2017 Piaggio Liberty 150 Review

[@LabCoatPaul]

I had a 2018 Piaggio Liberty 150 ABS for about a year, and it was my worst scooter. I'll start with useful pros and cons, then tell you why it was so bad. Since I'm still pissed about my Piaggio experience, I'll start with the bad things about this scooter, followed by some good. Bad things: Almost $4,000 after fees and taxes. Don't let the $2,999 msrp fool you. Filling the gas is very hard. If you fill the gas fast, you get gas on the ground and in your face. The filler neck is too small. Getting parts from Italy to the US takes a long time. Under seat storage is ok, but not great. Can't see the speedometer and the road at the same time with a full face helmet. Mine was defective and only worked for 5 months. Good things: Fast, powerful engine. 60mph top speed, 90 miles per gallon. Smooth ride and great handling from those big wheels. Best grocery hook I've seen on a scooter. Clock and 2 trip meters in the dash What went wrong: I bought my 2018 Piaggio Liberty 150 brand new. After 5 months and 1,500 miles, my charging system failed, so I took it to my local incompetent dealer, Vespa Salt Lake, for warranty repairs. Their mechanic was unable to fix it, and they finally had a guy come in and figure out it had a bad wiring harness. I called and emailed Piaggio multiple times. Mostly they didn't respond. I wanted to get my money back for this thing, but Piaggio didn't care. After 9 months, I got my scooter back, working but all scratched up. I told Piaggio, and again they didn't care. Moral of the story: This scooter is pretty nice, with some design flaws. IF it works, you're ok, but things can go horribly wrong and you need to make sure you have a good dealer.

[@bencahn1]

damn dude, your comment alone makes me not wanna get it

[@apmarzocca]

Agreed on the price. Almost 1500 taxes/fees on top

[@rickmanley767]

I just bought one here in Seattle. Out the door price without the extended warranty was $4600.

[@donaldlee6760]

@@rickmanley767 - I wonder if this was due to extreme lack of inventory. Car dealers also sold their inventory at higher prices due to lack of inventory by adding new fees. Of course now that inventory is back car dealers stopped adding these "Covid" fees.

[@billadmond9450]

@Lab Coat Paul You had bad luck the main fault is on the dealer. I had a very bad experience with a Honda motorcycle because it had a design fault in the engine (there were recalls) but my model was more recent so it wasn't included in the recall campaign. Long story short, I sold it with only 1,500Kms and of course I lost a LOT of money! In your case the scooter had an assembly flaw and the dealer wasn't able nor willing to help you, you had to enforce the refund no matter the BS they were telling you. Regarding the spare parts that is a fault on the greedy distributor because they should always have some stock ready for their customers. And I agree that Piaggio NEVER deal with foreign users and that is very bad because you already struggle with the local distributor and the crook dealer then you get the door shut at you!

[@daanje1062]

Two quality products. LIke he said you can't go wrong with either one. Robot is the greatest.

[@4711StGermain]

6'3" - been riding one for nearly 2 years. Easy to service (including the valves - PCX owners take note!), Loving it! Very happy customer! Robot's and Justgottascoot's reviews sold me on this purchase. Very happy I did.

[@jasonclarke7422]

4711StGermain nice to know that you are happy with the size of this scooter,I’m the same height as you with a 34in inseam and was concerned if I could fit on the scooter,what is the top speed and mpg with yourself riding and are you still happy with your scooter? Any information you can give would be appreciated 👍

[@4711StGermain]

@@jasonclarke7422 122mph😊it's a 155cc scooter... 90mpg. 4th summer with it. Love it. If you need highway speed...buy the Piaggio 350 at twice the price.

[@jasonclarke7422]

@@4711StGermain I think I will stick with my motorbike for the time being, I'm just getting lazy in my old age and like the idea of not having to mess about with chains and not messing about with gears in traffic 😉

[@barryervin8536]

@@4711StGermain 122 mph? I don't think so LOL! More like 100 kph (62 mph)

[@christopherkilian8826]

Nice review, thank you. Finally a video without any annoying background music

[@irnagtx2366]

One big advantage of Piaggio Liberty 150 with gas filler under the seat is that the gas tank is above the engine, so the fuel flows to engine by natural gravity instead of fuel pump consuming electricity and sophisticated like Honda PCX. Simpler design than that with fuel pump.

[@TheMaggieMia]

I traded my GTS in for the Liberty this past week. The weight of the GTS, with crash bar and top box was just too heavy for my riding alone comfort. I rode that new Liberty home from St. Louis MO, over 125 miles and my only complaint was no windscreen but I ordered a Slipstreamer Scoot 66 and will install it today, a soon as it quits raining here.

