Modern Vespa

Bought a used 2016 Vespa Sprint 150 and noticed that the rear tail light only comes on during braking.

Shouldn't the light be constant on and brighter when brakes are applied?

I checked the tail light enclosure thinking that the bulb might be out but there's only one bulb in there and it works with brakes activated. The bulb did not seem to have two filaments (is that what it is called?) so I am perplexed as to how this can be.

Is something wrong and if so, how to troubleshoot/fix? Thank you.

What model year?

2016 Sprint 150 ABS

Yes, normally the tail light should be on once the engine is running. The brighter brake light comes on when you use the brakes.
I expect a correct bulb on your scooter should have 2 filaments, one for normal tail light and one for brake light.
Check out the socket if there are 2 contact points down at the bottom. If that is the case then simply replace the present bulb by the correct type.

single filament bulb 1156
dual filament bulb 1157

I'd recommend that you replace it with an LED version.

I've attached a photo of my Sprint 150. The picture is of key on but engine not running and brake not engaged. You see the circular running light on in the rear center brake light housing and the license plate light as well.

A thumb screw holds the center brake light housing, accessed easily by reaching under the bike behind the light.

The LED circular light is the running light. The bulb is brake. Two different lights.

I see. That can explain it. I don't see the circular running light. Looks like I have to troubleshoot it. It appears everything is from 1 wire harness so either the controller or the LED 'ring' light is busted. Thank you for sharing your photo.

Went back to the scooter and took apart the rear tail light.

There is a single wire harness, negative/positive going into a bulb carrier so only 1 bulb in the housing.

My model/year does not have a circular light configuration.

Am considering a dual filament bulb as previous owner has no recollection of what was done.

I found the manual and it shows that the daylight rear running lights are on the sides of the fairing (not in the center main carrier as I had thought).

1 bulb seems to had blown and the other is questionable. Guess I will replace both.

In lieu of finding an LED replacement, I am having difficulties under standing the translation from halogen to LED.

Can someone share what an led replacement for the Halogen HY6W (12V 6W) would be?

Is your Sprint US or Euro? Does it have US Pods in front and rear for Turn Signals?

Mine is US. Removed the pods. Side rear lights can be turn or running. I choose turn. My spring came from the factory with the side lights installed but not connected. The lenses came RED, I switched to clear.

My only running light is in the center and license plate and the added light bar.

There are only 2 wires. Then a dual filament bulb does not make any sense.

I googled the differences between USA and Euro and nothing came up for me to do a quick grasp of the differences.

Mine has 3 red reflectors at rear and two turn signals (US version I guess).

The manual the previous owner handed over to me shows they are rear daylight running lights and since I have separate blinkers for turn signaling, my fairing lights should technically remain always on. I like how your flash to indicate turn but I also want an always on light at rear. Great job!

OK, that makes sense. So your rear lights are actually 2, 1 on both sides of the fairing. Probably replacing the EU blinkers?
Like this one?

Here is apples to apples. My 2016 Sprint 150. Tail lights are on the left and right of rear body, brake light center of the rear body. Tails on at key on and when running.

And turn signals (indicators) are in Pods at rear on right and left out of camera view?

Yes. I got rid of the pods in front with the Scooter West kit so that I could fit my Faco Twin windscreen. But left the rear pods as is with the tail lights stock.

I guess according to US rules the blinkers in the fender are too close to the center of the bike and therefore these pods are needed? While in the EU they are quite allright.

Sad but true😩

I removed 8 pods. 4 each from two Vespas. Easy to do and felt like I was restoring the scooters to the way they were designed. I did not use the ScooterWest kits. The wiring was simple enough. Bought cables from DavidsVespa (look up his YouTube video). He's also a member here on MV.

Looks so much nicer, no? Same issue with the BV and its so nicely integrated blinkers at front and rear in the EU.

But can this "restoring" bring you into trouble? Suppose you would get involved in a serious incident (for sure I hope not), could the insurance claim the scooter is not road legal and therefore they will not pay?

I'm not a lawyer and don't know but I doubt it is a liability. I believe the pods are required by some Federal specification the Vespa must pass to be imported into the US. Currently my Vespa operates under state of Florida regulations which I doubt address this specification. I also doubt the Scooter West would sell an illegal kit.
But who knows!