Modern Vespa

What protective riding gear do you wear on your scoot?

Having been a motorcycle rider for a few decades and new to the scooter world I'm finding a lack of protective gear worn by scooter riders...myself included!

I'm a bit of a safety nut so for motorcycling I always wear a helmet ($800 Shoei), jacket(w/ D30), pants(w/ D30), gloves (w/ knuckle armor), boots (w/ ankle and shin armor).

However, when riding my GTS300 I somehow feel I don't need more than a helmet and gloves (only because it's winter). Then on a recent ride I decided to see what the max speed was so gave the juice to Charlene and enjoyed seeing the speedo easily go over 80mph.

Reflecting on that ride I'm conflicted and need to reconsider my scooter riding apparel.

Back to the top...what protective riding gear do you wear on your scoot?

Well, I commute ~65 miles each way, mostly on I-90 at 70+MPH.

Thus, it's Toreador Pants for me. And yeah, I mean all of it.

And yes, I am aware of what the MV filter did there.

Seriously though, Shoei Neotec (shortly to be replaced), Aerostich jacket and pants, steel toe boots and leather gloves.
Ear plugs and sunglasses as well.

OTOH if I'm riding strictly in the little village, I'll skip the (armored) pants and maybe just go with normal albeit heavy shoes.

Many of us wear exactly the same protective gear whether riding a motorcycle or scooter, I'm in that camp. Doesn't matter what you're riding if you fall. Personally, I wear a Shoei Neotech II helmet, one of several armored jackets (Roland Sands, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars) depending on temperature, armored gloves and pants (Olympia Overpants) and motorcycle boots.

Be safe
Miguel

When I acquired a used scooter the guy was my same measurements. I bought one Corazzo jacket from him, and he gave me two more! I have since then been very partial to them. I have all seasons of there gloves also with no complaints. Now if I had to pay "full" price for them then I would have thought twice. But 10 years later as good as they've lastest second hand I'd not even hesitate to purchase them..

* Shark Evo One helmet

* Corazzo jacket, one long for winter and one short for summer

* Resurgence jeans (with knee pads inserted when doing long or fast rides)

* Tradie style boots.

* Assorted gloves for different weather, some are corazzo forget the other

FF helmet, jacket, gloves, boots are standard. 90% of the time protective pants of some sort. Earplugs over 45 mph.

Thanks for the replies. Probably won't hear from all the people I see scooting around without anything but a helmet and that's due to the law in Oregon requiring them. Glad to hear at least a few of you are safety conscious. Guess I'd better practice what I preach.

There's not a situation that I'd be OK hitting the ground unprotected, so there isn't one that I skimp on gear. In fact, I don't ride my bicycle in traffic anymore since getting the Vespa.

I've got a full face helmet with custom-fitted earplugs and a Cardo. My jacket is a Dainese Kayes textile jacket with back and chest armor. My gloves are BMW GS Dry of leather and superfabric. My pants are Uglybros Motorpool-K, which include excellent pads. My boots are leather Falco Rangers.

If it's cold, I wear a midlayer under the jacket. If it's wet, I throw a Goretex shell over the top.

I haven't crash-tested any of my gear, and I hope I never do. It does keep me comfortable when I'm riding, which is an underrated benefit. I have a friend who only rides in city clothes. She's not as comfortable nor confident as I am, and I suspect the lack of gear has a lot to do with that. It's hard to have fun when you're cold.

The jacket is only A rated; the Uglybros include some kevlar panels, but aren't rated at all. I'd like to get AAA alternatives for both, which should be safer at full throttle. Unfortunately, manufacturers have to predict the safety rating their gear can hit. Most play it safe and go for low ratings, so AAA gear is hard to come by.

I'm also looking forward to the new ECE 22.06 helmets that are rated for rotational protection. I realize ratings aren't perfect, but it's unfortunate that so little attention has been paid to rotational protection in helmets to date. I'd expect MIPS and similar systems would be way more popular than they appear to be.

I'm also interested in getting some Icon Stormhawks for hiking. My Falcos are certainly hikeable, but they're a bit cramped and unbreathable for that type of terrain. Klim Outlanders are supposed to be great, but they don't fit my feet. 😕

There have been a few threads on this topic. You will find some here who will ride with shorts and t-shirt etc. Wear whatever gives you confidence.

