Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Lambretta TV vs Piaggio Vespa
The Lambretta TV passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Vespa: 88.2% vs 80.7%, a 7.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Lambretta TV | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 88.2% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.3% | 12.2% |
| Engine size | 175cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #1544 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 4,830 | 10,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,090 | 287,482 |
| 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
| Component | Lambretta TV | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.0% | 6.4% |
| Brakes | 1.3% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.8% | 3.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 3.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.3% |
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 | Lambretta TV | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 87.1% | 76.1% |
| 2012 | 87.4% | 76.2% |
| 2013 | 87.1% | 76.4% |
| 2014 | 87.7% | 76.6% |
| 2015 | 86.7% | 78.4% |
| 2016 | 88.5% | 79.2% |
| 2017 | 93.0% | 81.0% |
| 2018 | 96.7% | 81.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Lambretta TV | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.0% | 85.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.5% | 77.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 86.2% | 75.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 90.1% | 75.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 89.8% | 75.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Lambretta TV vs Piaggio Vespa FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Lambretta TV or the Piaggio Vespa?
The Lambretta TV passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Vespa: 88.2% vs 80.7%, a 7.5-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 Vespa fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.4% of Piaggio Vespa MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (3.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Lambretta TV or the Piaggio Vespa?
At 40k-50k miles the Lambretta TV passes first time more often: 89.8% for the Lambretta TV vs 75.3% for the Piaggio Vespa.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.