Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Gilera SMT vs Piaggio Zip
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera SMT: 71.3% vs 52.7%, a 18.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Gilera SMT | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 52.7% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 34.4% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -18.1 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #5367 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,700 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,352 | 78,993 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Gilera SMT | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 27.7% | 11.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 17.8% | 9.2% |
| Brakes | 13.1% | 6.5% |
| Drive system | 9.0% | 0.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.1% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.8% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 2.1% | 1.6% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | Gilera SMT | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 48.2% | 69.7% |
| 2012 | 46.3% | 69.1% |
| 2013 | 51.8% | 69.7% |
| 2014 | 59.8% | 68.8% |
| 2015 | 43.4% | 69.8% |
| 2016 | 56.9% | 71.0% |
| 2017 | 58.1% | 71.7% |
| 2018 | 39.4% | 72.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Gilera SMT | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 60.3% | 75.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 48.3% | 66.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 51.9% | 64.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 35.9% | 64.5% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Gilera SMT vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Gilera SMT or the Piaggio Zip?
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera SMT: 71.3% vs 52.7%, a 18.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Zip still comes out ahead: -18.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Gilera SMT, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Gilera SMT fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 27.7% of Gilera SMT MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (17.8%).
What does the Piaggio Zip fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.9% of Piaggio Zip MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (9.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Gilera SMT or the Piaggio Zip?
At 30k-40k miles the Piaggio Zip passes first time more often: 35.9% for the Gilera SMT vs 64.5% for the Piaggio Zip.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.