Modern Vespa

sorry if this has been covered before.

besides the under seat storage is this basically the same bike?

Yes, so which one you like better?

I would say they are the same bike. I don't know if the shop manuals are available for the Scarabeo but they are available for the BV500 here on this site. Also if it has the problem with the fuel tank then it is a harder repair to do yourself on the Scarabeo than on the BV500.

Also look and see what dealer you would rather work with when you need service or repair. That might help you make your decision.

I've got the Scarabeo 500ie Workshop manual here
Scooterdiva.com:Scooter Manuals

Hi Robin,
Pretty much the same. Instrumentation may be a little different, some differences in the body style. Underneath same frame engine and CVT.
I bought the BV500 because it was a 2007 leftover and the price was significantly better. It is a great bike, and really gets people curious because nobody is quite sure what it is. I don;t hink you can go worng with either. Make sure your dealer does the fuel line and clamp fix BEFORE you pick the bike up. This has surfaced enough times to legitimize it as a problem. Other than that these are nice bikes.

Ride safe, Ride long.

My 2009 BV500 had the problem fixed at the factory. I am not sure about the new Scarabeo but it probably has it fixed as well.

My 2003 was done correctly from the factory, a black thinwalled hose with speed clamps. The hose had turned all hard and had probably shrunk so it was moving loosly on the fittings. I changed the hose just in case, but didn't notice any difference, not that I had any problems before either