It’s no wonder that retro scooters have stayed so popular. The history of scooters started post-war to create affordable transport for the masses. This was then transformed in the 60s’ into a culture desperate to break the mould and escape their tiresome day-to-day lives. Since then it’s a style that hasn’t been lost and stayed close to our hearts.

With that all being said, join me as I run down 6 of the best large-capacity retro scooters you can buy in 2023…

Kicking off the list and sitting at number six is the Royal Alloy GP300S.

Powered by a version of the 278cc Vespa engine this single-cylinder, the liquid-cooled motor produces a stated 24.8bhp which is actually more than the Vespa GTS and Royal Alloy TG.

When it comes to the design, the GP300S itself comes equipped with metal bodywork and has an abundance of classic styling reminiscent of the glory days from the 60s and 70s. Coming in a variety of different colourways, I think it is fair to say the GP300S really is a great-looking machine.

The GP300S also comes packed with some fairly decent spec as well including a USB charging port, LED Lighting, a Lockable glove box, adjustable rear suspension, and disc brakes all around.

Starting at £5,299, this Royal Alloy sits within the typical price point for a retro scooter of this spec. However given that it is a Chinese-built machine, it is still within a thousand pounds of a genuine Vespa GTS.

• Lambretta Looks
• Decent engine
• Spec is good

• Chinese built

In at number five, we have an exciting new model from Lambretta, the X300.

Now queue all the comments from those saying it’s not an Innocenti therefore it's not a real Lambretta. But in my opinion, I think it's fair to say modern-day Lambretta are in full attack mode and are hitting hard in 2023 with the introduction of two brand new large-capacity retro scooters.

The Lambretta X300 packs a 275cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, putting out 24.8hp at 8,250rpm and 24.5nm at 6,250rpm, and comes equipped with some pretty impressive spec including a keyless system, full led lighting, an awesome-looking, semi-digital display, and much more.

When it comes to the design of the X300, this scoot keeps the same stylistic features that made Lambretta so iconic including the tapered lines and steel bodywork, but it's fair to say the design does include some futuristic aspects too. Lambretta aren’t just recreating the past, they are inspired but want to bring their scooters into the modern day.

Now you may be wondering how much this bad boy costs, and to be quite honest with you we are too. If I had to make an assumption, I’d like to think this Lambretta be a tad bit cheaper than the Vespa GTS sitting between the £5,500 to £6,200 mark. Either way, the Lambretta X300 is due to hit the scooter market in early ‘23.

• A new option on the market
• Good rival to the GTS 
• Spec looks decent

• Underseat storage could be tight
• Arguably not a ‘true’ Innocenti

Now we’re into 2023, we are finally due to see the return of the Vespa GTV Sei Giorni, and for me, it hits the list at number 4.

But why isn’t it further up the list I hear you cry, well yes the GTV is essentially the GTS, but with tweaked styling, but guess, it’s styling I don’t particularly like and that’s why it's staying at number 4.

Packing the 278cc HPE engine, the new GTV has the most powerful Vespa engine to date putting out 23.8hp. The GTV also comes equipped with the GTS-esque spec such as keyless ignition, digital dash, and transaction control, along with an improved seat, suspension, and brakes.

Now styling-wise, I’m not a huge fan of this GTV, though you can see Vespa are trying to give the GTV a sporty and modern twist, I’m just not overly convinced that it works.

If I had to put an estimated price on the Vespa GTV, I’d expect this Vespa to be sitting at the same price point as the GTS 300 at £6,200 or perhaps even a little bit more.

• HPE Engine
• It’s a Vespa, and basically a GTS
• Something different

• Styling won’t for everyone
• It’s a premium pricepoint

Taking one of the top spots and third place on this list has got to be… (drumroll please) Royal Alloy’s flagship scooter, the TG300!

The TG300 comes equipped with a (yes you guessed it) 278cc single-cylinder liquid engine, producing just over 22hp - Which for context is a little lower compared to the new GP, but it is still more than enough to get you excited.

Based upon the awesome TV series 2 Lambretta, the TG is truly reliving the glory days of Lambretta, keeping everything looking as close to the classic style as possible. The TG really is an absolute beauty.

With its king & queen seat, and awesome colourways including a bit of two-tone, the TG looks the real deal, look a bit closer though and you’ll start to spot the modern aspects such as LED lighting, USB charging port, TFT display.

Starting from £5,399 the TG is about £800 cheaper than the base version of the Vespa GTS 300.

• Lambretta Looks
• Attention detail
• Spec is decent

• GP is stated as more powerful
• Chinese built

In at two and just missing out on the top spot is…. Lambretta’s new premium offering is the G350.

OK, this is only missing out on the top spot by a whisker, but that doesn’t stop me from being extra excited by this model.

The Lambretta G350 is ahead of the X300 in the looks stakes for me, but throw in a 330cc, single cylinder liquid cooled motor producing 25.8hp at 7,500rpm and 25.5nm of torque @6,250rpm, and the G350 looks set to be the most powerful production retro scooter available on the market and really does set itself apart.

In my opinion, I really believe the Lambretta G350 really could be the new king of large retro scooters, as Lambretta hasn’t just concentrated on the engine, the rest of the tech and spec is pretty impressive coming equipped with a full TFT display, full LED lighting, tailoured seat, USB charger, and high levels of attention to detail.

So I hear you ask, how much will it cost? Well, this is TBC. My guess is that the G350 will be anywhere between £5,500 to £7,000.

Last but not least here we go people, the best large-capacity retro scooter is the… Vespa GTS 300!

OK, so on paper, I think the Lambretta might well be deserving of the number one spot. However, as it is yet to reach UK shores and is untested, I’ll stick to the GTS clinching the number one spot for now, but will the G350 overtake for 2024? Only time will tell.

The GTS has been the leading light for large-capacity retro scooters since it was released and has been the go-to modern retro for those wanting something that can handle longer jaunts with decent acceleration and top speed.

At the heart of the GTS is the 278cc HPE engine which creates 23.8hp @8,250rpm and 26nm of torque at 5,250rpm, which should handle what most people are looking for. However, as I’ve mentioned previously, we are now seeing rivals producing more power, so could it be time for Vespa to address this?

The GTS comes packed with decent spec too including keyless ignition, and traction control, along with an improved seat, switchgear, dash, suspension, and brakes for 2023.

Between the standard GTS, Super, Super Sport, and the Super Tech, there are versions of this scoot to suit most, including a few rather eye-catching colourway options too. And with models starting around £6,200, whilst the GTS is a premium option, it still remains a truly great retro scooter.

• Subtle but impressive 2023 updates
• Stunning
• Great levels of spec
• The real deal

• Premium price
• Tight storage space

So there you have it, here is our list of just some of the best large-capacity retro scooters ready to take 2023 by storm!

Do you think the GTS deserves the number one spot? And if not what would you put at number one? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below.

Lastly, if you have your very own retro scoot you need to insure, make sure to get a scooter and moped insurance quote direct with Lexham!