Vespa & Lambretta: Icons of Style, Freedom, and the Spirit of Saigon
Vespa and Lambretta… two scooters that changed the way people looked at travel. In post-war Europe, they weren’t just machines – they became symbols of mobility, elegance, and independence.
The Heritage: Who Made Them and What Makes Them Special
- Vespa, created by Piaggio in 1946 in Pontedera, Italy, was designed in response to the demand for affordable, practical transportation after the war. The design included a pressed steel body that enclosed the drivetrain, protecting the rider from dirt and grime, with a protective front fairing and a flat floorboard. Wikipedia
- Lambretta, developed by Innocenti just a little later, emerged with a slightly different philosophy: more emphasis on ruggedness and sportiness. Early models used tubular steel frame structures with exposed engine parts, evolving over time to more closed, streamlined bodies. Wikipedia+2SIP-Scootershop+2
Modern Evolution: New Models, Local Production, and Technology
- In Vietnam, Piaggio has established a factory in Vĩnh Phúc that produces “Made-in-Vietnam” models such as the Vespa Primavera 2025 and Vespa Sprint 2025. These models are built locally, integrating Vietnamese craftsmanship with Italian design heritage. Vietnam Investment Review - VIR
- Modern Vespa models now include features such as LED lighting, greater under-seat storage, USB charging ports, improved suspension, ABS brakes, and newer engines designed for smoother ride and better efficiency. The “GTS 300 HPE” version is one of the more powerful scooters, offering strong performance and more stability, making it suitable even in heavier traffic. Mytour.vn+2EasyBlock+2
Experiencing the Legacy in Saigon
At Saigon On Motorbike, we bring this legacy to life. When you join our tour, you ride (as a passenger) behind expert guides on modern Vespa or Lambretta machines. These bikes combine heritage design with rider-friendly modern features—smoother engines, improved safety, and comfort—so you feel the original soul but receive all the advantages of today’s technology.
Why It Feels Special
- Riding in Saigon on these scooters is more than transportation—it’s storytelling. You pass by French colonial architecture, hidden alleys, local markets, each turn revealing layers of past and present.
- The contrast is part of the charm: modern build quality meets nostalgia; you might be seated on a scooter that looks classic, but with modern engineering beneath you.
What You Take Home
You won’t just take photos. You’ll take memories of how Saigon feels—the rhythm of the streets, the hum of motorbikes, the flavor of street food drifting through the breeze. Whether you prefer the refined elegance of Vespa or the bold energy of Lambretta, the experience becomes something personal and unforgettable.
Conclusion: Live Saigon, Don’t Just Visit It
With Saigon On Motorbike, you’re not just booking a ride. You’re joining a journey—through design, through history, through culture. Vespa and Lambretta are not just scooters—they embody a lifestyle: a statement of style, freedom, and soul.
This weekend, let Saigon surprise you. One ride. One story. One unforgettable experience.