Lexmoto Engima 12’

‘The only mysterious thing about the Enigma is why you don’t see more of them on the road. It’s capable, stylish and reasonably priced.’

Lexmoto’s made a name for itself over the last few years, thanks to its consistent output of reasonably priced learner-legal machines that don’t break the bank. The Enigma is no different. It’s a back-to-basics scooter with sporty styling. What more could you ask for?

A quick once-over confirmed that it’s another cool looking offering from the British importer, complementing its varied and ever-expanding fleet of scooters and bikes ranging from 50cc through to 380cc. There are some nice touches considering its budget nature, including its integrated front indicators, LED dash and opposing flip-up front and rear seat units, which allow you to access storage space and the fuel filler cap. It’s a nice little design feature that we’ve not seen before, and it works well. There is even a USB port to charge up the phone as you go – a bonus for any teenager for sure. Basically, it’s a sporty and stylish little scooter that’d suit a 17-year-old just as well as it does someone, erm, a little bit older.

Ok, so the Lexmoto’s probably not made for weekend jaunts to the middle of nowhere for the sake of it, but the fun found in a last-minute run to the shops is simple and stress-free, as you happily park up, tuck helmet and gloves neatly into the under-seat storage and then nip in to get the bread and milk, giggling at those trying to find a parking space and collecting the 30-minute free parking ticket.

Filtering through town traffic, aided in part by its 14” front wheel diameter – which is slightly larger than what’s usually found on scooters of this style – is a doddle.

Its suspension is competent – not sophisticated, but more than up to the job – while its combined braking system, which links front and rear discs, is also surely a welcome feature for those new riders who would surely find a lot to like if swinging their leg over Lexmoto’s Engima.

Don’t just think of the Enigma as a cheap option. While it might not have the overall polish of a comparable machine from one of the big Japanese factories, it deserves a lot of credit.

It is a decent little scooter that’ll help you slip through town traffic is style.