has a Primavera (never riden), the LX, and GTS models. All 125 (as per Europe standard).

I'll be riding with my partner and don't want to have her be too uncomfortable. I have a GTS back, have had an ET4, but not an LX or obv an (auto/mod) Primavera.

Which is best for Passengers/trips: storage space, comfortability, footpegs and how big are those differences?

Well this is essentially the GT owners club so watch this space.

Best thing I'd suggest is sit on all the seats, might make a huge difference.....power and frame size aside.

GTS less than 200cc?! Ok Europe.

Even though I own a GTS 300, I'm going to actually throw my hat in on the LX. But honestly, I'd go with the model that has rider pegs for 2 up. Stock LX typically don't (Sorry my old '07 model didn't. Not sure if the newer versions have them)

I did take my pregnant wife two up one time. I had the ET rider pegs added on. She said (given the general uncomfortableness of Pregnancy) that it was a pleasant ride.

The large frame GT/GTS having a roomier seat and better footpegs for 2-up riding compared to the small frames (ET4, LX125/150, Primavera). The GT/GTS series also has more power to handle the weight of 2-up riding - this is particularly true of the 300 which produces more torque than the other Vespa models.

Remember, it is a lot harder to get a license in Eruope for over 125cc. That is why 125cc is so popular over there.

If the OP has to go with a 125, the GTS still has the advantage of larger frame/seat and a bit more power. I'd think the liquid cooled engine would also better tolerate being pushed hard with a load (passenger, gear, etc).

All three bikes are going to be a little under powered for the long stretches between Paris and La Havre. It's not an entirely flat drive either and all three bikes will struggle with hills with two people on board. Still, I ride 2 up all the time on my LX and while hill climbing is slow, the LX does great everywhere. I have a sissy bar and foot pegs for the passenger (usually my wife but sometimes my kids) and I never feel uncomfortable riding with 2.

They can both do it but IMHO the GTS would give you more room

I'd find another hire shop that'll hire out a GTS300 or other better-powered scooter (manufacturer irrelevant). As long as you have an International Driver's Permit *with your motorcycle endorsement noted* they'll hire a larger machine quite happily. You can get an IDP at AAA for $25.

Very correct.

Having now owned both, i can say the GTS is better because of the larger frame. Although the LX feels slightly higher in the seat. The LX is air cooled vs Liquid for the GTS. I can't comment on the power difference. If you have a top box or back rest, then that will make life easier for the pillion. The GTS has 12" wheels too, vs smaller 10" and 11" on the LX. The LX is more manouverable in tight traffic, and gets through tighter gaps.

But the passenger's knees may not.

By 15mm. Not worth the discomfort for that - and there won't be filtering with gay abandon in foreign cities with a passenger on board.

With the LX having a smaller wheel and shorter wheelbase, it certainly turns easier at slower speeds.

True, and if just one-up it'd be ideal for city use. However, riding in France, two-up, you'd ideally get a bike with more power and room for a passenger than the LX. Especially in Paris, where the OP will start from.

True. The LX and GTS both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Didn't have a choice in the matter as it were, she dropped off a GTS. It was a drop off a bike to you type place - ie a person with a garage somewhere, not a business with a fixed location.

It did the job. Not alot of power, very little pickup but once it got up to speed it handled well. It had great breaks which was more of a negative when we were back in the city but worked well on the longer stretches and any declines up and down steep hills we came across.

It was akin to riding any 150cc vintage: couldn't redline for very long and was constantly passed by cars on the A13.