Always wear my helmet, usually wear my gloves (on hot summer days I'll admit sometimes I skip them around town). I wear an armored jacket except on those days where I can feel myself overheating in one. Then, I switch to an armored vest, elbow pads and knee pads (I'm not always wearing jeans). I think probably the biggest over-heating issue for me comes when it's 97 degrees out and I'm wearing my Shoei. It's a full face. FWIW, I don't like going over 60 mph on the scooter (though I'm aware and often reminded that it can go much faster than that). I do have a summer jacket, I have winter pants by Gerbing which have padding in them. I appreciate the Toreador Pants and I acknowledge I could be more responsible about it. I also know that part of the fun of having a scooter in the warmer months, is feeling the breeze so that's why I go for knee/elbowpads.

I do an almost-alarming amount of highway riding on Melody (she's on the mend, BTW...details in another thread), so I do the All That Gear thing when out there at speed:

Helmet: HJC RPHA 70 ST

Jacket: Rev'It! sport-touring for Winter (forget the model, but pricey); Highway 21 mesh for Summer; Roland Sands Ramone for everything in-between

Pants: Bull-It Tactical Covec Straight-Fit Jeans: Fit well (even with knee/hip armor installed), and even look the part

- Footwear: Bilt Dexter (short/medium-distance rides); Bilt Pro Tourer Waterproof Boots (everything else)

Admittedly, for super-short rides in sticky-hot weather, I just do the helmet-gloves thing (no flip-flops, though...I do have my limits).

(And: I was watching RyanF9's recent video on rider airbags with fascination: they're still way too expensive to think about at the moment - it was all I could do to spend on the gear I have, which I hardly regret - but I'm keeping my eye on how this bit of safety tech develops.)

I came from motorcycles to scoot too (...and drifted back again...).

For some reason I did not feel any difference in riding a scoot vs. riding a motorcycle and what gear I use.

I have a personal rule of thumb, probably not a very good one, but that's me - when I know I will stick to bicycle speeds and stay away from traffic, I'll mostly ignore protective gear. This applies to trips to the closest shops, using some shortcuts there is no need to keep up with any traffic. Still, I do understand that it would be very painful to, say, drop the scoot or bike onto my leg, much more painful than falling over with a bicycle at a similar speed.

Helmet I wear always, I've done this since I was a kid. Like I'd probably put the seatbelt on in my car just to move it a few meters, it's a reflex.

Normal riding - all gear, ff helmet, gloves, jacked, pants, shoes. I used to wear kevlar-reinforced jeans, but apparently I'm getting old(er) and would hate to think going down with those. So it is leather pants or synthetic riding pants.

Personally I've always found it odd to wear 'semi all gear'. Like, you're prepared for going semi-down, or what? T-shirt and heavy riding boots? Leather riding jacket and normal jeans? Makes no sense to the simple, old me.

I prefer full face helmets. For me, comfy and quiet - relatively speaking, of course.
I've fastened and opened DD rings about zillion times, so can't see much benefit from a modular helmet. I do wear glasses too, but never had any issues with those either.

I have to admit that I have fallen into this trap.

I used to ride motorbikes in my 20's and always wore full leathers.

Now I'm in my 40's and riding scooters, for some reason I'm not thinking about safety in the same way!? I will normally go out with just a helmet (compulsory in UK), an armoured jacket, jeans, and boots (like Cat boots with no real ankle protection).

I think I need to reconsider this.

As daily rider since 1955 and over 1.5 million 2 wheel miles (sidecar outfits too and 2 Messerschmitts also) on bike scooter, always helmet, gloves, boots. Outer clothes bright/non flapping/waterproof---I like to be warm and dry---feather jacket as liner works for me//long underwear on legs. Wolverine waterproof wellingtons keep my feet dry and fairly warm even on cold winter. Get old then dance in putting rubber overshoes on=no longer fun or good idea---so the Wolverines work fine.

Outer right now Aerostich Darien Pants and jacket---easy to get on,dry, even work in hot weather. Last about 100,000 miles. Not cheap to buy...but worth it. My jacket Bright yellow, reflective tape and dirt.

Gloves---have many pair, still working on right right combo---Aerostich 3 finger overmitts keep you dry and may add a little winter warmth. Think electric grips would be nice....providing electrial system of you bike can handle.

I also use Aerostich Kombat Lite boots, on 2nd pr---they are comfortable/warm but on long trips will only keep your feet dry for a day and a half in rain. So choice has to be made for touring.

