1. Why choose Piaggio or Gilera scooters

Most people will have heard of Vespa scooters. Piaggio which is an Italian company, is the parent company for Vespa and Gilera. They are the oldest established scooter manufacturer and started in back in 1946 and are today Europe's leading manufacturer of two and three wheeled vehicles

Piaggio have a worldwide dealer network which makes it easier to get spares and repairs wherever you live, and because Piaggio are accepted as the worlds No 1, it's easy to sell a used Piaggio scooter because it retains a better residual value than other makes

Piaggio's design team are responsible for nearly all the innovative deign features you have seen on scooters over the last decades

And if that is not enough reason, Piaggio build and supply engines to other scooter manufacturers.

2. Where are Piaggio scooters made

All new Piaggio, Gilera and Vespa models are made in Pontedera, Italy, which is about 30 miles from Pisa (famous for its leaning tower).

3. What are delivery times for new scooters

As we are a Piaggio "Master Dealer" we usually stock all models in most colours, so we can offer immediate delivery on most models including the maxi scooter X9 range. We have around 85 models in stock, to choose from at our branches, here at in North Baddesley, Southampton. On the occasion we do not have your colour in stock; Piaggio's excellent delivery service means we can get your scooter in about 10 days from ordering.

4. Do you de-restrict mopeds?

In a short answer, yes, we do de-restrict scooters. It is not illegal for us to do this but there are legal implications which will be explained in the next question. We also re-restrict scooters for first time 16 year old riders. A “moped” by definition is a machine not exceeding 50cc and not capable of more than 30mph

5. What are the legal implications?

The legal implications are complex, and we will endeavour to explain them. At 16 years of age a rider is only entitled to ride a “moped” (see previous question regarding moped). after completing a CBT training course with a recognised authorised organisation, for up to two years. Once the rider reaches 17 years of age and has a current CBT qualification they can then have their scooter derestricted. This will increase the power output to enable the scooter to reach speeds of 45 -50 mph

6. Do you do CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

We are unable to do in house CBT training, but we are able to recommend local training organizations  (see our links page). We can deliver a new scooter locally to a CBT course centre should you need us to, and the scooters are fitted with L plates.

7. How do you accept payment

You can pay by cash, bankers draft, credit or debit card and by personal cheque. A personal cheque will require 5 working days to clear.

If you prefer, we can arrange finance for you at competitive rates, minimum deposit is £25 and repayment periods from 12 – 36 months. We can include payment protection for a small monthly amount should you feel it might be helpful.

8. How much is the road tax for two wheeled vehicles

New bike and scooters come with the first years road tax included in the price.
For subsequent year’s current prices are:

50cc - 150cc     £15 per year,
151cc - 400cc     £30 per year,
401cc - 600cc     £45 per year,
600cc -                £60 per year.

9. Can I drive a scooter on a car licence

The law currently states that if you have a full car licence, (showing full group P ) and took your driving test before February 2002, then you can drive a scooter or a geared 50cc, (moped) with out taking a CBT test, and without displaying L plates. It is worth mentioning however that some insurance companies are now asking that a CBT test is taken before issuing insurance, so it would be advisable to check this out.

10. How economical are scooters

In terms of fuel consumption, most of the two stoke 50cc scooters achieve around 90 mpg on unleaded petrol, while 4 stroke models, which are 125cc - 250cc can achieve 65 mpg. We now have the Vespa ET4 50cc which will do over 100mpg with a little restraint. Don’t forget also, the road tax is only £15 per year  and probably the best part for two wheeled vehicles is that it’s still free parking. Should you happen or need to venture into a “Congestion Zone” (London) it is also free on two wheels.