Modern Vespa

Maybe this is a common concern, or maybe my scooter is unique (it's been a while since I've ridden another scooter).

Considering the large amount of engine braking that happens when you let off the throttle, why aren't scooters rigged to have the brake light come on when you do that? I think this is a basic matter of safety, giving distracted tailgaters more time to notice that you're slowing down.

If I were driving even a manual car with more engine braking than average, I'd still be having to apply the brakes (and hence having the warning displayed behind me) long before having to do so on my scooter for the same amount of deceleration.

What am I missing

Good point, dishrag. I love the decent engine braking of the Vespa, but if I have someone up my date I also touch the brake specifically to operate the brake light.

It is totally safe to engage the brake light manually by slight pulling of brake lever when you close the throttle lever. On the other side, the brake light always when you close the trottle a bit is a bad idea: you will have the brake light on always when not accelerating.

Brake pads are cheap and last for bloody ages. Don't be shy about hauling on them.

My bv350 has a lot of engine braking also, i sometimes tap the brakes when slowing. I do this in all my vehicles.

Here you go.

https://www.amazon.com/Vololights-Motorcycle-Downshifting-Installation-Waterproof/dp/B00MEQ25X8

https://gearbrake.com/products/gearbrake-smart-brake-light-module?variant=15412515971

Aha! thank you

Anybody on MV have experience with any of these products?

Here's another brand, and there's a video on youtube showing it working very well
https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Brake-Module-modulator-System/dp/B079NN72MK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548647407&sr=8-1&keywords=sts+smart+brake+module

Use the brakes to slowdown? Light comes on automatically.