[@curtgottler9961]

Do you still have the Liberty? How does it stand up?

[@TheMaggieMia]

@@curtgottler9961 I love my Libby, but it’s not so great at hauling ‘freight’. I do like that Slipstreamer I put on but wish I had gotten the Piaggio screen, I was worried about how it mounted as there were no videos out on that, now Robot at ScooterWest has done that, and gee, easy and no damage to scooter. It now has about 3000 miles on it, which is not bad considering it’s not the only ride here. It’s my very favorite for to and from work, so easy to park, so good on gas, and great for play, it not if I am planning to haul much home. I do have the topbox support on, that helps but it’s weight and distribution issues, doesn’t take much to have it too heavy in the back and not good road grip with the front tire.

[@ScyllaWyrm]

That's a really nice looking fusion of sporty, classic and comfortable. I might get a Liberty in this color.

[@rolandmetayer7210]

On another video I commented about the size of the wheels on the Vespa scooters. I thought that the VESPAs had ten inch wheels like the Yamaha BWs here in Canada and the Yamaha Zuma in the USA . I admit, I was wrong ! As you say Mr.Robot, Vespa scooters either have an eleven or twelve inch diameter wheel . In this video you CONFIRMED what I always believed, that a larger diameter wheel will ADD to STABILITY and I also believe to a certain extent, ride COMFORT. THANKS for saying it in this video. Mr. Robot, you wouldn't believe the NEGATIVE COMMENTS from viewers and Vespa scooter LOVERS, that I received In the former video where I commented. I did not want to OFFEND anyone. I just commented. I like your videos and there is a 99% chance that I will purchase a Piaggio Liberty in 2020. Once again, thanks and ride safe. Cheers from Canada ! !

[@billadmond9450]

I agree this is the best scooter in its category, very nice looking, stylish, very safe riding and very reliable engine.

[@donaldlee6760]

At 0:29 - it's called a Piaggio LT150. My 18 y./o daughter drove her 2003 LT150 just today here in the Oakland, CA hills, alongside me on my Honda Monkey. Presumably it was sold in 2003 and 2004 however I have never seen a 2004 LT150 so suspect it was actually sold only in 2003l

[@allans7281]

The liberty flat floorboard makes all the difference you need it for storing boxes from the market grocery bag etc.

[@allans7281]

Great video I just bought one I don’t see the description of the part numbers for the fly screen and the floor mat

[@calgary2800]

Its like a less powerful Sym HD200 which I use to own. That scooter was a little rocket for in town riding, only sold it due to wanting a more freeway capable ride.

[@krollpeter]

I own the Sym HD2 200i. I can say it is a good scooter. But in terms of overall quality it can not quite compete with the Liberty or the Medley. The Piaggios are somewhat lesser powerful in terms of acceleration, though.

[@class51600]

Robot forgot to mentioned so glad you guys are doing videos more often, thank you very much.

[@forrysc]

I've owned and ridden the SMAX and PCX150. The Smax is certainly faster by about 10mph but to me, that's wasted speed. I still wouldn't ride it on the interstate. 150cc scooters are the best class in my opinion. Smaller, lighter weight, and still highway capable for light travel. That being said, the liberty 150 rides very similarly to the Honda SH150i but is better in two ways. The CVT is smoother and it's better damped than the honda. The SH150i is watercooled, but the Liberty 150 feels just as smooth, just as quick, and runs every bit was well as the water cooled Honda. I'm extremely happy with my Liberty 150 because it's more comfortable than the Smax and PCX. I wanted a scooter that felt like the Honda SH150i and to me, it's better.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thanks for your input, love to hear from personal experience.

[@forrysc]

@@VespaMotorsport I bought this scooter largely on your recommendation. I'm glad I did.

[@bpinsel4041]

I do own a 2016 PCX - JF57by myself. It's a really nice scooter with an unrivaled fuel effeciency. But the biggest drawback on the PCX is - maintenance cost. Every 4000km you need to do a valve check! This is ridiculous because it's so damned expensive to tear all the plastic apart before you can do any service work. Go check the official Honda hours required for the PCX and you'll either do the service work by yourself oo pay a fortune to your Honda dealer every 2500 miles.

[@calgary2800]

Never checked my valves 5300 miles, 17 PCX150. Runs fine

[@dabell12]

Honda Super Cab is on the market around same price. is a very competitive segment now

[@mapollo]

Wow. Here I go dreaming again! Beautiful bike. I'll have to keep riding my 2011 150 LX i.e. a little while longer! Meanwhile Robot and the folks at the shop have great products to update and upgrade. Stay frosty!