Darien Suit probably provides some protection in crash/spill.

I've never ridden a motorcycle, and compared to a lot of folks here I haven't been riding scooters very long, although seven years creeps up fast.

I started wearing just a half helmet and jeans. Then I went down and realized the advantage of gloves. Someone on the forum mentioned that they keep your fingers from becoming crayons. That stuck with me.

I was riding 40 miles round trip to work, so for lots of reasons a riding jacket made sense. I have a Speed and Strength armored jacket and a Wilson's leather. I like them both differently.

I picked up a GMax modular helmet and bounced between the two until my head bounced off the road. I realized the advantage that covering my pretty face with a helmet afforded me. I replaced the modular with an HJC full face. Pinlock visor inserts are fantastic, BTW, if you like riding in colder temps.

I also sprung for a Scorpion high-vis all season riding jacket last year that I like very much. That and some Columbia heated gloves I found at Goodwill.

That and I generally wear boots / leather shoes that cover my ankles.

I say all that not to preach the Toreador Pants, but rather to share why I wear what I wear. Riding is always a calculated risk. You cannot wear enough protective gear to make riding safe, it's all degrees of unsafe. If you want to be as safe as possible on the road you'd drive a car, and even then there are no guarantees.

A couple of things get me, though ... why has it always been ok for bicyclists to ride in traffic wearing nothing more than a piffy bike helmet and some bits of spandex? I mean, it's the same traffic. And a lot of those guys/gals are riding at speeds faster than my 50cc is (supposed to be) capable of. Why isn't it recommended for them to armor up?

The other thing that gets me is this. We got behind a guy just the other day on a HD full dresser. Beautiful bike, really. Not a water speck on it, as many HDs are. Armored jacket, boots, leather chaps and ... a baseball cap. Really?

I dunno. It's personal risk. Only you can assess what risk you're willing to take.

It's a personal choice and level of risk acceptance. For me, I gear up fully when I ride. I've grown so accustomed to it, I'm keenly aware when not fully geared.

Helmet - Nolan N104 Modular with foam earplugs
Jacket - Tourmaster Flex series 3 with elbow, shoulder and back armor
Pants - Tourmaster Mesh or solid overpants with knee and hip armor
Boots - TCX Side zip Armored boots
Gloves - Scorpion SGS with Knuckle armor and palm sliders

Sidenote - Tourmaster and Cortech jackets and pants come with zippers to connect together in the back. This is not a replacement for a full 1 piece suit, but it does prevent the jacket from riding up your back. It's an under-rated feature. Each comes with both sides of the zipper, so you can sew the other half into another brand of jacket or pants.

In addition to reg riding wear---I always have 2 piece rain suit under the seat.

Earplugs always. Helmet, jacket, regular boits, and gloves. But not Toreador Pants.

I'm cackling... It was a typo! I meant thermal, not sure wth happened. I do NOT wear bullfighting pants.

All The Gear; All The Time abbreviates to a common acronym (A. T. G. A. T. T.) that gets automatically corrected to Toreador Pants by the gnomes that host these words.

Wow! Lots of great responses from those who are safety conscious. Thank you. Since I have all he safety gear I may as well wear it when riding. The tough part for me is two situations that I will not completely gear up.

First, my new office, and the reason I bought Charlene, is 1.5 miles from home and I wear a dress suit. I won't be wearing more than a helmet and gloves in the safety department for my arduous commute. That said, I won't ride in the rain, ice, snow, or even wet roads.

Second is riding 1 mile up the road for a coffee, donut, ATM, convenience store, or Home Depot. The street to travel to these places is 35mph. I may get arguments here but I'm simply not gearing up with all the safety stuff for such a short ride on a road I know like the back of my hand including every driveway, turnout, and side street. I'm not arrogant in my skills but with 40+ years of riding and racing motorcycles I'm confident I can avoid a problem on these short trips. I'll likely wear whatever I had on when I decided to go.

On the other hand, I do wear Toreador Pants while riding... it's a fashion risk I'm willing to take. Do you think a cape is too much? And, matching socks, of course.

Sounds like you've shifted your thinking a bit. Good on you!

Hey, I'm just sayin'... When I got hit, I was 1.5 miles from my house and I've lived here for decades so was quite familiar with the roads. And I've also been riding for decades. you can get his just pulling out of the driveway.

