Classic scooters may traditionally be considered as stylish but affordable runabouts, but some are more desirable than others. So, the question is: which are the most desirable of all?

For example, if you want a classic ‘60s Lambretta, which is the ultimate? The same is true of Vespa. And while we’re on the subject of classic scooters, which has been the most valuable of all time?

But nor is this selection just about one-off classics none of us can afford, it’s also about the best – or hottest – you can buy right now, what they offer, and what makes them so special. So, with no further ado, here’s my pick (and, inevitably, it’s a subjective choice) of the 10 hottest scooters ever, in chronological order…

Vespa 98 1946

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
98cc Single	3.2 hp	N/A	64kg

Generally considered the first scooter, and certainly the first Vespa, the Vespa 98 was conceived by Italian businessman Enrico Piaggio, who was inspired by the Cushman scooter used by US paratroopers in WW2.

He commissioned aeronautical engineer Corradino d’Ascanio to design the machine and, as he did not like motorcycles, created a new vehicle from scratch with a vision for clean, reliable personal transport for both men and women.

During trials, the two-stroke machine’s buzzing noise combined with its body shape led to it being christened ‘Vespa’ (the Italian translation for wasp) and the result, the Vespa 98, first appeared in 1946, was a huge success and spawned a style icon and industry that lives to this day.

Incidentally, one of the very earliest examples, ‘No. 3’ surfaced and was reputedly sold to F1 star Fernando Alonso in 2016 for a whopping €250,000, although similar machines normally go for £60-80,000

• The original scooter
• Definitive style
• Historically significant

• Now extremely rare
• Limited performance
• Collectable price

Lambretta SX200

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
198cc Single	11 hp	N/A	123kg

Vespa’s historic Italian rival is Lambretta which, in some ways, predates it.

Towards the end of WW2, Italian steel tubing magnate Ferdinando Innocenti also had an idea for a ‘scooter’ and approached aeronautical engineer Corradino d’Ascanio.

However, the two fell out in the prototype stage when Innocenti insisted on a tubular steel spine frame (to exploit his current business) when d’Ascanio preferred a pressed steel design. D’Ascanio took his design to Piaggio, and the rest is history, with the final Lambretta design appearing a year after the Vespa.

Lambretta’s ‘hottest’ model, however, came with the 1966 SX, which was available as both a 150 and 200, established the classic Lambretta styling, was released at the height of the Mod era, and also became very popular in racing for its tunable engine. Today, it remains the most collectible of classic Lambrettas.

• Classic Lambretta style
• Class-leading performance
• Tunable 200cc engine

• Now, among the priciest Lambrettas
• Becoming rare
• Watch out for non-original ‘hybrids’

Jimmy’s 1967 Lambretta Li150 from Quadrophenia

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
148cc Single	6.5 hp	N/A	105kg

Arguably the most famous scooter of all, this 1967 Lambretta is the one ridden by lead character ‘Jimmy’ (Phil Daniels) in the historic 1979 mod film Quadrophenia' which was inspired by The Who's double album of the same name.

After filming finished, the 'Jimmy Bike' was sold to scooter dealers Rafferty Newman before being sold on, abandoned then later being rescued and restored. It was sold at auction by Bonhams in 2008 where it attained a UK record price of £36,000.

• The most iconic Lambretta of all
• Film provenance
• Beautifully restored

• Not for sale!
• Not as good as SX200
• Difficult to replicate

Vespa PX 1977

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
198cc Single	12 hp	N/A	108kg

When released in 1977, with Lambretta by then being defunct, the Vespa PX200 immediately became an icon for the revived mod scene and defined the ‘second coming’ of the mod era throughout its production up to 2001.

Unveiled at the Milan Show in 1977 it featured drum brakes, a steel chassis and improved front suspension with stability improvements with a revised rear axle. Various other versions continued until around 2001.

Known in the scooter community by many as the ‘best all-rounder’ it remains a firm favourite to this day and is available in a variety of capacities including 50, 125, 150 and 200.

• Versatile performance
• Rugged build
• Classic style

• Not as pretty as a Lambretta
• Crude by modern standards
• Good ones are becoming rare

Vespa GTS 2003

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
310cc Single	25hp	28.9Nm	163kg (Wet)

The GTS has been the benchmark large-capacity retro scooter ever since the original 250 was launched in 2003.

