We ride and test lots of scooters on ScooterLab, from high-powered two strokes to maxi scoots, but scooters like the Piaggio Liberty 125 are just as important in the real world.
Scooters were first built to mobilise people, designed for use as a workhorse, where cost and reliability were essential attributes; they quickly caught on. Today, many scooters have become high-end vehicles, packed with electronics and eyewatering price tags. However, there are still plenty of affordable commuter-friendly scooters available – like the Piaggio Liberty 125.
Big-wheeled stability
The Liberty has been around for years and has always been very popular in its Italian homeland, thanks in part to its big-wheeled rideability. The bigger the wheels, the less of an issue you have with potholes and other dodgy road surfaces.
Options
There are three models to choose from in the Liberty range. They start with the 50cc Liberty at £2665, then there’s the 125 we’re testing here, which is priced at £2915. Top of the range is the Liberty S 125, a slightly sportier-looking version with gloss black detailing and shiny blue accents. That model costs £3015.
Practicality
There are a few things that make the Liberty so popular with commuters: the aforementioned large wheels, as well as flat floorboards, which make it easier to mount and better for hanging shopping off the customary hook. There’s also a built-in luggage rack that can accommodate a top box without having to buy anything extra.
Of course, you also get some storage space beneath the seat, and there’s a legshield glovebox that can store a few essentials like your mobile, change, etc. Unfortunately, there is no USB port, but it would be fairly easy to install one yourself.
£250 to spend on accessories during August
If you read this road test and feel like you need to rush out and buy a new Liberty, you can get a £250 contribution from Piaggio towards any accessories you may want to fit. That’s handy if you want a top box, screen or cover for instance. The promotion only lasts until August 31st. Find out more here.
Engine
Powered by a Euro 5+ air-cooled version of Piaggio’s i-get 125 four-stroke engine, the Liberty 125 is both reliable and frugal whilst conforming to the latest emissions standards. The nippy engine makes 10.9bhp and 11.0Nm of torque.
4-year warranty
Piaggio recently doubled its warranty period to four years as standard on all their E5+ machines. This can only be a good thing for most owners who need peace of mind when buying a new scooter.
First impressions
The latest version of the Liberty is quite pretty to look at; the design is both clean and stylish. The build quality looks good as well, as you’d expect from Piaggio. Its crisp white paintwork (also available in black) is accentuated by the black plastics, and overall it’s quite pleasing to the eye.
Remember, this is a mid-priced 125cc commuter scooter, so it isn’t likely to have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive 125.
What do you get for your money?
Firstly, from a safety point of view, you get ABS, it’s only on the front wheel, but that front brake is excellent and I prefer it to the cheaper Combined Braking System you get on lots of 125cc scooters. The Liberty has a drum rear brake and a 240mm disc up front. Like any drum brake, it’s not got as much feel as a hydraulic system, so the rear brake on its own isn’t overly powerful. Used in conjunction with the front (as intended), they make a good combination and will help you stop safely.
Instruments
The dash was a welcome surprise; the scooter comes with a new 5.5″ LCD colour display, it’s smart to look at and has all the usual functions, including a large central speedo, fuel gauge, time, date, two trips, odometer, battery condition and trip time. It can be flicked through using the handlebar-mounted mode button or by using the buttons on the speedometer itself.
LED lighting
Mounted horizontally across the front of the handlebars, the LED headlight looks quite unique and stylish, as do the flush-mounted indicators. The Piaggio styling team have done a good job on this model.
VIDEO: Road test
On the road
We recently took this Piaggio Liberty 125 out for the day and had a good blast around the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.
I’d ridden down there on the Yamaha TMAX 560 we’d had on loan, so the riding position felt completely different on the little Piaggio. It’s more upright, but that’s not a bad thing, and I soon got used to the way it handles.
Despite being air-cooled, the Liberty performs well enough and makes the most of the available power, allowing me to overtake the occasional slower-moving car from time to time. I saw 64mph on the clock at one stage, which isn’t bad at all.
Handling
Blasting along country lanes, I was able to give the Maxxis tyres a good workout; they’re a decent enough tyre for both the daily commute and a bit of twisty back road entertainment. 125s can be great fun to ride.
The liberty has conventional front forks and a single rear shock absorber; overall, the ride quality wasn’t bad at all. The 16″ front wheel and 14″ rear help tremendously in that respect.
Value for money
For £ 2,915, you’re getting a decent learner legal scooter from a trusted manufacturer. The Liberty and its 3-valve engine have been around long enough to have proven themselves reliable. Add in the four-year factory warranty and the £250 August promotion (applicable to August 2025), and you can’t really complain about the price. Get yourself on a Liberty before the end of the month for the best deal on big wheels.
Word and photos: Iggy
Closest dealer?
One factor that can make or break a decision about buying a particular scooter model is having a dealer nearby when it comes time for servicing or repairs. Although new dealers are being appointed, there are quite a few gaps in the Piaggio dealer network, so it’s worth checking for your closest one here.
Piaggio Liberrty 125 tech specs
- Engine: Euro 5 +124cc, 4-stroke i-get single cylinder
- Power: 8.1kW (10.9 HP) @ 7750 rpm
- Torque: 11.0 Nm @ 6250 rpm
- Fuel consumption: 2.5 l/100km
- Emissions: 58 g/km
- Suspension: Hydraulic front fork, single rear shock
- Tyres: Front 90/80 – 16’’, 51J, rear 100/80 – 14’’, 54J
- Brakes: Single front 240 mm disc with ABS system, 140mm rear drum
- Dimensions, Length 1,945 mm, width 690 mm, wheelbase 1,350 mm
- Seat height: 790mm
- Tank capacity: 6 litres including reserve
- Contact: Piaggio
