Now that we have given you tips to make your trip special and we have recommended you to renting a Vespa we are sure you have many questions about how to ride a Vespa in Barcelona, keep reading! We will try to answer each of your questions, so that you have all the information you need to ask yourself and others: How to drive a Vespa?
Safety first
Although easy to ride, Vesping only rents vespa scooters to people with previous experience. You don’t want to have accidents due to lack of experience.
At Vesping we are experts in the field, we have the know how and we can ensure your safety.
Now, riding a scooter can be more than just a curiosity, it can also be very practical during vacations or on a regular basis. With an average of 65 miles per gallon, lower investment and more parking opportunities, a scooter will be the best choice for your transportation.
Stop looking for other companies, don’t put your security in dubious hands.
How to ride a Vespa – step by step
The first thing you should do is make sure where and what all your controls are before you even start.
Then, sit down and hold on to the handlebars, make yourself comfortable, your arms should be stretched out comfortably, without having to lean forward. Rest your hands firmly on the handlebar grips.
You will see a lever on each side of the handlebars, these are the brake levers and you can operate them as if it were a mountain bike. The right one operates the front brake and the left one operates the rear brake. Use only two fingers to operate the brakes.
Now, turn on the ignition and start the engine by pressing the “start button” on the right side while pulling either brake lever, then you can release the brake lever.
Remember, your right hand controls the throttle, so keep your wrist in a natural, relaxed position; then slowly twist the throttle grip and your Vespa will begin to move forward.
If you want to stop, use the front and rear brakes evenly, then pull both levers while releasing the accelerator and then be sure to place one foot on the ground.
There are many reasons to decide to rent a scooter, it provides excellent fuel savings, it is easier to park, you will be able to avoid traffic and you will be able to see the place feeling free and close enough.
However, there are many risks when riding a scooter in an urban center; there may be potholes, unconscious drivers, slippery pavement and other hazards depending on the weather.
Valuable tips
We want you to feel comfortable with us, take into account these tips when using our Vespas, they will be very valuable at some point:
- Keep your eyes on the road, your scooter will go where you look.
- Always wear a helmet and make sure your passenger does too.
- Know your Vespa before you start.
- Wearing sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun and dirt in the air.
- Take a small towel with you, it will come in handy if you need to wipe off dirt.
- Have a pair of quality gloves to protect your hands.
- Do not drink if you drive.
- Obey the law at all times when driving.
- Always carry ownership/rental and insurance documents with you.
- Park only in designated parking spaces.
- Make sure your passenger holds your waist or holds the box behind you; never let them hold your shoulders, it can throw them off balance.
- Cover your arms and legs even if it is hot outside, you are very vulnerable on a scooter.
- Prevention: use the Vesping steering lock at every stop.
- Be careful, pavers when wet turn into an oiled ice-like surface.
- Practice going as slow as possible in a straight line or in a curve.
- On dry pavement, lean your body away from the bike. On wet pavement, lean the scooter more, but keep your foot ready in case you slip. Don’t use the front brake!
- Avoid driving in blind spots, you may cause an accident and remember that you are the most vulnerable.
Take it easy
If this is your first time riding a scooter, it is highly recommended that you take your time and practice in some of the quieter neighborhoods in your country, be prepared for a bigger challenge.
Check if the rule is to drive on the right and follow this rule. Otherwise, you could be in danger.
All our scooters are very easy to drive, but it is essential to have previous experience in driving scooters or motorcycles; for safety reasons, we advise against people with no previous experience to rent a scooter, especially in a foreign country.
Everything you need
To have a great evening experience while traveling you will need:
- Previous scooter/motorcycle riding experience preferred.
- Valid passport or identity card.
- You will be asked for a method of payment for the security deposit to be paid.
Do I need a license to drive a scooter?
We know you’re wondering. If you are an EU citizen and already have a motorcycle license, you won’t need anything else.
For non-EU citizens the rules are a bit different, so you should ask before traveling or at your embassy/consulate.
In some cases, an international driver’s license is required and can be obtained in your own country of residence prior to departure.
If you plan to stay longer, you can also apply for and obtain a Spanish driver’s license.
According to Spanish law, these are the valid driving licenses for driving:
- Vespa 50cc. European driving license: AM, A, A1, A2, B. International driving license: A, B.
- Vespa 125cc. European driving license: A, A1, A2. International driving license: A
- Vespa 300cc. European driving license: A, A2. International driving license: A
If you still have any questions, you can find the rest of the information, about the driver’s license and more, on our frequently asked questions page here .
So, now that we’ve covered everything you need to know, it’s time to decide to live this amazing experience responsibly, being cautious but having a great time!