Lambretta TV vs Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)

The Lambretta TV passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa): 88.2% vs 81.0%, a 7.2-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Lambretta TV	Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)
First-time pass rate	88.2%	81.0%
Outright fail rate	4.3%	11.3%
Engine size	175cc	124cc
Rank among all models	#1544 of 5428	#3379 of 5428
Median miles at test	4,830	9,868
MOT tests analysed	1,090	33,171
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.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Lambretta TV	Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)
Lights & signalling	2.0%	7.0%
Brakes	1.3%	2.7%
Tyres & wheels	0.8%	3.0%
Steering & suspension	1.0%	2.5%
Structure & body	0.1%	0.7%
Fuel & exhaust	0%	0.7%

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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Lambretta TV	Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)
2011	87.1%	78.0%
2012	87.4%	78.2%
2013	87.1%	80.5%
2014	87.7%	79.8%
2015	86.7%	80.7%
2016	88.5%	81.2%
2017	93.0%	82.8%
2018	96.7%	82.5%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Lambretta TV	Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)
0k-10k miles	87.0%	83.0%
10k-20k miles	91.5%	79.5%
20k-30k miles	86.2%	77.3%
30k-40k miles	90.1%	78.8%
40k-50k miles	89.8%	82.0%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Lambretta TV vs Piaggio PX 125 (vespa) FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Lambretta TV or the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)?

The Lambretta TV passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa): 88.2% vs 81.0%, a 7.2-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Lambretta TV fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 2.0% of Lambretta TV MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.3%).

What does the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa) fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 7.0% of Piaggio PX 125 (vespa) MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (3.0%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Lambretta TV or the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa)?

At 40k-50k miles the Lambretta TV passes first time more often: 89.8% for the Lambretta TV vs 82.0% for the Piaggio PX 125 (vespa).

LAMBRETTA TV 88.2% pass · 1,090 tests PIAGGIO PX 125 (VESPA) 81.0% pass · 33.2k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.