Modern Vespa

Are there any reliable companies that make a sidecar for the modern Vespa? Somehow sending thousands of dollars to people through bank transfer in hopes of getting the product doesn't seem like a good idea.

The Texas Sidecar Company has been in business for many years.
https://www.texassidecars.com/sidecar-models/vespa-sidecars/

Having said that (and I have owned a couple of scooter sidecars including a TSC Via), sidecars aren't for everybody. They have a number of limitations, and require a special skill set to ride them safely and successfully. Investigate all of this carefully, if you are serious.

Follow Scooterville. They're now selling sidecars attached to Royal Alloy 150 scooters. Rumor is that they're working on a Vespa 300 sidecar mount.
https://www.scootervillemn.com/--Sidecars

It probably also should be said that it is a challenge to pair a sidecar with a CVT scooter. This combination causes accelerated belt wear. The earlier sidecar pairings of Vespa PX and Stella scooters were with manual shift transmissions.

I'd say the best sidecar pairing on the market today is the purpose built Ural sidecar motorcycle. Having said that, the current Ural is heavy and expensive - but it certainly works.

Check my avatar. That's a 1980 P200 with a California sidecar and my copilot. It ran well although top speed was only about 40 mph. The California hack was good work and it had been installed very well. Installation is everything, be sure it's right. The physics are very different for a hack rig. If you've never driven one there's a good book out about it. Turn to the right carefully. ALWAYS have weight in the car. Put your passenger in charge of waving. 👋

Also be aware that you will be burning thru front tires and brake pads faster. The CVT components will also wear old quicker, especially the clutch.

I found a perfect one from a company that said they were out of Florida but being a half hour away I came to the conclusion they are from outside the country listing a US address and being they would only take a wire transfer I didn't have a good feeling about it. The Texas Sidecar seems nice but there pricing is insane in my opinion. After the purchase, the install kit and paint and interior matching you could purchase another GTS. The search continues or I guess I can always go down the rabbit hole of building my own.

That's exactly what I want one for!

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Dogs love sidecars!

I'm well aware that I'm replying to an old post, but have you tried 4th gear?

I have a 1979 P200 with the same sidecar that easily hits 50 mph even with my meaty ass cheeks on it. And almost 60 mph with a tailwind while going downhill and me leaning down.

Scooterville Minnesota has them in development and are taking preorders for upcoming shipment of sidecars. Available for the GTS300 and Primavera 150, in red, white, black, or Verde Amiable

This sounds interesting and worth following. Especially interesting that they have sorted out a proprietary steering damper.

I don't like the way that front strut connects to the front wheel. It looks pretty wonk-able (Is that a word?) to me.

That's probably just a steering damper vs wobble/shimmy, which sidecar rigs are otherwise prone to.

Upon closer inspection, I would agree with you. But, I still think it's pretty wonky.

Yes, it's a steering dampener- we designed it for Stella/P Sidecars years ago and it works quite well. It was difficult to manage the steep angles and retain full steering, but the heim joints take care of that and are very robust. Hence the wonky look. Effect is slightly heavier steering at 0-5mph but with zero shimmy at speed. Adapting to the hub was a fun trick too.

In general yes. On a traditional motorcycle rig it is essential and the experience based rule is that it should be on or as close as possible to the steering head.
Currently in the process of building a BMW R18 rig myself and have an hydraulic one under the bottom yoke. It makes NO noticeable difference in steering.

For scooters ... doubt it is needed.

Over here, Andalucía, Spain, the Vespa with sidecar is not uncommon. Never seen one with steering damper.
The one I drove was a 150cl with Inder and no shimmy whatsoever.

There are several about on 'new'250-300 GTV's and none has a steering damper.

Interesting question this.

All sound advice.

One additional HÚGE thing seldomly mentioned is the effect on the 'general public' and women in particular.
The sidecar is seen as endearing, romantic and it lowers, removes threshold for social interaction.
I see it as a unique added value of this from a modern engineering point of view idiotic set up.

A sidecar on my PE is still on the agenda and as such always paying attention to the subject.
Encountered an interesting take on the steering damper:
from 3:50 minutes.