Driving Vespa – Tips for novice drivers

The new Vespa is ready for a first ride. As a beginner, our hearts are pounding and we’d like to take off right away. Is it just like that? No, absolutely not.
What needs to be considered before we jump into traffic? Here are some tips for drivers:

Legalities of riding a scooter

We need a valid driver’s license. More info here: The right driving license to ride a Vespa
We need a valid insurance. More details here: The right insurance coverage for the Vespa

Now you’re ready to go? No way. We are responsible and first familiarize ourselves with the operation of our scooter.
No-go: Playing with various switches while driving without knowing their function.

Controls

At the beginning, the many buttons, switches and levers may still be a bit confusing. But with a little practice, this is quickly learned.

Handlebar right side

• Brake lever and throttle grip
• Mode (menu setting)
• Emergency stop switch red (also called dead man or kill switch), on models GT, GTL, GTS, from 125 cc to 300 cc
  Tip: Use switch only in case of emergency (emergency ⇒ for example a fall, rider is buried under the scooter, engine is still running)
• Do not switch off the scooter regularly via this button, error memory would fill up quickly and cause malfunctions.
• Start button
• Cover for cooling water connection
• Glove compartment
• Space for important tools

All necessary and helpful tools as well as aids can be purchased with confidence at SIP Scootershop.

Handlebar left side

• Brake cable drum brake rear, or clutch lever for gear shift, depending on model (see manual)
• Switch high beam on/off (low beam automatically ON after start)
• switch turn signal left/right
• left under handlebars button to open seat,
  Tip: first close glove box, then open seat (risk of damage)
• in glove compartment: USB connection, coupled to ignition
• Cable for emergency unlocking of the bench seat
• cable for separate charger

Extra tip:
Do not attach ignition key and remote control to the same key ring. If the key case accidentally ends up in the seat, we can’t get it open. The rust-brown master key is needed, which no Vespisti carries.

Practical knowledge for getting started

The filler neck for the tank is located in the seat.

Important steps and explanations can be found in the following article: Refueling the Vespa properly: This is how it’s done!
Tip from practice:
Do not engage the locking lever of the fuel nozzle, but keep it in your hand and monitor the refueling process. The relatively small tank fills up quickly. When the nozzle is locked, spilling of the fuel cannot be prevented. The small drain hole is not able to catch all the spilled fuel.

Check oil level and coolant

An oil change is due for the first time at the check-up after approx. 10,000 km (depending on driving style), at the latest after 2 years.
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

To check the coolant level, place the scooter on the main stand.
Unscrew the cover below the handlebar on the top case (one screw). Ideally, read the level of the cooling water from the (milky) transparent container when the engine is lukewarm – cold (if difficult to see, rock the scooter gently).
Caution: When the engine is hot, the cooling water is also hot. There is a risk of burns. Only top up the cooling water when the engine has cooled down.

Are we finally ready to drive?

No, not yet. As beginners, we have no idea how to steer the vehicle safely through traffic.

Practice riding a scooter

• wear suitable clothing (long trousers, sturdy shoes, jacket and gloves)
• never ride without helmet on, bicycle helmet is not allowed
• use a quiet side street or traffic training area
• Practice braking and cornering in peace and quiet

Tips for correct braking behavior

• drive with foresight, adjust speed before traffic lights and curves
• Heavy braking causes wear of the brake pads. On downhill slopes, it is better to brake hard for a short time than long and continuously, use the engine as a decelerator (downshift gears).
• brake more strongly at the rear than at the front (weight of pilot causes the two-wheeler to move forward), possible fall over the steering wheel if the front brake is used too strongly

Emergency braking: apply both brakes (hand and foot pedal brakes, depending on model) forcefully at the same time.

General riding tips for beginners

• in contrast to cycling, ride a scooter as far as possible in the middle of the lane. This makes dangerous overtaking maneuvers of other road users more difficult
• keep an eye on the rear view mirror while driving
• parking scooters on the sidewalk is not allowed
• weaving through a traffic light all the way to the front is not allowed
• Scooter should be run in comfortably for the first approx. 500 km, max. 80% of the maximum speed (pistons and cylinders grind in)
• Driving lesson in the driving school can not hurt (deepening tips on braking and cornering)

Before we start

For both possible starting options (electronically by start button or kickstarter), the same specifications must be observed:

• Vehicle is on main stand
• Ignition key in ON position
• Emergency stop switch in OFF position
• Side stand is folded up
• Operate brake lever until brake light is illuminated
• Start engine

For us Vespisti, safety on the road is paramount, so driving is fun for a long time!