It was way back in 1963, that Piaggio lunched an exciting new addition to its scooter range. The 50N was smaller than its stablemates, being designed to take advantage of Italian laws that allowed 14 year olds to ride a low powered 50cc machine. Although the family resemblance was obvious, this was an entirely new machine. The side panels were part of the monocoque chassis with its entirely new engine being reached through a hinged door. The specification was spartan; the speedometer was offered as an accessory, but it proved to be an instant hit and not just amongst the young. Its lighter kerb-weight, extreme manoeuvrability and low cost appealed to a much wider market than had been anticipated. The 50 would evolve into the 50 Special, a machine that gave thousands of British teenagers their first taste of two wheeled freedom in the Mod revival of the 1980s, and launched a myriad of tuning products; but this wasn’t the only chapter in the ‘smallframe’ story.
An icon is born, and reborn
Alongside the 50N at its Milan Motorcycle Show unveiling was a slightly larger sibling, the Vespa 90. Other than the slight increase in capacity it was almost identical to the 50N, but this was intended for export. It’s fair to say that the 90’s lacklustre performance didn’t win too many fans, but it proved the concept of the smallframe’s appeal.
In 1965, Piaggio stepped things up a notch or two. The 90 was tuned, revamped and restyled to become the iconic 90Super Sprint, whilst the Nuova became the first smallframe to be fitted with a 125cc engine. Sadly, expectations of this ‘large capacity’ machine didn’t meet reality, shortcomings that were remedied in 1968 with the introduction of the Primavera.
The Primavera had a slightly longer wheelbase than the Nuova, a practical hook fixed to the saddle and a handy storage compartment in the left hand side blister, however it was the 10kph increase in in top speed and improved acceleration that made the Primavera such a hit. That it continued in production for 15 years without any major alterations speaks volumes for the success of this, the original, Primavera.
Sadly, the Primavera name was abandoned when the PK series was introduced in 1982. However, it was not forgotten, neither by the countless number of people who had experienced the joys of owning one, nor the designers who had worked on the project. Although the smallframe had dipped its toe into the world of automatic scooters in 2008, it wasn’t until 2013 that the design had fully matured. When a revamped, restyled and reimagined smallframe was unveiled in 2013, it also reintroduced the Primavera name.
Since then the Primavera, together with its slightly more angular stablemate the Sprint, has continued the smallframe legacy, offering a low kerbweight, compact dimensions and sprightly performance.
Smallframe, but perfectly formed
Now, to celebrate the arrival of a new riding season, a new chapter in the Primavera story opens with the arrival of two new models, both of which boast technical and aesthetic improvements.
The first obvious change is to the wheels, with both the Primavera and the Sprint S being equipped with new 12-inch rims that boast a brand-new, elegantly dynamic design with five split spokes.The Vespa Sprint S also comes with a five-slot grille on the left fairing, overhauling the design with echoes of the style of sportier Vespa models. The crest on the Primavera’s mudguard has also been refined, and on all versions, the hook under the handlebars is back! A minor cosmetic change lends the ‘tie’ in the centre of the shield a sleeker look, whilst the seat is upholstered in a new material.
This, however, is no mere cosmetic upgrade. For 2026 the smallframe models step into the world of modern technology. Perhaps most importantly there are all-new safety dual disc brakes as, for the first time in the smallframe’s history, the classic rear drum brake has been replaced by a 220 mm steel disc, operated by a dual-piston calliper. The new system, which is paired with the front disc brake and ABS, makes braking even safer and more powerful.
Keyless system
All versions of the Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint S over 50 cc now feature the keyless system, allowing the engine to be started without inserting the key. The key also unlocks the seat compartment and activates the Vespa’s remote recognition system, making all the indicators flash. A particularly useful feature in busy car parks!
A new dash also makes its début on the new models, combining the lines of the classic Vespa instrument panel with Full LCD technology. All functions are now displayed digitally: in addition to the journey and vehicle information, the Vespa MIA multimedia platform (which comes as standard on the Primavera Tech, and is available as an optional extra on the rest of the range) enables the instrument panel to display all of the user’s phone functions, for managing calls, messages, music and pictogram-based navigation. All equipment levels of the Vespa Primavera Tech retain the 5” full-colour TFT instrument panel, one of the most advanced dashboards available today.
Two families
The Vespa Primavera and the Vespa Sprint S are available in either internal combustion engine or electric motor versions. The petrol versions are powered by cutting-edge 4-stroke engines, with three-valve timing and electronic fuel injection; in the UK buyers can choose both models in the are also available with electric motors, both for the Moped version (with moped type-approval and a top speed limited to 45 km/h) and the Motorcycle version, which is available as the Vespa Primavera Tech. All electric models in the Moped version have removable batteries, for greater convenience when charging.
A colourful universe
Every Vespa reflects the personality of its rider. For this reason, the new Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint S take inspiration from Vespa’s rich colour heritage, expanding on this and rendering it even fresher and more contemporary.
The Vespa Primavera is available in the colours Bianco Innocente, Nero Convinto, Verde Amabile, Blu Energico and the all-new Beige Avvolgente (for petrol-engine models only), combined with elegant chrome trims; the Vespa Primavera is also available in the ’S’ equipment version, which features fashionable colours combined with a dedicated seat, trim and graphics: Bianco Innocente and the new Giallo Disinvolto.
The Vespa Sprint S is available in five colours: Bianco Innocente, Rosso Coraggioso, Blu Eclettico for the versions with petrol engine only, and Nero Convinto Opaco and the new colour Verde Ribelle for the electric versions too. All colours are paired with dedicated graphics and striking black details, both with a matt finish, for example, on the distinctive ‘tie’ badge at the centre of the front shield and with a glossy finish, for example on the wheels. The Vespa Primavera Tech embodies the heart of Vespa technology, and is distinguised by the colour options of Blu Energico Opaco and Grigio Ottimista Opaco.
As has historically been the case, the new Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint S offer a wide range of accessories, both to customise the bike and enhance riding comfort.
The models are arriving in our showrooms soon. So if you want to get ready for spring, give our sales team a call on: 01226 203377 or drop them a line at: sales@rondaleyscooters.co.uk
