Modern Vespa

All scooters should have the seat opening switch as close to that latching mechanism at the rear of the seat as possible.

Why do so many scooter manufacturers insist on putting the seat opening mechanism miles from the seat latch, on a lengthy cable that runs from the front to the rear of the scooter! Far too many things can and do, go wrong with this system.

I rarely want to reach forward to the handlebars and operate the clever vanity seat switch while I'm in the saddle!

Kymco puts the key lock for the seat opener on the side panel of their LIKE scooters. (white arrow)
But, really clever scoots would have you put the key directly into the seat latch!


O.S.

That ain't the way they do it in Italy.

My SYM HD200 had the same layout. I can't count the number of times I started the scoot only to realize I wanted something from the pet carrier. I like the Vespa's button release.

I am happy with the Vespa GTS saddle switch, but the latest model (2018)requires that the ignition key be used to power the switch. Bloody nuisance. Someday I'm going to re-wire it.

Because it solves the "locked my keys under the seat" problem.

Bingo. And having that button where it is on mine hasn't been a biggie at all.

My three Vespa GT's have a great design for both underseat storage and glove box.

The underseat storage is accessible by pushing a button on the legshield and lifting the seat. It locks when the key is turned to the steering lock spot.

The glove box is always accessible unless the steering is locked as well.

Vespa made it even better when, on the GTS, designed the seat latch to release when the open button is pushed, so it is accessible with one hand.

No separate key needed and difficult to lock the key inside either.

The XMAX is good too, but you have to turn off the scooter to get under the seat. Not terrible but there are times when I would like to put it on the center stand, get something out of the storage, hop back on and go. Starting is easy so not a big deal.

Needing to dig for a key to get under the seat is not better in any way.

Bill

The 2019 Primavera come with a remote fob. You can open the seat remotely from a few feet away. I'm not sure how far yet. No need for the key in the ignition. It will also flash the running lights a couple of times while opening the seat. You can also get the lights to flash only, from your seat at the Cafe Boeuf having a cappuccino., so you know which ride is yours.
PS: keep the fob separately from the keys, it won't do you any good locked inside the helmet bucket with your keys.

So there're 3 ways to release the latch to open the seat on the new Prima.
1: with the remote
2: pushing the button next to the ignition.
3: pulling the handle inside the glove compartment.

If you lock your keys in the bucket and your battery is dead, the remote won't work. Ha! now the release button next to the ignition won't work ether. So you think I'll use the handle in the glove box. Badabing Badaboom, you need the key to get into the glove box so you can get your key. So now you hope your pocket Swiss army knife will be adequate enough to get to the cable to release the seat. Like I said it's a CATCH22.

No problem, you just reach under the side cowl and pull the cable by hand.

That will make it 4 ways.

The BMW operates much like the GT series Vespas and the button. You turn the key to the left in the ignition and the under seat storage. I searched online for any instances of it being a point of failure or an issue and came up empty handed.

I'm not saying you are wrong, it is a point of potential failure. Calling the engineers and designers at BMW, Piaggio, Kymco, Peugeot, Suzuki, Buddy, etc "dumb" is a bit of an exaggeration though. I'm sure there is a reason they do it and yes, it probably is convenience for the owner.