Introduction

The Aprilia Amico 50 (1991–1994, GC) is a scooter produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia. It was developed in the late 1980s and is considered the brand’s first scooter model. Production began in 1990, with the version discussed here being available from 1991 to 1994. This scooter was designed as an affordable and practical vehicle for urban use, targeting primarily young riders and beginners. The Amico 50 quickly became a bestseller and laid the foundation for Aprilia’s success in the scooter segment, which was later expanded with models like the Scarabeo and SR 50.

Model History

Historically, the Aprilia Amico 50 marks the company's entry into the scooter market. Aprilia, originally founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, began specializing in motorcycles under the leadership of Ivano Beggio from the 1960s onward. In the 1980s, a collaboration with the Italian engine manufacturer Minarelli paved the way for scooter production. The Amico 50 was the first model in this new segment and was produced starting in 1991, with 1991 and 1992 representing the core phase of the first generation. It stands at the beginning of a development path that transformed Aprilia from a motorcycle brand into a versatile two-wheeler manufacturer, leading to a broad range of scooters in the decades that followed.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia Amico 50 (1991–1994, GC) is equipped with an air-cooled 49 cc two-stroke engine that delivers around 2.7 hp (approximately 2 kW). The engine was developed in cooperation with Minarelli and is fueled by a carburetor. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) using a V-belt, which ensures easy handling. The top speed was limited to around 45 km/h in accordance with moped regulations in many countries. The frame consists of a sturdy tubular steel construction, with a telescopic fork at the front and an engine swingarm with a single shock absorber at the rear. The braking system includes drum brakes at both the front and rear, which was standard for this type of vehicle at the time. With a dry weight of about 75 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 4.5 liters, the Amico 50 was lightweight and well-suited for urban commuting.

Color Variants and Accessories

The Aprilia Amico 50 (1991–1994, GC) was available in several colors, including red, black, white, and blue, with availability varying by market. This range of colors was intended to make the scooter attractive and customizable. No official special editions are documented for this early version, but later models in the Amico series, such as the Amico Sport and Amico GL, featured visual or technical differences. During the years 1991 to 1994, however, Aprilia focused on the standard version, with optional accessories like windshields or luggage racks available to tailor the scooter to the rider’s needs.