Vespa Et4 150
The Vespa Et4 150 has a top speed of 105 km/h, produces 11 hp and weighs 115 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Vespa ET4 150 was introduced by Piaggio in 1996 as part of the modern ET series, marking Vespa's transition to a four-stroke engine scooter while retaining its iconic styling. It was notable for being one of the first Vespas to adopt a fuel-injected four-stroke single-cylinder engine, making it cleaner and more fuel-efficient than its two-stroke predecessors. The ET4 150 was sold until around 2005 and helped revitalize the Vespa brand among urban commuters worldwide.
11 hp
Power
11.7 Nm
Torque
115 kg
Weight
105 km/h
Top Speed
2.5 L/100km or approximately 40 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Reliable Rotax Engine
The ET4 150 uses a Rotax-sourced 4-stroke engine, a significant upgrade over older 2-stroke Vespas, offering smoother power and lower maintenance costs. With proper oil changes, these engines routinely exceed 30,000 miles.
Watch the Carb & Fuel System
Ethanol-blended fuels can degrade the carburetor and fuel lines on older ET4s, causing hard starting and rough idling. Always inspect these components and budget for a carb clean or rebuild if buying a neglected example.
Strong Resale Value
The ET4 150 holds its value well due to the iconic Vespa brand and its transition-era status as a practical, modern classic. Clean examples in good condition typically sell for $1,500–$3,000 depending on mileage and cosmetics.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original ET4 150 launch with 150cc 4-stroke Piaggio LEADER engine, single-sided front fork, modern styling.
"Italian charm finally paired with a grown-up engine."
After years of two-stroke Vespas that demanded constant fettling, the ET4 150 felt like a revelation — twist and go, no choke ritual, no premix guilt. The LEADER engine pulls smoothly from idle and sits comfortably at 80 km/h all day without the strained buzzing you got from the old two-bangers, though 95 km/h is very much a theoretical number on anything but flat tarmac. That single-sided front fork looks achingly cool in photos but transmits road imperfections with a slightly wooden, vague quality that'll unsettle you mid-corner on patchy urban tarmac — it's a styling choice Piaggio prioritized over feel. Practicality is genuinely good: underseat storage swallows a full-face helmet, the steel bodywork takes knocks without shattering, and fuel economy around 35 km/L makes running costs laughably cheap, but early carburettor models are prone to flooding if left sitting more than a week.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Rewarding urban scooter if you buy one carefully maintained."
$1,500-$3,500 usedThe ET4 150 is genuinely charming in a way that makes you forgive its quirks — and trust me, there are quirks. Piaggio's rotax-derived engine pulls smoothly to about 60mph, which is honestly all you need for urban commuting. The bodywork is proper steel, not plastic, so it holds up well used but also means rust is your enemy on neglected examples. Check every panel seam and under the floorboard religiously before handing over cash. Electricals are the real headache on high-mileage units. Stators die, carburetors gum up from sitting, and finding a mechanic who actually knows Italian scooters outside major cities is harder than it should be. Budget $200-400 for a proper service immediately after purchase regardless of what the seller claims. The suspension is surprisingly composed for a scooter, and that classic Vespa silhouette genuinely never gets old — people will stop you at traffic lights wanting to chat. Buy one with documented service history and under 8,000 miles if you can find it. Walk away from anything that's been sitting more than a year without recent fuel system work.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Vespa Et4 150 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, hard starting when warm
Jerky takeoff, top speed loss, belt squealing
Check coolant level, look under fairings for residue
Test all lights, gauges, and starter function
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent if maintained, neglect kills them fast
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Vespa Et4 150
Piaggio Vespa Lx 125
Piaggio Vespa Lx 150
Piaggio Vespa Primavera 150
Piaggio Vespa Sprint 150
Piaggio Vespa Vxl 150
Compare Vespa Et4 150 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Vespa Et4 150 vs Piaggio Vespa Lx 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Et4 150 vs Piaggio Vespa Lx 150
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Et4 150 vs Piaggio Vespa Primavera 150
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Et4 150 vs Piaggio Vespa Sprint 150
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Et4 150 vs Piaggio Vespa Vxl 150
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Vespa Et4 150 Guides
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View all Vespa models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Vespa Et4 150? +
Carburetor gumming from ethanol fuel sitting: Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting when warm (moderate) | Variator and roller wear causing sluggish acceleration: Jerky takeoff, top speed loss, belt squealing (moderate) | Coolant leaks from aging hoses or water pump: Check coolant level, look under fairings for residue (serious)
Is the Vespa Et4 150 a good motorcycle? +
Rewarding urban scooter if you buy one carefully maintained. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Style-conscious commuters wanting reliable Italian character daily. Avoid if: You need highway speeds or hate hunting specialists.
What is the horsepower of the Vespa Et4 150? +
The Vespa Et4 150 produces 11 hp @ 8,250 rpm, with 11.7 Nm @ 6,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 105 km/h.
Is the Vespa Et4 150 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Vespa Et4 150 is a reasonable choice for new riders (11 hp is manageable), weighing 115 kg. Style-conscious commuters wanting reliable Italian character daily
Is the Vespa Et4 150 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Vespa Et4 150, notably: Coolant leaks from aging hoses or water pump (Check coolant level, look under fairings for residue). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Vespa Et4 150 good for daily use? +
Style-conscious commuters wanting reliable Italian character daily Fuel: 2.5 L/100km or approximately 40 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Vespa Et4 150? +
The Vespa Et4 150 reaches a top speed of 105 km/h, producing 11 hp at 115 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Vespa Et4 150? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Vespa Et4 150, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/vespa/et4-150/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
