models

1969 Vespa 50 Elestart

Piaggio decided to expand the Vespa 50 Special model in two opposite directions. For the French market they created a version which could be pedalled like a bicycle. For Italy they then created a more sophisticated version of the 50 Special which dispensed with the kick starter and gained an electric starter by means of a Bosch Dynastart stator and flywheel which acted as starter motor and dynamo combined, powered by two 6v batteries connected in series in the left hand compartment. This was called the Elestart and was launched in a blaze of publicity.

It was aimed at girls, and such was Italian machismo at the time, dismissed by boys. Kick-starting a 50cc isn't really that hard, and male buyers generally opted for the 50 Special. No other smallframes would receive electric start until the introduction of the more generously-equipped PK models.

It was updated as and when the 50 Special was. The first series, V5A1T, had a 3 speed gearbox, diagonal script lettering and 9 inch wheels with aluminium brake drums. The second version, V5B1T, came in 1972 and brought with it improved handling thanks to its new 10 inch wheels. In 1975 the 3rd version, V5B3T, the three speed gave way to a 4 speed gearbox. This last version had the block lettering badges.