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The closest scooters to a Vespa sold new in the US for 2026 are the Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S (the GTS rival), the Kymco Like 150i ABS and Genuine Buddy (Primavera and Sprint rivals), and the Honda Metropolitan or Genuine Buddy 50 if you want a retro 50cc. Most cost $2,000 to $3,000 less than the Vespa they compete with. Lambretta, SYM’s Fiddle and Honda’s Giorno+ look the part, but none of them has official US distribution right now.
This guide is research-based. We compared 2026 US-market manufacturer specs and published MSRPs (from Genuine Scooter Co., Kymco, Honda and Vespa, plus spec listings on motorcycle.com), distributor announcements, and owner feedback. Prices change and dealers add freight and setup fees, so treat every number here as a starting point.
What makes a scooter “Vespa-like”?
A Vespa has a few signature traits: a rounded, step-through body, a flat floorboard, a headset with a round or oval headlight, and small 12-inch wheels. Under the skin, Vespa builds its bodies as a steel monocoque, which is one reason they cost more and feel solid.
Most rivals copy the look with plastic body panels over a steel frame. That keeps prices down. It also means they weigh less and cost less to fix after a tip-over. If you’re after a scooter that looks like something else entirely, see our guide to scooters and mopeds that look like motorcycles.
For reference, here’s what 2026 Vespas cost in the US (MSRP): Primavera 50 about $4,449, Primavera 150 about $5,799, Sprint 150 S about $5,999, and GTS 310 from about $8,299.
Comparison table: Vespa alternatives for 2026
| Scooter | Engine | Power | About MSRP | Rivals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Scooter Co. Bella Classic 50 | 49.5cc | 2.95 hp | $1,699 | Primavera 50 |
| Genuine Buddy 50 | 49.7cc | 2 hp | $2,499 | Primavera 50 |
| Honda Metropolitan | 49cc | about 4 hp | $2,649 | Primavera 50 |
| Genuine Buddy 125 | 124.9cc | 9.7 hp | $2,899 | Primavera 150 |
| Kymco Like 150i ABS | 149.8cc | 13.5 hp | $3,299 + destination | Primavera / Sprint 150 |
| Genuine Buddy 170i | 168.9cc | 11.2 hp | $3,499 | Sprint 150 |
| Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S | 278cc | 21.5 hp | $6,199 (2027) | GTS 310 |
Prices are manufacturer MSRPs as listed in fall 2026 and exclude freight, setup and taxes.
50cc retro scooters
A 50cc scooter tops out around 30 mph in most US setups. In many states it can be registered as a moped, which may mean easier licensing. Rules vary a lot by state, so check with your DMV. Our moped vs. motorcycle guide explains the usual differences.
Honda Metropolitan
The Metropolitan is the safest pick for a first-time rider who wants retro style. Its 49cc four-stroke engine is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. Honda lists a 179-pound wet weight, a low 28.3-inch seat and 22 liters of under-seat storage. The 2026 MSRP is about $2,649. Owners mostly praise its fuel economy and low running costs, and Honda’s dealer network is far larger than any other brand on this list.
Best for: short-legged riders, campus and neighborhood trips, and anyone who wants the easiest ownership.
Genuine Buddy 50
The Buddy is the scooter most often called a “budget Vespa.” The 50 starts at about $2,499 and is restricted to around 30 mph. Genuine backs it with a 3-year unlimited-mile warranty. It comes in lots of bright colors and special editions, which is a big part of its appeal.
Best for: riders who want the Buddy look and a long warranty at moped speeds.
Chicago Scooter Co. Bella Classic 50
Sold through Genuine dealers, the Bella Classic 50 is the cheapest retro option here at about $1,699. It has 10-inch alloy wheels and a 2.95 hp engine, so expect a slow climb up hills. It makes sense as a low-cost errand scooter, not a long-term Vespa substitute.
Best for: tight budgets and very short, flat trips.
125cc to 170cc: rivals to the Primavera and Sprint
This is the sweet spot for most buyers. These scooters can hold 50 to 55 mph, which covers city streets and most suburban roads. They usually aren’t happy on highways.
Kymco Like 150i ABS
The Like is the closest spec-for-spec match to a Primavera 150. Kymco lists 13.5 hp from its 149.8cc engine, which is slightly more than the Primavera’s published 12.5 hp. It also has ABS, disc brakes at both ends and 12-inch aluminum wheels, just like the Vespa. MSRP is about $3,299 plus a $300 destination charge, roughly $2,000 less than the Primavera 150.
The trade-off is the plastic body and a lower resale value. Kymco’s dealer network is also thinner than Vespa’s in some areas.
