Scooters

2008Aprilia Scarabeo 500

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The 2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 500 is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and touring riders seeking comfortable, efficient urban and highway travel. Its 460cc single-cylinder engine delivers smooth, reliable power with strong low-end torque ideal for stop-and-go city riding. Known for its spacious design, user-friendly handling, and fuel efficiency, it suits riders prioritizing comfort and versatility over sporty performance.

Capacity: 459.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 2-speed
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Seat height: 793 mm
Power: 39.4 HP (29.4 kW) @ 7250 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 500

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Top speed	—	160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)

Other years 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering50%

City riding80%

Daily riding85%

Touring65%

Two-up65%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a maxi-scooter for comfortable commuting and light touring, blending automatic convenience with enough performance for highway travel.
Built for: A relaxed, practical companion that prioritizes comfort, weather protection, and effortless twist-and-go riding over outright speed or sporty engagement.
Not ideal for: Not suited for off-road adventures, track enthusiasts chasing lean angles, or riders wanting raw performance and manual gearbox engagement.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 793mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 500, with a moderate knee angle of around 110 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 459.0 ccm
Power: 39.4 HP (29.4 kW) @ 7250 RPM
EPA Certificate No.: 8PVMC0.45VRC-010
EPA CO Emissions: 6.0 CO g/km
Torque: 43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2085 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 92.0 x 69.0 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Electronic CDI ignition with automatic timing.
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump. Forced circulation with mechanical pump.

Transmission

Gearbox: 2-speed
Transmission type: Automatic
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Automatic centrifugal dry clutch.

Performance

Top speed: 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1535 mm
Overall length: 2310 mm
Overall width: 765 mm
Overall height: 1411 mm
Seat height: 793 mm
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.20 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 2.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: High strength tubular steel frame with closed double cradle.
Front suspension: Hydraulic fork, sleeve diameter 40 mm.
Rear suspension: Engine functions as swinging fork swingarm, linked to the frame by dual connecting rods and two radial silent blocks. Two double-action gas shock absorbers with preload adjustment.
Front wheel travel: 100 mm
Rear wheel travel: 110 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 260 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-16
Rear tyre: 150/70-14

Other

Color options: Red, blue, black, gray, white
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2004	2006	2008	2010	2012
Capacity	460 cc	458 cc	459 cc	493 cc	493 cc
Dry weight	189 kg	189 kg	189 kg	169 kg	169 kg
Seat height	800 mm	800 mm	793 mm	785 mm	785 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	8 L	13.2 L	13.5 L	13.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERYOct 2008 · 08V522000

PIAGGIO IS RECALLING 850 MY 2006-2008 APRILIA SCARABEO 500 MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH BITRON SPA FUEL PUMP/FUEL FILTERS. THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL FILTER TO THE FUEL PUMP/FUEL FILTER MOUNTING FLANGE MAY COME LOOSE. IF THIS CONNECTION IS LOOSE, OR HAS BECOME COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED, THERE WILL BE A DROP, OR LOSS OF, FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE.

Risk: A DROP OR LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL HOSE CLAMPS TO SECURE THE EXISTING FUEL HOSE AT BOTH ENDS TO THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIAGGIO/APRILIA AT 1-212-380-4431.

These recalls cover some 2008 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Aprilia recalls →