Test of the 2025 Piaggio Liberty 125

The 2025 model year of the Piaggio Liberty 125 sees minor technical tweaks but more significant visual updates. A new horizontal LED headlight enhances visibility and offers a contemporary design, while a 5.5-inch color display (color only at night) presents ride information clearly and comprehensively. Smartphone connectivity is, of course, part of the package. The ergonomics have been refined with an optimized, higher handlebar design to improve both riding comfort and control, especially for beginners. The efficient i-gen engine with electronic fuel injection complies with the Euro-5+ standards, promising low consumption paired with class-typical performance: 8.1 kW (10.9 hp at 7,750 rpm) and eleven Newton meters of torque (at 6,250 rpm). Moreover, the Liberty 125 is available in two variants: the classic version and the sportier-looking S version, which differ only visually, as both scooters are technically identical. Another new feature: the rear carrier for the optional top case, now designed so that the original top case can be mounted without additional screws and adapter plates.

The changes from the predecessor are minimal, but they make perfect sense, especially since the price has remained the same. Why change much when the foundation is solid? The Liberty, which has been evolving since 1997, is positioned in the entry-level segment and offers everything necessary for it. The trick lies in its robust steel frame, lightweight (128 kilograms ready-to-ride weight), and solid yet unspectacular suspension (telescopic fork at the front, mono-shock at the rear), and, of course, the large wheels: a 16-inch rim with 90/80 tires at the front and a 14-inch rim with 100/80 tires at the rear. With a wheelbase of just 1,350 millimeters, it provides ample stability, even over rough roads, without needing constant line corrections. In other words, where Vespa riders break into a cold sweat on wet cobblestones, the Liberty 125 cruises over them effortlessly, with not a twitch in the handlebars. That's how it's done. And that's precisely the difference from the Vespa Sprint and Primavera: the larger wheels and conventional suspension ensure calmness and stability without sacrificing agility. Having owned a Vespa Sprint 125 myself, I know what I'm talking about. And sorry, Vespa riders: once you've ridden a Liberty, you'll understand that while a Vespa may be more stylish, it's certainly not better. The engine is exactly the same. The biggest difference: Vespas are manufactured in Italy, while the Liberty is assembled in Vietnam.

As mentioned before, a scooter needs to be practical. The Liberty has a fuel tank capacity of around six liters, and with a claimed consumption of 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers, it offers an approximate range of 250 kilometers per tank. This is more than sufficient for the small, lightweight city scooter. The only real drawback: the compartment under the seat cannot accommodate a full-face helmet or a larger jet helmet like the Schuberth J2 we used during the test. When asked why the compartment wasn't made larger—since this is a recurring criticism—a Piaggio representative explained that otherwise, the tank, battery, and other components would need to be relocated, which simply isn't feasible. The step-through needs to remain completely flat, maximizing the space under the seat. Hence, not enough room for a larger helmet compartment. A shame. However, there is a glove compartment with a USB port to charge your phone and other devices while riding—practical. Nice touch: the optional top case holds 31 liters, accommodating a larger helmet. With a seat height of just 790 millimeters and a not-too-wide straddle, even shorter riders can find a secure footing. There's no side stand, but the Liberty can be easily placed on the center stand without much effort. Nice detail: the front brake, sourced from Nissin, features ABS and grips the 240 mm brake disc with steel braided lines. At the rear, a conventional drum brake is used. The braking performance is adequate in all situations, and the modulation is good. A nice touch: the passenger footrests can be folded out separately, providing the pillion with more foot space.

So, how does it ride? Foolproof, intuitive, simple, and free of surprises. The 16-inch front wheel provides reassuring stability for both beginners and seasoned scooter riders. The standard Maxxis tires offer enough grip even in cool temperatures and wet conditions to keep worries at bay. Compared to a Vespa Sprint or Primavera, the suspension is significantly more comfortable, with greater reserves for deeper potholes and a less harsh ride. While Vespas may be the more stylish scooters, the Liberty is objectively the better ride—no doubt about it. Whether you opt for the S model (100 euros more) is purely a matter of personal taste. Also worth mentioning is the solid weather protection, especially the extended rear fender, which keeps the rider's body dry and clean even on really wet roads—a big plus for a scooter. Price-wise, the Liberty 125 is very attractively positioned: 2,999 euros for the base version and 3,099 euros for the S version. Alternatively, the scooter is also available in a 50cc version and a 150cc version in Italy.

We used the new Schuberth J2 as our helmet. It's a jet helmet with a removable chin guard, maintaining the open feel of a jet helmet without compromising the field of vision. The ventilation is effective, the integrated sun visor eliminates the need for sunglasses, and if you wish, you can add a communication system directly from Schuberth—the helmet is already prepped for it. The comfort is excellent, it's quiet, and the forehead ventilation works well. The only downside: at 1,410 grams (size S), it's relatively heavy for a jet helmet. This is due to its shared design basis with the premium flip-up helmet C5. However, those seeking an especially safe jet helmet will likely overlook the extra grams. On a positive note, the Vanucci VUB-5 motorcycle boots kept our socks dry during a two-hour rain battle across Milan, thanks to SympaTex. The same goes for the Vanucci textile jacket, Model RVX-3. Its waterproof membrane did its job, keeping our upper body dry. Multiple ventilation openings can be used for cooling in the summer, and the fit is comfortably snug without being restrictive. Paired with the Held Rainstretch Base rain pants, you're well-protected when the skies open up.