[@benkuhn6109]

Very cool bike. I enjoy all your videos thank you

[@krollpeter]

This is a good review, as it mentions all relevant points. The Liberty looks cool.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thanks for watching!

[@theludixblaster]

what a great review, top marks ;)

[@gordjohnson70]

Well done. GREAT review. You deserve a BIG raise.

[@JayDillon-mm6yv]

Lean forward slightly and move your butt further back a few inches. That solves the leg length issue.

[@Maxthafirst]

I'm 6'3 with a 33-34 inseam. Will I be comfortable?

[@roywalls5595]

Thanks for sharing this video about Piaggio Library 150cc! Mr Robot 🤖

[@sgtshak2806]

I wish they put a similar seat on the BV350 and allowed just a little more "ass" space/ movement. My wife rides a LX150. I would like to see her on this with the larger wheels.

[@georgealex19]

Thank you for a detailed review.

[@jamesconner3437]

Have there been any improvements in the Liberty from 2017 till 2023 ?

[@markmcalister3746]

Great review . . as this is older post, it is inline with model I am looking at That said, I am 6-5 240 and need space! Feet and otherwise ability to slide back on seat. What scooter 125-200 might you suggest for my hunt? thnx

[@kalkun009]

Looks o'sum,,hop it comes in india... Love it....

[@Smaug1]

+ ABS + Bag hook + Big wheels, 16" is *amazing* in this price bracket, but that's why the Honda has more underseat storage room. + Spring seat prop + Running lights (makes it more visible to oncoming cars at night) + Flat seat design; I think pretty much EVERYONE prefers this. - Air cooled - Afterthought turn signals wreck the lines of the bike Turn signals were kind of an afterthought; looks like crap. They didn't meet US DOT regulations somehow and didn't want to redesign just for that purpose, when most of their sales are not here. Honda PCX DOES have a trip meter. Press the left button once to get to it. Press and hold to reset. Missing clock was a bad move on Honda's part. How much would it have cost them? What's the fuel economy on the Liberty? Honda is 100 mpg, which is pretty much unrivaled.

[@DearMajesty]

This was awesome. Thank you!

[@inkjob12]

part #'s for the matt, small windscreen and top case,,,Rack also if needed...thanks

[@tommy18t]

Looks great. What is the service interval (miles and months) for these new Libertys?

[@jerryhitt9991]

Are they planning to offer a 250 or 300 cc version of the liberty. Very good info Thanks

[@thegambone]

Fantastic video. Thank you very much. Great job.

[@allans7281]

I want that windshield what’s the exact make and model please

[@whitefox5155]

Enjoy your videos. Just wonder what you think of the 50 CC Piaggio Liberty, looks nice like the 150 CC but I heard they are very slow. Your feed back is welcome

[@Jasong22223423423423]

You say the wheelbase is shorter than a Honda PCX. But online says that a PCX is 51.8 inch. and the Liberty shows 52.8. So the Liberty is an inch longer than the PCX for the 2018s.

[@inkjob12]

can you deliver to Nor Cali ? Love and want this scoot...wanted a Sprint or Primavera....but this would save me a LOT of money

[@OntarioAndrews415]

(a) Great review of this 2017 Piaggio Liberty. (b) You said your height is 5'8". I'm 5'9". The Liberty seat height is listed at 31.1". Recently I sat on a 2016 Piaggio BV350 and its seat height is listed as 31.2" and I could not flat foot it, yet you were able to flat foot on both sides on this scooter. I'm just saying. :) (c) Please make a video on the 2017 Piaggio BV350 as there are really no North American videos on it. I am strongly considering buying a 2017 BV350, but would love to see a detail video review of it like you did here with the Liberty. Thanks!

[@wayneedwards5589]

I had one and it was great but the seat was too high so I bought a Kymco Like. The Vespa copy is brilliant.

[@johnengland8619]

The seat width difference explains the leg length issue

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Hi, I know this video is for the 2017 Liberty, but do you know if there is a lower seat height option available for the 2017 BV350? Anything that could shave off about an inch or close to an inch would be great. Thank you.

[@class51600]

Robot the Anti-lock is only on the front so should you be using the front brakes more? On my mountain bikes I use both front and back a bit harder on the back. Do you recommend using the front or the back more?

