models

1965 Vespa 50 with Pedals (V5A1T)

While Piaggio extended the 50 range upwards for Italy and made it faster for German-speaking Europe, for the French market they created a version which could be pedalled like a bicycle. This was due to the French laws at the time which allowed a teenager to ride a moped without a licence or registration as long as it could be moved with pedals. From this arose such things as the Velosolex and the Motobecanes that are still popular on the French retro scene today. A small number were also sold elsewhere in Europe, including Germany, Austria and the UK.

This version is known variously as the 50 con Pedali, 50 Pedalo or 50 à Pedales.

Specification was as for the 50 N and subsequently the 50 R. It had a top speed of 40km/h, a single seat, and no speedometer. The early versions had steel wheels with 4 bolts, and the rear freewheel chain sprocket matched up to these. When the 50R went to aluminium brake drums in 1971 so did the Pedalo. They had a rear hub with 4 threaded stand-offs to attach the sprocket. The chain went forwards to the pedals which were mounted in a tube through the central spine. The floorboards were cut down to a single rubber strip in order to allow the pedals to rotate. The front chainring, chain guides and chain were covered by a steel pressing.

A kick starter was also fitted, allowing you to start the scooter in the normal fashion.

There's a Facebook group especially for these scooters Vespa 50 Pedalo Facebook group