Lambretta E 125

With a very low price, the E model was intended to provide an easy entry into the Lambretta world from 1953. To keep the price low, the design was much simpler than that of the C or D.
The frame has the shape of a C. The tank hangs below the saddle for the rider. The tank hangs under the saddle for the rider. The luggage compartment is under the saddle for the passenger. The simplified shape of the frame makes the E relatively light. The rear light is mounted directly above the license plate and is relatively small. The leg shield is shortened and is reminiscent of the D model.

There is neither a kick starter nor an electric starter to start the scooter. Instead, the E is started via a cable pull, which cannot deny its relationship to the starter of the lawnmower. To make starting easier, the ignition timing can be adjusted. As with cars that are started with a crank, this was intended to prevent the engine from backfiring.

The rear suspension was provided by a torsion bar, as was already used in the Model D. The fork, on the other hand, was now for the first time fitted with a sliding swing arm which was damped by several C-shaped springs and rubbers.

As the starter motor was not entirely unsusceptible, kickstarters were installed on many E models. A ready-made kit from the F was available to buy for this purpose. As the kickstarter was installed in front of the engine, the leg shield had to be cut on the E. A measure that has made original E bikes quite rare.

Apart from the kickstarter, the 125 cc engine was the same as that fitted to the D model. So the E is good for 70 km/h. The E was built until the beginning of 1954 and a total of 42,352 were produced.

125 E
(first examples)

The Teleflex cable is attached to the engine with just one stud bolt. The engine number is engraved on the gearbox cover.

125 E - 1st version
(up to half of production)

Ignition adjustment with lever on crankcase, glove compartment lid without clips and with a lock. Leg shield and rear mudguard welded to the frame.


125 E - 2nd version
(from the half to the end of production)

Fan wheel with automatic adjustment, glove compartment with lock and clamps, leg shield and rear mudguard bolted to the frame, front mudguard with reinforcing struts. The last models have the exhaust on the right-hand side.
125 F (first examples): Lambretta E models, which became F models by fitting a kick starter. A different leg shield and gearbox housing are also fitted. The frame number still has an E; later the lower bar on the E was simply ground away. These models have the same color as the 125 E.

Original paint (Lechler)

Verde Oliva (olive green)
8021