[@treverpitts]

tip when showing off a new scooter yall should put a gopro style camera on your scooter or helmet. so show us how it rides

[@stevepetttyjohn7900]

Nice review. I'm of similar size to you, about what top speed can I expect to get out of it? No looking for a speed demon, but do what to stay up with traffic on a few B roads I need to occasionally use.

[@Already100]

Steve Petttyjohn top speed for 2019 model is 70 . I’ve took on freeway before !. I also upgraded the air flow system....

[@gordjohnson70]

What would the cylinder kit cost (installed ) ? Any other upgrades and price installed ?

[@lxmedia3911]

Is this eligible to be used on the DMV skills test for the class M1 license (California)?

[@VespaMotorsport]

Yes it is!

[@treverpitts]

the honda does look nice both scooters are good

[@dcweber1]

Yo Robot, Great review. I’m in the market for a 150 cc scooter that I can take off road on firm dirt and gravel. Looking seriously at this PIaggio liberty 150 S. Of course I would swap the stock tires for something with a bit of tread depth. The fact that the liberty has larger wheels and is still around 250 pounds are big pluses for me. Any other 150cc scooter I should consider in the 3000 to $3500 price range? Do you think that for me it’s worth it to spend the extra $2000+ for a Vespa?

[@rolandmetayer7210]

Here in Canada, Honda Motor Company, solved the problem of which scooter model that Canadians can purchase. Honda Motor Canada only offers the 49CC Ruckus scooter. Simple enough ! ! Cheers !

[@brianfraser2495]

I guess we just are not a big enough market. I had a Honda Silverwing 600 for a number of years.

[@ianjohnson4987]

A great review - thank you

[@alisacalin7474]

Do you think it would still be comfortable for someone who is 6 feet 1? For comparison, I am OK riding the SH150i.

[@abefrohman1759]

It's a good review but it's weird not having Steve around.

[@class51600]

Robot I know you mentioned that my ABS light would go off as I drove on my 2015 Vespa Sprint but it never goes off, any reason to worry?

[@richarddegen6184]

my 2016 sprint it blinks all the time

[@gordjohnson70]

Would it be highway friendly with cyl. kit ? Top speed ?

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Looks like a baby BV

[@rolandmetayer7210]

Good review ! Thanks .

[@nomorebang]

Why not the Piaggio Medley seems like it has a better rear suspension front and rear disc brakes digital speedometer, bigger storage underseat that can hold two full size helmets why not bring that one to the states?

[@vladberry9033]

very important information @Robot

[@krishnamohan4357]

wts on road price

[@Already100]

Sup buddy ,. Which cylinder kit you need for the upgrade ? And what other things they have for a faster scooter ? Ty .... ps What kind of muffler can I swap out for more flow ?

[@VespaMotorsport]

This is the cylinder kit for the Liberty 150 3V: www.scooterwest.com/primavera-sprint-liberty-3v-2018-iget-183cc-63mm-bore-cylinder-kit-w-ecu-mapper-not-for-946-or-fly.html We don't currently stock any exhausts specifically for the Liberty, but there are some available out there.

[@BritonAD]

Which has better mpg the Piaggio or Honda?

[@andyr4735]

Can anyone tell me whats the diffrence between the liberty and medley please? As far as i can tell the medley has a slightly longer wheel base, the fuel filler cap is by the feet and it has more under seat storage.

[@arioskuter]

Medley has a different engine, 155 cc liquid cooling. And also it has rear disk brake. But I am in Indonesia, I don't know in the US yet.

[@4711StGermain]

Medley has 2 disc brakes and two rear shocks. Next tick up in performance and features and price.

[@barryervin8536]

No mention of where these are built? China or Vietnam?

[@ucduongtruong5839]

Vietnam, I suppose. Piaggio has a giant factory here building their small and medium scooters

[@NoahJJ24]

I think I prefer the Honda PCX 150 just so I can put my feet up off the floor. Much more comfortable

[@abefrohman1759]

That's a good looking scooter.

[@kd1366]

I am looking for used Piaggio or Vespa.please let me know if you have.

[@iamirish4361]

Is there a disadvantage to this being air cooled?

[@rolandmetayer7210]

A liquid cooled engine will keep normal running temperatures much , much better than an air cooled engine ! Period ! Yes , there is a little more maintenance with a liquid cooled engine , but the benefits out number the negatives . Plus , a liquid cooled engine in general , will last longer , because of the fact that the running temperature of the engine will remain more constant , than with an air cooled engine .