Best for: riders who want Vespa features like ABS and 12-inch wheels for much less money.
Genuine Buddy 125 and Buddy 170i
The Buddy 125 (9.7 hp, about $2,899) and Buddy 170i (11.2 hp, fuel-injected, about $3,499) share the same compact body. Both have a front disc and rear drum brake, 10-inch wheels and a USB port. Genuine quotes around 55 mph for the 170i. Like the 50, both get a 3-year unlimited-mile warranty.
The 10-inch wheels make the Buddy feel quick in traffic but less stable over potholes than a 12-inch-wheel Vespa or Kymco. The Buddy Kick 125i (about $3,499) uses the same idea with a sportier body.
Best for: city commuters who value warranty coverage and a light, nimble scooter.
250cc to 300cc: rivals to the Vespa GTS
Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S
Royal Alloy is a British brand whose designs nod to classic 1960s Lambretta-era scooters. Genuine Scooter Co. imports it to the US. The Grand Prix 300S has a 278cc liquid-cooled engine making 21.5 hp, ABS, 12-inch Pirelli tires and a claimed top speed of up to 80 mph (Genuine’s spec page). That makes it a real GTS alternative, able to handle short highway runs.
The 2027 model is listed at about $6,199, and Genuine has announced a factory sidecar package for $3,199 more. The GTS 310 starts around $8,299. Royal Alloy’s warranty is 2 years with unlimited miles.
Best for: riders who want big-wheel GTS performance and retro looks for about $2,000 less.
Electric options
Vespa’s own Primavera Elettrica 70 RED lists from about $8,299 in the US, with a 3.6 kW motor and an 80 km (about 50-mile) WMTC range. Few electric rivals match its retro styling. NIU, sold in the US through Genuine dealers, offers lower-cost electric scooters like the UQi GT (about $2,099), but their styling is modern rather than classic. Before you buy any electric scooter, check its real top speed and range from the maker, and whether your state treats it as a moped.
Retro scooters you can’t easily buy in the US
- Lambretta X300 and G350: Lambretta’s own distributor list covers Europe, Asia, Australia and Brazil but shows no US distributor (see Lambretta’s dealer page). US buyers would face import and parts headaches.
- Honda Giorno+ (125cc): sold in Asia, not in the US.
- SYM Fiddle 125: a popular retro scooter in Europe and Taiwan, with little to no US dealer presence.
- Genuine Grand Tourer: no longer in Genuine’s current US lineup. Look for used ones.
How to choose a Vespa alternative
- Match the engine to your roads. 50cc for 25 mph zones, 125 to 170cc for city arteries, 278cc or more if you’ll touch a highway.
- Look at wheel size. 12-inch wheels (Kymco Like, Royal Alloy) handle rough pavement better than 10-inch wheels (Buddy).
- Prefer ABS above 50cc. The Like 150i and Grand Prix 300S both have it.
- Find a dealer first. Service access matters more than a few hundred dollars. Brand reliability helps too; see our most reliable motorcycle brands guide.
- Budget for gear and security. Plan on a helmet, gloves and a lock before you ride home.
Gear to go with your scooter
Retro scooter riders often choose an open-face helmet for the look. A full-face helmet protects your chin and face much better, so pick a DOT-certified helmet and consider a full-face or modular design. Our best beginner motorcycle helmet guide covers certified options.
Scooters are light and easy to lift into a van, so theft is a real risk. A disc lock with an alarm is cheap insurance, and a cover keeps paint and seats from fading.
FAQ
What is the best Vespa alternative?
For most riders, the Kymco Like 150i ABS. It matches the Primavera 150’s ABS, 12-inch wheels and power for about $2,000 less. If you want GTS-level speed, the Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S is the main US option.
Is a Genuine Buddy as good as a Vespa?
It isn’t as solid. A Buddy uses plastic panels and 10-inch wheels, while a Vespa uses a steel body and 12-inch wheels. But the Buddy costs much less, and its 3-year unlimited-mile warranty is a strong point.
Are Lambretta scooters sold in the US?
Not officially at the moment. Lambretta’s distributor list doesn’t include the US, so a new X300 or G350 would need a private import.
Which Vespa-style scooter can go on the highway?
The Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S, with 21.5 hp and a claimed top speed of up to 80 mph. Scooters of 170cc and under top out near 55 to 60 mph and aren’t a good fit for highways.
Do I need a motorcycle license for a Vespa-style scooter?
For anything above 50cc, most states require a motorcycle license or endorsement. Some 50cc scooters qualify as mopeds with lighter rules. Check your state DMV.
