Innovative adjustable suspension meant riders could have more control over handling

3 settings, soft, medium and hard (for heavy riders or lots of shopping!)

The stand was cable-operated, with this 'pull-button'!

"The stand will almost certainly claim the Power & Pedal "Oscar" for the year, as the easiest and safest stand yet devised. A gentle pull on this button and the machine rolls back without any effort at all"
Power & Pedal, August 1956

The first scooter to consider ergonomics in design:
Handlebars and seat were height-adjustable.

Light controls, speedo and engine cut-off were mounted in the headset.
The horn was sitting next to your right thumb. (in case the scooter alone did not raise enough attention)

With a curved top, the 1.5 gallon petrol-tank was tucked up inside the body.
To service the Piatti, you tipped it over on it's side for great access to all the workings, after you had screwed the 'breather' petrol cap shut! cap

section through petrol cap

A great example of 'form follows function' ...these louvres front and rear create an air bridge through the body, directing cooling air onto the head, and adding one of the Piattis greatest visual features.

Piatti c1954 Scooter

Economical and functional, the split-rim wheels were interchangeable, with 4.5" expanding brakes.

If the tiny 7x3.5" tyres didn't hold when you braked, do not fear, as there was a wraparound rubber bumper up front.

In a configuration which was to be adopted by the Li series Lambretta, the Piatti had a horizontal cylinder, chain drive and internal hub gearbox in one compact unit.

There was a central pivot point either side of the crankcase.

Almost an enlarged version of the 'Minimotor' the domed head and cylinder had generous cooling fins, needed to capture the airflow through the body.