The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
Pass rate over time
The 150's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.3 points since 2013, 90.9% to 88.6%.
What fails on a 150
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
32 | 42.1 |
| brakes |
|
22 | 28.9 |
| steering and suspension |
|
10 | 13.2 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 6.6 |
| Items Not Tested |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 1.3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 1.3 |
| wheels |
|
1 | 1.3 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the 150 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (PIAGGIO VESPA, HONDA PCX 125, HONDA Vision 110).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 150.
Compare with any bike
More VESPA models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1965 (87.0% pass). Weakest: 1961 (86.5%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
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