Limited Edition Vespa 946 Snake Celebrates Lunar New Year
Fri, 17 Jan 2025Vespa probably isn’t the brand you’d think would be celebrating the Lunar New Year and honoring the Chinese zodiac, but for the third year in a row, the Italian brand has done just that with a limited edition 946 scooter.
The 2025 Vespa 946 Snake comes after last year’s 946 Dragon and 2023’s 946 Bunny as the third entry in the brand’s Lunar Collection. We can probably expect the collection to expand over the next decade to complete the Chinese zodiac’s 12 animals, with a Horse-themed model for 2026.The 946 Dragon came in a muted golden color with a bold green dragon graphic on the front shield, while the 2023 946 Bunny had a more playful look, with a lime green color and a cartoon rabbit on the shield. Vespa took a different approach with the 946 Snake, giving it a more elegant appearance with a winter-inspired iridescent blue livery with subtle serpent motif.
A chrome-plated snake is featured on both the front fender and fuel cap, providing a touch glossiness against the icy finish of the paint. Meanwhile, the saddle and handlebar grips come in a contrasting texture inspired by snakeskin.
Vespa will produce 888 numbered units of the 946 Snake, a reflection of the number 8 being considered lucky in Chinese culture. Mechanically, the scooter isn’t much different from a regular production 946. Vespa will produce two versions, one with a 125cc engine, and one with a 155cc engine. The chassis are identical, with a single arm with coil spring and shock for the front suspension, and a preload adjustable hydraulic rear shock. Both front and rear 12-inch wheels are equipped with 220mm brake discs, with a dual-channel anti-lock braking system and anti-slip regulation (ASR) traction control as standard equipment.
The limited edition 946 Snake is available for pre-order now at Vespa.com with a retail price of $13,499.
Of course, Vespa being Vespa, the 946 Snake is accompanied by a series of accessories and a fashion collection to match the snake and winter themes. Key items include an open-faced helmet with a smoked visor and an iridescent blue finish and chrome snakes echoing the 946 Snake, a long puffer coat with snake-shaped zipper pulls, and a bomber jacket with an embroidered design of a snake coiling itself around the Vespa logo.
Vespa will run a series of pop-up shops in select markets to showcase the 946 Snake and the fashion collection.