I've said my piece and will refrain from any further comment in this thread. I just wanted to set the record straight for others that might be reading it so they know the risks, even a short distance from home.

Cheers! And I do mean that. Be safe.
Miguel

Dress suit and Vespa - this was not the reason I bought a Vespa, as at the time I mostly commuted by car for practical reasons. Still, I entertained the idea of going to the office with the scoot once and awhile. Mine was a dress suit job too.

In the end, I could not make myself to ride in the morning traffic without protective gear. Not a big city or anything, but still. What I managed to do quite well was to fold my trousers and jacket into the top box, in a folded (twice, or was it even three times🙄), soft airplane dress carrier pack. We had a gym at the office, so changing was not an issue. Had a shirt & tie already under a motorcycle jacket, that felt a bit funny.... but the suit (wool) came out of the box wringkle free. Dress shoes I kept permanently at the office, that was, and is, convenient in our weather anyway.

Thanks Miguel. I appreciate your comments and well wishes.

We all have to decide what works best for ourselves. There are many people who think anyone riding a scooter or motorcycle has a death wish and is stupid for taking such risks...like my Mother. LOL

I haven't worn protective gear while I have had the Vespa that is for the last 10 years now, except for the full face helmet.
After reading this thread I will have to re-evaluate and get myself some clothing. The fastest I get to ride is around 50-60mph when going across the bridges or when I am on the highways in and around NYC, I havent done much long distance riding other than a few trips to Montauk, Boston, DC and upstate NY. Stupid I was/am but I think I shall change that mindset.
I am planning on TCX Hero WP boots, Resurgence jeans (they have Pekev instead of kevlar) with knee/hip CE protection and Ill have to find gloves that are comfy while protecting. I have a Corrazzo jacket but never have worn it as the arms are too short for me. Will find something.
When I rode a motorbike I had a full aerostich suit that I bought for $700 (it had been used twice by previous owner) used it for 10 years and resold it for $100.

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/32590700997.html

When I start riding again in a few months or knowing me well before I should I will be more aware of the gear I'm wearing. Up until now for around town I'd wear all the gear except the pants. Thing is on what of those short trips around town on a quiet Saturday morning is when "it" happened. My gear kept me alive but my lack of armoured pants has me in more pain than I can describe...seriously that much pain.

It'll be some time before wearing anything but sweats is possible but as soon as I can armoured denim is high on the list. It HAS to have pads that work and stay where they need to be.

I'm never going to be one to preach, wear what you want. I will say with absolute certainty even an experienced rider with defensive training can go down and there is nothing that can stop it. I'm going to lose months of my life to this and the only winner is my dog as she gets lots of daddy time at here favourite place, the family bed.

I always wear CE rated armor, at the minimum in shoes and gloves, at the knees, hips, elbows, shoulders and back. Some of my jackets also have chest armor.

Things to consider: according to the MAIDS report, most crashes with injuries occur close to home, over 70% in urban areas and small displacement bikes are not safer than bigger ones. The accident risk at high speeds on highways isn't that great, a car hitting you at an intersection is a greater risk.

added image

Thanks for posting this. I'd never seen that graphic before. Your comments are right on too.

I've always thought it was safer on the freeways and highways than surface street for the reason you cite: intersections. There aren't any on freeways and highways.

Miguel

What jacket has chest protection built in? I've seen chest protectors for motocross and track racing but they are all separate from the jacket itself. Interested in know what company makes a built in chest protector. Please include the manufacture and model.

There are plenty of highways in Cali with crossroads. I've ridden many of them as I lived in Cali for many years. Many in OR, WA, MT, ID, SD, WY, UT, and NV where I've ridden over 75K miles on motorcycles.

My Alpinestars jackets can be equipped with chest protectors, though they didn't come with them and I bought a set of CE rated Alpinestars protectors. I forgot the model and am not currently near the jackets. They are neither track nor off road gear, just regular fabric street versions. Other manufacturers make similar versions.

I meant this in the sense of divided road way without intersections as in an interstate highway.

My Dainese Kayes has chest pockets for Pro Armor, the same rubber honeycomb they make the back protector out of. Like the back protector, they were purchased separately.

I'll guess quite many manufacturers have.

I have a 'Realer' model from Rukka. That's optimized for cold/mild weather riding though, I would not recommend it for warm/hot weather only. Otherwise top quality and very comfortable.

https://www.rukkamotorsport.com/rukkamotorsport_en/realer-jkt-70100739r