[@irnagtx2366]

Iam Irish Air cool engine is good for short trip. However, as durable as liquid cooled engine if not for excessive range. There are 20 million scooters in Taiwan, most of them are air cooled ones with no problem for long trip. Mine is more than 20 years old and still capable for 1000 kilometers trip around the island. So, simplicity of engine design is the best advantage of air cooled engine if you have daily commute distance less than 100 kilometers.

[@extremlaybak]

The liberta is more like the honda click not like the PCX is a under bone frame down the middle more sturdy

[@johndefalque5061]

I don't like noise. I used to have a Motorola electric scooter-so quite I had to lean over to push rabbits out of the way and came very close to deer.

[@raulconantaison9571]

Como hago para que la mia 4t i 49cc corra mas de 50kl????

[@nofgood4live]

why no kick starter?

[@4711StGermain]

EFI scooters have no kick starters.

[@rolandmetayer7210]

This is true . Kick starters were in the day when scooters had carburators and not EFI . Electronic Fuel Injection ( EFI ) .

[@irnagtx2366]

nofgood The sudden spur from kick start might damage the EFI system. Only Suzuki scooter retains the kick starter bar as optional.

[@vinzoys1]

Why do they always have drum brake instead of disc brake??? Anyone care to answer?

[@TheBR911]

Because in Scooters Disc brakes are not much needed and Drum brakes sufficiently work in scooters. They're not as fast as compare to bikes that's why they don't need disc brakes. Moreover Disc brakes increases the service coast of the vehicle.

[@vinzoys1]

thanks for the complete explanation.

[@TheBR911]

Any time...

[@wayneedwards5589]

The new Kymco like 150 has disk brakes and ABS.

[@joebug5599]

where is this Liberty made? Tiawan or China?

[@joebug5599]

I called and it comes from their Vietnam plant.

[@sadladd]

Goddammit. Not I get Vietnam flashbacks every time I see this bike! *shivver*

[@selvamd814]

தமிழ்நாட்டுல கிடைக்குமா. விலை

[@33coleo]

The fuel intake is really poorly designed. Maybe it's a Euro thing but at US gas pumps you have to hold the back the rubber on the fuel pump in order to release the gas. To fill it to the top of the tank you will always spill over. Also, the tank holds 1.3 gallons not 1.6. I haven't gotten better than 72 mpg in one year of use and I only weigh 140 and don't ride with another rider. Disappointed.

[@مادوتيمالديني]

Can you give the price

[@derekfreeman6888]

Top speed???

[@extremlaybak]

Nice looking bike you not paying for the vespa name that good i like it much better vespa vespa not even put a full fork in the front there getting cheep building lower quality bikes and charging more. This is a much better bike than the vespa

[@irnagtx2366]

extremlaybak Single side fork on the front is the symbol of Vespa since very beginning. Piaggio used the landing gear leftover from airplane as the front fork.

[@johndefalque5061]

Well I just might buy a Piaggio! It seems more refined than Adly and I don't like the fat look of that Honda.

[@liladharlanjewar6373]

India launch

[@rolandmetayer7210]

( 1 ) Wash your knees .

[@PalacinkyPDX]

I hate, hate, hate having the gas under the seat. If you ever go scooter camping, you pretty much have to undo your entire setup of gear just to fill the tank. Dumb move Piaggio.

[@johnrespect4215]

kabardinka1 not even that hard to access bec its out of the way under the seat... YOU'RE JUST SUCH A WHINNER SHIT!

[@johnrespect4215]

kabardinka1 and you dont fill the ENGINE, YOU FILL THE TANK, dumbass!!!

[@SLAYER-nm5zw]

@@johnrespect4215 ahahahahahahha

[@4711StGermain]

You'll be happier with something else.

[@irnagtx2366]

kabardinka1 Do you know the scooters with gas filler under the seat or behind the seat have tank above the engine, thus the fuel flows into engine by natural gravity, in other words, the fuel line system is simple and less fuss. Those scooters with gas filler up front or on the hump between riders' legs look fancy, however, they have tank or fuel line below the level of engine, thus they need fuel pump to pump the fuel from tank to the engine. Should you have weak dated battery, then you will have trouble to start the scooter if you are far away from home.

[@rolandmetayer7210]

The Piaggio Liberty scooter looks more like a scooter that a knerd would ride . The Honda looks more like a cool sport bike . LOVE IT ! !

[@TheExpendableGuy1]

The Liberty is more classy, the PCX more sporty. To each his own, no need to be so condescending.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Hi, I know this video is for the 2017 Liberty, but do you know if there is a lower seat height option available for the 2017 BV350? Anything that could shave off about an inch or close to an inch would be great. Thank you.