Stylish and smooth (Piaggio Vespa ET4)

Member Name: Harry Monk

Product:	Piaggio Vespa ET4
Date:	05/06/00 (4207 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Versatile and fun

Disadvantages: No security

The new range of Vespas has really had an impact on London streets over the last 18 months. City congestion is running at an all time high and as a result commuters are looking at alternative forms of transport.

The ET4 is a hansome scooter, with a sleek design looking back into the leagcy of the mod scooters of 30 years ago.

Fully automatic, the scooter has left and right brakes on the handlebars. The transmission is smooth and with a potential 60 or so miles an hour to be had, this one is a joy both in town and outside.

The drive is a great deal of fun and acceleration is one part of the experience. Off the lights the ET4 rocks. The steering is gentle but not as agile as, say an Aprillia.

Storage is moderate and very extendable with a Piaggio back box (although if you like to carry a briefcase, will not be big enough.

This is a great bike, but better bought 2nd hand at 12 months old because the natural progression from this scooter is a big boys bike!!

There is a big drawback to this bike however. Security is shoddy. The plastic components are easily broken and the helmet locker under the seat was the first on mine to go. One hard yank on the seat will break the locator plate.

The back box, though looking sturdy will also come away with enough thought and thust the ET4 is rendered very insecure on the storage front.

More worrying is the fact that this one can be 'hotwired' very easily. Without disclosing how to do this, the ET4 is an easy steal for a joyride. By manipulating a design flaw, starting this scooter sans keys is far too easy.

The solution is thus: Always chain your bike to something using the back wheel or it will go. A great shame, I hope the Italians learn to defend their scooters against the UK public, great shame though it is to say this of my own kin.

Summary: