Modern Vespa

Took my son for a ride this afternoon. My first time with a passenger, as well as his first time on a scooter.

Absolutely bloody terrifying. The scooter felt very different, top heavy, hard to steer. Quite a responsibility with the heir to the family debts on the seat behind me.

I assume like everything else it will get easier with practice...

Sounds like he needs to relax a bit more. Nothing can be done about the top heavy feel its an extra persons weight. But a a relaxed rider who leans with the bikewill make the bike feel more neutral.

Make sure the rear shocks are adjusted for the extra weight of a passenger.

I bought a belt with handles, I bought it so there were other handholds on longer rides, it makes my wife a better passenger. She uses the handles to give me messages about hazards she sees

https://www.amazon.com/Grip-n-Ride-Unisex-Adult-Passenger-Safety-Alternative/dp/B088J8R3TJ

When my daughter was "allowed" to ride the Vespa for the first time with me, it was important for me to be able to communicate with her. I therefore installed an intercom system (I have Cardo, alternative Sena) in both helmets. I would always recommend an intercom system if you regularly ride with a pillion.

How old is your son?

After it became clear that my partner was not going to be becoming a rider on her own, we started exploring pillionship, which is still underway.

She is shorter, so while high boots and foot peg extenders have helped, there is acceptance that the foot feel is less than ideal.

Like Garthhh, we got the same belt and that has been a game changer. It increases the perception of control and allows for a more relaxed ride.

There is understanding that the view is not great for a shorter person on a Vespa, and neck fatigue can set in from looking sideways.

As well, we have discovered that getting the right equipment (like a perfectly fitting helmet) has helped with relaxation and a feeling of comfort and safety.

A relaxed and focused pillion is a safer pillion—it's not a passenger, but another 50% of a driver who needs to be aware and sharing in the tasks. It takes practice for both parties, but interested people can get there no problem.

Thanks everyone.

Garthhh, the belt is an excellent idea, I'll see what I can find over here.

I should point out that my son is approaching 14 and is not far off 6 feet tall - a few inches above me! Therefore height and view are not an issue for him.

I suspect both of us need to relax more.

My daughter was also 13/14 years old when she was allowed to ride as a passenger on the Vespa for the first time.

There is one simple rule for rider and passenger: practice.
Have a great dad-child-time and lots of fun!

Hoping you two are practicing in a nearly deserted State Park, or some such.
Have a partner bring him in a car to your safe riding area.
Repeated rides of not long duration out of traffic gets the job done while lessoning the danger (or sense of danger) to both of you.

O.S.

Get a passenger backrest and you're good to go. A must have in my opinion and then enjoy the good times ahead

Bike handles a tenner in UK. I think the suggestion of a backrest is also a good one

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/73914

URL edited to remove long extra identifying dross... jimc

I agree with you. I always prefer riding alone. Having a passenger takes the joy out of it for me.

I second the Grip-N-Ride mentioned above.

Thank you! Yes, there's only one way we're going to make it to Carnegie Hall by scooter. Actually, on an Elettrica, probably not that far... We are very lucky to live on a little country lane with hardly any traffic. Pretty safe to cruise up and down without meeting anybody else. No big car parks nearby to practice on, though... I would like it to be fun to take the lad out for a ride and for it not to be stressful. I just know how his mother would react if he ended up damaged. She has an unforgiving streak.

Helmet?
No bare flesh on arms or legs I hope. No sandals.
His bare legs will be outside of yours, yes?....to help protect your legs.
Leather gloves for the when the palms contact blacktop.

O.S.

Who said anything about how the passenger was dressed?

The passenger was dressed entirely appropriately. No way I'm taking my flesh and blood out without him being as protected as possible.