The 50 cc sibling to the larger Fly 150 3V, the Fly 50 4V offered for 2015 is nimble, economical transportation from Piaggio->ke2268 -- a company who maintains its presence in the "light mobility sector" in Europe, the U.S. and now in Asia. With a lineup of sturdy and stylish scooters->ke2256 from 50 cc up to 492 cc, the Fly 50 4V and the Typhoon 50 hold up the lightweight end of the range, but don't let "small" lead you to think the Fly 50 4V is anything but capable, easy-to-handle and worthy of a look. Intended for short trips and running errands, Fly 50 4V is easy to park, has ample storage, and plenty of oomph to carry you through urban streets.

Continue reading for my review of the Piaggio Fly 50 4V

2015 Piaggio FLY 50 4V

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2015 Piaggio FLY 50 4V
• Engine/Motor: Single cylinder Piaggio Hi-PER4, 4 stroke

Design

Piaggio is all about metropolitan mobility and the Fly 50 4V carries that with aplomb. The scooter has storage under the seat with enough capacity to stash two jet helmets and compartments up front to hold your bits and bobs. Lightweight and with the lower seat height of the two 50 cc scooters, the Fly 4V is easy to handle for folks new to two-wheel travel. Its styling is more classic scooter than the almost aggressive look of the Typhoon 50.

To add a bit of individuality to your Fly 50 4V, peruse the accessory catalog to add a windscreen and a top box with almost four gallons more storage. To protect your ride, add an 8 mm security chain and electronic alarm; and for your head, check out the stylish leather-wrapped vintage or copter helmets.

Chassis

The 32 mm telescopic front fork and a single rear shock handle suspension on the Fly 50 4V. Such a lightweight ride doesn't need much in the way of brakes so the 220 mm front disc with a dual-piston floating caliper in the front and 140 mm drum brake in the rear are more than enough to stop you. All this rolls on 12-inch alloy wheels and tubeless 120/70 tires.

Drivetrain

Powered by the single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve Hi-Per4 engine, the Fly 50 4V gives you up to 104 mpg and 39 mph with the stock, restricted exhaust. For no-fuss travel around town, the scooter comes with the Twist 'N Go CVT transmission.

Pricing

MSRP on your Fly 50 4V is $2,299 and comes in White or Graphite Black. Piaggio covers you with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty and gives you a year of road-side assistance through Road America.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, "I'm never sure what to say about a scooter. I've never lived in an area where having one would be practical. However, I can't deny that scooters are economical transportation if you live in an urban or semi-urban area. When I visited Europe, they were all over the place in the cities and towns."

She Said

"I have to be honest. I really wanted to like this scooter; and while I don't dislike it, I like the Typhoon 50 just a wee bit more. For very nearly the same size engine, the Typhoon 50 gets about a third again more gas mileage, a slightly larger fuel capacity, bigger wheels and tires, and it has a four-position spring preload adjustment on the rear shock all for $300 MSRP less than the Fly 50. That $300 may not seem like a lot, but when the price is only $2,299, $300 is 13 percent less. For me, that's significant. When I think about what I'd use a 50 cc scooter for -- running errands, getting around in an urban area and short commutes -- I want the best fuel economy I can get and I want to be able to adjust the rear shock for added weight so I'm not wrestling with a monster trying to get home with my goodies. If that choice ends up being less expensive, all the better for me."

Specifications