Modern Vespa

I just bought a 2013 LX150 from Copart as a project. There is a black key in the ignition which will turn from the 12 position to the On position but will not go to lock or the Ignition positions. The key will not come out of the ignition. Battery is dead or missing. Does scooter require a battery for key to work? Auction site said it came with keys and I did not know how sensitive the Vespa's are to key problems. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can move forward? I would like to get this scooter back on the road but can't afford to throw a lot of money at it. Thanks in advance.

the ignition does not need a battery to work. more than likely the assembly is all goofed up from either somebody trying to steal it or got jammed when it was wrecked.

there's only three position. 12, 3 & 9 (or straight up, right and left). the key will only come out of the ignition at 12 (off) or at 9 (locked). but will only come out at 9 if the lock pawl/wedge/bar can drop into the notch in the fork. if this is somehow blocked (fork is bent or clocked funny/out of position) or the components are not lined up (key tumbler broken, switch broken) then the key cannot come out.

the 3 position is "on" fwiw.

I hope you got the master key, or a "blue key" otherwise you're going to be spending a fair amount of money.

post a pic, maybe we can help.

also, here is a thread regarding difficulties with a key switch. while this isn't specifically your problem, the model of bike is close enough in terms of components that you should be able to discern what issue you may be having. it also has some pictures and great advice.

C-clip Spring (ignition)

Thanks for the info. Gave me enough confidence to wiggle the key aggressively and it came out. Was able to open the seat, check the voltage on the battery (3.7 volts) and it is on a charger. There was also another key in the seat storage area. A black one similar to the one that was stuck in the the switch. Now the two steps forward, one step back, process begins. This is my first Vespa but not my first scooter. The first was a 1957 Cushman Eagle back in 1966. I bought it for $25.00. I have a feeling this Vespa is going to be a little pricier.

Good job with the key. You should try charging the battery but if it is reading 3.7v I don't have much hope for it.

You need to move the handlebar all the way to the left to turn the key to the 9 lock position.

Thanks for the responses. Moving the handlebar to the left to lock makes so much sense once someone tells you. I think the battery was the original and I have already ordered a replacement. It did have enough juice after charging to bump the starter so I have a lot of hope. The spare key that was in the storage compartment had a little metal tab attached with a four digit code. Is the this master key?

unlikely. it's more likely to be a key for a top case. the metal tags are only for lock barrel ID. they're not of much help really.

what color are the keys that you have? pictures help here.

you might get off easy, but without knowing what you have and then checking the immobilizer code everything is just a guess.

Here's a pic of the two keys that I got with the scooter. Both keys are black.

interesting. is this an LX or an LXS?

The sticker on the cowl says S150ie. It's alive! Charged some more, grabbed the brake, hit the button and it started right up. Eureka!

that's excellent. those are the correct keys and you don't have a coded ignition system. so no worries about getting a new key cut or anything along those lines.

Hello, I have just joined the site, so please be kind! I have just bought and ridden my 2019 Sprint 125 from the seller to our house. Anxious to try all the bits and bobs out, I locked the steering but the key will not come out. The seller (private) says that has happened before and to "push and wiggle" till it releases. Sadly no luck, so does anyone have an answer to a jammed key in the locked position. I also have a Piaggio Medley but the steering lock works as expected.
Help really much appreciated.
I look forward to being active on the forum.
Ainsley

Did you try turning the handlebars left to right a little bit while turning the key?

I take it that's what 'push and wiggle' means.