Background and Development
History of Aprilia
Aprilia, founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle factory, developed into a significant producer of motorcycles and scooters under the leadership of his son Ivano Beggio from the 1960s onwards.
Introduction of the Scarabeo Model Range
The Scarabeo 50 (ZD4TGB) is part of the Scarabeo model range, which was introduced in 1993 with the first Scarabeo 50 (2-stroke) and was characterized by an elegant, classic design with large wheels.
While Aprilia was also known for sporty models like the RS series in the 2000s, the Scarabeo 50 4-stroke focused on more environmentally friendly technology, combining retro aesthetics with practical everyday usability.
Its production year 2009 falls after the acquisition of Aprilia by the Piaggio Group in 2004, allowing the scooter to benefit from modernized Piaggio technologies and production standards.
Technical Details
Engine and Performance
Technically, the Aprilia Scarabeo 50 (4-stroke, ZD4TGB) is equipped with a 49 cc four-stroke engine that is air-cooled and operated via a carburetor.
This engine delivers a power output of about 2.8 hp (2.1 kW) and is designed for a top speed of around 45 km/h, in accordance with legal requirements for mopeds.
Transmission and Chassis
Power transmission is via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), making the scooter particularly beginner-friendly.
The chassis includes a telescopic fork at the front and a single shock absorber at the rear.
Brakes and Design
The braking system consists of a front disc brake (220 mm) and a rear drum brake (140 mm).
With a dry weight of about 95 kg and a fuel tank capacity of around 8 liters, the Scarabeo 50 is designed for agility and efficiency in urban traffic.
Its design with 16-inch wheels, rounded shapes, and a large round headlight emphasizes the classic look of the Scarabeo line.
Design and Variants
Color Options
The Aprilia Scarabeo 50 (4-stroke, ZD4TGB) was painted in several colors that highlighted its elegant and timeless style.
Available paint options included black, white, red, and blue, often in solid or subtle metallic tones that emphasized the retro character of the scooter.
Special Models
Regarding special models, there are no clear indications that Aprilia released special or limited editions of the Scarabeo 50 (ZD4TGB) in 2009.
While the Scarabeo range was expanded with various engine capacities and technical variants, the 4-stroke version of 2009 remained largely uniform in its execution.