Boasting classic style mixed with modern technology, handling, equipment and build quality it’s been updated repeatedly since, currently displaces 310cc (a popular 125 version is also available) and remains the go-to modern retro for those wanting something that can handle longer jaunts with decent acceleration and top speed.

There are also a wide variety of versions and styles available, including the GTV, Super, Super Sport, and Super Tech although, on the downside, prices of the most premium versions now exceed £6500!

• ‘retro-mod’ styling
• Impressive spec
• Continually updated

• Premium price
• Tight storage space
• Confusing model variants

Scomandi TT200 2013

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
181cc Single	13.7hp	15.5Nm	137kg

A relative new kid on the block and one of an assortment of ‘Lambretta revival’ machines which blend classic Lambretta styling with modern technology including liquid-cooled four-stroke engines (some of them, ironically, from Vespa) and Far Eastern assembly. As such, you arguably get the best of all worlds.

The Scomandi was designed in the UK by Lambretta experts PM Tuning and Scooter Innovations, officially launched at the EICMA Show in Milan in 2013, and is inspired by the legendary Lambretta GP (Grand Prix) model with a variety of different versions available in air cooled TL50, 125 and liquid-cooled 200cc forms.

• Authentic Lambretta style
• Beautiful detailing and spec
• Modern drivability

• Not the cheapest
• Limited availability
• Few variants

Royal Alloy TG300 2025

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
278cc Single	22hp	N/A	152kg (Wet)

Another Lambretta recreation and the controversial ‘brother’ to the Scomandi.

After Scomandi split with its original Chinese manufacturing partner Hanway in the late 2010s (Scomandis are now built in Thailand), Hanway began making its own, closely related machine it dubbed Royal Alloy with subtle detail changes. Its latest flagship machine is the TG300 which also comes with a 278cc single-cylinder liquid engine producing just over 22hp.

Styling-wise, like the Scomandis, it’s inspired by the classic Series 2 Lambretta TV175 complete with curvy ‘horncast’, scalloped side panels, large front fender angular headlight. It also comes in two-tone paint, LED lighting, USB charging port, and TFT display.

• Lambretta Styling
• Nice detailing
• Decent Performance

• Chinese origins
• Not as powerful as some modern rivals
• Scomandi controversy

Artisan EV2000R 2025

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
Electric	2Kw	N/A	90kg

Proof that not all great classic-style scooters have to be two-stroke or even petrol powered!

Artisan specialize in electric machines and its EV2000R is its classically styled offering. As such it offers classic style with a quiet, smooth, and emission-free ride making it very city-friendly but also minimal maintenance plus customisable options ranging an upgraded leather seat to classic luggage.

It’s also temptingly priced, especially compared to some electric machines. On the slight downside, it’s A1-equivalent, so has a top speed of only 28mph and a range of only 40-50 miles.

• Classic style
• Electric/green credentials
• Low price

• Limited performance
• Fairly basic spec
• Less authentic than most

Lambretta G350 Series II 2025

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
330cc Single	25.8hp	25.5Nm	173kg

The G350 is the new, top-of-the-range offering from the revived (but now Chinese built) Lambretta which is imported into the UK by MotoGB.

As such it blends great, classic looks with a 330cc, single cylinder liquid cooled motor producing 25.8hp at 7,500rpm and 25.5nm of torque @ 6,250rpm. As such it’s one of the most powerful retro scooters currently available and blends this with a legendary name and decent spec including TFT display, LED lighting, a tailoured seat, USB charger and high levels of attention to detail – but at £5699 it’s also one of the priciest!

• Class-leading engine
• Great looks
• Brilliant spec

• Asian origins 
• Not the cheapest
• Not a 'real' Lambretta

Vespa 946 ‘Snake’ 2025

Engine Size	Power	Torque	Weight
155cc Single	13hp	12.8Nm	153kg (Wet)

The 946 was a new, ultra-stylish, ‘retro-futurist’ premium scooter based on GTS mechanicals, inspired by Vespa’s original 1946 98 (hence the name) and launched in 2013.

As such it’s arguably the ultimate ‘retro mod’ classic scooter providing the extremes of classic style with modern technology and performance. The latest version, the 2025 946 Snake (so called as it is the Chinese year of the snake) is a premium limited edition that starts at a whopping £12,115.

But if you want classic scooter style and ultimate performance, there’s arguably none better.

• Fabulous style
• Exquisite detailing and spec
• Decent performance

• Price
• Limited practicality
• No storage