The Birth of Vespa: Designing the Rider First, Then the Motorcycle
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - After 80 years of global travel, Vespa is no longer just an ordinary two-wheeled transport. This iconic Italian scooter has evolved into a symbol of lifestyle, art, and riding culture that spans generations.
However, behind its timeless design lies unique facts and an intriguing history from when the scooter was first designed post-World War II in 1945.
Irvan Henrianto, Technical Training Manager at PT Piaggio Indonesia, shared these interesting stories during the 80th-anniversary celebration of Vespa in Jakarta.
The designer, Corradino D’Ascanio, began the Vespa project by first sketching the human posture while sitting comfortably riding.
After completing the human figure drawing, he then drew the outer lines to design the motorcycle frame around it.
“Our philosophy is different. We design the rider first, sketch them, then proceed to design the motorcycle. So when riding a Vespa, the rider is always positioned exactly in the centre of the vehicle,” said Irvan on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
D’Ascanio then designed the motorcycle without a central “spine” or high backbone frame. The monocoque frame with a flat floor (step-through) was deliberately created for easier access.
“Imagine if the motorcycle design had a central spine; women wearing skirts would have found it extremely difficult to mount. Hence, the flat floor design was created for practicality and ease of use for everyone, including women,” Irvan explained.
The globally renowned name ‘Vespa’ was actually coined spontaneously by Enrico Piaggio, son of the company founder Rinaldo Piaggio.
When the first prototype of the MP6 motorcycle was completed, Enrico examined its physical form closely. He noticed the slim rider seat, the wide rear body covering the engine, and the tapered tail or rear light.
As the 98cc two-stroke engine roared to life with its distinctive sound, Enrico spontaneously exclaimed, “Sembra una vespa!” meaning “It looks like a wasp.” Because of its plump rear resembling a wasp and its buzzing sound similar to an insect, the name Vespa was promptly trademarked and has been used ever since, Irvan said.