ET Series

VESPA ET SERIES

The ET series of Vespa scooters was launched in Europe in 1996, 50 years after the first Vespa hit showrooms. The ET series of Vespa scooters was significant as it was Vespa’s long awaited attempt to move beyond 2-stroke engines. The ET chassis was capable of accommodating 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines in sizes from 50cc to 150cc.

With this new generation of scooter capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations, Vespa returned to the USA market in late 2001 after an 18 year absence. Vespa brought two versions of their ET scooter to the USA market. They sold the ET2 50 (2-stroke, 50cc) and the more powerful ET4 150 (4-stroke, 150cc).

Both of these scooters shared the same frame, suspension, wheels, brakes and styling. All that was different was the motor. These scooters were sold here through 2005. For 2006 Vespa replaced the ET scooters with a new LX generation.

This new generation of Vespa scooters set the bar for awesome features in a scooter. The ET scooters came with a neat microchip key to deter thieves, real chrome all over, a front disc brake, a grocery bag hook etc. It’s great to see the quality that Vespa puts into their scooters.

Unlike a lot of scooter companies, Vespa isn’t concerned with bringing their scooters to market as cheaply as possible. They are expensive, but they are also a high end scooter. Vespa’s typically cost about $1000 more than a comparable Japanese or Taiwan made scooter, but Vespa’s are italian made and they have a few nice features that their competitors don’t. You are still paying a lot but I think it’s great to support the innovation and quality that Vespa puts into their scooters. If people only buy Chinese or Taiwan made scooters then the market for these really nice higher scooters is going to disappear.

One strongpoint of the ET scooters is their enclosed storage space. These scooters have both a generous glovebox and a large storage space under the seat that can hold a full face helmet. By using these two areas and the grocery bag hook on the front of the seat, you can really haul a lot of stuff.

Braking is also excellent in these scooters thanks to the front disc brake. Front disc brakes are pretty standard on 150cc scooters but you don’t see too many 50cc’s with a front disc brake. Especially not in 1996 when these scooters were released.

On the downside, the milage is unexpectedly poor and these scooters are somewhat clumsy to maneuver at low speeds because of their higher than normal weight (due to the steel frame/body) and their high seat height. The other downside of these scooters is that their one piece steel frame/body is very expensive to repair if you get a dent in it. Unlike other scooters, you can’t replace the body panels so any dents or scratches will need to be expertly repaired by a body shop if you want to get it looking new again.

In the performance department, these scooters also performed well. The 2-stroke ET2 50 was peppy and could easily reach 40 mph (65km/hr), even with a passenger. The larger 150cc ET4 was capable of about 60mph which makes it okay for venturing out of town occasionally. Unfortunately, these scooters do use a fair bit of fuel, relatively speaking. The ET2 50 is rated at 65 mpg, while the ET4 150 can only achieve 41 mpg. For comparison, a modern 4-stroke 50cc scooter usually achieves 80-110mpg (i.e. Honda Metropolitan, Yamaha’s Vino) and a mid-sized 4-stroke scooter normally gets 60-70mpg (Yamaha Vino 125, Honda Elite 150 etc.).

Vespa’s ET series of scooters are great machines. If you can afford the price, they are great scooters to buy because they do hold their value well and their top notch quality. Both ET scooters sold here offer respectable performance for their engine size. You are going to be very happy with one of these scooters. I do suggest that potential buyers also check out the offerings from Yamaha and Honda. These scooters do not offer all the features of the Vespa (i.e. microchip key, digital clock, glovebox) but they are nice scooters that get better milage and are significantly cheaper up front. If you have your heart set on a Vespa, you’ll be pleased with one of these but if you are simply looking for economical transportation, then a Japanese or Taiwan made scooter might make more sense to your wallet.

Pros:
* Underseat storage
* Vespa quality
* Anti-theft microchip key
* Front disc brake
* Loads of aftermarket parts available

Cons:
* Mediocre milage
* Heavy (due to steel frame)
* High seat height

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
Modern Vespa Forums - Lots of knowledgeable Vespa owners here.

Key Specs:
* ET2 50 Engine: Single cylinder, 49.4 cc, 2 stroke Piaggio Hi-PER2 with two way catalytic converter
* ET4 150 Engine - Single cylinder, 149.6cc, 4 stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, air cooled Piaggio LEADER
* Bore & Stroke: 40mm x 39.3mm (ET2 50), 62.6 x 48.6mm (ET4 150)
* Power: 5.1hp (ET2 50), 11.3hp (ET4 150)
* Compression ratio: 10.3: 1 (ET2 50), 10.1 (ET4 150)
* Ignition: Electronic capacitive (CDI), fixed advance 17°
* Starter: Electric and kick starter
* Lubrication: Automatic mixer
* Cooling: Forced Air
* Transmission: CVT automatic, torque server
* Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal type
* Frame: Pressed steel frame, welded support elements
* Front suspension: Oscillating arm, coil spring, dual effect hydraulic single shock
* Rear suspension: Coil spring, dual effect hydraulic single shock absorber
* Front brake: Stainless steel, 200 mm disk
* Rear brake: 110mm drum
* Front rim: Pressed die cast aluminium alloy, 2.50-10"
* Rear rim: Pressed die cast aluminium alloy, 3.00 - 10"
* Front tire: Tubeless 100/80-10"
* Rear tire: Tubeless 120/70-10"
* Length: 69.3” / 1760 mm
* Width: 26.4” / 670 mm
* Wheel base: 50.4” / 1280 mm
* Seat height: 31.7” / 805 mm
* Dry weight: 216 lbs (ET2 50), 236 lbs (ET4 150)
* Fuel tank: 9 litres / 2.5 gallons
* Recommend Fuel: Unleaded 92 octane
* Fuel milage: 65mpg (ET2 50), 41mpg (ET4 150)
* Colors: Black, White, Pearl White, Seafoam Green, Blue, Dragon Red and Alabaster.